St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia has received the largest donation in its history.
Former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna and his wife, Julie McKenna, are giving $20 million to their alma mater to support a new scholarship program aimed at attracting high‑achieving students from across Canada, regardless of their program of study.
Known as the McKenna Scholars Program, the initiative will welcome its first students in September 2027, with applications opening later this year.
University officials say the gift will increase access to education, and at full capacity, the program is expected to support nearly 200 students annually.
Frank McKenna graduated from St. FX in 1970, while Julie McKenna graduated in 1972. Mr. McKenna went on to serve as premier of New Brunswick from 1987 to 1997, and later as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States. The couple’s connection to St. FX now spans generations, with children, grandchildren, and extended family members all part of the university community.
“StFX is the university that defined me,” Mr. McKenna said. “I kept going back for events and speeches, and eventually all our children chose to go there. Now we have grandchildren there — it’s really become the family school.”
He says the university’s impact goes well beyond academics.
“It’s an education in life. You learn how to live with and understand people from different backgrounds,” Mr. McKenna said.
University leaders say the McKennas’ gift reflects a deep, personal commitment to St. FX and will leave a lasting legacy for students and the campus community for generations to come.
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