Chisholm donates $1 million to StFX's Coady Institute
Funds will honour Guysborough County native Marjorie Desmond
The Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University welcomed a $1 million donation from prominent Nova Scotian businessman John Chisholm, president of Nova Construction, last week. The donation is being made in honour of all past and present employees of Nova Construction and its associated companies.
The funds will support the construction of a new home for the Institute. An 1,800 square foot glass learning pavilion in the centre of the new facility will be named in honour of the late Marjorie ("Margie") Desmond of Upper Big Tradadie, Guysborough County, a longtime friend and employee of the Chisholm family and a supporter of the Coady International Institute.
"For nearly 50 years, the Coady International Institute has used the power of education to give people in developing countries the tools they need to improve their lives and their communities," said Mr. Chisholm. "Our dear family friend, Margie Desmond, was a great believer in the work of the Coady and I'm pleased that her presence will live on at the Institute. She is just one example of the many employees whose integrity, hard work and loyalty have contributed to the success of Nova Construction and our associated companies over the past 42 years."
The Coady Institute is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to support the development of the Coady International Centre, a 55,000 square foot facility that will be housed in renovated Aquinas and Augustine Halls and Somers Place in the heart of the StFX campus. The Marjorie Desmond Learning Pavilion will be a space for individual and group studies as well as hosting international delegations and local community events. It will be located adjacent to the planned Warren Gardens.
"The Coady International Institute is recognized around the world as a leader in community-based, citizen-driven development education. John Chisholm's extraordinary support will help the Institute deliver on its vision," said Dr. Sean Riley, President of St. Francis Xavier University. "We are also indebted to John for dedicating his time as a member of the Coady fundraising campaign's volunteer leadership committee."
The Coady International Institute was established at StFX in 1959. The Institute's namesake, Rev. Dr. Moses Coady, was the leader of the Antigonish Movement, a community development philosophy that originated in the 1920s focusing on adult education and community action. Since the Institute's founding, nearly 5,000 development professionals from more than 130 countries have traveled to Antigonish to study the practical skills and tools required to create more democratic and economically sustainable communities. The Institute also provides opportunities for recent university graduates through its Youth In Partnership program and plays a lead role in StFX's Xtending Hope Partnership, which addresses the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Rwanda and Botswana.
"Everyone at the Coady International Institute and StFX is grateful for John Chisholm's tremendous act of generosity. The Institute was the fulfillment of the vision of a great Nova Scotian leader, Moses Coady, and today we celebrate the contribution of John Chisholm, another great Nova Scotian leader," said Mary Coyle, University Vice president at StFX and Director of the Coady International Institute. "It seems fitting that a gift of this magnitude for the new home for the Antigonish Movement would come from an Antigonish resident."
Marjorie ("Margie") Desmond was born on October 18, 1939 in Upper Big Tracadie, one of eight children. After leaving school, she became the childcare provider at the home of Donald and Margaret I. Chisholm. She helped raise the Chisholms' six children, including John.
"Margie stayed with my family for more than 30 years," said John Chisholm. "My siblings, my children, and my nieces and nephews all grew up with her and we considered her a close family member. We have been privileged to work with so many devoted and reliable employees over the years that became like family to us. Margie represents all of them."
Marjorie Desmond was a supporter of the Coady International Institute. She attended numerous Coady events over the years and became friends with many of the students who traveled from Asia, Africa and elsewhere to study at the Institute. She would often provide food and refreshments for Coady parties.
Marjorie Desmond passed away on November 17, 1991.
"She was always interested in the Coady International Institute," noted Mr. Chisholm. "I think she would be pleased to know that her name will be part of the new Coady International Centre. And I know everyone in our family will be pleased to honour her in this way. Recognizing Margie is also a way to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of the thousands of people who have worked at Nova Construction and our associated companies over the past four decades."
