The legacy of leadership shown by StFX alumnus, the late Dave Bernatchez ’85 (StFX Hall of Honour 2014), is being honoured with the creation of a new student bursary at StFX.
Mr. Bernatchez’s Xaverian values so inspired his community that friends from inside and outside StFX, along with his family, have come together to create the David J. Bernatchez Bursary to help others, like Dave, attend StFX.
Mr. Bernatchez passed away suddenly near his home in Calgary in July 2021.
“Dave Bernatchez was a man of character, guided steadfastly by his values. He was a leader among peers and friends and often the ‘glue’ that kept friends connected,” said long-time friend Tom Emerson.
Rugby is one passion Mr. Bernatchez was known for by his family, friends and acquaintances. He was an avid, elite rugby player in his native Calgary, and immediately became a force in the StFX Rugby Club when he arrived as a student in Antigonish. He stayed committed to the team as a friend and champion, organizing many reunions over the years. Dr. Ed Carty, StFX Rugby Club co-founder, said “David was always keenly interested in the club. He was generous with his time in meeting the boys, and very generous in supporting the finances of the club.”
Mr. Bernatchez maintained a close association with StFX, taking on leadership roles in the Alumni Association and serving on StFX’s Board of Governors. He was instrumental in creating the Katherine Fleming International Development Award to assist a woman from sub-Saharan Africa attend the Coady Institute. This award honoured the memory of a friend and classmate.
Senator Mary Coyle, former Coady director, said, “Dave was an exceptional person and leader. Everyone who met Dave felt seen and valued, and he contributed so much to the causes that were important to him.”
“Dave was a strong believer in education and in the importance of helping others who might not afford attending post-secondary school. For many years, he devoted time for different scholarships, including the Dr. Ed O’Connor Scholarship, and the Father Whelihan Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship he won, and which made his attendance at StFX possible,” said friend and alumnus Ron Cooper.
The new bursary’s main focus is to help a student attend StFX, especially those who may not be able to go without financial support. Recipients will play rugby and demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community. The bursary committee have launched a broad appeal and are closing in on the goal of raising $600,000 and would like your support to help get there.
For more information on the David J. Bernatchez Bursary, please contact StFX Director of Development Wendy Langley at @email or (902) 867-5182. To donate directly online go to www.stfx.ca/davidbernatchez
