Mount Allison University

Finding a Way: 10 Years Later

Jerome Downey (St. FX vs. MTA Homecoming , 2007)

Arriving At Mount Allison

In September of 2003 my life changed forever it was the first time I arrived at Mount Allison University officially as a student athlete. I remember it just like yesterday it was a hot clear sunny afternoon my grandparents drove me from Halifax, NS to the small town of Sackville, NB just a 10 minute drive from the provincial border far enough to be away close enough to visit home.

Along with many new rookies and experienced veterans we all arrived on campus a few days before the rest of the students because training camp was starting and we had to prepare for the season ahead. Earlier in July that summer I suffered a season ending injury tearing my left Achilles in the bronze medal game vs. Team Ontario while playing for Team Nova Scotia at the Canadian 19-Under National Football Championships in Ottawa, ON. Arriving on campus in a walking boot knowing I wouldn’t’ be able to play my first year was difficult as a scholarship athlete recipient I wanted to prove myself worthy.

The Recruitment

When being recruited to Mount Alison the Head Coach at the time was Scott Fawcett, during a home visit he brought a legendary player with him named Derrick Furry a Linebacker who played the same position as me. He was tough as nails and could hit hard as a hammer a CFL draft pick I respected him a lot. The motto going into the 2003 season was “Find A Way”, coach was perfectly aware of the challenge Mount Allison faced when competing for talent with other bigger schools across Canada. With limited resources and recent success on the field the biggest highlight emphasized during his home recruitment visit was the academic excellence Mount Allison has always maintained. It was that high standard of accountability and academic excellence that swayed my decision to become a Mountie.

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Quiet Space and Reflection

Quiet Space and Reflection 

In my heart I hear the beat of the plains, the vast wild space that enlightened my heart to the possibilities and endless opportunities that live within the open heart. Quite spaces where an individual can reflect on what is most important in life, not business, politics, or a new idea but the relationships that define and help make us who we are. It is almost one full year of quiet spaces and reflection, and the loss of love burns the heart. However more than ever it is important to sink deep into thought to acknowledge and protect the best of what was lost. – Jerome L. Downey, April 2014

     

PeaceCountry

New Online Research Tool

The Global Information Network

I am really happy to see a tool like Similarweb.com developed for two reasons. First it gives users an alternative to the traditional Google Analytics frame works and second it displays the information beautifully in an easy to understand format. This is a functional tool that allows any business owner, researcher, or organization the ability to gain important data and intelligence on the streams of communication that are most important for there interest. 

The Globe & Mail Website Report

Theglobeandmail.com- New website

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MTA Mounties Football Playoff Update

It’s playoff time and your Mounties have been invited to the party!  For the 2nd time in 3 years and 3rd time in the last 5 years, the Mounties will be playing in the AUS Semi-Final with a chance to advance to our first AUS Championship game since 1998.

This Saturday, November 3rd at 1PM, the Mounties will play the Saint Mary’s Huskies at Huskies Stadium in Halifax.  The Mounties are 2-1 against the Huskies this year, with a 16-10 victory in exhibition, a 43-7 loss in week 5 and a 25-12 victory in week 6.  We like the matchup and one thing is for certain, our boys will be well prepared to leave it out on the field and make good things happen.

We need the support of everyone we can get for our trip to Halifax.  If you are in the area, we encourage you to make the trip to Saturday’s game, wearing your garnet and gold and with your noisemakers ready to support our Mounties.  If you can’t make it to the game, you can watch it live on EastlinkTV or you can catch the webcast at www.AUStv.ca.

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A Lunch Inside Parliament Hill

Photo Credits: Ottawa Citizen

I was inspired to write a post about my first ever experience at the Parliament Center Block restaurant. However after doing some quick research for more information on the famous spot I found a person who I thought could do a much better job then me. The person happens to be the chancellor of my university “alma mater” Mount Allison and it just so happens he was inspired the same I was over 8 years ago.

In 2004 Peter Mansbridge wrote an editorial piece for Macleans Magazine. The title of his work was called. Where The Elite Eat: The Parliamentary Restaurant’s mysterious ‘voices’ can reveal secrets. It is a first hand account of the history and background of this majestic and amazing place where the halls leading up the restaurant are aligned one after the other with portraits of the  former Prime Ministers of Canada and of course the current PM Stephen Harper as well. Peter Mansbridge’s editorial captures the essence of what I felt and experienced while on the hill inside the restaurant the first time.

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