StFX Athletics is pleased to profile our newest Danny Gallivan Memorial Scholarship recipients. Amy Graham from Nepean, Ont. plays defense with the X-Women hockey team, while Nic Dussault from Ottawa, Ont. is a forward with the X-Men soccer team.
The Danny Gallivan Memorial Scholarship was established in 1992 to honor Danny Gallivan, an outstanding Canadian and widely respected StFX alumnus. Gallivan (1917-1993) was a native of Sydney, N.S. and graduated from StFX in 1942. He was an outstanding radio and television personality who became known as 'the voice of the Montreal Canadiens' after covering play-by-play for over 1800 Canadiens hockey games. He became involved in numerous community fundraising initiatives after his 32 year broadcast career and was inducted into the Canadian Broadcasters Hall of Fame (1991), the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame (1989), the Hockey Hall of Fame as a Media Honouree (1984), and the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame (1980). Danny Gallivan received an honorary doctor of laws degree from StFX University in 1985.
The Danny Gallivan Memorial Scholarship is StFX Athletics most prestigious scholarship and is awarded to Canadian male and female varsity athletes who combine qualities of leadership with academic excellence. The award is currently valued up to $5000 per year and is renewable for up to four years as long as the recipient remains on the academic Dean's List.
X-Women hockey head coach Ben Berthiaume notes that "the X-Women hockey program is very excited that Amy Graham has chosen to spend her university career here at StFX. Amy brings a constant work ethic on and off the ice, she is a determined student-athlete that works extremely hard to excel in both academics and hockey. Amy is focused on whatever task is put in front of her and will succeed because of this determination. She will be a leader for our program because of the strong work ethic she shows."
Berthiaume's comments echoed similar ones provided by former coaches and teachers of Graham back in her hometown of Nepean, Ont. where she graduated from Sir Robert Borden High School with a 94.7 average. A leader in her school, Amy had significant student leadership roles including acting as a member of Link Crew, Sources of Strength School Team and the Relay for Life Organizing Committee within the school. Other extra-curricular activities included coaching and officiating in numerous local sports organizations for youth. Aside from hockey, Amy was heavily involved in field hockey, volleyball, touch football, track and field, soccer, lacrosse and dance. One former teacher noted, "Her ability to carefully balance her academic, extra-curricular and leadership responsibilities is a testament to her strong work ethic and maturity."
Before joining the X-Women this past fall, Graham spent two years with the Nepean Junior Wildcats of the PWHL. She was named an assistant captain in her second year due to her leadership qualities on and off the ice. Former coaches describe Amy's work ethic as "second to none" as she was highly dedicated to her sport, her physical training and giving back to her community by serving as a mentor to young female hockey athletes.
X-Men soccer head coach Graham Kennedy was impressed with Nicolas (Nic) Dussault, commenting that "Nic is a receptive and conscientious young man who loves to learn. He is gifted athletically and his change of pace and his power are major assets for the team. I was excited to coach him as I am confident that he is a future captain in our program who will be a standout leader in our athletics family."
An honor roll student at École Secondaire Catholique Béatrice-Desloges in Ottawa, Ont. with 86.3 average, Dussault earned the academic recognition every year since grade seven. His former high school coach noted his strong passion for learning and quest for improvement both in the classroom and on the soccer field, and that his leadership qualities were apparent from a young age.
A natural on-field leader and also in the dressing room, Nic carries himself with poise and confidence and has been passionate about the sport of soccer since he started playing the sport at the young age of four. The captain of his high school team, he played at the top level in Ontario for the previous three years prior to enrolling in the Arts program at StFX as a psychology major.
Dussault was the top scorer in the Eastern Regional Soccer League (ERSL) for two years and also lent his time off the field volunteering with autistic students. His previous coach commented that "his determination, passion and maturity on and off the field are just a few of the qualities that stand out in Nicolas."
StFX Athletics is pleased to have both Nic Dussault and Amy Graham on board as the latest Gallivan scholarship recipients, joining an already highly skilled and talented group of academic student-athletes who have made significant contributions to StFX varsity athletics teams. Most recent Gallivan scholarship recipients include Brooke Newsome (X-Women rugby), Tristen Ross (X-Men basketball), and Matt Needham (X-Men hockey).
Brooke Newsome recently wrapped up her fifth season with the X-Women rugby team. A flanker from Brantford, Ont. she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics degree in 2016. Tristen Ross, an X-Men basketball guard from Truro, N.S., is in his third year in the StFX Business Administration program, while Penticton, B.C. native Matt Needham is in his second year as a forward with the X-Men hockey team, also studying business.
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