Dr. Leo P. Chiasson Fund

       Dr. Leo P. Chiasson or Leo P. as he is fondly known to the Xaverian community was chair of the St. Francis Xavier University Department of Biology for many years. He was also a respected researcher conducting studies in the fisheries, forest-tree hybridization, and microbial and human genetics. While at St. F.X. he served on the Board of Governors and senate and played a central role in the development of the J. Bruce Brown Hall which houses the Departments of Biology and the Department of Human Nutrition. Born and raised in Cheticamp, Cape Breton, Leo P. arrived on the St. F.X. campus in 1934. He went on to receive his bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees in 1938 and 1940, respectively and continued his studies at the University of Toronto where he received a doctoral degree in biology with a major in genetics. This renowned teacher also held numerous voluntary positions locally, provincially, and nationally. He was chair of the Antigonish County School Board, chair of the Board of St. MarthaÕs Hospital, chair of the Nova Scotia Hospital Association and president of the Canadian Hospital Association. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to his alma mater, his community and his province, St. F.X. bestowed upon him the degree doctor of laws, honoris causa, in 1987. Dr. Leo P. Chiasson was a professional influence on the careers of many St. F.X. students and has touched the lives of thousands.

       The Leo P. Chiasson Fund was established by the faculty members of the Department of Biology to honour and recognize the significant contribution Dr. Chiasson made to the Department of Biology at St. F.X. The fund currently provides a cash award and a certificate which are presented at Spring Convocation to the meritorious graduating senior. The successful candidate is selected by the faculty and senior students in the Department of Biology. With your commitment and financial support this fund will grow. When additional monies become available, awards will also be given to the best sophomore and junior biology students. Further, summer research grants for biology students will be established and teaching laboratory equipment will be purchased. The status of the Fund, and a list of the contributors, will be maintained, and updated periodically.

For More Information

Phone: (902) 867-2359

FAX: (902) 867-5145

Email: iboyd@stfx.ca or biology@stfx.ca

To receive a Pledge Form, contact one of the above.