The Paul Lynch Alumni Volunteer Award recognizes candidates annually who have shown outstanding voluntary service to the Saint Mary's University Alumni Association.
All University employees and members of the Saint Mary's University Alumni Association may submit a one-page letter of recommendation for a candidate, illustrating their suitability for this award. A completed Alumni Awards Nomination Form must accompany the letter.
Selection Candidates are considered annually by the Saint Mary's University Alumni Association's Awards & Nomination Committee.
Timeline The nomination period for the 2024 Alumni Awards is now closed.
Signa Butler BA’96Sports and Saint Mary’s have always been part of Signa Butler’s life. From Huskies soccer and basketball camps as a child to becoming a standout varsity soccer player, Signa earned four Atlantic Conference all-star titles, AUS Player of the Year, and All-Canadian honors. Her passion for journalism also began at SMU, leading to a remarkable career with CBC Sports, where she’s covered 13 Olympic Games and called more than 20 sports for the network. Signa is especially committed to the growth of women in sport in this country and beyond. Signa takes great pride in giving back to her alma mater in whatever way she can, whether as a public speaker, mentor to students, or cheerleader for the university and its sports teams. Her dedication reflects the values instilled by her parents, both alumni, including her father Rick, a past Distinguished Community Service Award recipient.
Though she now lives in Toronto with her husband Iain and twin boys, Thomas and Duncan, Halifax and Saint Mary’s will always be home.
Wendy Luther EMBA'08 Wendy Luther is a respected leader in economic and export development with extensive experience promoting Nova Scotia globally. Since 2019, she has served as President and CEO of Halifax Partnership, driving Halifax’s economic strategy and earning international recognition, including Gold for Economic Development Organization of the Year. Previously, Wendy led EduNova as President & CEO and has contributed nationally through board roles with organizations like Mitacs and LED Roadway Lighting, advancing innovation and competitiveness. Born in Vancouver, Wendy holds a Bachelor of Arts from UBC, an Executive MBA from Saint Mary’s University, and CITP and ICD.D designations. She was named one of Atlantic Canada’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Business in 2023 and received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025. Thank you, Wendy, for sharing your time and expertise with our students, for your support of the Executive in Residence program at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and for your commitment to Saint Mary’s.
Past Recipients: