Academic Mass celebrates start of year, installation of Associate Dean

The annual Academic Mass at St. Thomas More College took place on Sunday, Oct. 2, with faculty, staff, alumni and supporters in attendance both in the STM Chapel and online.

Dr. Gerry Farthing was installed as Associate Dean during the Academic Mass, which was presided over by the Most Rev. Mark Hagemoen, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

Dr. Farthing had been installed as the Interim Associate Dean in 2021, and now takes over the role for a five-year term. He follows in the footsteps of Dr. Tammy Marche, who was appointed Dean of the College in 2021.

Dr. Farthing said he has enjoyed a long association with the College, beginning in with his uncle and godfather being a part of the 1954 graduation class.

Dr. Farthing has taught at STM for over 30 years, during which time he has served several terms as Department Head of Psychology as well as Acting Head of Economics, Acting Head of Sociology, and as a member of numerous STM Faculty Council committees, the Academic Planning Committee, and the STM Board of Governors. 

He said he is thankful that so many things have gone right in the life of his family to grace it with so much access to higher education. There are 25 USask degrees in his family, with a PhD soon to be added to the list.

He brings that solemn respect for education into his role of associate dean.

Dr. Farthing said part of his responsiblity is to make STM students - coming from all walks of life, and with all faith traditions - feel comfortable at the College so they can take their talent and give themselves the best opportunity to succeed in life. Also to help provide the resources so those students can find truth, build character and 'see anew.'

His installation included a smudging ceremony, conducted by Elder Henry Felix, of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation, and an Honour Song, performed by Qwaydin Spotted Blue Jay Linklater.