ANTIGONISH – Sheree Christie is now a member of an exclusive club – one that has fewer than 30 members.
There are no meetings – or secret handshakes – but there is one symbol that connects each of them.
The Country Harbour native, who retired in November after more than 32-years as a custodian in student residences on her beloved StFX University campus, is the 2021 recipient of an honorary X-Ring.
The tradition, which began in 1990 with the late Joan Dillon – one of the founders of X-Project – as the inaugural honoree, recognizes someone who is not a graduate of the university for their contributions to StFX.
“It was quite a surprise,” Christie told The Journal a couple of days after receiving the recognition.
On Dec. 3 each year – on the feast day of St. Francis Xavier – members of the upcoming spring graduating class are presented with their jewelry, including the honorary X-Ring recipient.
She added, “It was pretty unbelievable – it is still unbelievable.”
Christie could not attend the ceremony, but she and her husband – Dennis – along with their three daughters, Angie, Stacey and Crystal; and grandchildren, watched online.
Well, not all of her grandchildren.
“They told me that he was going to receive an award,” she remembered of her grandson, Jack Langley – a first-year StFX student – in explaining how the family got her to view the festivities.
Christie said she was “shocked” when her niece – and StFX human rights and equity advisor – Megan Fogarty announced that she was the recipient.
Describing it as “still surreal,” she added, “I am honoured so much for being recognized for being myself.”
In reading the citation recognizing her aunt, Fogarty offered that Christie probably worked in every residence building on campus. In the early weeks of each university year, her friendly and smiling face one of the first to greet the newest of Xaverians.
“Whether it was a shoulder to lean on, or sometimes cry; fashion advice or tips and tricks on how to do laundry or remove stains, she was there; she stepped up and offered any support that our students needed.”
She added, “With her quick wit and humour, she quickly became a friend, a ‘house mother’ and a confidant to many students.”
Fogarty said StFX students “absolutely loved” Christie because she treated them like family.
“She had a unique way of connecting with students that kept them returning to campus to visit her,” she added.
Fogarty noted that her aunt receives wedding invitations and Christmas cards every year, while Christie has also served as inspiration for students’ Halloween costumes.
“Sheree has always been willing to go the extra mile to help her students: ironing clothes, cutting hair and storing furniture in her basement over the summers to showing up at the rink with her MacDonald Hall jersey on just to cheer on ‘her boys,’” she explained of Christie’s connection with them.
Fogarty noted that she was “more than a custodian.”
“She took the time to get to know each and every student in the buildings she worked in. She was a pillar of support and inspiration and, most importantly, everyone’s best friend,” she said.
Fogarty noted that she always reached out to students – with texts and emails – to congratulate them for receiving their X-Ring.
“We cannot think of a better fit for our growing community of Xaverians than a woman that has fostered comfort, care, growth and kinship in thousands of students that have passed through our residence halls,” she offered.
Fogarty closed her remarks by thanking her aunt – on behalf of her and countless other StFX students – for “filling our residence halls with love and laughter, and making a difference in the lives of so many Xaverians.”
Christie humbly downplayed the integral role she has played in students’ lives.
“I treated them [the students] like I would want someone to treat my children,” she said.
Noting that they shared plenty of laughs and memorable moments, she added, “I just wanted to be there for them.”
Christie recalled that many of the first-year students each year were “so shy,” noting that she often sensed their uneasiness – at times – with being “so far away from home.”
Connections often began with a simple greeting, or an “Is everything OK?”
On many occasions, the answer was ‘yes,’ and appreciation for the gesture, while – at other times – Christie would serve as a source of support – a surrogate mother, of sorts – for students facing challenges while making the transition to university life.
“I gave them a hug when they needed it, too.”
Christie said the countless congratulatory messages she has received – and they continue to come in – has been “overwhelming.”
“They are so happy for me.”
Knowing it is something that came from the students – they make honorary X-Ring nominations to a selection committee – makes it extra special.
“Oh, my,” Christie said, as she paused to try to find the words to describe putting on the X-Ring for the first time, even though it is a temporary one.
Earlier that day, she was fitted for her permanent one.
“It is amazing,” Christie added of the ongoing experience.
She shared a thought from her brother-in-law, one that her family and friends – and no doubt, nominators – would agree captures perfectly why she received the honour: “You got it for being you.”
