New & Revamped Societies — Some To Look Out For!

Written by Leah Oake

Thumbnail Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

A new year means new societies! Hopefully, some of you caught the Society Expo a couple of weeks ago. It had a great turnout with exciting new societies and lots of new students clamouring to join. I interviewed three of the new/revamped societies that were featured in the Society Expo. The three societies I’ll be focusing on are the Pride Society, the Literature Society and the Equestrian Society. These three societies were revamped or completely new to campus. It is important that these society fairs keep occurring because it establishes new societies, growing Saint Mary’s community more every year. When joining a society, people like to be aware of what such society’s motivations are, what events or activities they’re planning, and how the executive team is different from others. People want to join something new! All of these societies are just that – something new. 


First I chatted with Spencer Vallis, the Vice President of the Pride Society. 

Leah: So why did they create the Pride Society? 

Spencer:  Our society's goal is ultimately to harbour a safe space for queer students and their allies on campus… Our vision is to work towards a Saint Mary's campus where all students feel safe sharing their identities 

Especially with the anti-trans hate going on in Canada, it is crucial for there to be safe spaces for queer kids. Societies are a perfect way to connect people, so why not harbour safe spaces? I asked them about their upcoming events- these are what pull people in. Spencer said that the society is planning on doing monthly queer-themed book clubs! These are treated as optional side meetings for members. They also are planning a drag event, bracelet making nights, and peer support nights! Their goal is to continue to partner with other societies to harbour a safe space. 

Leah: So why should people join this society? 

Spencer: We're ultimately a community space. We strive to create an inclusive community space for queer students, so by participating in our society and lending your voice, it allows for a stronger and more inclusive queer community on campus where we're able to cater to the community more fully.

 The executive team is less of a business-based group and more social! Spencer said their executive team often plays games and chats together in their spare time. I encourage you all to check out the Pride Society! Members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies alike can all have a fun and enjoyable team with what the executives have cooked up! 

Photo by Valerie Fomina on Unsplash

I then chatted with the SMU Equestrian Team.

This revamped society has come back with full force! Like I said previously, there is a society for everyone and anyone here at SMU. The Equestrian Team is here for all of you horse lovers! 

Leah: So why was this society created? 

Kayla Wile (President): I created a competitive and a recreational team so we can include a wider range of students and give some students who have never ridden before, a chance to learn how to ride and maybe even compete in the future. 

Having any sort of outlet for your interests is a great way to de-stress and have fun! For their teams, they compete against lots of universities like Acadia, StFX, Dal, Dal AC, UPEI, and Holland College. Their goal is to connect students through horses, regardless of their level of experience. This, again, is a great place to join if people have any interest. Ultimately, why should you join this society? Well, because it’s one of a kind! The team is a close-knit group! Oh, and they are the only sports team on campus where your partner is a 1000-pound animal! (Fun fact: horse riding has been proven to improve mental health). If any part of you has an interest in horse riding, this is the place to go! If you want to be surrounded by nice people and work with powerful animals, this is the place for you!


Finally, I spoke with Mariah, Vice-President of the Literature Society.

This is the first year for this society to be fully up and running — so exciting! 

Leah: What is this society's goal? 

Mariah: To foster a love for literature and reading among the members of our society and the broader community. We wish to create a supportive community where members can share their literary creations, discuss literature, and collaborate in writing projects. 

The Literature Society is a great way to connect with others over something that is physical. If your thing is horror? They’ve got you! If your thing is fantasy? They’ve got you! If your thing is romance? They’ve got you! Now, what makes this executive different from others? Considering this society is based on English faculty themes, the fact that the executive is so diverse in their specialties really promotes that the society is for everyone. Mariah, the vice president, is a computing science major, and their secretary is a psychology major. 

Mariah: You should join this society if you have a genuine passion for literature. Here, you can indulge in your love for books, poetry, and literary discussion.Active participation in our society can contribute to your personal growth through self-expression, creativity, and a deeper appreciation of the arts!

This society supports the love of literature and the arts! Give them a try.    


It was great to speak with these societies about their goals and plans for the year. Don’t hesitate to search for more new societies and join some! The executive teams want to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone! Make the most of your time at Saint Mary’s with these societies! Horses, books, or a drag show? These are just a few of the great options available in our SMU community.

Rita Jabbour