FALL 2020
CAMPAIGN
for ACADIA Pushes beyond its $75-million target! CHAIR NANCY MCCAIN (’82) APPLAUDS THE MANY ALUMNI DONORS AND FRIENDS WHO MADE EVERY GIFT MATTER. CAMPAIGN SECTION – PAGES 16-29
CAMPAIGN
for ACADIA EVERY GIFT MAT TERS “Acadia helped teach me the value of teamwork, how to think critically about issues and the importance of lifelong friendships. It has had a lasting impact on my family, and on my personal and professional life in many ways. I feel that giving back and supporting Acadia is absolutely necessary to ensure that it remains a leading educational institution contributing to the development and well-being of future students.” Bruce Galloway (’68, ’03 HON) Chancellor, Acadia University
Join Us. Campaign for Acadia. campaign.acadiau.ca Bruce Galloway was invested as Acadia’s seventh Chancellor in 2018. He is Past Chair of Ovarian Cancer Canada and of the Oakville Hospital Foundation. A member of Acadia’s Board of Governors from 1991 to 2009, Galloway was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Civil Laws in 2003 for his many contributions to Acadia, and in 2015 was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award. He retired as Vice-Chairman of the Royal Bank of Canada in 1999.
CABINET MEMBERS Nancy McCain (’82), Cabinet Chair, Toronto | Clive Anderson (’89), Singapore | Paul Bailey (’75), Toronto Libby Burnham (’60, ’00), Toronto | Don Clow (’83), Halifax | Henry Demone (’76), Lunenburg Shih Fang (Dino) Ng (’01), Kuala Lumpur | Ruth Hennigar (’81), San Jose, CA | Karen Hutt (’89), Halifax Allan MacDonald (’92), Toronto | Peter MacKay (’87), New Glasgow | Ian MacNeily (’81), Toronto Tracey McGillivray (’87/’15), Ottawa | Kevin Mullen (’86), Calgary | Larry Mussenden (’86), Bermuda Kerel Pinder (’06), Freeport, Bahamas | David Roy (’08), Toronto | Derek Smith (’05), London, UK | Ron Smith (’71), Yarmouth Cynthia Trudell (’74), Armonk, New York | Stephen Wetmore (’77, ’16), Toronto | Lana Wood (’82), Calgary/Vancouver Francis Yip (’90), Hong Kong | EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS: Bruce Galloway (’68, ’03), Chancellor John Rogers (’79), Chair, Board of Governors | Dr. Peter Ricketts, President and Vice-Chancellor Donalda MacBeath (’75), President, Acadia Alumni Association Dr. Rod Morrison, Vice-President, Advancement | Brendan MacNeil, President, Acadia Students’ Union Nancy Handrigan (’92), Executive Director, Philanthropy, and Campaign Director
IN EVERY ISSUE From the Acadia President . . . . . . . . 2 From the Alumni President . . . . . . . . 3 Eye on Acadia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Alumni Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Alumni Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
FEATURES
8 Dynamic change Responding to unprecedented circumstances as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Provost and Vice-President Academic Dr. Dale Keefe leads a remarkable team to engineer Acadia’s COVID-19 strategy.
Campaign for Acadia . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Bulletin Retrospective . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Alumni Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Acadia Remembers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
10 New Director, Alumni Affairs In a wide-ranging Q. and A. interview, Acadia’s Executive Director, Alumni Affairs Oonagh Proudfoot (’93, ’06) describes her passion for the University and her vision for the future.
Final Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
12 Brightest, best honoured ON THE COVER: Acadia’s alumni donors and friends have supported Campaign for Acadia from the beginning. Due to their incredible generosity, we are pleased to announce that the Campaign has exceeded its $75-million goal.
The Acadia Alumni Association offers and supports awards and honours to recognize those who have earned distinction and achieved inspirational success in life and career. Check out this year’s award winners!
38 Full slate for Virtual Homecoming Keeping in mind the health and safety of Acadia’s faculty, staff, students and alumni, Homecoming 2020 was delivered virtually this year. But it didn’t stop us from having some fun and celebrating all that makes Acadia great on October 17-18! ACADIA BULLETIN FALL 2020 1
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
A call for commitment to Acadia’s foundational values
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Photo: Peter Oleskevich
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n my spring message, I shared some of the activities Acadia had undertaken in response to the early and immediate impacts the pandemic had on the University. Since then my colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to prepare for a fall semester like no other in Acadia’s history. Once the urgent health and safety needs of the campus had been addressed in March, I asked Acadia’s Provost and Vice-President Academic, Dr. Dale Keefe, to work collaboratively with our Deans (who were featured in the last edition of the Bulletin) and administrative leaders to establish a Fall 2020 Task Force to tackle scenario planning for September. The Task Force has resolved hundreds of complicated interdependent challenges to create a primarily on-campus approach for students to start, or continue, an adapted version of the Acadia experience, under the health and safety rules dictated by the pandemic. We regret that many international students or those from the furthest reaches of our country were unable to join us in person for the start of the academic year. However, I am pleased to report that the absence of new or unanticipated pandemic developments has permitted the term to progress essentially as planned. If the anxiety and disruptions caused by the pandemic, amplified by the tragic events perpetrated by a mass murderer in Nova Scotia in April, were not sufficiently upsetting for us all, society was further rocked by overt acts of racism during the summer in many towns and cities across North America. Though diversity, equity and inclusion are bedrock values at Acadia, racism is not absent from our community. Compelled by the importance of our commitment to these values, my colleagues and I unequivocally condemn the racist acts that have triggered outrage and social action across the continent and around the world. We are sickened by the brutality reported in the media and heartbroken for those who struggle with the inhumanity of racism. We must speak up against racism, but actions always speak louder than words. Over the past year, Acadia signalled its intention to deepen its understanding of the
devastating impacts of racism by formalizing partnerships with the Valley African Nova Scotia Development Association and the Glooscap First Nation. Working together with our partners to bring dedicated staff onto our campus, we seek to broaden cultural sensitivity and smother racism. We know we must work harder to make our community a safe and healthy place to live, work and study without fear of racism, or of being racialized. In denouncing discrimination and recognizing that Acadia is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People, I have established an Anti-Racism Task Force to identify the causes and barriers associated with systemic racism within our community and explore how Acadia’s educational and research mission can contribute more effectively to the broader societal advancement of anti-racism, inclusion and diversity. I will provide progress reports in future editions of the Bulletin. Ultimately, our big-picture objective is to promote longterm stability to enable Acadia to weather both present and future challenges. While faculty and staff have been extraordinarily focused on preserving the Acadia experience and creating new, safe pathways to it, alumni have remained steadfast in support and affection for their alma mater. Your words of encouragement, donations, participation in virtual events and commitment to the tradition of sending your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to Acadia has lifted us up and inspired us to press on. I will be forever grateful to you, and for the important and meaningful leadership of the Alumni Association board of directors in the life of Acadia University. Together we will achieve our objectives. Stay safe and well. Dr. Peter Ricketts President and Vice-Chancellor
ACADIA ALUMNI PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
FALL 2020 Volume 103 / Issue 2 Publisher Office of Advancement, Acadia University Editor Fred Sgambati (’83) Vice-President, Advancement Rod Morrison Advertising Manager Sandra Symonds Alumni Association Board of Directors Donalda MacBeath (’75) Matt Rios (’14) Tammy Walker (’92) Leah McNally (’07) Ryan Conrod (’06) Jeff Aucoin (’95) Carol D’Amelio (’72) David Davidson (’81) Hilary Arenburg Gobien (’12) Heather Hickman (’77) Christine McRae (’11) Kyle Power (’13) Stephanie Reid (’05) Tony Stewart (’72) Ted Upshaw (’80) Sam Zhang (’05) Tiffany James (’14) Natalie Irwin (’01) Kelton Thomason (’07, ’10) Taylor Wilson (’20, ex-officio) Olivia Shive (’21, ex-officio) Graphic Designer Cathy Little Printing Advocate Printing Distributor Russell House Marketing The Bulletin is published twice a year, Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer, by the Office of Advancement, Acadia University. It is distributed on the Acadia campus and by mail to more than 28,000 alumni. All material is ©2020 Acadia University, and may be reprinted with written permission. Acadia Bulletin welcomes Letters to the Editor: Fred Sgambati Office of Advancement Acadia University Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 fred.sgambati@acadiau.ca 902.585.1725 Advertising inquiries: Production and Events Manager Alumni Affairs Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 902.585.1708 sandra.symonds@acadiau.ca
Pandemic response shows true Acadia colours
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he coronavirus pandemic has brought change to our lives in many ways through unprecedented circumstances that have had stunning and dramatic impact. As a global community and to the best of our individual abilities, we have worked hard to manage the change and move forward. Could we have imagined where we are today back in January? I certainly didn’t see the magnitude of what was coming. Perhaps I was in denial or simply oblivious to the dire consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak on the world. Regardless, we have had to change and adapt, shift in unusual times, and our Alumni Association has done just that. This edition of the Bulletin looks at the ways in which our alumni community has also come together to support one another and meet the challenges of COVID-19 and the change it has brought. Clearly, the University and the Acadia student population have been profoundly impacted by the pandemic. Early on, the University identified the significant financial burden it would place on students and began exploring ways to address their need. The Alumni Association saw the University’s COVID-19 Student Relief Fund as an area where we could make a meaningful contribution. Our initial commitment was approved by our Board at its May meeting, followed by a further contribution in June once the application deadline closed and the number of applicants was finalized. Part of our June commitment included $10,000 for immediate relief for our international students because of the particularly difficult circumstances some were facing. Our total commitment now stands at $100,000. This contribution was made possible through the ongoing support of the Alumni Association by our alumni community, and we greatly appreciate it.
With the cancellation of our many inperson alumni events over the last few months, the Alumni Association and the Alumni Affairs Office created new ways to engage with members of our community. Through our very successful Acadia Virtual Events Series and our virtual Homecoming activities, we forged new avenues of communication and participation. There is great value to being engaged in these challenging times so stay in touch on our various social media channels. We welcome any and all comments on our new initiatives. Finally, and unrelated to the Association’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, I’d like to announce that the Bulletin will shift to a digital format in the spring of 2021. We are excited to take the magazine to this next level and, as our 108-year print history comes to a close, we have included in this edition a fond look back at several of our many memorable covers and issues that shaped the Bulletin over the years. In closing, on behalf of the Alumni Association, I would like to commend the University administration, faculty and staff that have made a Herculean effort to shift so quickly to online and hybrid learning while planning on multiple fronts for the safe return of students, faculty and staff to campus. These changes created stress, upheaval and uncertainty, placing a huge demand on all involved. However, because of this incredible collective effort, Acadia shifted successfully and stands poised to move forward with strength and pride toward a bright future beyond the pandemic.
Donalda MacBeath (’75) President, Acadia Alumni Association
ACADIA BULLETIN FALL 2020 3
The impact of a pandemic Acadia researchers shift focus, explore effects of the COVID-19 crisis on society
By Fred Sgambati (’83)
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cadia University has faced many difficult situations during its 182-year history, but the novel coronavirus pandemic has challenged its resilience and tested members of its community like never before. On the advice of the Nova Scotia Medical Officer of Health and the Government of Canada, the University cancelled all in-person classes and labs and closed its doors to the general public in March. Students and employees were sent home, Convocation was postponed, campus tours and all oncampus events were subsequently suspended. As the world struggled to cope with the realities of COVID-19, researchers in the Acadia community took a deep breath, rolled up their sleeves in a new work-from-home normal, and shifted gears. They began to examine the myriad impacts of the global pandemic on everyday people and explore issues as diverse as food security; inter-personal relationships; how working conditions have changed, particularly for food-service workers, long-term care workers, and teachers. Other research is looking at alternative teaching approaches in a pandemic; the community-building aspects of virtual choirs; and theological questions for a faith community. With the help and cooperation of Acadia’s Office of Research and Graduate Studies and the Office of Industry and Community Engagement (ICE), here’s a snapshot of what
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some members of Acadia’s research community have been doing during the pandemic.
Assessing the strength and challenges of the localized food system Dr. Edith Callaghan of the Manning School of Business and Dr. Liesel Carlsson from the School of Nutrition and Dietetics are collaborating on a project that explores the challenges of the localized food system; specifically investigating how the local small/medium food producers and distribution networks throughout the Annapolis Valley have pivoted to meet local food needs. They want to identify systems that work well and those that show fragility and need to be redesigned so we are prepared to meet a similar situation in the future. Nutrition and Dietetics Honours student Emily McCarthy is studying the adaptations small to mediumsized local food producers have had to make in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her research seeks to understand: 1) how local food producers had to shift during this crisis in order to meet various needs of their stakeholders; 2) what types of policy or infrastructure supports helped these organizations transition; and 3) the extent to which this experience and lessons learned could improve the resilience of our local food system. McCarthy
is in the beginning phases of her interviews and work with Carlsson and Callaghan.
The enemy within? Understanding predictors of intimate partner violence Meanwhile, Dr. Kathryn Bell and Dr. Diane Holmberg are working to understand the effect of social distancing practices on intimate partner violence (IPV) rates in Canada and the United States. How do pandemics affect psychological functioning and how do deviations to this functioning impact the risk of IPV? This research will help understand how psychological and relational factors contribute to IPV risk during periods of isolation and help public health and allied professionals mitigate the effects of social isolation on couples. Bell and Holmberg, in collaboration with recent Acadia alumna Erin Norris (’18, ’20) and with support from a SSHRC Institutional Grant, are completing a project on emotional and relational responses during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Preliminary results indicate that difficulties tolerating uncertainty predict mental health symptoms across time. Additional findings suggest that people in romantic relationships reported that the initial pandemic lockdown had more positive than
EYE ON ACADIA
negative effects on their relationship. They are also collaborating on a project with Dr. Karen Blair (’07) at Trent University, with support from the Nova Scotia COVID-19 Health Research Coalition, examining interpersonal relationships as a source of risk and resiliency during the COVID-19 pandemic, including among Nova Scotians, members of Acadia University’s community, and individuals within LGBTQ+ communities. More than 2,000 people participated in the intake survey and a report summarizing the initial findings was provided to Acadia University’s administration, to inform their decision-making process during the pandemic. Additional findings from the intake survey indicate that individuals within LGBTQ+ communities encountered greater barriers to seeking and accessing medical services, had less perceived social support and greater economic instability, and experienced greater mental health difficulties than non-LGBTQ+ individuals during the pandemic. Manuscripts on both lines of research are in preparation for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
Top row, left to right: Claudine Bonner; Rebecca Casey; Lesley Frank. Second row, left to right: Sarah Rudrum; Jennifer Tinkham; Rachel Brickner
Workers’ experiences during COVID-19 Sociologists Dr. Claudine Bonner, Dr. Jesse Carlson, Dr. Rebecca Casey, Dr. Lesley Frank (’95), Elisabeth Rondinelli and Dr. Sarah Rudrum have teamed up with Education’s Dr. Jennifer Tinkham (’04) and Politics’ Dr. Rachel Brickner to examine how working conditions have changed during the pandemic for food service workers, long-term care workers, and teachers. It is critical to understand how the physical and mental health of these three groups of workers have been impacted by COVID-19 and identify polices that have worked and those that need improvement. Surveys of the three working groups are in the pilot stage and all involved are looking forward with great anticipation to the data collection.
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ACADIA BULLETIN FALL 2020
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Practicum in a pandemic: Alternative teaching approaches
on YouTube at the project’s end. Each of the four choral works we are performing – and the videos we are creating – speak to a different facet of our pandemic experience. We are all eagerly looking forward to the day we can sing together in-person again, but in the meantime, it has been exciting to explore this means of musical collaboration and to continue to perform and be connected with one another. The students express their gratitude that Acadia’s COVID-19 grant program has created an opportunity for us to further research music in the midst of what has been a very challenging time for musicians.”
Janet Dyment Elsewhere, in the School of Education, Dr. Janet Dyment and Dr. Tinkham are examining the experiences of pre-service teachers who were forced to shift gears to support ‘at-home learning’ in Nova Scotia. They are interested in determining the implications of this shift and how pre-service teachers meet the needs of K-12 students and families during a time of great societal upheaval.
Isolated Bodies, United Voices: Virtual choirs in the age of COVID-19 Over at the School of Music, Dr. Michelle Boyd (’01) is focused on the pedagogical, musicianship and community-building prospects of virtual choirs in the age of COVID-19. Unable to sing together in person due to social distancing, choirs around the globe have begun making virtual videos as a means of continuing to perform and connect
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Michelle Boyd (’01) with one another. Boyd says, “The Isolated Bodies, United Voices project on virtual choirs is well underway. Since June, I have been working with a great research team comprised of 16 talented musicians, coming together virtually from various parts of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Montréal and Ottawa. We call ourselves the Acadia University Virtual Singers! “As part of this project, this laboratory choir will be recording and creating four virtual choir videos that we will release
God’s Rhetoric: Preaching on Sunday, March 29, 2020 Finally, co-funded with the Acadia Divinity College (ADC), Rev. Dr. Stuart Blythe, Associate Professor and John Gladstone Chair of Preaching and Worship of ADC, is investigating the theological questions for faith communities during the pandemic, with a focus on the rhetoric of preaching in five Baptist congregations across Atlantic Canada on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Besides social and economic concerns, the pandemic has raised theological questions for people seeking
Alumni Association commitment to COVID-19 Student Relief Fund increased to $100,000 By Fred Sgambati (’83)
Stuart Blythe reassurance and answers to the meaning of life. This rhetorical analysis will explore ways that preachers faced the pandemic with positive social and religious messages. Blythe now has six detailed sermon transcripts from the March 29 services. This date was the first Sunday after the State of Emergency was declared in Nova Scotia and all preachers referred to the COVID-19 situation and used a variety of language to describe the “times.” Blythe is currently gathering demographic information about the congregations and the next stage will be a detailed rhetorical analysis that will indicate the sort of stance preachers took as community leaders and the faith perspectives they brought to bear upon the situation. Indeed, each challenge provides opportunity, and members of Acadia’s research community have risen to the occasion, adapted, and are working diligently to interpret the social, personal and health effects of the pandemic. We look forward to learning more as their research unfolds, and applaud their multidisciplinary approach at a time when, by banding together and supporting one another, they seek to create a better future for all.
Wow, they did it again! The Acadia Alumni Association doubled its commitment to COVID-19 relief at Acadia to $100,000 by adding another $40,000 to the Student Relief Fund and earmarking $10,000 in June for immediate aid for international students. In May, the Alumni Association acknowledged the tremendous financial pressure facing Acadia students due to the coronavirus pandemic and donated $50,000 to the University’s COVID-19 Student Relief Fund. The fund was created to provide bursary support in variable amounts to second, third and fourth-year students facing ongoing and/or summer employment disruption or other financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic. The Student Relief Fund was announced in early April and support continued to arrive on an almost daily basis from alumni and friends. The Alumni Association contributed almost half of the Fund’s $225,000 total, which will benefit over 360 students in need. Alumni Association President Donalda MacBeath (‘75) says, “we understand the impact the pandemic has had on Acadia’s students and wanted to make sure that resources were in place to support their return to school and share in the many academic and social experiences that characterize Acadia. “We are particularly conscious of the circumstances our international students faced. Our priority as an alumni community comprised of people in more than 60 countries around the world is to extend help where and when it is needed, and we hope this financial aid package assisted in mediating some of the challenges affecting our international students.” University President Dr. Peter Ricketts applauded the Association’s commitment, saying, “time and again, Acadia’s alumni community has seen and responded to our students’ needs. On behalf of the University, I’d like to extend my deepest thanks to the Alumni Association for this generous gift and acknowledge members of our wonderful alumni community for supporting in a very meaningful way our COVID-19 Student Relief Fund. We are all stronger together, and support like this means we could look forward with excitement and great anticipation to the fall and a return to campus of our students.”
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Provost and Vice-President, Academic Dr. Dale Keefe.
Coordinated teamwork guides Acadia through dynamic change The global pandemic has brought about change on an unimaginable scale. Dr. Dale Keefe, Provost and Vice-President Academic, has worked with internal and external partners to engineer Acadia’s COVID-19 strategy By Rachel Cooper (’89)
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“With what was known then, nobody could anticipate this scale of change.” Besides its scale, the pace of change has been daunting. “One of the big challenges with all of this is that things are changing so rapidly,” Keefe says. “It has been hard to predict what the provincial and federal guidelines will be three or four months out. Even now, we’re only four weeks away from the start of term [at time of writing, in late August], when students will return to campus. So, while we’re making sure we’re following the current guidelines, we’re also trying to predict where we’ll be in one or two months.”
Team effort Keefe set up working groups early to establish plans for safe movement around campus, how classes could be operated safely, and all aspects of student life. As a residential campus, Acadia had to apply protocols not only to the delivery of courses and programs, but also to every aspect of student life on campus, including residences, dining hall and social events. Student life off campus also had to be factored in. The new protocols and updates are on Acadia’s COVID-19 information site: https://www2.acadiau.ca/ covid-19.html.
Photo: Peter Oleskevich
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hen news broke of Canada’s first case of COVID-19 last January, Dr. Dale Keefe began planning Acadia’s response to a potential pandemic. “Back then, we were looking at what might happen if there was a case in the area or an outbreak on campus,” says Keefe, who is Acadia’s Provost and Vice-President Academic. As chair of the University’s COVID-19 planning task force, he is in charge of the returnto-campus plan and safety protocols. “None of our initial plans considered that the entire province or the country would shut down and borders would be closed for months,” he adds.
EYE ON ACADIA
“There has been a lot of coordination to make sure all the units put in place the plans they need, as well as the protocols for their individual units,” Keefe says. “In addition, we’re making sure the protocols are uniform and in agreement across the different units. Coordination is a big part of that.” People have worked long hours in what has been a team effort, Keefe says. “Many people have done a lot of work behind the scenes. What you see is the tip of the iceberg in terms of the effort people have put in. And that effort has been from all the staff and faculty members, but in particular the ones working with the task force. I’ve been chairing the task force, but they’ve been doing all the hard work.” The Planning Task Force includes representatives of the Acadia University Faculty Association (AUFA), Senate and the Acadia Students’ Union (ASU), as well as a number of Planning Task Force Working Groups, with members from administration, faculty, staff, and students.
Delivering the Acadia experience Health and safety are top priorities, Keefe points out, but he and the working groups also tried to minimize the disruption for students, faculty and staff. “We wanted to make sure we could do that in a safe environment and following all the different protocols while still delivering the Acadia experience,” he says. “Acadia is known for that “When we get through it, we have to make sure that we are stronger and have learned from it.” Dr. Dale Keefe on life after the pandemic
personal connection; for students and faculty being involved in the community.” Keefe’s two biggest challenges are keeping up-to-date with all the changes, and then making sure that students, faculty and staff know and understand what the changes are. “A big part of that is not only how we adapt to new information about the disease and new public health protocols from the province, but also how we
keep everybody informed and make sure they’re following the protocols and the best advice at the time,” he says. “What we tell them this week may become slightly different next week.”
Beyond the pandemic Despite the hurdles, Keefe is confident in Acadia’s strong future. “People are saying we could be dealing with this for one to two years, but that’s short term in the life of an institution,” he says. “When we get through it, we have to make sure that we are stronger and have learned from it.” He points to how faculty members have engaged and found new ways to incorporate technology and distance learning into their teaching. “It’s a lot of work for them, but one of the silver linings may be that changes we thought would be impossible, or would take years, people have done in a matter of weeks in some cases. And that’s exciting,” he says. “Many of the things we’ve learned from this and have had to do to support students, we’ll be able to continue to do postpandemic. That bodes well for Acadia and for our students.”
“PROUD TO REPRESENT ACADIA UNIVERSITY”
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Taylor Maclellan Cochr ane L A W Y E R S
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Oonagh Proudfoot named Executive Director, Alumni Affairs By Fred Sgambati (’83)
Q. Why did you choose to come to Acadia as a student? A. The decision was made for me! My parents knew of this small university in a quintessential college town that they thought would be just right for me, and they insisted that I apply to Acadia. I set foot on campus in September 1989 and the rest, as they say, is history. I had a bit of a rough start finding a program that spoke to me, but in true Acadia fashion, the institution and its resources helped me make a successful transition to post-secondary school. I decided as well while doing my undergraduate degree that I would someday work for the University. I graduated in 1993 and sadly left Wolfville, but knew,
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deep down, that I would return. Sure enough, on July 1, 1999 I began my first job at Acadia. I had applied for an opening as the Recreation Program Coordinator and my first office was in the Athletics Complex. Shortly after, I began working more and more with the Student Life system before becoming the First-Year Advisor. I have enjoyed several different roles over my 21 years at Acadia and loved every one of them.
Q. How would you describe your Acadia experience and its impact on your life and career? A. How does one even put this into words? First, I have to give credit to my parents. They knew what they were doing by suggesting that I apply to Acadia. The small, close-knit, caring environment was totally my cup of tea. I came here, fell in love with the University and the town, and knew I would make a life here. In fact, it has turned out to be a lifelong love affair. I have raised my children here, both of whom now attend Acadia, I have taught at the University and I am also a municipal politician. I believe fully in giving back to the community that has given me so much and impacted my life so positively at every turn.
Q. Your most recent role was Manager, Alumni Affairs (Acting). How did that prepare you for your current assignment, and what did you learn while managing the Alumni Affairs portfolio?
A. I have had the privilege of working for and with many remarkable people over the years from whom I’ve learned a great deal. Working closely with numerous Alumni Association presidents has afforded ample learning and development opportunities as well as an understanding of what it’s like to work with very different leaders! I am grateful also for the tremendous support provided by James Sanford (’87), who shares my passion, belief and love for this institution, and added so much to my personal development. Ian Murray’s incredible insight allowed me to grow into my role as Senior Alumni Officer, and Vice-President, Advancement, Dr. Rod Morrison, has been an absolute delight to work with in my capacity as Acting Manager, Alumni Affairs. The team in the Advancement Office has been so supportive as well, offering guidance, suggestions and advice when needed. I couldn’t have succeeded without them, and the kindness and caring of all have positioned me very well to step into the Executive Director’s role.
Photo: Bridget Havercroft Photography
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any people have proudly displayed the Acadia ‘A’, but few have worn Acadia’s colours so unabashedly on their sleeve (and just about anywhere else!) as Oonagh Proudfoot (’93, ’06). The former Manager of Student Support, Senior Alumni Officer and Acting Manager, Alumni Affairs was named Acadia’s Executive Director, Alumni Affairs in July, succeeding Ian Murray (’88), who is now Executive Director in the Office of the President. The move is a perfect fit for Proudfoot, who has been on campus and connected to Acadia’s alumni in one capacity or another for many years. In a candid interview, Proudfoot chats about her Acadia experiences and new role as Executive Director, Alumni Affairs.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR PROFILES
TIFFANY JAMES (‘14) Q. What’s your vision as Executive Director? What are your priorities? A. Unfortunately, our biggest priority right now is working within the mandated confines of the coronavirus pandemic. None of us, of course, wants to be in this situation, but it has allowed us to rethink the way we operate and this has been beneficial for all, most importantly, our alumni community. Through the virtual events portfolio and strong social media outreach, we are connecting with members of our community who we may not necessarily have been able to reach in the past. We are far more flexible now with how we offer our events and have adapted to a situation that has forced us to be more creative and relevant to members of our entire audience. Moving forward, I am excited to continue to grow our program with high quality experiences for our alumni community while engaging additional stakeholders and increasing our participation rate.
Q. How important are alumni to the Acadia of today and tomorrow? A. Where would we be without our alumni community? No matter where we go in the world, people sport the Acadia ‘A’, wear red and blue and chant ‘Stand Up and Cheer’! Our alumni are the best, stepping up time and again to help with student recruitment, mentorship, Campaign for Acadia, or keeping us apprised of everything they’re doing. They have always been a pillar of strength for Acadia. We need them now more than ever and, of course, in the future. I am so proud to represent them and the University going forward.
Tiffany James was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. She moved to Nova Scotia on an athletic and academic scholarship, and upon graduating decided to continue living in the province for many years. She graduated from Acadia University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Major in Marketing. While in school, she was employed by both the Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre as well as a technology company on campus. She was also a varsity athlete, playing on the women’s basketball team. Tiffany represented Acadia by competing in and winning numerous business competitions. She is passionate about building leadership programs and invested in community growth initiatives. After graduating from Acadia, Tiffany obtained a Master of Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MTEI) at Saint Mary’s University in 2017. Tiffany has been an executive-level marketing professional with a focus on technology development and innovative industries. Now based in Toronto, she has worked with numerous companies to build their brand strategy, expand their marketing reach, and grow their businesses through new technologies. Tiffany enjoys robotics, travel, arts, literature, and nature. When she’s not supporting the Toronto Raptors or attending Blue Jays games, she can be found gardening, painting, or exploring one of Canada’s national parks.
KELTON THOMASON (‘07, ‘10) With a Master of Education and Bachelor of Recreation Management from Acadia, Kelton hopes to bring valuable skills, knowledge, and experience to his role on the board and is delighted to work with and serve our alumni community. Until recently, he worked in higher education with a focus on student life and improving the student experience. This work included positions within Acadia Student Services and with Residence Life at the University of Prince Edward Island. He is always willing to share his thoughts on student support and creating conditions for student success. His university experience was somewhat unconventional as he returned to university to complete his education later in life, joining his first class at Acadia more than 20 years after high school and giving up a career in industry, manufacturing and sales. He was inspired to return to university after realizing he was the last member of his family to earn their degree, with his father returning to university in his early 60s. His decision to study at Acadia was based on its reputation. Kelton is currently the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Wolfville and continues to support students and the Acadia community directly and indirectly. He grew up in Seabright, Nova Scotia and currently lives in Berwick.
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Alumni Association honours brightest and best with annual awards By Fred Sgambati (’83)
Alumni are one of Acadia University’s greatest assets. The Acadia Alumni Association offers and supports a suite of awards and honours to recognize and showcase those who have earned distinction and achieved inspirational success in life and career. Their diverse contributions reflect favorably on Acadia and serve to represent and promote the University both here at home and around the world. Since the last edition of the Bulletin, the Alumni Association has recognized several individuals through its awards program for their dedication to members of the alumni community and service to the University. We are pleased and proud to honour them.
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Geoff Irvine
Cheryl MacDonald
Geoff Irvine receives Isaac Chipman Award for Alumni Service
Cheryl MacDonald earns Outstanding University Service Award
The Acadia Alumni Association announced in September that Geoff Irvine (’87) is this year’s recipient of the Acadia Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service. Geoff has been a friend of Acadia for more than 30 years, serving on Student Council and Frosh Committee as an undergraduate; as Executive Director of Alumni Affairs from 200609; as a member of Acadia’s Board of Governors twice (in 2005-06 and 2016-19); and on the Associated Alumni of Acadia University (now Acadia Alumni Association) Board in several capacities, including VicePresident and President (2016-18). He has always been a champion of the alumni community in good times and bad, persistently encouraging mutual respect and collegiality and never losing sight of the value that alumni bring to Acadia through their shared experience, storytelling capacity, fundraising ability and overall affection for and affinity to the institution.
The Acadia Alumni Association announced in August that long-time Acadia employee Cheryl MacDonald (’00) is this year’s recipient of the Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award. If anyone at Acadia epitomizes the term, ‘university service’, it’s Cheryl. Currently Administrative Manager in the Office of the Dean of Arts, Cheryl has devoted herself to the University for more than 40 years in a variety of different positions and capacities, greeting the public, alumni, students, faculty and staff with consistent kindness and professionalism. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Acadia’s administrative structures, personnel and institutional culture that she shares regularly with Chairs, Directors and Coordinators in the Faculty of Arts, and her tremendous commitment has left an indelible mark that will stand as a benchmark of service excellence for years to come.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Ian Morrison
Dr. Ian Spooner
Liam Maaskant
Former ASU general manager Ian Morrison named Honorary Alumnus
Dr. Ian Spooner lauded for teaching excellence
Liam Maaskant named The Athenaeum/Acadia Alumni Student of the Year
The Acadia Alumni Association designated former General Manager of the Acadia Students’ Union Ian Morrison as an Honorary Alumnus in May for his outstanding contributions to the Acadia community over the past 25 years. The distinction recognizes an individual who is not an Acadia graduate, but who, through volunteerism, support and/or outstanding contributions to the University, alumni and broader Acadia network has become an important member of the Acadia community. Alumni Association President Donalda MacBeath (’75) made the announcement, saying, “students are the lifeblood of the University and the basis of our alumni community upon graduation. Their experiences on campus shape what comes afterward, and we are pleased to celebrate people like Ian Morrison, whose unfailingly kind, caring and faithful commitment to Acadia’s students defines their experiences here and all that they bring to our alumni family. I’m delighted to welcome him to our community as an Honorary Alumnus and extend sincere congratulations to him and his family.”
The Acadia Alumni Association also announced in May that Dr. Ian Spooner is the recipient of this year’s Acadia Alumni Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. In making the announcement, MacBeath said, “the yardstick by which we measure teaching excellence at Acadia is the current and longterm impact that professors have on our students, not only in classrooms and labs, but after graduation when students apply the tools they have developed during their time here. In this regard, it would be difficult to overstate Dr. Spooner’s influence. “In addition to letters of recommendation from his colleagues, the Alumni Association received more than 20 testimonials from past students spanning grad years from 1997 to 2019 in support of Dr. Spooner’s nomination. It reflects, in no small way, his outstanding record of teaching excellence and the continued effect his dynamic personality and creative teaching style has had on his students. We are lucky to have him at Acadia, and I extend on behalf of the Alumni Association our heartiest congratulations on this latest personal and professional accolade.”
The Acadia Alumni Association, in cooperation with The Athenaeum, announced in May that Clinton, Ontario native Liam Maaskant (’19) was the recipient of the Student of the Year Award for 2020. An Academic All-Canadian in 2016, 2017 and 2018, this talented studentathlete was captain of the Acadia hockey Axemen during the past two seasons and an assistant captain for two seasons prior to that. Additionally, during his fiveyear career at Acadia, Maaskant volunteered with Acadia’s S.M.I.L.E. (Sensory Motor Instructional Leadership Experience) program. During his first four years, he was actively involved with one S.M.I.L.E. buddy then moved on to be a Student Leader, where he supervised S.M.I.L.E. instructors every Tuesday and Thursday morning.
For more on the Acadia Alumni Awards, please visit: https://www2. acadiau.ca/alumni-friends/alumni/ awards.html.
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Nominations now open for the following Alumni Awards The Athenaeum and Acadia Alumni Student of the Year Award
Created in 1981, The Athenaeum and Acadia Alumni Student of the Year Award recognizes a student who has excelled at Acadia and embodies the Acadia spirit. The award is presented annually to a nominee who has contributed to the Acadia and Wolfville communities through extracurricular and/or academic activities and has worked to further the Acadia spirit. Nomination deadline: March 31 annually. To obtain a nomination form, please visit: https://bit.ly/3iEOBSy
Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award
The Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award is presented in recognition of a staff member who has had a significant positive impact on Acadia, its students and its alumni. The award is an expression of the Alumni Association’s appreciation for an outstanding staff member who has contributed above and beyond job requirements to ensure that Acadia provides an environment that encourages academic, athletic, cultural, organizational and social development. Nomination deadline: April 30 annually. To obtain a nomination form, please visit: https://bit.ly/2Svxfgf
Acadia Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service
The Acadia Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service recognizes an alumnus or alumna of Acadia University who has had a significant positive impact on Acadia and its alumni. The award focuses on a recipient who has provided consistent support in the form of time, effort and resources to the services and promotion of the advancement of the University and its alumni. Nomination deadline: May 31 annually. To obtain a nomination form, please visit: https://bit.ly/2GuoJfc
ACADIA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BALANCE SHEET AS AT MARCH 31
Restated Unaudited 2020 Unaudited 2019
Assets AAAU/Acadia Joint Account $ – $ 62,292 Affinity Fund 1,098,553 909,588 Allan Fulton Fund 13,988 13,693 Constance Hayward Fund 294,796 288,580 Carr Fund 45,775 44,810 General Fund (Alumni Hall) 63,122 61,791 Graham Fund 17,527 17,157 Toronto Fund 15,599 15,271 Vesta Magee Fund 31,508 30,844 Total Assets $ 1,580,868 $ 1,444,026
Committed Funds Athletics Proposal Academic All Canadian Awards Reception $ 4,000 $ Axemen Celebrity Hockey Dinner 2,000 Female Athlete Awards 20,000 Hockey Honour Roll 4,000 Signage 5,000 Varsity Sport Special Initiatives 14,000 Women in Sport/Sport Hall of Fame 7,000 $ 56,000 $
Other Acadia Students’ Union $ 17,400 $ – Awards (Alumni/Student/Faculty) 10,000 10,000 Campaign for Acadia1 696,236 – Scholarships 6,000 – Staffing Commitment 10,000 – President’s Fund 10,000 10,000 $ 749,636 $ 20,000 Total Committed Funds
$
805,636
$
Uncommitted Funds
$
775,232
$ 1,424,026
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20,000
The Acadia Alumni announced a $1.5 million commitment to Campaign for Acadia during its Alumni Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Halifax on May 23, 2019. The commitment is reduced annually by qualified campaign disbursements.
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ALUMNI PROFILE
Alumnus publishes e-book on racial injustice, establishes new student award at Acadia
I
n the wake of the George Floyd killing in Minneapolis in early 2020, Acadia alumnus and Campaign for Acadia Cabinet Member Clive Anderson (’89) was compelled to work through his own feelings of anger, frustration, despair, and defiance about racial injustice toward Blacks, especially in the United States, and did so in the form of poetry. He wrote numerous poems, 24 of which he has collected into a volume entitled Uprising!, with each poem accompanied by a unique visual exploring and amplifying the meaning of its subject matter. “Since this outpouring of expression”, says Clive, “I have been reflecting on how to tie passion to purpose and, as a result, I have decided to set up a university scholarship focused on increasing access to post-secondary education for Black students. Additionally, I would like to provide funding to support other community initiatives where we are able to see the direct impact of contributions made. I have always believed in the power of education as an advancement tool and that is no less true and important in the times in which we find ourselves.” Clive is making the collection freely available on-line
through the Uprising website at www. invisible-visible.com, and asking that readers make a donation in support of the special initiatives he is pursuing, including a new student award at Acadia University: The Rising Up Award was established in 2020 by Clive Anderson (’89) and Athline Littlejohn (’91), with the help of many friends and supporters. It is to be awarded to an entering or returning domestic Black student in any full-time degree program on the basis of demonstrated financial need, good academic standing, and involvement in school and/or community activities. The award will be valued in the $1,000$2,000 range. Acadia anticipates making the first Rising Up Award in Fall 2020. Acadia alumni and friends who are interested in reading Clive’s poems and supporting the Rising Up Award can make a gift at Rising Up Award. Alumni in Canada and the US are eligible for a charitable income tax receipt, as are non-alumni supporters in Canada. If you are also interested in the other initiatives Clive is pursuing, you can learn more at www.invisible-visible. com.
With so much to consider, trust Enriched Thinking®. To learn more, visit www.petermillerfinancial.ca or call 1.902.679.4915 Peter A. Miller, CFP, FCSI, CIWM (BBA ‘89) Senior Wealth Advisor Director, Wealth Management ScotiaMcLeod® is a division of Scotia Capital Inc.
Scotia Capital Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. For more information visit www.scotiawealthmanagement.com
ACADIA BULLETIN FALL 2020
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CAMPAIGN
for ACADIA
By Rachel Cooper (’89)
Campaign surpasses ambitious goal, positions Acadia for bright future IN OCTOBER 2018, ACADIA LAUNCHED the public phase of its most ambitious fundraising goal ever: to raise $75 million. Campaign for Acadia was a call to action – to sustain Acadia now and build for the future by finding vital programs and priorities across Acadia’s faculties under four Campaign themes: Transform, Inspire, Discover, and Build. Since the public phase launch, the Office of Advancement has hosted more than 200 Campaign-related events, and the response from Acadia’s alumni and friends was enthusiastic and generous.
Helping to push us over the top in recent months were friends and allies like BMO, John T. Clark, Nadja and Paul Corkum, David Davidson among many others. • BMO is donating $1.25 million in support of BMO Entrance Scholarships ($850,000), BMO Athletics Awards ($150,000), and the BMO Partnership Fund ($250,000). • John T. Clark (’52,’10 DCL) is giving $800,000 for the endowed Wilma H. Clark Music Therapy Awards. • Nadja (’66) and Paul Corkum (’65) are making a generous gift to establish the Corkum Scholarships in Physics.
Despite the challenging circumstances of the pandemic that brought much of the world to a halt in March 2020, donors continued to find great value in giving to the University and its faculty, the campus and, most of all, its students. Acadia is happy to announce that the Campaign has now exceeded its $75-million goal, and will continue to count new gifts and pledges until the end of December. The success of the Campaign reflects the strong and loyal support of thousands of donors, many of whom have been recognized and celebrated in previous issues of the Bulletin and on the Campaign for Acadia website: campaign.acadiau.ca.
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Paul (’65) and Nadja Corkum (’66).
campaign.acadiau.ca
• David Davidson (’71, ’74) and wife Gina are giving more than $500,000 to fund two annual awards for female students majoring in Economics and annual programming support for the Centre for Student Success.
Their marriage was a story of love and devotion for 65 years. John and Wilma raised a family and music was always a part of Wilma’s life. In late 2018, near the end of her eightyear journey with Alzheimer’s disease, she moved to the Passamaquoddy Lodge, a nursing home in St. Andrews. “Every week, a musician would come in to entertain the residents,” John says. “Wilma was only there for five-anda-half months, and she still loved music and still sang. You could see what a difference music made to her and to all the people with dementia.” When John learned that Acadia offered a degree program in Music Therapy – unique to Eastern Canada – he and the family knew this was the right program and the right time for them to fund a new award. Through the J.T. Clark Family Foundation, which John and Wilma set up in 2000 and continued funding, he has made a gift to Acadia of $800,000 in Wilma’s memory. The Wilma H. Clark Award(s) will be granted to Bachelor of Music Therapy students in their third year of study who are entering into practicum placements, initially in multiples of $10,000.
Making an impact Gifts such as these have propelled the Campaign for Acadia to its successful conclusion, says Dr. Rod Morrison, Vice-President, Advancement. “Acadia is deeply fortunate to enjoy the support of alumni from every element of our diverse community, all of whom are united by tremendous loyalty to their alma mater,” he notes. John T. Clark (’52,’10 DCL).
Many reasons for giving For corporations such as BMO, philanthropy is an important aspect of the Bank’s identity and commitment to corporate social responsibility. For individual donors, the reasons for giving are often profoundly personal. The seeds of John T. Clark’s decision to fund Music Therapy awards in memory of his late wife, Wilma, were sown in a chance encounter on the Labour Day weekend of 1953. On that weekend, John heard Wilma singing in an end-of-season variety show put on by the young staff of the Algonquin Hotel in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. He asked a friend to introduce him to this attractive young woman with the beautiful singing voice and the rest, according to John, was history. The following summer, John and Wilma were married.
“We are also lucky enough to have the generous support of many foundations, corporations, groups, clubs, and individual friends of the University. We emphasized from the beginning that every gift matters, and our friends and allies have proven that to be the case.” University President Dr. Peter Ricketts expressed his gratitude to all who contributed, saying, “each gift was invaluable and will have a meaningful impact on our students, faculty, staff, researchers, and the ongoing development of our campus infrastructure. As Acadia transitions toward implementation of our Acadia 2025 strategic plan, the thousands of Campaign for Acadia donations from our kind and generous donors have strengthened the University’s position in the postsecondary milieu. I’d like to applaud and personally thank our alumni, friends and corporate partners for their generosity, determination and commitment to Acadia. You have all made us better, and given us the tools and resources to make a positive and lasting impact both now and in the future.”
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CAMPAIGN
for ACADIA
Nancy McCain reflects on successful Campaign for Acadia, applauds the many donors who made every gift matter By Fred Sgambati (’83)
IT DOESN’T TAKE LONG WHEN YOU’RE TALKING TO Nancy McCain (’82) to feel her passion and affection for
Acadia University. Thoughtful and articulate, McCain’s strong personal and family connection to the University literally spans decades and she is proud to extol the virtues of her alma mater. Small wonder she was asked to Chair the most ambitious fundraising effort in the institution’s storied history, Campaign for Acadia. A quiet leader and active member of Acadia’s Board of Governors, McCain worked cooperatively with Acadia’s administration and staff in the Office of Advancement to build a Campaign Cabinet brimming with capable and committed alumni dedicated to meeting the Campaign’s $75-million goal. Buoyed by the persistent momentum created by Acadia’s alumni, donors, friends, and partners and a wonderfully generous $2-million gift dedicated to enhanced facilities and services for Acadia students from McCain and her husband, The Honourable Bill Morneau, the University has exceeded its fundraising target for the Campaign. McCain thanked the thousands of people who supported the Campaign financially, noting that its motto, ‘every gift matters’, was truly representative of the collective effort to ensure the Campaign’s success. “We often focus on the big gifts because they’re so exciting and wonderful, and particularly with Campaign for Acadia, 18
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they came from alumni who are so successful in their lives and simply wanted to give back. Those gifts can be transformative for a University like Acadia; they’re really important. “But the smaller gifts and the stories behind them are so touching and meaningful. People find their passion and what resonates with them, then come together to make a difference. When you hear about recent graduates who decided to put a small portion of their hard-earned savings toward something that’s important to them; those are the stories that are quite impactful for all of us. Every gift does matter,” she adds. “The combination of those big and small gifts makes the difference and really speaks to the importance that Acadia holds for so many alumni. That has been the great thing about this Campaign. When you’re giving back to what matters to you, that’s real philanthropy. That’s the exciting part, and it reflects the kind of experience that Acadia offers.”
Deep family ties McCain’s family history – her father, Andrew H. McCain, and two of her children as well as brother Stephen (’81), sister Margie (’77), aunt Eleanor McCain (’45), uncle Harrison McCain (’49) and many members of her extended family have graduated from or attended Acadia – has forged powerful
campaign.acadiau.ca
connective tissue from one generation to the next and was a determining factor in her decision to serve as Campaign Chair. “But I also come from a family that has been very, very fortunate and we were brought up to know that it’s important to give back to our communities in whatever fashion that happens to be.” She wanted to sink her teeth into something that could be impactful for the University and provide today’s students with the same kind of experience that she benefitted from during her time at Acadia. Conversations she had with scores of alumni at the many Campaign events before the coronavirus pandemic only reinforced her perception about Acadia and its value to constituents. “I always knew that our alumni were really passionate about the school, but you don’t really understand it until you have the opportunity to meet the community across the country and other parts of the world. They come together and you hear the stories, the shared and transformative experiences that some of them have had, and it affects you deeply. Acadia alumni know one another, talk to one another, and they want to engage. “We really didn’t have to do much selling for the Campaign because people would come together, reminisce about the University and, in a way, the rest of it just happened. The Campaign’s success is about a really strong, passionate alumni that believes in Acadia, and it solidified my commitment.”
Outstanding group effort She applauded also the dedication of the Campaign Cabinet, made up of diverse and accomplished alumni from around the world. “They brought their skills, ideas, energy and enthusiasm. All of them worked in whatever capacity they could to further the goals of the Campaign and they made a substantial commitment. A lot of people go through life and don’t step up, but these alumni did, and did it in spades.” In the end, McCain says, the Campaign’s success was a group effort that depended entirely on the leadership and support of University President Dr. Peter Ricketts, Vice-President Advancement Dr. Rod Morrison, Campaign Director and Executive Director of Philanthropy Nancy Handrigan (’92) and an outstanding cast and crew that were focused on a single outcome: to support Acadia now and in generations to come. “What could be better?” she asks rhetorically. “It was an extremely positive experience on all fronts and I honestly feel like I got more out of it than Acadia did. Once again, through Acadia, I forged some great new friendships and have many memories to sift through. This was a wonderful group effort and a huge thank-you is necessary. It needs to be said to everyone who was involved and worked relentlessly on this Campaign. We exceeded the goal and it’s going to benefit Acadia, which we all love. It’s a great news story!” We couldn’t agree more, and wish to thank Nancy McCain for her commitment to Acadia and generosity in supporting the University’s students, faculty and campus infrastructure.
Kudos for Nancy McCain NANCY McCAIN’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO Campaign for Acadia reflect quiet leadership and an affinity for the institution that resonated strongly with alumni and donors far and wide. University President Dr. Peter Ricketts says, “Nancy McCain has always been a wonderful ambassador for Acadia University and was a logical choice to serve as Campaign Chair. Her connection to our alumni and donor communities paid dividends time and again over the course of our fundraising effort, and her genuine affection for Acadia was on full display whenever she visited campus and attended the many Campaign events hosted by our Office of Advancement. She has been a beacon throughout and played a vital role in our success. I’d like to thank her on behalf of the University and say how extremely grateful we are for her kind support and incredible generosity that has enabled us to exceed our Campaign goal of $75-milliion.” Vice-President, Advancement Dr. Rod Morrison agreed, noting that McCain “brought a tremendous profile to the Campaign that had an immediate and lasting impact. That momentum never wavered, and I think that a large part of our success has been a result of her energy and determination to do all she could to support Acadia’s students in their academic and personal endeavours. Her tireless work with my colleagues in Advancement, Campaign Director Nancy Handrigan (’92), our Campaign Cabinet, Dr. Ricketts, the University’s administration and alumni here at home and around the world inspired our collective efforts and ensured a positive outcome. A huge thanks to her and the McCain family for believing in Acadia and supporting this ambitious fundraising effort.” “Nancy McCain is a delight to work with,” Handrigan says. “She’s so easy to talk to and it was a pleasure to see how easily members of our alumni community – of all life’s stages – embraced her and connected with her. We had a great time working together and it has been a privilege to share this remarkable journey with her. I’m so proud of our team and incredibly thankful for Nancy’s leadership.” “From my perspective,” McCain says, “the Campaign was an extremely positive experience on all fronts. We have a great Acadia team and I’ve enjoyed working with such accomplished people. All of them worked in whatever capacity they could to further the goals of the Campaign and I think we hit it out of the ballpark.”
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Alumnus Saj Joseph establishes Athletics award to honour dad’s memory, challenges students today to be change agents of tomorrow
CAMPAIGN
for ACADIA
TRANSFORM
Things my father taught me
By Fred Sgambati (’83)
Saj Joseph (’02) and his brother with their father, P. C. Joseph.
OF THE MANY LESSONS SAVIOR (SAJ) JOSEPH (BBA, ’02)
learned from his father, one continues to define his personal philosophy and approach to life: never take anything for granted. All good things are a result of effort, diligence, resilience and honour. These characteristics defined Joseph’s career as a studentathlete at Acadia, where he excelled academically and athletically, starring both in the classroom and on the basketball court from 1997 to 2002. His efforts allowed him to leverage the broad skills he acquired at Acadia to aspire to and obtain executive leadership positions across multiple sectors. Joseph is currently a Board Member and President of Breathing Green Solutions, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. “Letting go of ego, honing your craft,” he says, are vital to a successful outcome. His father’s positive influence and the leadership skills Joseph developed at Acadia gave him the tools to create high-performing, diverse teams, and he has dedicated himself to sharing those tools with those around him for the benefit of all. 20
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Giving back is a large component of his philosophy, which is why in 2017 Joseph established the P. C. Joseph Award in honour and memory of his father ‘for his lifelong support of Savior’s leadership and basketball development. The award, granted to a returning men’s basketball player, is in recognition of their leadership, community involvement, positive communication skills and good academic standing.’
Perseverance, passion and love “My dad’s story is one of perseverance, passion and love,” Joseph adds. “He immigrated to Canada from India in the 1970s, to a place where he was one of a very, very small group of racialized people. That said, he was fortunate to be born into privilege in his home country of India and so, with this privilege of education and knowledge, he, with the equal effort and love of my mother, was able to build a wonderful life for his family in beautiful Deer Lake, Newfoundland. “At a young age, he gave my brother and me the ability to see the differences in people as beauty and that, as a leader, our
campaign.acadiau.ca
job was to understand and respect those differences; to find ways to ensure everyone was connected. Over time, a sense of responsibility for using the privilege I had to make a difference was instilled. My family felt that passing on my father’s teachings to those in our Acadia family would be a beautiful way to honour him and so we worked closely with our friends – Director of Athletics Kevin Dickie; Development Officer Len Hawley; and, of course, head men’s basketball coach Kevin Duffie (’09, ’19) – to develop the terms for the award. We provide it annually to a member of the men’s basketball team who best displays my father’s values.” Interestingly enough, those values were embodied in Joseph’s basketball coach at Acadia. Dave Nutbrown demanded attention to detail, everyday excellence, and his passion for the game and those dedicated to it was unparalleled. He pushed Joseph and his teammates to be their best, just as Joseph’s father did within his own family growing up.
“I am placing my hopes on many of Acadia’s student-athletes of today becoming leaders of tomorrow. I am also hopeful that they will help lead and fix the many complex problems of the past that unfortunately still exist today, as well as many new challenges that we are likely to face as human beings in the years ahead.” “Our coach’s philosophy and the unique relationships
of today becoming leaders of tomorrow. I am also hopeful
outside the gym helped limit the risk of a growing ego that
that they will help lead and fix the many complex problems
can sometimes come with making a few jump shots. The
of the past that unfortunately still exist today, as well as many
positioning of leadership as a responsibility became even
new challenges that we are likely to face as human beings
more ingrained in me during these years.”
in the years ahead. Like my dad, I want them to feel the
As a result, Joseph describes his years at Acadia as transformative.
responsibility and use the privileged positions they are and
He found a deeper resiliency and learned to lead authentically,
will be in to help create the change the world needs to see.
to literally and figuratively pass the ball to someone else and
“Intensity and pressure, a strong coaching culture, commu-
see them succeed. He also learned “to find a passion in the
nication skills, and supporting the success of teammates are
work and take pride in giving it your best consistently, no
all directly transferable to roles and projects outside the gym.
matter the outcome.”
Working in this type of environment consistently develops
But why create an award for student-athletes? Given his
leadership. If the team is diverse, it adds another level of con-
history and influences, it certainly makes sense, but Joseph
nection by better understanding and respecting people of dif-
sees a much deeper purpose with a more global perspective. “I
ferent backgrounds. In my view, these things are paramount
think the academic and student experience combined with our
in shaping our future leaders’ sense of responsibility for fixing
historic Athletics programs provides a great training ground
the systemic challenges that are apparent in our world, and
for those who will build a better world for all people. I am
this is why my family chooses to give to Acadia and support
placing my hopes on many of Acadia’s student-athletes
student-athletes in my father’s name.” ACADIA BULLETIN FALL 2020
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CAMPAIGN
for ACADIA
INSPIRE
Professor Dr. Terrance Weatherbee.
Steamspace offers campus, community a world of possibilities
By Fred Sgambati (’83)
IT’S AMAZING HOW SOMETIMES A SINGLE GIFT can open a world of possibilities, inspire the imagination, and nurture the pursuit of greater things. Take Acadia’s Steamspace, for instance.
The brainchild of Business Professor Dr. Terrance Weatherbee and Associate Professor Dr. Donna Sears, the new facility, located in Raymond House on the Acadia campus, began with a $5,000 donation in 2014 from Calgary businessman and Campaign for Acadia Cabinet member Kevin Mullen (’86). Mullen is the founder and President of Empire Custom Homes and Empire Kitchen and Bath, two Calgary-based businesses for custom luxury construction, and a former member of the Manning School of Business Advisory Board. Mullen was intrigued by a presentation on 3-D printers by Weatherbee and Sears and saw the value of 3-D printing for business students. One of his owns businesses uses 3-D printing to prototype for customers and he was exposed to it as an emerging technology, a technology that he thought Acadia should have. His gift provided for the purchase of two 3-D printers, both of which are still in use, and now reside in Steamspace.
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What’s a Steamspace? But what exactly is a ‘Steamspace’? Weatherbee says it riffs on a combination of two concepts: the acronym STEAM, emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, and ‘makerspace’, which together has created something that is unique to the Atlantic region and capable of servicing multiple audiences. “In general terms,” he says, “a makerspace is a platform designed to foster learning, promote creativity, innovation and invention through collaboration. The two underlying elements have always been sort of an open source notion” that incorporates sharing knowledge and skills, mentoring and teaching “as much as it has been about making stuff.” Sears agrees, saying, “when you put people with different backgrounds, skills, and interests in the same room, and give them the tools to make things, their ideas and strengths collide, resulting in outcomes that likely couldn’t have happened any other way.”
campaign.acadiau.ca
The potential of that kind of collaborative inspiration formed the basis of a funding proposal submitted by Acadia’s Executive Director of Philanthropy and Campaign Director Nancy Handrigan (’92) to the Windsor Foundation in 2016 and the R. Howard Webster Foundation in 2017. The combined generosity of the two Foundations produced funding of $800,000 over five years, which has allowed Weatherbee and Sears the opportunity to plan ahead and do a staged build. Associate Professor Dr. Donna Sears.
Inter-related audiences Raymond House underwent significant and specific renovation in 2019 to ensure it would meet the needs of three inter-related audiences: students as academic learners; students as community members; and the broader community. The goal is to provide opportunities for each group and their ideas to collide and cross-pollinate, proving the sum greater than the parts. The hope is to open the facility as a space for students this fall, contingent on campus COVID-19 protocols, and to offer a makerspace course this winter in addition to regular time slots during the week to accommodate students, faculty and community members. Looking back, “the importance of the initial $5,000 from Kevin Mullen went well beyond the $5,000 itself,” Weatherbee says. “It wasn’t just the money, but the potential it opened up, and that’s the important part of gifts: what they enable.”
Handrigan agrees, and thanked the R. Howard Webster Foundation and The Windsor Foundation for their support. “These two foundations have a long history with Acadia University, for which we are incredibly grateful. Everything they have given over the decades has had a direct impact on students, from renovated buildings to field schools to research awards. Both prioritize innovative and inspiring projects for the benefit of Canadian society, so Steamspace spoke to their missions.” Weatherbee added that the two Foundation gifts have provided a structure within which a lot can happen. “Steamspace has it all. If you want to give to high-tech, you can do that. If you want to give to students, you can do that. If you want to give to the community, you can do that, too.” “In that sense,” Sears notes, “making is just a vehicle for creativity and innovation,” all in a collaborative space that offers 3-D printing, laser-cutting technology, sound equipment, and the potential for virtual reality, to name a few. It’s a one-stop shop for the imagination, and the sky’s the limit! For more on Steamspace, please contact Dr. Terrance Weatherbee (terrance.weatherbee@acadiau.ca) or Dr. Donna Sears (donna.sears@acadiau.ca).
Student Joe Woytiuk (’21) in Steamspace.
“The R. Howard Webster Foundation and The Windsor Foundation have a long history with Acadia University, for which we are incredibly grateful. Everything they have given over the decades has had a direct impact on students, from renovated buildings to field schools to research awards.”
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CAMPAIGN
for ACADIA
BUILD
Building toward a bright future Donors drive campus infrastructure renewal, providing innovative learning spaces and new facilities
Faye and David Huestis (’63, ’18 HON) in front of the David Huestis Innovation Pavilion.
By Fred Sgambati (’83)
THE PHYSICAL BEAUTY OF ACADIA’S CAMPUS
is astonishing, always making a great first impression and leaving a lasting impact that extends well beyond graduation day. It represents the University’s rich heritage, exemplified by University Hall, Seminary House, the K. C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, and offers an enticing look into the future by combining historic buildings and cutting-edge technology that appeals to students, researchers and visitors alike. Donors play a vital role in the ongoing evolution of Acadia’s infrastructure. Campus renewal and beautification are made possible largely through generous private and public support, and Campaign for Acadia has prioritized projects that will develop the physical and financial resources needed to ensure a transformative student experience now and for generations to come. The benefits of such investment are obvious and noteworthy, and there is much to celebrate.
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Strategic upgrades In November 2013, the Wu family of Hong Kong provided Acadia with a gift of $1.5 million to construct the Wu Welcome Centre at Alumni Hall. The gift was a tribute to Hong Kong businessman Dr. Jieh Yee Wu from his children, Acadia graduates Lily (1963), Doris (1964), and Timothy (1966). Lily’s husband, Dr. Andre Lau (1961), is also an Acadia alumnus. Also in November 2013, Acadia announced that its arena would be renamed the Andrew H. McCain Arena in recognition of a $1-million gift to the University from Mr. McCain’s children, Nancy (’82), Stephen (’81), Margie (’77), Allison, Kathy, and Linda. Renovations to the existing building improved heating and ventilation and upgraded lighting, sound and video. In addition, dramatic improvements were made to the Acadia Athletics Complex entrance and visitor lobby, and the arena became the only Annapolis Valley facility to feature an indoor 250-metre running track.
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Acadia strengthened its role as a regional centre for sports excellence in 2014, thanks to a $1 million gift from The Stevens Family Foundation honouring Laurie Stevens (’55), honorary degree recipient and former member of Acadia’s Board of Governors and the many close ties between the Stevens family and Acadia. With the generous participation of numerous other donors – Acadia friends and alumni from 1947 to 2017 – the Stevens Centre, part of Acadia’s Athletics Complex, now provides varsity athletes and visiting regional, provincial and national sports teams and individuals with a training environment equal to those that are currently only available in Halifax. Several members of the Foundation are Acadia graduates: Marilyn Stevens (’55), Wendy Himmelman (’79, ‘80), Thane Stevens (’80), Foundation Chair Janette Fiander (’82), Scott Stevens (’86), Samantha Krauch (’09, ’10), and Tracey Tulloch (’91). In 2015, Patterson Hall became the new home of Acadia’s Manning School of Business, thanks to the support of alumni and friends who contributed to an ambitious building renovation. A total of 46 individuals committed nearly $2.5 million to finance the dramatic overhaul of the building. Addressing donors at a special reception to mark the opening of the renovated space, Vice-President, Advancement Dr. Rod Morrison applauded those who had rallied behind the fundraising effort, beginning with Chancellor Bruce Galloway (’68, ‘03), the volunteer leader of (and first donor to) the “Twenty Wing” campaign, which targeted 20 gifts of $100,000 to complete the building. There was a parallel and complementary effort to secure additional gifts to name individual rooms in Patterson Hall, and Morrison noted at the time that the “successful completion of this project is a boon not only to our current students, but to prospective business students who are considering Acadia.” Strategic campus renewal has continued apace as the Campaign has unfolded. In September 2016, the Science Complex renewal project was announced, which included a comprehensive renovation of Elliott Hall, a new exterior for Huggins Hall, and the addition of an Innovation Pavilion to connect them. The challenge, however, was to develop a comprehensive proposal in an extremely short period of time and raise $6.3 million in private support to secure nearly $16 million in government investment. In typical fashion, Acadia’s alumni and friends
stepped up to the plate and provided the funds necessary to secure the investment. The Innovation Pavilion now offers research and commercialization space that is well beyond Acadia’s previous capacity, and is named in honour of David Huestis (’63) of Saint John, New Brunswick in recognition of the generous support of David and his wife, Faye. The David Huestis Innovation Pavilion has four new teaching labs, enhancing Acadia’s scientific infrastructure and facilitating academic program growth. “When we called on our alumni and friends, their generous response was hugely gratifying,” Morrison said. “Consider the McCain family – represented in this case by Penny and Stephen McCain (’81), Margaret McCain (’77, ’79) and Paul Roy – who made generous gifts to the science complex renewal project. Their steadfast support for Acadia was a critical factor in the success of the project.” Other long-time supporters of Acadia rallied to the cause, including Gordon (’48) and Bobby (’50) MacNeill, David Davidson (’71, ’74), Cynthia Trudell (’74), Acadia’s former President, Dr. Kelvin Ogilvie (’63, ’64), Floyd Murphy (’69), and many others, some of them first-time donors. Generous gifts Marking the 50th anniversary of the War Memorial Gymnasium addition, the basketball court was dedicated in 2016 to former Axemen basketball coaching great Stu Aberdeen. The court was upgraded with the addition of new state-of-the-art seating donated by several court sport alumni and friends. In 2017, thanks to a generous gift from Acadia University’s Class of 1951, an updated Family Change Room at the Athletics Complex was completed to serve members of the Acadia and surrounding community. Located by the pool, this change room is fully accessible and particularly enjoyed by Acadia’s S.M.I.L.E. program participants. The project was funded through the Class’s Jubilee Fund. Further enhancing accessibility for S.M.I.L.E., Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program granted $500,000 for ramps, an elevator, and an accessible washroom in 2019. Finally, plans are in the works to reimagine the Students’ Union Building as a fully accessibly campus hub, hosting the new Centre for Student Success, a one-stop resource for services, people and programs that promote strength, resiliency and academic achievement.
“When we called on our alumni and friends, their generous response was hugely gratifying. Their steadfast support for Acadia was a critical factor in the success of the project.” – Vice-President, Advancement Dr. Rod Morrison ACADIA BULLETIN FALL 2020
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CAMPAIGN
for ACADIA
DISCOVER
Wonderful tribute A generous gift to Vaughan Memorial Library sustains a legacy, ensures ongoing innovation at Acadia MORE THAN EIGHTY YEARS AGO, loyal friends and loving family established a memorial and later a trust in memory of Robert Wylie Ward (’32) that is as relevant and valuable today as it was when it was inaugurated during Acadia’s centennial in 1938. Initiated by his friends in the biology department as a memorial after his untimely death due to tuberculosis in March 1936 at the age of 32, the Robert Wylie Ward Memorial was later endowed by an estate gift of $5,000 from Edna (Ward) Eisner in 1974. The University was given discretion to add biology books to the Ward collection in the Vaughan Memorial Library for the benefit of all biology students. Each volume contains a book plate bearing the name of the donor or donors. Robert Wylie Ward – Bob to his friends – was a dedicated student and brilliant researcher who graduated from Acadia with a certificate in engineering in 1924 and a Bachelor of
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By Fred Sgambati (’83)
Science in biology in 1932. He later earned an MA from Harvard in 1933 and continued to work and study there, maintaining however a strong connection with the experimental farm in Kentville. During the 12 years (1920-1932) of his off and on Acadia education because of illness, he taught school in the Valley to earn money to go to Acadia. The Eisner family sustains the fund to honour the memory of their mother and uncle while providing a benefit to Acadia. Robert Eisner says, “our mother loved her brother. She was the youngest in the family of four children, with three older brothers. After providing for her own family of six children, she wanted to benefit the University and celebrate her brother’s passion for research. It is a way for our family to honour our mother by participating in this fund. Adding to her 1974 endowment, which provides income to the 1938 Robert Wylie Ward Memorial and hence to the biology department, feels like the gift that keeps on giving.”
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Robert Wylie Ward’s
friends and contemporaries
Mary MacArthur, BScH Acadia 1933; MA Radcliffe College/Harvard 1934; PhD Harvard 1937 First woman to be named a Fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada.
Robert Wylie Ward (’24, ’32).
“Our family is proud of our uncle, Robert Wylie Ward. We appreciate the fact that our mother wanted his memory to be perpetuated.” Robert Eisner (’69), nephew of Robert Wylie Ward Interim University Librarian Jennifer Richard notes, “this is a valuable and well-used collection. As our operating acquisitions budget is completely used up on electronic materials such as databases and journal packages, we very much appreciate endowments as these funds allow us to buy print and electronic monographs and videos which we would otherwise not be able to purchase.”
Keith R. Porter, BSc Acadia 1934; MA Harvard 1935; PhD Harvard 1938; DSc Acadia 1964; DSc University of Western Ontario 1983; DSc McGill 1984 He was known as ‘Father of Cell Biology’. E. Chalmers Smith, BSc Acadia 1936; MA Harvard 1939; PhD Harvard 1942; DSc Acadia 1976 The Herbarium at Acadia was renamed the E.C. Smith Herbarium in 1975. Mary Roscoe Vestal, BA Acadia 1931; MA University of Toronto 1933
Why are gifts like this so important and meaningful? Robert Eisner says, “contribution in any form is important. The original donation to the Robert Wylie Ward Memorial was a gift in kind: books and personal papers of Robert Wylie Ward. In previous years I contributed to Acadia by being on the Advisory Board of the School of Business (providing the gift of time). Now I give a yearly donation from my investment portfolio. The value to the family is personally seeing the cumulative effect of our participation in the Robert Wylie Ward Collection. Each year it grows by our participation and, in each donation, we honour the memory of our mother and uncle.” Various members of the Eisner family have indicated that they will make a provision in their wills for a donation to the University, ensuring the ongoing promotion of discovery and innovation through generous support for Acadia’s student and faculty researchers for years to come.
The living siblings of the Eisner family (left to right): Darrell (’65) , Robert (’69 ), Neva, Douglas (‘52), and Richard.
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CAMPAIGN
for ACADIA
Terry Hennigar (’65) and his wife Heather with University President Dr. Peter Ricketts.
By Rachel Cooper (‘89)
Gifts that will sustain Acadia for generations to come IN NOVEMBER 2019, members of Acadia’s 1838 Society were honoured at an afternoon tea in the Wu Welcome Centre at Alumni Hall, hosted by University President Dr. Peter Ricketts. The 1838 Society recognizes donors who have notified Acadia of their intention to leave an estate gift to the University. Three of those estate gifts were made by Terry Hennigar (’65) and his wife, Heather; Kim Meechan (’80, ’81, ’84); and Shih Fang (Dino) Ng (’01). All are at different points in their lives and careers, but all have a common goal: to sustain Acadia in the future.
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Honouring a beloved daughter Hennigar (’65) and Heather wanted to honour their daughter, Crystal, who passed away from cancer in 2014. Crystal had been a dedicated hockey mom to her two boys, Michael and Adam, and Terry had been a member of Acadia’s varsity men’s hockey team in the 1960s. Michael (’17, ’18) joined the hockey program in 2013. The Hennigars set up the Crystal Hennigar Memorial Award in 2014 for the hockey program and funded it for five years. Now they have created bequests in their wills to fund two awards in perpetuity. One will renew the hockey award and an equivalent sum will fund an engineering/geoscience award.
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Crystal’s younger son, Adam, graduated with a BSc in
Making the ultimate gift
environmental geoscience in 2018. “We are very proud
A sense of adventure may have drawn Shih Fang (Dino) Ng (’01) from his home city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to study in Canada, but he chose Acadia for two practical reasons. First, Shih Fang (Dino) Ng (’01) Acadia offered a Bachelor of Computer Science with a twinning program at Sedaya College (now UCSI University), Malaysia. Second, it offered the Acadia Advantage. “Each student was given a personal laptop, and the way the school taught and students learned was so unique,” he says.
of Michael and Adam, and we thought there should be a scholarship to support geoscience and engineering students as well as hockey players,” Hennigar says. Such awards are crucial for the hockey program, says Darren Burns (’95), head coach of the Acadia Axemen hockey team. “The Crystal Hennigar Award is particularly special because of Crystal’s dedication to supporting minor hockey and because her son Michael played hockey here,” he says. Creating a legacy of loyalty Meechan (’80, ’81, ’84) spent her career caring for the vulnerable in society. With three Acadia degrees in Kim Meechan (’80, ’81, ’84)
psychology (BA, BAH and MSc), she first worked as a psychologist
for the Saskatchewan provincial government, counselling children and families. Then, in Ottawa, her work ranged from being a frontline worker with the Children’s Aid Society to coordinating a city-wide Housing Loss Prevention Network. Several years ago, Meechan established a bequest to Acadia in her will. “I have fond memories of Acadia and a loyalty that is very solid,” she says. “The campus and the faculty are what made it unique.” Now retired and back in Nova Scotia, she has established the Kimberly Meechan Bursary of $1,000 annually for Acadia
Today, Ng is Executive Director and Group Chief Technology Officer of Revenue Group of Companies, specializing in e-commerce payment platforms. Although he is back in Kuala Lumpur, he has never forgotten Acadia. “There are many sweet memories: staying with friends from different backgrounds and cultures, sharing laughter and stories of our on-campus life,” he says. In 2015, he established the Ng Scholar-Bursary in Computer Science at Acadia. He has notified Acadia that he intends to leave $100,000 for the scholar-bursary through his estate. “Acadia had such an impact on my life and career,” Ng says. “Even though I live far away, I wanted to give back to the place that gave me so much. A legacy gift seemed like the ultimate gift I could make.” The generous foresight of alumni such as Terry Hennigar, Kim Meechan and Shih Fang (Dino) Ng will ensure that Acadia continues to build on the strong foundation laid by the Campaign for Acadia.
students in financial need from Moncton, New Brunswick, with preference for those who attended her old school, Harrison Trimble High School. Kim encourages people to think about the ways they can make a difference. “If they donate to different charities here and there, I’d like them to think about what they could do if they made it significant to their alma mater and to a cause that’s dear to them,” she says.
“Acadia had such an impact on my life and career. I wanted to give back to the place that gave me so much. A legacy gift seemed like the ultimate gift I could make.” Shih Fang (Dino) Ng (’01)
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Bulletin showcases, celebrates more than 100 years of alumni history in print! A
s the Bulletin transitions from a print product to a digital format in 2021, we thought it would be appropriate to look back at the magazine’s remarkable history and showcase some of the many memorable moments and wonderful editions that have characterized the publication as the official voice of Acadia’s Alumni Association. What started as a small leaflet in 1912 has grown over the past 108 years into a 48-page magazine that illustrates campus life and acknowledges outstanding alumni achievement. The world was different when the first edition was produced in 1912. Poet Irving Layton, folk singer Woody Guthrie, Pope John Paul I, dancer Gene Kelly and TV chef Julia Child were born during this leap year. Irish novelist Bram Stoker, Canadian strongman Louis Cyr and Swedish playwright August Strindberg died. The Titanic took its illfated maiden voyage and the Olympic Games were contested in Stockholm, Sweden. Acadia was 74 years old and the Associated Alumni of Acadia College had been in place for more than two decades, having been duly incorporated in June 1860. The Bulletin arrived with little fanfare: no editor or editorial board was identified, and it was only five-by-eight inches in size. No matter: it was chock-full of information “useful to many” and expected to be welcomed monthly by the University’s alumni. Indeed, Acadia’s alumni cohort was growing, with 800 members by 1923. We now number more than 31,000 in 60 countries around the world. Ever aware of its audience, the Bulletin responded by increasing in size from eight to 16 pages, publishing on better paper and offering larger type. In June 1931, English Professor Harold Sipprell (’27) became the first officially appointed editor and the Bulletin was published jointly by the University and the Associated Alumni.
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Sipprell guided the publication until 1945 and was succeeded by Dr. R. S. Longley on an interim basis. Rev. Dr. George E. Levy (’27), a professor of English Bible, was editor from 1947-64. Political Science Professor Duncan Fraser took over from 1964-68, followed by Bill Parker (1968-72) and then Levy’s niece, Linda Cann (1973 to late 1990s). Other editors have included Sue Cox Roberts (’83), Jim Prime (’69), Kathleen Martin (’03), Jill Wagner (’99), Oonagh Proudfoot (’93, ’06) and Kristen Loyst (’02) to name a few. I have had the privilege of editing the magazine since 2011. According to library records, the Bulletin has changed names twice. It started originally as the Acadia Bulletin, changed to the Acadia University Alumni Bulletin in 1985 and then back to Acadia Bulletin in 2002. Each iteration has detailed the University’s successes and challenges and provided remarkable insight into not only the rare educational experience Acadia offers, but the people and personalities that have distinguished it both on and off campus. Our goal in presenting a series of cover photos and context to commemorate the publication’s 108 years of service as a print product is to illustrate some of Acadia’s milestone moments and look ahead with great anticipation to continuing the fine storytelling tradition that has long celebrated the outstanding achievements of our alumni and the remarkable institution they represent. It’s a fond look back at Acadia and its alumni through the Bulletin’s unblinking eye, and a look ahead toward a new era of promise and achievement that we hope to represent with the same verve, accuracy and ambition as our predecessors. Stand Up and Cheer! Fred Sgambati (’83) Editor
BULLETIN RETROSPECTIVE
February, 1912
December, 1920
January, 1938
The Bow
College Hall
From the Acadia Bulletin
The Acadia Bulletin is a monthly publication devoted to educational work. It is to be small in size and therefore quickly read; it is to present its news in concentrated form and therefore worth reading; its subscription price is to be low and therefore within reach of all. It is 19 12 to be useful to many and therefore 20 12 we expect many to welcome it as a monthly visitor. Other notes: Articles in this edition focused on Politics; Athletics; Branch Information; and Personals.
Bulletin
cadia Bulletin: 1920, Vol. IX, No. 12
GE HALL
On the night of December 1st and 2nd the white building on the hill, known as the College Building, College Hall, and University Hall, was totally destroyed by fire. The fire, which was probably caused by defective wiring, was discovered at about eleventhirty. Notwithstanding the efforts which were made by the students for the first half hour and after that by the town firemen, the building could not be saved. Through the heroic efforts of the students and professors, most ofAcadia the Bulletin records of the College office From the January, 1921, Vol. IX, No. 12 and of the Treasurer’s office, together with some of the furniture on the THEground CAMPAIGN floor, were salvaged. By early As announced in the December morning nothing but a smouldering Bulletin, the Governors of mass of ruins marked the place where the University after carefully considering the matter, have the historic building had been. By a decided that to meet the present strange it was burned imperative needscoincidence, One Million Dollars necessary and they of the destruction onis the anniversary decided to ask the friends of offorthe building by fire, Acadia thisformer amount. ItCollege looks like anamely big task to December secure this, and2nd. The former it is, but not so large but that fire took place in 1877. we can accomplish it if every Acadia man and woman and To many of the old graduates all our friends combine in one united effort. It is Acadia comparatively this was College. With the not so great a task as that which Chipman this Hall was facedexception the governorsof in 1877 whenthe the first College was they knew, and it only building burned and does not call for one formed a link between the present tithe of the sacrifice demanded whenand the first building was the past. Undoubtedly many of constructed. Numerous letters former have the been hearts received of offering aid, students will and all seem to be enthusiastic be stirred when they hear of the concerning the campaign. destruction of this building, and many memories of former days will crowd in upon them. It was in the Assembly Hall that all the College functions took place: receptions, entertainments, and convocations. It was here that graduates for the past forty years received their diplomas, and many distinguished lecturers and visitors were entertained in means a very distinct loss to the University.
To many of the old graduates ght of December 1st and this was Acadia College. With white building on the hill, the exception of Chipman s the College Building, Hall, it was the only building Hall, and University Hall, they knew, and it formed a link ly destroyed by fire. From the first editi between the present and the which was probably on of the Acadia Bull etin: past. Undoubtedly many of the y defective wiring, was Feb. 1, 1912, Vol. 1, No. 1 hearts of former students will ed at about eleven-thirty. be stirred when they hear of the ithstanding the efforts destruction of this building, and ere made by the students many memories of former days rst half hour and after will crowd in upon them. he town firemen, the It was in the Assembly Hall could not be saved. that all the College functions took the heroic efforts of the OUR BOW place: receptions, entertainments, and professors, most The Aca dia Bulletin is a monthly pub therefore quic convocations. It was here lication devoted cords of the College kly read; it is and to edu to present its subscription pric news in concen cational work. It is to be that graduates fortratthe past forty small in size and we expect man e is to be low and ther ed form d of the Treasurer’s efore and therefor y e wor Politics; Athletic to welcome it as a month within reach of all. It is to be useful to man th reading; its ly visitor. Oth s; Branch Info years their gether with some of the er notdiplomas, y and ther rmation; received es: Articles in and Personals. this edition focu efore sed on and many distinguished lecturers on the ground floor, and visitors were entertained in vaged. By early morning this Hall…. The destruction of it but a smouldering mass ACADIA BUL LETIN Spring 2012 19 means a very distinct loss to the marked the place where University. ric building had been. nge coincidence, it was n the anniversary of uction of the former building by fire, namely er 2nd. The former fire e in 1877.
ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2012
The covers during the 1930s depicted views of University Hall, and this one is no exception. However, this edition of the Bulletin is remarkable in that it denotes Acadia’s entrance into its Centennial Year. It was reported: “Founders’ Day, observed on 16 November, was of unusual interest this year. Ninety-nine years ago 15 November last, the decision to found the University was reached; Founders’ Day, therefore, marked the first day of Acadia’s centennial year. The enthusiasm and optimism displayed on that occasion boded well for the success of the programmes planned for next August. Even the heavy rains failed to dampen the ardour of the large number of friends and alumni from Wolfville and the Maritimes who gathered to honour the memory of the Founders and to attend the events of the day.”
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April 1963
Summer 1984
Spring 1996
Chapel Steeple
Dr. Marion Grant
Acadia Advantage
Completing the steeple: Wednesday, March 13, gave the campus an exciting kind of afternoon when the upper section of the steeple on the Manning Memorial Chapel was put in place. Acadia Street from Horton Avenue west had been blocked off to traffic and signs erected here and there bidding all and sundry to take due precautions for the safety of life and limb. Shortly the two-ton white steel section had been secured to the top of the crane and mechanical lift moved into place (see cover photo). Once the steel section of the steeple had been secured in its resting place … two workmen went up to place the six-foot-high gold cross on top…. By five p.m., quitting time for the day, the cross had been secured in its position and this phase of the construction of the chapel had been completed, without a hitch or an accident.
Acadia’s Woman of the Century Dr. Marion E. Grant. Psychologist and educator Dr. Marion Elder Grant ’21 was honored at the alumni banquet as Acadia’s ‘woman of the century’ and recipient of the Associated Alumni Gold Medal. After a stint as Dean of Women at Baylor College for Women in Texas, Dr. Grant returned to Wolfville in 1936 to begin her career of 27 years at Acadia, 24 of which as Dean of Women. She also taught in the school of education and department of psychology from 1936 until 1960 at which time she was named full professor and head of the psychology department. During her tenure at Acadia, Dr. Grant served on the University Senate and numerous committees, was a founding director of the Acadia University Institute, held a two-year term as president of the Associated Alumni and served as a member of the Board of Governors.
Cover: Beginning this fall, Acadia becomes the first electronic campus in Canada. Unanimously approved by the board of governors, Acadia Advantage will make computer technology an integral part of almost every aspect of campus life. Using course-specific software, the Acadia network, and the Internet, students will use notebook computers as tools to enhance discussion and for work inside and outside the classroom. (Cover by Semaphor Design; photography, Dan Callis)
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BULLETIN RETROSPECTIVE Fall 2013
Fall 2016
Spring 2020
Acadia Since 1838
The Face of Change
Strong Leadership
Looking back over the last 175 years, Acadia has stood above the rest many times as an institutional and community leader, helping to shape students’ lives and discourse on higher education across the country. “Acadia has never had the feeling that education belonged to the elite,” says Barry Moody (‘67), retired professor and former head of Acadia’s Department of History. “Education is and should be for everyone.” This concept has shaped Acadia’s philosophy, from its humble beginnings to present day, and underscored the University’s unique role as a post-secondary school. Here are just some of the ways Acadia has been ahead of the rest throughout its 175-year history, as noted in our cover story: no religious discrimination; a practical education; Clara Belle Marshall Raymond, the first woman to graduate from Acadia and one of the earliest females to graduate in the British Empire; Edwin Borden (1892, 1896), Acadia’s first graduate of African descent, and also a member of Acadia’s varsity baseball team; lectures on Canadian literature; the Acadia Advantage; alcohol awareness leadership; and a proliferation of Academic AllCanadians.
Social activism and a commitment to make people’s lives better has been a hallmark of many Acadia alumni throughout the years, but few represent the face of change as dramatically as Jawad Nabulsi (’06). The activist and social entrepreneur says Acadia changed his life and gave him the opportunity to see democracy in action. Those fundamental lessons informed his thinking and encouraged him to create the Nebny Foundation, a non-profit that focuses on education, health care and job creation for youth. Nabulsi endorses a strong international presence among Acadia students and faculty, saying, “there’s value for people coming from abroad to live in such a small town, but there’s also value for Canadian students to interact with international students. We both benefit from each other and the cultural interaction. I feel lucky to have been part of Acadia. When you go to a small school, and it’s a good school, you feel special. You feel a close bond.”
It’s a classic Acadia story: students arrive in Wolfville, have a transformative educational experience, earn a degree, then go out and change the world. There’s a certain magic to it, a water-into-wine alchemy that defines the Acadia experience and produces people who, at the end of their academic journey, sprout metaphoric wings and take flight, full of confidence and anticipation, determined to accomplish great things. Five such people have done just that – soared after graduation from Acadia and thrilled now to return to their alma mater with purpose and intention to share accumulated knowledge and hardearned professional acumen with the University’s administration and today’s students: Dean of Arts, Dr. Laura Robinson (BA ’88; HC ’88); Dean of Pure and Applied Science, Dr. Suzie Currie (BSCH ’91); Dean of Theology and President of Acadia Divinity College, Dr. Anna Robbins (MRE ’93; MAT ’97); Dean of the Faculty of Professional Studies, Dr. Ann Vibert (BA ’74); and Dean of Research and Graduate Studies and Director, Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, Dr. Anna Redden (BSC ’79; BSCH ’82; MSC ’86). All are proud to be Acadia alumnae and each is delighted to return to the University and contribute to its academic success both now and in the future.
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Axewomen basketball head coach Len Harvey (’06) on the Alternate Sport Model: “safe opportunities for fun, socialization and fitness.”
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Photo: Peter Oleskevich
A
cadia University’s Department of Athletics unveiled in September a plan to offer its student body an opportunity to engage in sport and fitness during a COVID-19-altered setting on the Acadia campus. Referred to as the Alternate Sport Model, the project is a collaboration of several groups on campus to utilize the skills of Acadia Athletics’ coaches and student-athletes by offering sport and fitness opportunities to the Acadia campus and Wolfville community. “We began discussing an alternate sport model in anticipation of Atlantic University Sport canceling the fall season,” says Executive Director of Athletics, Kevin Dickie. “At first, it was around how can our varsity studentathletes compete at the sports they love, but quickly became how we can incorporate all students, club and intramural. Now, on behalf of Acadia, we have created a campus ‘super-league.’”
ATHLETICS
“At first, it was around how can our varsity student-athletes compete at the sports they love, but quickly became how we can incorporate all students, club and intramural. Now, on behalf of Acadia, we have created a campus ‘super-league.” Executive Director of Athletics, Kevin Dickie
“Being a small school where there’s such a close integration between our student-athletes and student body, and little separation between students in residence and off-campus, these unprecedented times have actually provided an opportunity to make Acadia even better,” Dickie adds.
Primary initiatives The Alternate Sport Model will focus on three primary initiatives, including sport leagues, expanding health and wellness opportunities, and the Sport Academy. Competitive and recreational sport leagues will be offered that include basketball, volleyball, flag football, soccer, and spikeball. These are a few of the many leagues Acadia Athletics will facilitate for students under the specific provincial sport organization guidelines. Expanding health and wellness opportunities, including Acadia Performance Training, will provide added fitness offerings to Acadia students, taking advantage of Acadia’s beautiful grounds, and increase access and interest for health and wellness opportunities on campus. The Acadia Sport Academy will cover participation from the youth entry level to older athletes interested in high performance.
Great teammates Axewomen basketball head coach Len Harvey (’03) was assigned the task of pulling all the moving parts of the Alternate Sport Model together. “I think it’s a way for our Athletics Department at Acadia to be great teammates to both our University and our community and step up to help out areas that were identified as having gaps in service, or where our
sport expertise would be of value.” One of the primary groups of interest for the Alternate Sport Model is the Acadia studentbody. Being able to provide sport opportunities, as well as health and wellness activities, will be a key component in contributing to an engaged and healthy campus environment starting in September. The Alternate Sport Model will also serve the youth of Acadia’s local communities, who have largely been without organized sport for the past five months, by providing opportunities to both train and play in a safe, monitored environment. “We will be utilizing members of so many different departments, faculties, and groups at Acadia. It has been a complex undertaking, and a bit of a spiderweb in terms of the level of collaboration and involvement it will generate, which is very positive for our campus. Ultimately, one of our main objectives is to make sure that all of our Acadia students have a place to take care of their physical wellness and create inclusive, safe opportunities for fun, socialization, and fitness,” Harvey says. Several coaches have been working on the offerings for Acadia students this fall on the Acadia campus and Dickie credits the hard work that Athletics staff has done over the last several months to allow students to experience some normalcy on campus. “All the credit goes to our staff and coaches for their commitment to this initiative,” Dickie says, “especially Kim Wallace’s (’08, ’10, ’11) athletic department leadership, Michelle Wood’s annual leadership with our summer camps (and fall and winter Academies), and finally Len Harvey, who has gone above and beyond, managing, leading and being the passion behind our Alternate Sport Model since day one. I can’t be more appreciative as an Athletics Director.” Story and photo courtesy of Acadia Athletics ACADIA BULLETIN FALL 2020
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EVENTS
Virtually together
Acadia’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Association sponsor online events series during coronavirus pandemic By Laura Churchill Duke (’98)
A
t a time when Acadia alumni around the world were prevented from gathering as a community due to the coronavirus pandemic, the University’s Office of Advancement did some quick brainstorming to find ways to keep people connected. The Office of Advancement creates an annual schedule of events here at home and around the world, says Alumni Affairs Executive Director Oonagh Proudfoot (’93, ’06). “However, once we received word of self-isolation, social distancing and
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no more travel, we had to rethink how we would engage our alumni,” she says. Proudfoot says the team came up with the notion of a virtual event series and explored topical ideas of interest or relevance to alumni. The group then solicited input from the Deans on research areas within their respective faculties. The topics were refined and potential speakers were approached. So far, all those asked have been more than willing to participate, Proudfoot says.
ALUMNI EVENTS
The result was a series of 60-minute-long virtual events held every two weeks – hosted through the Microsoft Teams platform and moderated by Proudfoot – that featured faculty, staff and members of the alumni community with the aim of showcasing the important work being done on campus and in communities. Topics included COVID-19-relevant subjects such as wellness in times of isolation and the science of relationships during isolation, and general interest presentations on Anne of Green Gables and “fish that live in trees”. Other discussions focused on the economics of a pandemic, insurance needs and questions, and a profile of the Voice of the Acadia hockey Axemen, Len Hawley to name a few. Our next virtual event presentation on Nov. 23 at 6 p.m. will feature author Laura Churchill Duke (’98) discussing the evolution of Two Crows Sorrow, a creative non-fiction story that follows the life of Theresa McAuley Robinson, who lived on the North Mountain at the turn of the century. Drs. Lisa Price and Diane Holmberg in the Department of Psychology led the joint discussion about relationships during isolation. Data Holmberg collected recently suggests there are perceived positive effects of the pandemic on relationships which, in fact, outweigh the negative. Holmberg says they enjoyed presenting, and the feedback was positive, as reflected in the discussion afterward. Although used to lecturing in front of a live classroom, both professors agreed it was more challenging to talk to a black void when everyone’s microphones and cameras were muted, and they were unable to connect with their audience in the accustomed way. Regardless, they both agreed it was a great way to communicate with alumni.
Interesting topics Helena Allan (’12, ’14), who first heard of the virtual events series through Acadia’s Twitter account and later an alumni e-mail communication, was one of those who participated. The first session, ‘Wellness in times of isolation,’ caught her attention because one of the speakers, Dr. Anna Robbins (’93, ’97), President of Acadia Divinity College and Dean of Theology, was her former theology professor. Allan was hooked after the first session and
particularly enjoyed topics for which she has had no training. “I’ve often thought about auditing courses for interest that have nothing to do with my work, but that’s a bit of a financial and time commitment while these are free and require a minimal time commitment. I get so many webinars and trainings for my work, but it has been so nice to learn about things that on the surface have little to do with my work,” Allan says. Currently a campus pastor and chaplain for students at a community college in London, Ontario, Allan says a surprising benefit of the series has been a wealth of new information. “Many of the topics are things I’ve been hearing from my students, so a lot of the ideas and conversation have given me new ideas on how to effectively support my students when they return to school in September,” she says. More than that, Allan says the virtual sessions helped her feel connected to Acadia in a way she hadn’t since graduation. “I don’t live in Nova Scotia. I often hear about events at Acadia, but I can never go so being able to attend online has been quite lifegiving,” she says. This was, Proudfoot says, one of the primary ambitions of the series. Alumni engagement, she adds, is far more than simply hosting events around the world. “This was a tremendous opportunity to engage alumni in areas that we don’t often visit, and to connect with those who are not able to attend events because of financial reasons or being physically unable to get to dinners, receptions and social gatherings,” Proudfoot says. She also notes, “virtual events will definitely continue. They may even increase in frequency if we find ourselves still not able to have events in person.” Registration is free and open to 75 attendees per session. Past recordings of the sessions are available through YouTube and upcoming events with links to registration can be found at: www2.acadiau.ca/ alumni-friends/alumni/events.html.
WEBLINKS: Calendar of events: https://bit.ly/3jY68GR YOUTUBE series: https://bit.ly/3k4nnGq
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A Homecoming unlike any other! By Fred Sgambati (’83)
It was a Homecoming Weekend unlike any other in Acadia’s long and illustrious history! Keeping in mind the health and safety of Acadia’s faculty, staff, students and alumni, Homecoming 2020 was delivered virtually on Oct. 17-18 this year, and we made sure that the pandemic wasn’t going to stop us from having some fun and celebrating all that makes Acadia great! The weekend was brimming with special guests, live and recorded events, Where Are They Now? features, an online auction to benefit Acadia’s student-athletes, a virtual Musical Variety Show, a Chapel Musical Event, replays of historic Acadia Athletics contests, and closing remarks from University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Peter Ricketts. We’ve tried to capture as much as possible from an incredible weekend, so check it out!
“Homecoming in a Box” kicked things off by inviting alumni from around the world to let us know if they wanted a Homecoming in a Box package to decorate their home spaces. Left: Debbie (’88) and Martin Suter (’88) of Wolfville received a HOCO in a Box package and had a great time decorating in true Acadia style. Right: Clive Anderson (‘89) and Athline Littlejohn (‘91) did likewise in Singapore.
Special guests offered greetings from Acadia, including Vice-President, Advancement Dr. Rod Morrison; Executive Director, Alumni Affairs Oonagh Proudfoot (’93, ’06); Acadia Alumni Association President Donalda MacBeath (’75); University Chaplain Rev. Dr. Marjorie Lewis; Acadia Students’ Union President Brendan MacNeil; and University President Dr. Peter Ricketts, who thanked alumni for participating in Virtual Homecoming 2020.
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Live ‘Where Are They Now?’ segments during Homecoming Weekend included conversations between Executive Director, Alumni Affairs Oonagh Proudfoot (’93, ’06) and (from left to right): Rob (’10) and Lindsay Ramsay (’10); Oksana Kovalenko (’12); and former ‘Pope of Acadia’, Rob McGregor (’87, centre). ‘Acadia Athletics – Where Are They Now?’ features included profiles of CFL and Acadia Sports Hall of Famer Bob Cameron (’77); former Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach and captain of the Acadia Axemen hockey team, Paul McFarland (’10); former Axewomen rugby star and Acadia Sports Hall of Famer, Andrea Burk (’06); and former Axewomen soccer star, two-time Acadia Female Athlete of the Year and member of the Nova Scotia and Acadia Sport Halls of Fame, Cindy (Montgomerie) Tye (’94).
We kept things rolling into the evening with a Virtual Variety Musical show featuring Heather Rankin (’89, ’96 HON), Jeff Goodspeed (’76), Carmen Braden (’09), Daniel McFayden (’19), and Sarah Pound (‘08).
It isn’t Homecoming without a football game, but don’t worry – we had it covered. We rebroadcast our historic 1981 Vanier Cup win over the Alberta Golden Bears and asked alumni to grab a hot dog, a favourite beverage and take the opportunity to Stand Up and Cheer for your Acadia football Axemen!
Acclaimed author Sheree Fitch (’94, ’04 HON) read her very moving tribute piece, ‘Because We Love, We Cry’, written in the aftermath of the tragic events in Portapique, Nova Scotia in April 2020, and returned later on Sunday to read from her award-winning picture book, Everybody’s Different on Everybody Street. (Photo: Keith Minchin)
On Sunday, the Manning Memorial Chapel Virtual Reunion Choir, featuring members of the Chapel Choir over the past 16 years, along with the current 2020-21 Chapel Choir who will be involved with the virtual choir recordings and in-person recordings, performed musical highlights from the past two decades of Chapel music tradition under the direction of John M. Scott, University Organist and Director of the Chapel Choir. Featured soloists included Allison Dean (’14) Nassau, Bahamas; Ellen Torrie (’18) Montreal, QC; Judith Bjorndahl (’21) Regina, SK; and Nancy Handrigan (’92).
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CLASS NOTES 1960s
subsequently worked for the Legal Archives of BC, Archives of Ontario, Region of Waterloo, and City of Kitchener before being appointed Western’s first University Archivist in 2001. During his time at Western Robin led a dedicated team in developing an archival program that became a model for many other universities. Throughout his career he was also active with several professional organizations, most notably the Canadian Council of Archives. His contributions were recognized with awards from the Archives Association of Ontario and the Association of Canadian Archivists. Upon his retirement from Western, he received the designation University Archivist Emeritus and The Western Award of Excellence, presented by University President Alan Shepard.
the controlling interest in George Weston Limited, which in turn operates through a number of subsidiaries food processing businesses, supermarket and pharmacy retailing businesses and real estate development and leasing businesses. These entities include Loblaw Companies, Shoppers Drug Mart, Weston Foods and Choice Properties REIT. In addition, Wittington owns a number of private companies involved in commercial real estate development activities in North America and the United Kingdom and fashion retail stores in Canada, UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. Prior to his current role, Rob held senior legal positions with George Weston and Loblaw Companies. He lives in Toronto with his wife, Shari, and their three children: Leah, Brett and Carlie.
ROBERT BALCOM (’83) graduated from the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto at the 2019 Fall Convocation with a Master of Laws specializing in international business law. He is the General Counsel of Wittington Investments, Limited, a holding company of the Weston family. The Company’s holdings include
The Class of 1988 President and Vice-President both moved back to Wolfville from the U.S. within a couple of weeks of one another, without knowing each other’s plans. Pictured here with DEBBIE SUTER, also from the Class of 1988, MARTIN SUTER (’88) and TIM PRESCOTT (’88) tell us why they each made the
MARG (MOODY) MCCOUBREY (’68), JANET (HOPPER) MOULTON (’69), DIANNA (NEWTON) LIM (’69) and PAM (WILLIAMS) LOUGHEAD (’69) still managed to get together for their annual summer reunion at Mountain Gap Inn in Nova Scotia despite the global pandemic. Acadia masks and T-shirts were proudly worn! JANETTE (SMITH) BENT (’69) was unable to attend due to travel restrictions at the time. Great photos – thanks for sharing!
1980s In November 2019, ROBIN KEIRSTEAD (’81) retired as University Archivist at Western University in London. After receiving his BA with Honours (History) from Acadia, he went on to complete Master’s degrees at Queen’s (History) and UBC (Archival Studies). He started his professional career with the BC government and
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move. After 17 years out of Canada (and 32 away from Nova Scotia), Martin says, “I was inspired by Paul Tom when I was a student, and over the years would joke about ‘Doing a PT’, which meant coming back to Wolfville for what we are calling Life 3.0. We’ve been lucky to have traveled around the world and to have lived in some cool places, most recently Shanghai for three years and New York City. But the gravitational pull to come home to Nova Scotia, and Wolfville especially, has increased in strength. With a working-from-home trend now possible due to COVID-19, we decided that now was the right time to accelerate the move.” Martin is a Global VP, Digital Commerce for AnheuserBusch InBev (the parent company of Labatt) and will work remotely from their newly renovated home on Main Street while looking for ways to become actively involved in the community. Since graduating from Acadia, Martin and Debbie have raised two sons and now have a four-year-old granddaughter as well. “There is also a puppy in our future, making the transition to life in Wolfville complete!” Tim follows up with: “2020 started off with a New Year’s Eve flight into Tampa from Halifax, with my 83- and 84-year-old parents. Just a reminder of how blessed I am. To be honest, I’ve been homesick for about three years and, during that period, I found myself spending more and more time in Nova Scotia. Oneweek trips became three, particularly during the summer/fall months. When the world quickly changed, I think we all took a little
time to do some personal inventory and reflection. For me, I had been moving in the direction of returning home and when the Canadian/ American border was closed, I did not like the feeling of being locked out. It made me realize that if I was to be trapped on one side or the other, Nova Scotia is where I’d rather be. I later learned that I, as a Canadian, would not be denied re-entry, but would be required to quarantine for a fortnight. A small price to pay, I felt. That prompted me to come home and figure things out. Live here and visit there. There’s a lot that this area has to offer, and it has always felt like home. At 54, I’ve spent 27 years in both countries, and this has always been my home. I’m looking forward to spending more time on this side of the border.” In May 2020, LORIE KANE (’88, ’18 HON) was named as part of the Class of 2020-21 to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and receive the Order of Sport award, Canada’s highest sporting honour. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, however, the induction celebration was postponed to 2021. After an illustrious amateur career, Kane turned pro in 1993 and forged an enviable resume that featured numerous LPGA victories and Canadian Women’s PGA Championship wins. She has been named Canada’s Female Athlete of the Year twice (in 1997 and 2000) and received the Order of Canada in 2006. One of Canada’s most admired athletes and passionate humanitarians, Kane was granted an Honorary Degree – Doctor of Humanities – from Acadia in 2018 for her remarkable achievements on and off the golf course.
1990s
WANDA LYNN OTTAR PFEIFER (’90) has been involved in vision screening for the past 28 years. She moved to Iowa in 1992 and travelled throughout the state, performing automated photoscreening with the “Eyecor” camera (prototype to the first commercial automated photoscreener, MTI Photoscreener). Since then she has authored and co-authored 12 papers on vision screening in journals such as Ophthalmology, Binoc Vision Strabismus Quarterly, AOJ, Insight and Pediatrics. She has also conducted over 30 presentations on vision screening to area education agencies, school nurses, nurse practitioners, optometrists, pediatricians, ophthalmic nurses and technicians. And in 2005 speaking at the AAO Sunday night symposium on the use of automated vision screening devices. In 2000, Wanda was a founding member of Iowa Kidsight, a state-wide vision screening program. In 2012, she was awarded the Warren Coleman Iowa Foundation award for her dedication to screening the children of Iowa, and was nominated for the Bonnie Strickland Champion for Children’s Vision Award in both 2018 and 2019. In 2019, she was presented with a banner for
her work with Iowa Lions by the president of Lions Club International Foundation, Dr. Jung-You Choi. Currently, Wanda serves as a committee member of the America Association of Certified Orthoptists vision screening committee. Wanda is pictured receiving the Warren Coleman Award from the Iowa Lions Leadership for her dedication to vision screening.
DR. TREVOR JAIN (’93), an emergency room specialist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Prince Edward Island, has been a regular guest on CBC Prince Edward Island’s monthly ‘Talk With the Doc’ series. The medical show, which began on July 6, 2020, airs the first Monday of each month. Stand Up and Cheer!
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CLASS NOTES 1990s
LT. COL. CHRISTIAN “PANCHO” LICHTER (’93) has pinned on his “full-bird” wings after being promoted to Colonel April 1, 2020. Col. Lichter works as the Director of Staff at the 58 Special Operations Wing, directing 56 officers, enlisted and civilian staff on behalf of the Wing Commander, Col. Justin Hoffman. The Wing, one of Air Education and Training Command’s most complex wings, is comprised of six geographically separated units, 2,400 Airmen, and 67 aircraft. Col. Lichter grew up on Maple Hill in Auburn, Maine and is a 1993 BSc graduate of Acadia University.
MONICA (’94) and SABRINA SGAMBATI (’24) had some fun in their ‘family bubble’ this fall, modeling Acadiabranded face masks given to Sabrina by the University as part of her first-year orientation experience on campus. The masks were elements of Acadia’s COVID-19 health and safety protocol strategy to help keep students, faculty, staff and administration safe as classes began on September 21.
STEPHANIE MURRAY (‘94) and her father, DR. CLIFF MURRAY (‘58), hold their certificates of completion at the end of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail in Spain (2016). Stephanie is a real estate broker residing in Montreal. Cliff, a retired dentist, lives in Halifax with his wife GLENDA (nee BARNSTEAD ‘57).
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Great news from SARAH KRISTEN LIIS SALONIUS (nee JONES, ’98)! She asked, “I was wondering if you could include the birth of my first baby in the next Bulletin?” We sure can! Sarah’s husband is Mark Salonius and they welcomed Scarlett Myracle Liis Salonius into the world on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 11:57 a.m. She weighed in at six pounds, 12 ounces, and all are doing well. Congratulations!
“Black Hat Hacker: The Dark Side of Connectivity,” which was featured as the cover story for the July/August 2019 issue of OHS Canada Magazine. The article also received an Honourable Mention Award from The Tabbie Awards for being ranked in the Top 25 B2B Features Articles from Englishspeaking publications around the world (ranked #20). Andrew says he is “proud to represent Canada and Acadia on the world stage.” In April 2019, he left his permanent position as editor with Annex Business Media to start up his own content creation company, Snookbooks Publishing.
2000s
In May 2020, ANDREW SNOOK (’05) was awarded a 2020 B2B National Magazine Award (Honourable Mention) for his article,
SUZANNE (KIANI) KNIGHT (‘07) and her husband, Bradley Knight, are thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter, Norah Margit. Norah was born at home on April 23, 2020, and her older brothers, Miles and Jacob, eagerly welcomed her to the family.
ACADIA WRITES 2010s ANDREW SNOOK (’05) recently released his second full-length novel, Remy’s Dilemma: Special Delivery (Book II of The Remy Delemme Story). This past March, Snook also set up Remy’s Dilemma (Book I of the The Remy Delemme Series) as a free download on his author website for the duration of the pandemic for anyone looking for a light, silly read during these tense times. Both books can be found at www. snookbooks.com, as well as at: Indigo Chapters, Kobo, Amazon, iBooks and Google Books.
CASSANDRA MACDONALD (’16) and CORY MACLEAN (’16), both BBA alumni, were married on September 12, 2020. Both Cassandra and Cory are from Pictou County, N.S. They met in high school and both decided to attend Acadia to complete their BBAs. Cory has since become a CPA and Cassandra is working in HR. The wedding took place in MacLellans Brook, N.S.
SHAQUILLE SMITH (’16) was appointed to the Board of Directors of Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) in June 2020. NSBI is a Crown Corporation and a lead business development agency for the Province of Nova Scotia. With aspirations to thrive in Nova Scotia, NSBI helps businesses across the province discover new exporting opportunities and attract new companies to invest in the province. “Led by the private sector,” Smith said, “the NSBI board is composed of many great business leaders in Nova Scotia who I am eager to learn from and collaborate with. I am looking forward to working with the NSBI to continue to build a strong, thriving and globally competitive Nova Scotia.”
JIM PRIME (’69, ’71) has co-authored a book of humourous fiction with Ben Robicheau entitled Fish and Dicks: Case Files from the Digby Neck and Islands Fish-Gutting Service and Detective Agency. Jim’s daughter, Catherine Prime, a NSCAD graduate, produced the cover image and interior illustrations. The book describes the hilarious misadventures of two Digby County fishery workers who decide to diversify and become private detectives. It’s available for ordering from Moose House Publications (https://www.moosehousepress.com/catalog).
CHARLIE FOX (’66, ’67) is pleased to announce the publication of Fox Tales II, a nostalgic review of the author’s ‘coming of age’ in the turbulent ’60s, documenting significant political and sociological events throughout that volatile decade of change. In addition to the historical highlights, Charlie invites readers to accompany him on many of his personal travels and exploits through a span of time that remains one of the most meaningful and memorable of the last century. He writes with insight, compassion and a sprinkling of humour. For purchase information, contact the author at bayheadfoxes@gmail.com.
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ACADIA REMEMBERS We are saddened to report the following deaths in the Acadia community
Mildred G. Irvine (‘40, ‘41, ’50) Truro, NS
Ian G. MacLeod (’58)
Kathleen A. Long (’74)
Linda B. Camp (’42)
Fred Miles (’58)
Brian J. Hatton (’76)
Elizabeth Irvine (’44)
Dale E. Buckley (’59)
Donald K. Archer (’77)
Marjorie Hill McNaughton (’45)
Nancy Logue (’59)
James Enman (’77)
Phyllis Gaul (’46)
George L. Lowe (’61)
John R. Verran (‘79, ’87)
Peter Harrison (’46)
Alberta McGaghey (‘62, ’64)
Melita P. Stuart (’81)
Marjorie Aker (’48)
Ian H. Palmer (’63)
Michael Baltzer (‘85, ’03)
Norma A. MacKeigan (’49)
S. E. Deterville (’64)
Libby Goucher (’89)
Phyllis V. Fischer (’50)
Gary F. Graham (‘64, ‘65, ’66)
Tara Hilton-Devitt (’92)
William A. Hogg (’50)
Margaret A. Ferguson (’65)
Catherine J. CrowellChisholm (’95)
Wendell MacNeill (’50)
Margaret Hennigar (’65)
Catherine A. Montrose (’50)
Margaret F. MacKenzie (’65)
Kenneth A. Morrison (’51)
Arthur E. Patton (’65)
Gerald Freeman (’53)
David S. Johnston (’68)
Joan A. Dick (’53)
Robert Balcom (‘69, ’03)
Shirley Pettis Fromson (’55)
Cathy M. MacNutt (’70)
Virgil R. Dearman (‘57, ‘62, ’66)
Christopher H. R. Long (‘70, ’71)
Toronto, ON Ottawa, ON Ottawa, ON
Victoria, BC
Stratford, PE
Vancouver, BC Ottawa, ON
North York, ON Port Elgin, ON
Scarborough, ON Kingston, ON Sydney, NS
Brooklyn, NS
Edmonton, AB
West Vancouver, BC Wolfville, NS
Sydney Mines, NS Sydney, NS
Dartmouth, NS Wolfville, NS
Bridgewater, NS Rothesay, NB Windsor, NS
Mississauga, ON
Corner Brook, NL Scotsburn, NS
Bridgewater, NS Amherst, NS
Wolfville, NS
Port Williams, NS Kingston, NS Halifax, NS
Port Williams, NS
John M. Johnston (’57)
Sean P. Casey (’73)
Lamont MacMillan (’57)
Candace McCartney Siddall (’73)
Red Deer, AB
Mahone Bay, NS
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Bangor, ME
Calgary, AB
Halifax, NS
Calgary, AB
Barrington, NS Halifax, NS
Berwick, NS
Prince Rupert, BC Aylesford, NS Wolfville, NS
St Catharines, ON
Harve Boucher, NS
Lia C. Barton (’98) Dartmouth, NS
Hans Klohn (’12, HON) Saint John, NB
Jillian M. Savoy (’14) Trail, BC
Harold D. Austin (ASSO) Canning, NS
Lloyd Duncanson (HOR) Grand Pre, NS
Roger L. Mason (HOR) Lunenburg, NS
Kingsley Clark
Centre Burlington, NS
Bryan M. Latta Wolfville, NS
We produce this list to the best of our ability with the information provided. If there is a discrepancy or error, please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 902.585.1459.
In each edition of the Bulletin, we reserve space on our final pages for a fond look back at the way we were. Do you know the person in this photo? If so, send me an e-mail at fred.sgambati@acadiau. ca. First person to identify him will win an Acadia sweatshirt (valued at $70). Please include your name, address and phone number in your response. We will reveal the answer, the winner and have another image for you in the spring edition. Look forward to hearing from you. Have fun!
FINAL FRAME WINNER In our last edition, Helen Melanson (’87, ‘90) was the first to identify the photo of Maura Ryan (‘88). Congratulations, Helen, and thanks for playing!
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