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.
