14 minute read
Alumni Association
By Fred Sgambati (’83)
Many 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 .
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, 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 Photo: Bridget Havercroft Photography 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 .
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 (‘14)
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 .
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 .
Geoff Irvine
Geoff Irvine receives Isaac Chipman Award for Alumni Service
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 . Cheryl MacDonald
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 .
Ian Morrison
Former ASU general manager Ian Morrison named Honorary Alumnus
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 . ” Dr. Ian Spooner
Dr . Ian Spooner lauded for teaching excellence
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 . ” Liam Maaskant
Liam Maaskant named The Athenaeum/Acadia Alumni Student of the Year
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 .
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
Unaudited 2020
Assets
AAAU/Acadia Joint Account Affinity Fund Allan Fulton Fund Constance Hayward Fund Carr Fund General Fund (Alumni Hall) Graham Fund Toronto Fund Vesta Magee Fund Total Assets
Committed Funds
Athletics Proposal Academic All Canadian Awards Reception Axemen Celebrity Hockey Dinner Female Athlete Awards Hockey Honour Roll Signage Varsity Sport Special Initiatives Women in Sport/Sport Hall of Fame
Other Acadia Students’ Union Awards (Alumni/Student/Faculty) Campaign for Acadia1 Scholarships Staffing Commitment President’s Fund $ –1,098,553 13,988 294,796 45,775 63,122 17,527 15,599 31,508 $ 1,580,868
–10,000 –––10,000 20,000
