The Honoree - Fall 2018

A newsletter for Acadia’s Distinguished Alumni and Honorary Degree Community

The Honoree

Issue 4 | fall 2018

Historic campaign It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since the last edition of The Honoree went to press and we welcomed and celebrated new Distinguished Alumni Award and Honorary Degree recipients as members of our alumni community.

It was a privilege to acknowledge and applaud you at our annual Alumni Gala in April and Convocation in May. Your accomplishments constitute many social and scientific firsts that have distinguished your careers and also cast a bright light on the unique educational experience that Acadia University provides. Your extraordinary example makes us all proud, and offers a clear definition of personal and professional excellence that our students, alumni and community partners can appreciate and emulate.

As vital members of our close-knit community, you may be aware that we are now engaged in an ambitious and historic Campaign for Acadia. It is a comprehensive $75-million fundraising effort that reflects our commitment to a transformative student experience, outstanding teaching, innovation and discovery, and campus renewal and beautification. The rationale for the campaign is simple: our world needs more of what Acadia has to offer and I am confident that with your help we will reach and exceed our goal.

I am inviting you to get involved and encourage fellow alumni and friends to support the campaign.

Visit campus, enjoy one of the many alumni events we host here at home and around the world, and share the wonderful experiences you have had. Together, we can sustain the Acadia of today and build the Acadia of the future.

In Acadia spirit,

Dr. Peter J. Ricketts

Honorary Degree Recipients Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell, PC, CC, OBC, QC Doctor of Civil Laws

hold this office. In June 1993, she became the first and only

The Right Honourable Kim

Canadian Consul General in Los Angeles from 1996-2000.

Campbell’s life has been marked by firsts. From becoming her high school’s first female student president to becoming the first female Prime Minister of Canada, she has been breaking barriers for over 50 years.

woman to serve as Prime Minister of Canada, also making her the only Prime Minister to have held office in all three levels of government. Following her time in office, Campbell served as

Using her extensive understanding of leadership, Campbell now speaks all over the world on major issues related to teaching leadership, international politics, democratization, climate change, gender, and Canadian/American relations.

Her expertise in these areas is fueled by her service as head of several global organizations. She is a founding member of and has held several high-level positions within Club Madrid, an

Born in Port Alberni, BC but raised in Vancouver, Campbell

organization of former heads of government and state who work

attended the University of British Columbia, where she earned

to promote democratization through peer relations with leaders

a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science. She attended

of transitional democracies. Campbell served as the chairperson

the London School of Economics, where she worked on a PhD

of the Independent Advisory Board for Supreme Court of

in Soviet Studies. After returning to British Columbia, Campbell

Canada Judicial Appointments, chaired the steering committee

taught for six years before returning to UBC to pursue a law

of the World Movement for Democracy, is a member and chair

degree.

emerita of the Council of Women World Leaders, and served as

After being elected to positions in both municipal and provincial

President of the International Women’s Forum.

government, Campbell turned her focus to federal politics in

In 2001, Campbell became one of the inaugural fellows of

1988, when she ran successfully in the riding of Vancouver

the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University’s J.F.

Centre. In 1989, Campbell was appointed Minister of State for

Kennedy School of Government. She taught there for three

Indian Affairs and Northern Development and in 1990 as Minister

years, developing courses on democratic transition and

of Justice and Attorney General, becoming the first woman in

consolidation as well as gender and power. She continues to

Canada to hold this position. In January of 1993, Campbell was

visit and speak at the Centre. Today, Campbell dedicates much

appointed Minister of National Defence and Minister of Veterans

of her time to serving as the Founding Principal of the Peter

Affairs, making her the first woman in any NATO country to

Lougheed Leadership College at the University of Alberta.

Rev. Dr. David Watt Doctor of Divinity

During his time at Acadia, Watt was a member of the Acadia

Reverend Dr. David Watt is

Bruce. Bruce served as captain with David serving as assistant

a well-known member of the

captain. He was inducted into the Acadia Hockey Hall of Fame

Acadia campus community,

in the fall of 2007. Watt credits lessons learned in the hockey

whose ministry career spans

rink as being of great value throughout his time in the ministry.

over 50 years and across multiple countries. Born and raised in Marysville, New Brunswick, he left home to attend Acadia University, where he graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts. After a year spent studying in Scotland, Watt returned to Acadia to pursue a Bachelor of Divinity (’65). He

Axemen hockey team, where he played alongside his brother,

After his ordination in 1965, Watt spent 32 years serving as a pastor to churches both large and small in Nova Scotia and Alberta. He led First Baptist Church Dartmouth to become one of the largest and most active churches in Atlantic Canada.

During this time, he recruited the largest number of students to study for ministry in the Baptist Convention.

would return twice more to Acadia as a student, obtaining a

His passion for cross-cultural ministry led him to serve as the

Master of Theology in 1980 and a Doctor of Ministry in 1999.

Regional Supervisor for the Canadian Baptist Ministries in

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Issue 4 | fall 2018

Honorary Degree Recipients Europe and the Mediterranean. Throughout the late 1990s

In 2004, Watt returned to the Acadia campus, taking on the

and early 2000s, Watt and his late wife, Florence, served as

role of Director of Development and Recruitment and lecturer

missionaries overseas. His strong support and encouragement,

in the Acadia Divinity College, a role he served until his

as well as his ability to build relationships, allowed for a number

‘retirement’ in 2014. In his active retirement, he has served as

of partnerships to occur. Through his leadership, Katowice,

chaplain in hospital and continuing care facilities.

Poland became a centre of missionary experience for many teams from Canadian churches and Acadia students over the years.

Watt was awarded the Acadia Divinity College Alumni Distinguished Service Award in 2009 for his dedication and service to the ministry of the Christian Church, both in Canada and around the world.

Robert Fournier, PhD Doctor of Science

An acknowledged expert worldwide, Fournier has acted as an

Dr. Robert O. Fournier

is a former member of the Science Council of Canada and the

is a renowned scientist,

National Advisory Board on Science and Technology, where

advisor, administrator and

he reported directly to the Prime Minister. He chaired the Nova

educator. Born and raised in

Scotia Council of Applied Science and Technology, advising

Providence, Rhode Island,

the Nova Scotia government on science and technology policy.

he received a Bachelor of

At the request of the Premier, he acted as chair of the Halifax

Science from the University

Harbour Task Force and served as member of the Northern Cod

of Rhode Island (1961). He

Review Panel. Additionally, he chaired the Joint Public Review

went on to earn a Master’s

Panel for the Sable Offshore Energy Project, the Electricity

advisor on a number of projects provincially and nationally. He

from the College of William and Mary and a PhD from the

Marketplace Governance Committee, and the Joint Review

University of Rhode Island both in Biological Oceanography.

Panel for the proposed White Point Quarry on Digby Neck.

Following the completion of his doctorate, Fournier held fellowships in England and Norway before joining the faculty of the University of Hawaii in 1969.

A well-known interpreter of science to the public, Fournier has been a regular contributor of science commentaries to many local and national CBC radio and television programmes

Moving to Canada in 1971, Fournier joined Dalhousie

since 1974. He appeared as a regular science commentator

University’s Department of Oceanography, where he is now a

on the local radio show Information Morning and on national

Professor of Oceanography (Emeritus). His research interests

television on Midday, delivering over 2000 weekly contributions.

include studies of the physical and chemical processes that

In addition, he was a science columnist on This Country in the

contribute to the high biological productivity on continental

Morning for five years during the mid-1980s, hosted a one-hour

shelves. From 1985 to 2000, Fournier served as Dalhousie’s

TV documentary – Iceberg Alley – and has delivered numerous

Associate Vice-President – Research and International

speeches, both locally and nationally, usually on contemporary

Relations, and Executive Director of Ocean Studies, where he

science issues.

was instrumental in facilitating the acquisition of a number of important research initiatives.

Fournier is presently active in marine-related projects in Uruguay and Nunavut and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Nova Scotia tidal energy test centre FORCE.

Issue 4 | fall 2018

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Honorary Degree Recipients Elder Albert Marshall Doctor of Humanities

Through his work, two-eyed seeing has been embraced across

Albert Marshall is a

locally and internationally. It was included in the global sciences

highly respected and

celebrations for the International Year of Astronomy in 2009 and

much-loved Elder of the

in October 2011, Elders Albert and Murdena highlighted the

Mi’kmaq Nation who lives

message of two-eyed seeing at the Truth and Reconciliation

in Eskasoni First Nation in

Commission of Canada’s National Atlantic Event in Halifax, NS.

Unama’ki (Cape Breton).

Known for his passionate advocacy for cross-cultural understandings and healing, Elder Albert is the acknowledged voice for the Mi’kmaq people on environmental issues affecting lands, forests, and fisheries. He sits on various committees that develop and guide collaborative initiatives and understanding in natural resource management that inform First Nations’ governance issues and work toward ethical environmental, social, and economic practices.

the globe, being used in a number of diverse projects both

Additionally, Elders Albert and Murdena developed Knowledge Education and Culture Consultant Associates (KECCA) to better enable their work seeking the preservation, understanding, and promotion of cultural beliefs and practices among all Mi’kmaq communities thereby encouraging a strong future for the Mi’kmaq Nation and its people. Elder Albert was instrumental in the development of Cape Breton University’s Integrative Science academic and multi-faceted research program in 2006.

The institute was the major research and outreach entity for Integrative Science. While it is no longer active, its Elders remain

Growing up, Elder Albert attended the Shubenacadie Residential

very much in demand. In the first half of 2017 alone, Elder Albert

School. Deeply affected by his experiences, he set out to

delivered nine major speeches and presentations on two-eyed

connect with and understand both the culture he was removed

seeing across Canada.

from and the culture he was forced into. Using his experiences, he became an advocate for a number of causes, including preserving, understanding and promoting cultural beliefs and practices among Mi’kmaq communities, encouraging a strong future for the Mi’kmaq nation and its people.

For his tremendous work promoting Mi’kmaw language and culture and fostering cross-cultural reconciliation, Elder Albert has received numerous awards. In February 2009, he was awarded the Marshall Award for Aboriginal Leadership as part of the Eco-Hero Awards delivered by the Nova Scotia

Together with his wife Murdena, Elder Albert is a strong

Environmental Network. In October 2009, he and Murdena

advocate for Etuaptmumk, or “two-eyed seeing”, a phrase he

were awarded Honorary Doctorate of Letters degrees by

coined for the concept of multiple perspectives, Aboriginal and

Cape Breton University.

non-Aboriginal, being used together to solve pressing issues.

Hon. Mayann E. Francis, ONS Doctor of Civil Laws The Honourable Mayann Francis has spent her life dedicated to trying to effect change. She attended Saint Mary’s University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1972.

Francis went on to complete a Master of Public Administration at New York University in 1984, and holds a certificate in Equal Opportunity Studies from Cornell University, a certificate in Paralegal Studies from Long Island University, and a certificate in Theological Studies from the Atlantic School of Theology.

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Issue 4 | fall 2018

Francis’s career can be defined as one of leadership, tirelessly working to advocate for and advance diversity and equality in all social settings. Her roles have included human rights officer for the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, assistant deputy minister with the Ontario Women’s Directorate, making her the first black woman to hold the position, the first employment equity officer for Dalhousie University, and CEO and Director of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. Additionally, she became the first woman ombudsman of Nova Scotia, where her job was to address complaints involving provincial or municipal government departments, agencies, boards, and commissions. In 2006, Francis was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, a position she held until 2012. She is the first African Nova Scotian and second African Canadian to hold this position. Her notable achievements during this time include invoking royal prerogative

Honorary Degree Recipients to posthumously grant a free pardon to civil rights pioneer Viola

Award, the Silver Plaque Award from the Nova Scotia Human

Desmond, making her the first vice-regal representative to grant

Rights Commission, and the Queen’s Diamond and Golden

the Royal Prerogative of Mercy, Free Pardon in the history of

Jubilee Medals. In 2006, she became a member of the Order of

Canada. In the fall of 2015, Dalhousie University appointed

Nova Scotia and has honorary degrees from the Atlantic School

Francis to the Faculty of Management, School of Public

of Theology, Mount Saint Vincent, Saint Mary’s, Dalhousie,

Administration as the first Distinguished Public Service Fellow.

and York Universities. She was awarded an Honorary Diploma

Adding to her already impressive list of accomplishments, she is

from Nova Scotia Community College. In 2015, the Nova

also a published author; her first children’s book, Mayann’s Train

Scotia Community College, Marconi Campus in Cape Breton,

Ride, was published in October 2015.

renamed the campus library The Honourable Mayann Francis

Francis has received many awards and honours for her work challenging systemic racial and gender barriers, including the Harry Jerome Award from the Black Business and Professional Association, the Multicultural Education Council of Nova Scotia

Library. She has established awards at both the Nova Scotia Community College and the Atlantic School of Theology. Francis has also established the Honourable Mayann Francis Hope and Inspiration Award, to provide financial assistance to students enrolled on all 13 campuses.

Lorie Kane, CM Doctor of Humanities

Boston. Following this, she found immense success, recording

Professional golfer Lorie Kane’s

her first LPGA tour victory at the Michelob Light Classic in

connection to Acadia extends

August 2000. She won on the LPGA tour three more times: the

far beyond Convocation. Her

New Albany Golf Classic, the Mizuno Classic, and the LPGA

sister Mary (’84) is an alumna

Takefugi Classic. She was also the Canadian PGA Women’s

and Kane herself came to Acadia

Champion from 1996-1999 and again in 2001.

in 1984 before leaving to pursue her dream of playing professional golf.

34 top-10 finishes, including nine second-places, before earning

Since 1997, Kane has been an advocate for KidSport, an organization that aims to help eliminate financial barriers to allow children to participate in sport. She has served as an honorary

Kane began playing golf at the age of five in her home province

spokesperson, promoter and ambassador of the program, and

of Prince Edward Island. Coached by Canadian Golf Hall of Fame

is also one of its most generous contributors. Her annual golf

member Jack McLaughlin, she found great success in her junior

charity, the Lorie Kane Charity Golf Classic, has raised over

and amateur careers. She was the P.E.I Junior Girls’ Champion

$850,000 for organizations like KidSport, Ronald McDonald

twice and P.E.I Women’s Amateur Champion nine times between

Children’s Charities, the ALS Society, and the QEH Foundation.

1983 and 1992. Her impressive amateur career saw her represent Canada numerous times on the international stage.

She won the Mexican Amateur championship in 1991 and was a member of the Canadian Commonwealth Team in 1991 and the 1992 Canadian World Amateur Team. She was also a member of Team Canada, Women’s Golf, 2015 Pan-Am Games.

Kane has been recognized dozens of times for her outstanding commitment to the game and her promotion of access to sports for kids. In 1998, she was awarded the Heather Farr Player Award in 1998, and the William and Mousie Powell Award in 2000. In 2006, she was presented with the Order of Canada and in 2011 she received the Humanitarian Award for Prince

Kane turned professional in 1993, and three years later earned

Edward Island for her work with charitable organizations, and

exempt status on the Ladies’ Professional Golf Association

promoting access to sports. In 2014, Kane was inducted into

(LPGA) tour. That same year she recorded her first top-10 finish,

the PEI Sports Hall of Fame and in 2016 into the Canadian Golf

with an eighth place at the PING Welch’s Championship in

Hall of Fame.

For a full list of Acadia’s Honorary Degree and other distinguished award recipients please visit our Advancement website https://www2.acadiau.ca/alumni-friends/alumni/awards.html

Issue 4 | fall 2018

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Alumni Profile

Geraldine Browning (DH ’14) Geraldine Browning has a simple philosophy – embrace each

love, and never be afraid to fail. Church and community were highly

moment with humour and faith, and teach young people to respect

valued, as was a willingness to help those who were less fortunate.

one another.

Getting an education was important, too. Geraldine, who never went

In May 2014, Browning, of Gibson Woods, Nova Scotia, received a

to university, says she wanted to, “but there was never time and never

Doctor of Humanities from Acadia University. Known as a ‘people and

money. So I told all my kids, ‘Stay in school until you’re 90!’”

community builder,’ this energetic Valley resident has spent the better part of her life encouraging others, as a teacher, nurse or community advocate, but perhaps more importantly as a mother of nine children.

She also has 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Reflecting on her role as a parent, Browning says she learned valuable lessons from her own mother, even though growing up in a family of 16 children in East Preston was difficult. Times were tough.

Greg says, “Most of us have some level of post-secondary education, even though both she and my father never graduated high school.”

Currently the Chair of the Valley African Nova Scotia Development Association, Geraldine has dedicated her life to improving the social and economic well-being of those in her community and throughout Nova Scotia.

While there may not have been a lot of money, she says there was

“Her generosity and support of community and helping others has

certainly lots of love.

seen many of us involved with community activities,” Greg says.

“Love conquers all,” Browning says, “and you have to love what you’re doing. I love being a mother, even though I’ve had my days.

Giving back is clearly a Browning family priority, and something that happens as a matter of course.

But with God in your life, love can conquer anything. That has been

Small wonder that the news she would receive an honorary degree

my thing.”

from Acadia came as a total shock. “When I grew up, it was difficult

She says that no matter what, her mother always found a way to distill challenges and find the positive. Browning has taught her children to do the same: to get along; to have faith and good humour; and to reach out and expect nothing in return.

“Don’t complain and appreciate what you have. That’s the way I was taught. And what you do, you do from the heart – you don’t expect anything back.” Her mother, she says with emotion in her voice, “was special. She was special.”

Geraldine’s son Greg says that growing up, his mother stressed the importance of family, faith, and respect for others. Everyone was encouraged to work hard, accept responsibility, offer unconditional

to get past Grade 8, so I was very emotional when (then University President) Ray Ivany told me about this. I went toward him, leaned on him, and cried. It was something I couldn’t believe.

“Now some people are saying to me, ‘Oh, Doctor,’ but I’m not a doctor. I’m Geraldine. That’s who I am, and I’m sure there had to be a divine intervention for this to happen!” she says with a laugh. “I’ve tried to do what I can for people, do for others what you want people to do for you. That’s what my mother taught me.”

Humble as ever, she adds, “I’ve never done anything big. Just little things.”

The culmination of those ‘little things’ have had a huge impact on her family, those in her community, and throughout Nova Scotia.

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Issue 4 | fall 2018

Alumni Profile

Bruce Galloway (BCO ’68, DCL ’03) The Chair of Acadia’s Board of Governors, John Rogers (’79),

Executive-in-Residence between 1999 and 2002. In 2013, he

announced in April, 2018 that alumnus Bruce Galloway (’68) would

stepped forward to lead the Twenty Wing campaign to renovate

be the University’s Seventh Chancellor. Galloway succeeded Libby

Patterson Hall as the new home of the Manning School of Business

Burnham (’60), Acadia’s first female Chancellor, after she concluded

and was the campaign’s first donor. In addition to the Patterson

her seven-year term during this year’s Convocation ceremonies.

Hall project, Galloway has been a generous donor to the new

“I am delighted that the Board has selected Bruce to be Acadia’s next Chancellor,” Rogers said. “We have known Bruce as a Board member and supporter of Acadia, and his affection for this community is boundless.”

Galloway came to Acadia in 1964 from his home in Montreal to study and play football. An exceptional athlete, he played both offensive and defensive end for his first two years before switching exclusively to defensive end for his final two seasons. When Acadia celebrated 50 years of varsity football in 2006, Bruce was named a member of the 1960s All-Decade team. Originally a science student, Galloway switched faculties and in 1968 graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce. Immediately following graduation, he joined the Royal Bank of Canada, where he held progressively senior positions, ultimately being appointed Vice-Chairman in 1994 and serving in this role until his retirement in 1999.

Since retirement, Galloway has remained active in the business world as a board member of several private and public-sector companies and continues to offer today’s business leaders and entrepreneurs the benefit of his extensive experience. He is one of Acadia University’s most important volunteer leaders and

Stevens Centre, and the Sheila (Nickerson) Galloway ScholarBursary is awarded annually to an entering student from Nova Scotia on the basis of financial need and academic performance.

For his extraordinary contributions to Acadia, Bruce was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Civil Laws in 2003 and recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2015.

“Throughout his life and career, whether at Acadia, in business, or in community service, Bruce has led by example,” said Dr. Peter Ricketts, Acadia’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “He embodies the Acadia spirit and has mentored and inspired countless alumni to not only succeed in their chosen careers, but to give back generously to their community. His roles as Chair of both Ovarian Cancer Canada and the Oakville Hospital Foundation exemplify his strong personal commitment to making our communities better, more caring places for everyone.”

“I am honored and delighted to be able to represent Acadia as its Chancellor,” Galloway said. “I am really looking forward to following in Libby Burnham’s and Chancellor Emeritus Arthur Irving’s footsteps, meeting students, faculty, alumni and supporters of this fine university and doing what I can to further its success.”

benefactors, and he stands with a very select group who have

Galloway was installed as Acadia’s Seventh Chancellor Monday,

made a unique contribution to the University’s institutional reputation

May 14, 2018 during Convocation for the Faculty of Professional

for excellence.

Studies, which included graduates in Education, Community

He served on Acadia’s Board of Governors from 1991 to 2009

Development, Kinesiology, and, fittingly, Business.

and served three years as Acadia’s Manning School of Business

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Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

Dr. Carmen O’Neill (BSc ’83) In April 2018, Dr. Carmen O’Neill’s service to her family and community

Dr. O’Neill is an ardent supporter of Global Brigades as well,

was recognized when Acadia University and the Acadia Alumni

dispensing on a volunteer basis health care to under-resourced

Association named her as a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

communities in Honduras. She has provided mentorship,

For more than 25 years, Dr. O’Neill (’83) has been a valuable part of the Nova Scotia health care system, serving as a family physician in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia in practice with her husband, Dr. Everett

leadership, support and encouragement to the many students working on the brigade with a combination of professionalism and a passion for people.

Weagle (’84). She is also a member of the Department of Family

Dr. O’Neill is the mother of two daughters, Rachael (’16) and Kirsten

Medicine at the South Shore Regional Hospital, volunteers with

Weagle, both of whom are pursuing degrees in medicine. Dr. O’Neill

Harbour House, offering safety, comfort and hope to women who

and her husband live in Hebbville, Nova Scotia.

are victims of abuse and their children, and is an advisory Board member for 811 (Nova Scotia).

Upcoming Events Hong Kong Campaign for Acadia Launch November 22, 2018 Kuala Lumpur Alumni Gathering November 26, 2018 Singapore Alumni Gathering November 27, 2018 Wolfville Campaign for Acadia Launch November 27, 2018 Ottawa Campaign for Acadia Launch December 4, 2018 Montreal Holiday Gathering December 6, 2018 Halifax Campaign for Acadia Launch December 12, 2018 Florida Florida Luncheon March 19, 2019 Halifax Gala Dinner TBD Wolfville Acadia Alumni Association AGM May 11, 2019 Campus Convocation May 12-13, 2019 Campus Summer Reunion July 5-7, 2019 New Minas Alumni Golf Tournament July 26, 2019

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Issue 4 | fall 2018