Acadia Bulletin - Spring 2019

SPRING 2019

A FORCE OF NATURE AUTHOR SHEREE FITCH USES RHYME TO DISPEL THE DARK AND EMBRACE THE LIGHT PAGE 4

CAMPAIGN

for ACADIA EvEry gift mat tErs “acadia gave me my foundation and the skills i needed to fly. it is because of the leadership roles, networks and education that i gained at acadia that i am where i am today. Providing the support to make this dream possible for others is simply the way i choose to say thank you!”

Kerel Pinder (’06) Cabinet member, Campaign for Acadia

Join Us. Campaign for Acadia.

Author, TEDx Talk speaker, and award-winning playwright Kerel Pinder is Managing Director of Island Dreams Management in the Bahamas. An advocate for living a creative life, she has produced a motivational memoir and four successful stage plays.

campaign.acadiau.ca

CabinEt mEmbErs nancy mcCain (’82), Cabinet Chair, toronto | Clive anderson (’89), singapore | Paul bailey (’75), toronto Libby burnham (’60), 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), toronto/new glasgow | ian macneily (’81), toronto tracey mcgillivray (’87/’15), Ottawa/toronto | Kevin mullen (’86), Calgary | Larry mussenden (’86), bermuda Kerel Pinder (’06), freeport, bahamas | David roy (’08), toronto | Derek smith (’05), London, UK Cynthia trudell (’74), armonk, new york | stephen Wetmore (’75), toronto | Lana Wood (’82), Calgary/vancouver francis yip (’90), Hong Kong | Ex OffiCiO mEmbErs: bruce galloway (’68), Chancellor John rogers (’79), Chair, board of governors | Dr. Peter ricketts, President and vice-Chancellor ron smith (’71), Chair, advancement Committee | ryan Conrod (’06), President, acadia alumni association Dr. rod morrison, vice-President, advancement | bruce Phinney (’81), advancement Liaison Committee george Philp (’19), 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 Alumni Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Eye on Acadia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Campaign for Acadia . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

FEATURES

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Next level Former hoop star Shaquille Smith (’16) knows a lot about high performance, both as an athlete and community advocate, and is dedicated to making a difference.

Alumni Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Alumni Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Acadia Remembers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Final Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

ON THE COVER: Author, Acadia alumna, Honorary Degree recipient and Distinguished Alumni of Acadia University award winner Dr. Sheree Fitch.

(Photo courtesy of Sheree Fitch; Keith Minchin Photographer)

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At the top of her game In her role as Executive Director of Hockey Nova Scotia, Amy Walsh (’99) is committed to making the game accessible, safe and fun at all levels of the sport.

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Campaign for Acadia gains momentum In an unprecedented show of support, more than 5,000 individuals, corporations, foundations and other allies have committed approximately $61 million so far to Campaign for Acadia.

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Championship season!

The Acadia Axewomen basketball team led the way in Athletics this year, capturing their second consecutive AUS championship in the final.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

PEOPLE POWER AND POSITIVE ENERGY

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PHOTO: PETER OLESKEVICH

T

he power of positive energy is a phrase used to describe the spillover effect of a good attitude on outcomes in all facets of life. For those who do not know her, Acadia Axewoman Haley McDonald radiates positive energy. During the 2019 AUS Women’s Basketball Championships, Haley not only led the Axewomen to their second consecutive conference title, she also set an all-time AUS single game points record with 51 during a huge semi-final win over UPEI. Her energy, and the support for her from her teammates, propelled the team to an inspirational triumph.

At Acadia, we see the effects of positive energy all the time. The thousands of S.M.I.L.E. volunteers from the Acadia community know the feeling very well. Our student researchers who see their name published on a paper for the very first time understand the motivational boost that comes from it, and our donors impart their own form of positive energy by investing in scholarships and facilities that support student success.

These experiences influence outcomes and sometimes dramatically change the course of individual lives. The goal, of course, is for the Acadia experience amplified by positive ambition to be used as a pattern that can be repeated throughout a lifetime. This edition of the Bulletin introduces you to fellow alumni who have used their Acadia experience as a springboard for success.

You will also find an update on the Campaign for Acadia, the largest fundraising effort in our history. I have been overwhelmed by the positive reception to the Campaign so far and the generosity of our lead donors. We have a considerable way to go before we reach our fundraising goal, but the outcomes from

donor investments will make a fundamental difference to the positive energy on campus and the capacity we will have to shape tomorrow’s leaders.

It has been an immense pleasure to meet alumni at our various Campaign launch events around the world and to hear, see and feel the enthusiasm for this place.

This support will, like the 2019 basketball Axewomen, provide tremendous momentum and ultimately lift us to victory.

Yours in Acadia spirit, Dr. Peter Ricketts President and Vice-Chancellor

ACADIA ALUMNI PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

SPRING 2019

WE ALL CONTRIBUTE TO ACADIA’S MAGIC AND MOMENTUM

Volume 102 / Issue 1 Publisher Office of Advancement, Acadia University Editor Fred Sgambati (’83) Vice President, Advancement Rod Morrison Executive Director, Alumni Affairs and Advancement Strategy Ian Murray (’88) Advertising Manager Sandra Symonds Alumni Association Board of Directors Ryan Conrod (’06) Donalda MacBeath (’75) David Davidson (’81) Tammy Walker (’92) Stephanie Reid (’05) Hilary Arenburg Gobien (’12) Marian Reid (’85) Matt Rios (’14) Tony Stewart (’72) Rebecca Carr (’15) Fred Gilbert (’65) Ted Upshaw (’80) Heather Hickman (’77) Leah McNally (’07) Kyle Power (’13) Carol D’Amelio (’72) Christine Luckasavitch (’11) Sam Zhang (’05) Jeff Aucoin (’95) Olivia Bryant (’19, ex-officio) Taylor Wilson (’20, 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 ©2019 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

S

pring is such an uplifting time of year – with it comes the break in cold weather and darkness and the promise of many months of warmth and sunshine.

This edition of the Bulletin embraces all the magic that springtime offers and rewards readers with stories from our alumni about how Acadia helped set their aspirations in motion and empowered them to pursue glowing futures.

I suspect Matthew Corkum (’06) could not have forecasted the unique career path that Acadia made possible for him. I wasn’t smart enough to sit in on any of the physics classes Matt was taking while at Acadia, but I did have the opportunity to learn a few things from him during his valedictory address to our graduating class. I recall his message to the group of eager graduates that spring evening as thought-provoking, moving and full of positive energy.

A new class of Acadia graduates have recently crossed the stage at Convocation Hall. On behalf of the Alumni Association I offer the Class of 2019 a sincere welcome to our alumni family! I was honoured to have the chance to meet many of you at the graduation banquet and Convocation ceremonies. We look forward to learning how your experience at Acadia continues to shape your bright futures.

You are always welcome at Acadia and please make sure to keep in touch.

Acadia has tremendous momentum as it wraps up the 2018-2019 academic year and looks forward to the future. A significant driving force behind this momentum is the excitement of Campaign for Acadia. Alumni from far and wide, together with an array of community and business leaders, have made significant contributions to Campaign for Acadia. It is off to a great start and the Acadia Alumni Association is dedicated to its success.

The Alumni Association recently committed $1.5 million to support the Campaign’s objectives until its conclusion. We continue to call on all alumni to donate to the Campaign for Acadia. Please consider pledging your support to this great cause; no gift is too small and every donation will help sustain the Campaign’s momentum and bring the University closer to its overall objective.

Thank you for your continued interest in your alma mater and I truly hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Bulletin.

Stand Up and Cheer!

Ryan Conrod (‘06) President, Acadia Alumni Association

ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2019

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A FORCE OF NATURE Award-winning author Sheree Fitch uses rhyme to banish the dark and embrace the light

By Fred Sgambati (’83)

I

f you’ve ever had the chance to spend some time with award-winning author and Acadia alumna Sheree Fitch (’94, ’04 HON), you’ll know exactly what it’s like to hold lightning in a bottle.

A talented and celebrated writer, Fitch is also very much a force of nature whose honesty and candour are deliciously refreshing. You can imagine synapses firing as she talks, and few subjects are off limits. She is completely fearless when discussing her work, artistic expression, life, mental health and death. These curious and difficult things have woven a fabric of endeavour around her that informs her muse and governs her perception of all things great and small, and it is a treat to share a conversation with her.

Fitch was born in Ottawa in 1956 to Maritime parents: her father hailed from Nova Scotia and her mother from New Brunswick. She has lived in Miramichi, Moncton and Fredericton as well as Wolfville, Washington for a time, and currently resides with her husband Gilles Plante in the village of River John, N.S. It’s also the home of Mabel Murple’s Book Shoppe and Dreamery, a retail outlet she opened with her husband in the summer of 2017. A going concern, the Dreamery hosted 8,000 people during its first nine-week season and another 8,000 more over eight weeks last year. It will open this year on Wednesday, July 3 until Labour Day Weekend and folks from all over are invited to come for a visit. The opening will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Read By The Sea Festival and Wordplay (for children of all ages).

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Take nonsense very seriously Fitch grew up hearing about Acadia from family members who had attended, including her grandfather, Murray Fitch (‘34), who described a positive and welcoming experience that resonated with her.

She arrived in Wolfville as a mature student in 1987 after obtaining a BA from St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB, having been married, divorced and a single parent of two small children, Jordan and Dustin, by then. She had been developing her poetic voice as well and published her first book, Toes in My Nose, in 1987 as well, the same year in which she graduated from St. Thomas.

Acadia was the only university in Canada Fitch could find that offered a Master’s in children’s literature, thereby fulfilling her ambition to produce a scholarly work exploring the impact of oral traditions of childhood poetry and the value of nonsense in literature. Entitled The sweet chorus of ha, ha, he!: polyphony in utterature: a collection of writings on children’s poetry, it was a bold statement that had the full support of one of Fitch’s key mentors, Dr. Hilary Thompson.

“I always say, ‘I take my nonsense very seriously,’” Fitch notes, “and I’ve never felt that it was less literature.

Different, yes, but not a lesser literature, and worthy of study. Hilary allowed me that opportunity. She changed my life: she encouraged me to study children’s literature, be a pioneer, and did so in a soft, gentle and loving way.”

ALUMNI PROFILES

It stoked the creative coals Fitch had banked as she navigated the failed marriage, and gave her the confidence to delve deeper into her craft and the rich traditions of poesy and nonsense. Her early stories, “came from a mother’s heart. Toes in My Nose was written for my son and it came directly from my experience as a young mother.”

Despite dark and challenging times, Fitch continued to write and dreamed of a bigger and better future for her young family. After hearing an interview on the radio between Alice Munro and Peter Gzowski (’96, HON), Fitch had an epiphany. She looked at her baby on the floor and said, ‘Honey, someday that man is going to interview your mother.’

“I think if anyone had heard that they would have thought I was delusional,” Fitch says, “but it was almost like vowing to that baby that I would make it.” And she did, reaching a national audience after doing an interview with Gzowski once Sleeping Dragons All Around was published in 1989. He was in Toronto and she was in Fredericton, and the pair connected immediately. Fitch would later become a frequent guest on Morningside and serve as poet laureate for numerous Peter Gzowski Invitational golf tournaments.

“I call him my patron saint of literacy. He was like my permissionary. He gave me permission to believe in myself, and my career would not have been my career without him. He had a big heart for children’s literature and the forum I was given to reach a national audience with my second book – he had a lot to do with how lucky I got.”

Sheree Fitch, circa. 1994, receiving her Honorary Degree in Acadia University’s Convocation Hall.

PHOTO: DAN CALLIS

Successes and challenges Over the next three decades, it seems the luck never ran out. After 30 books, plays, anthologies, adaptations and accolades aplenty, you would think Fitch’s life would be idyllic, but few things are as they seem. Adversity is very much reality at times, but her voice remains strong and her positive outlook is undiminished, although there are certainly days when a kind word and a cup of tea go a long way.

She is remarkably forthcoming about her husband’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and her son Dustin’s sudden death at age 37 in March of last year. Dustin was, by her admission, a labour of love who struggled with neurodevelopmental delays from an early age that

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resulted in learning difficulties, depression, addiction and finally his death.

The past year has been a journey of hurt and healing for Fitch and her family as they have worked to find a new path amid unrelenting grief. Fitch’s most recent publication, EveryBody’s Different on EveryBody Street, is a multi-layered, complex and passionate call for compassion and ‘oneness’ in the world. It’s also a very personal reflection on mental wellness and illness that began with an overture from the Nova Scotia Hospital Foundation in 2001 to write a poem for the 10th anniversary of the Festival of Trees fundraiser.

The idea was to create a poem that would be part of a booklet to take into schools and distribute as a discussion piece to students in Grade 4 to Junior High. “I didn’t want to do it,” Fitch says. The subject was still taboo and hit perhaps a little too close to home. Her son was battling illness and addiction and she and her husband were in the thick of it when the commission was offered.

However, on a drive to New York City, Fitch and her husband explored the matter and Gilles told her he thought she was afraid to touch the subject because she was ashamed and felt somewhat guilty. “But look at what you’re living,” he said. “Who else could understand it?”

It was a simple and provocative question that lingered as she walked the streets of New York. Eventually, inspired by the diversity of the people around her, she wrote the poem and, 17 years later, published it as a book with artwork by Emma FitzGerald and Dustin’s blessing.

“Everybody’s got something,” she says, “yet at the core human level, we all love, we all cry, there’s a shared humanity. This book is a call to kindness, acknowledging that we are very different from one another, but we are one body.” In the end, ‘EVERYONE/Is travelling on EveryBody Street/And EveryOne IS EveryOne/And AnyOne you meet.’

The book will always mean something to her, Fitch says.

“Because we have a knowledge of darkness, we have the power to create light.” Nonsense literature is a “literature of optimism and, in the end, good will out. There is always redemption and a way toward the light.”

It may not be so obvious sometimes and after Dustin’s death Fitch wondered if she could ever write another children’s book. Last September, though, she worked for three weeks and discovered she could still do it, could still find the joy. She hints as well that we can expect more to come in the next year or two, and we can’t wait.

Being quiet and listening deeply You never know how things go. At the age of 62, Sheree Fitch holds three honorary doctorates (from Acadia, St. Thomas and St. Mary’s), is a Distinguished Acadia Alumni Award recipient and a Canadian literary icon. Yet she is content to spend her time with her husband on their Happy Doodle Do Hobby Farm in River John, listening carefully to those tiny and spirited voices that suggest she still has something to say and operating a small bookstore that deals in hardcover and paperback dreams.

“All of us have wishes and schemes,” Fitch says.

She is so grateful to see incredible sparks of light in the people, community and world around her, and says with confidence that experience and time have taught her that “it all goes back to being quiet and listening deeply. I refuse to live in a world that’s dark and choose instead to aim high and modify when you have to. That’s the best thing for me. You don’t have to know everything you need to know to begin the dream.”

It’s all about hope and positivity, two things that are entirely characteristic of Fitch’s work, essence and philosophy. Like her intricate nonsense and boundless energy, she is both powerful and joyful, keenly aware of the dark but imbued with a light and presence that is just as strong today as it was once upon a time when dragons walked our earthly imagination and there was absolutely nothing wrong with toes in our nose.

Acadia Reminiscence “There are so many,” says Sheree Fitch, when asked to recall a favourite moment at Acadia, “but I think about when I walked into Dr. Hilary Thompson’s office. It was a pivotal year for me and there she was, sitting in a wheelchair. She had a brilliant mind, a big soul, and I admired her so much. I was so scared and intimidated, but I remember sitting with her in that office and feeling her incredible stillness and peace. She was so lovely and giving, and I went, ‘This is the woman I’m going to study with and I am so blessed.’ She treated me as a person in the middle of a life; I felt nurtured that whole year and it was a very positive thing.”

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ALUMNI PROFILES

HERE’S HOW TO START AN ACADIA TRADITION

By Rachel Cooper (’89)

W

hen Meg Ostling (’19) graduates this spring with a BBA, she’ll be the latest in a family-wide Acadia tradition that began when her maternal grandparents moved to Wolfville in 1976.

Michael and Kathleen Bergin, originally from Ireland, were working in England when they decided to immigrate to Canada in 1962 with their two toddlers.

Michael, a psychiatrist, joined the Canadian Armed Forces and was stationed in Ottawa, where three more Bergin children were born. In the early 1970s, he was stationed in Germany for three years before the family

returned to Canada in 1976.

With five children, the Bergins could see the advantages of settling in a town that had a university practically in their backyard. As both parents were professionals – Kathleen was a nurse – it’s no surprise that all five attended university: Fiona (’80), Ailish (’83), Siobhan (’83), Patrick (’84), and Deirdre (’87), who is the youngest, and Meg Ostling’s mother. All except Ailish became physicians (Fiona is also a lawyer) and use the Bergin name. Ailish – now McIntyre, married to Don McIntyre (’83) – earned an MBA and made her career in human resources.

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Meg Ostling (’19), daughter of Deirdre Bergin.

Siobhan Bergin (’22), the newest Bergin at Acadia.

Deirdre Bergin (’87)

“It was very welcoming, and the professors were very approachable and actually cared about their students. It’s part of us.”

“We’re a very close family,” Meg says now. “Growing up, I had so many fond memories of Wolfville when my grandparents lived here. And when I was in junior high, I started going to Acadia basketball camps in the summer.

Getting to spend a couple of weeks here every summer was a huge influence on me wanting to come here.”

Meg’s brother Sean Ostling graduated from Acadia in 2018, and three cousins are here now: Niamh Fraser (Siobhan’s daughter, in third year); Ailish Bergin (Patrick’s daughter, in second year); and Siobhan Bergin (another daughter of Patrick’s, in first year).

A special house The family connection to Acadia began almost the moment they set foot in Wolfville. The house on Main Street they had fallen in love with happened to belong to the late Marjorie (Manning) Fountain (’99) and Sheldon L. Fountain (’39), who were selling. Marjorie and her mother had established the Manning Memorial Chapel at Acadia in memory of her father, Fred C. Manning (1916), and Marjorie later established the Sheldon L. Fountain Learning Commons in memory of her husband, who

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founded Acadia’s business school.

“We always wondered if the Fountains could have sold that house for a lot more money if they hadn’t felt so intently that a family should buy it,” Deirdre says. “I think that probably helped my parents get it. The Fountains wanted a family in their home.”

All five Bergins have warm memories of Acadia, Deirdre adds. “It was very welcoming, and the professors were very approachable and actually cared about their students.

It’s part of us.”

Her sister Ailish was only 17 when she started at Acadia.

Younger than most of her classmates, she appreciated the many opportunities to meet people outside her business program. “One of my closest friends today I met at the pre-registration for Frosh Week,” she says. “We were both 17 years old. She’s a teacher in Halifax and visits us in Ontario every summer. I see her regularly when I go to Halifax to see my parents.”

Ailish’s husband, Don, was also in the business program, although they hadn’t met before a friend introduced them.

“I tell my kids that Acadia may be small, but it’s not as small as they might think,” she says. “There are so many different people and such variety that you don’t meet everybody.”

ALUMNI PROFILES

Ailish and Don were married in Manning Memorial Chapel in 1989. Her three sisters were also married there: Fiona in 1986, Siobhan in 1993 and Deirdre in 1995.

“Getting married in the Manning Chapel was, aside from it being Acadia, always special because of our family’s connection to Marjorie Manning,” Ailish says.

Extended Acadia family

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BERGIN FAMILY

Don McIntyre’s parents are part of the Bergins’ extended Acadia family. Norm (’60) and Jane (Golding) McIntyre (’60) met at Acadia on a blind date. Jane crawled out a basement window at Tully (Whitman House) to meet him.

“We were both at summer school, and in those days you had to be in by seven o’clock at night,” Jane says. “In the summertime it’s still pretty nice in the evening, so I went out the window, against the rules.”

Both Norm and Jane, who live in Ontario, have close

friends from their Acadia days. “The members of my Home Economics class still keep in touch after almost 60 years,” Jane says. “They’re really good friendships.”

Norm has served on Acadia’s Board of Governors since 2003. Their three children – Don, Tim and Sara – hold degrees from Acadia and Jane’s parents, Alice and Jack Golding, both graduated from Acadia in 1933.

Today, Patrick’s daughter Siobhan is the newest Bergin at Acadia and hopes to graduate with a BSc in Biology in 2022. “Acadia really does feel like a second home to me,” she says. “And part of this is probably because so many of my family members have gone to Acadia. It’s nice to be in the same place knowing they were studying here too.”

As Meg Ostling prepares to take up a position with Deloitte in Toronto following graduation, she reflects on what Acadia means to her family. “I love that I have such a family legacy here,” she says. “It feels like we have roots.

Acadia has always had a really special sense of home for me.”

Norm (’60) and Jane McIntyre (’60) (back row and middle row centre) celebrated their 80th birthdays in 2018 with all their children and grandchildren. On the right are Ailish (Bergin, ’83) and Don McIntyre (’83) and their children Maggie, Brigitte and Evan.

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Shaquille Smith (’16), at Colour in Halifax.

A NEXT LEVEL KIND OF GUY Former hoop star Shaquille Smith knows a lot about high performance, both as an athlete and community advocate

By Fred Sgambati (’83)

F

or Acadia alumnus Shaquille Smith (’16), it’s always next level. As a student, a star basketball player, community advocate or employee, one question persists: what’s the secret to success?

What are others doing to get to the next level and how can I get there, too?

His determination to be better has allowed him to forge an enviable path in life. He works as a digital strategist at Colour, a creative agency in Halifax; is a board member and chair of marketing and fundraising for Veith House, which fosters vibrant communities; coaches high school basketball; and received in April a Harry Jerome Award from the Black Business and Professional Association. The awards, established in 1983 in memory of the late Olympian and social advocate Harry Jerome, recognize and honour achievements in the Canadian Black community.

He was the MVP of the men’s basketball team in 2015 and earned an AUS Community Service Award in 2016,

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but not everything was so rosy way back when. There were challenges and Smith had to up his game to keep his edge and make good things happen.

He grew up in North Preston, Nova Scotia, a small, friendly community in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

He played sports all day, every day and although he carved a reputation as a basketball player in high school and university, Smith’s first love was baseball. However, once he made the Canada Games for basketball, he channeled his talent into an enviable high school career that attracted scholarship offers from four universities: Manitoba, St. Francis Xavier, Cape Breton, and Acadia.

He met with then head hoops coach Steve Baur, current Athletic Director Kevin Dickie and current men’s coach Kevin Duffie during his campus visit and he liked the close-knit, community feel at Acadia. “They were super friendly and welcoming,” Smith says, and the campus felt like home. Coming to Acadia was “the best decision I ever made.”

ALUMNI PROFILES FEATURE

As excited as he was to attend Acadia, though, he experienced a puzzling complacency during the first two years of his tenure here that threatened his academic and athletic future. He had a 93 per cent average coming out of high school, but says he wasn’t really prepared for the rigour of being a student-athlete in university, with daily practices, a heavy course load, volunteer work, travel and games.

“It was my first time away from home, too,” he says, “and if you take your eye off the ball for just a second, things can creep up on you pretty fast. I almost failed in my first year, nearly lost my scholarship, and so I did some self-reflection and wondered what the people around me were doing to get to the next level.

Complacency had started to slip in and I needed to figure out my next goal.”

He noticed eventually that some of the older guys on the team were hunched over laptops on the bus, doing reports, studying, trying to get ahead, and he suddenly realized that commitment and discipline were crucial.

“I saw their behaviour and tried to mimic what they were doing. I was on my high horse, but I turned it around and learned from my failure. That’s what I want to blast out to the younger guys now. I want to say, ‘Yes, university basketball is a goal, but how do you stay hungry to get to the next level, the next set of goals?’”

Outdoor court in North Preston He preaches resiliency and resolve, and nowhere is that more evident than in his efforts to build a new $300,000 outdoor basketball court in North Preston.

At Acadia, Smith had to maintain a workout schedule during the summer as part of his training and most times when he went to the Community Centre in North Preston, it would be rented or busy and he would have to take a bus to Cole Harbour to get some court time.

Upon graduation, he knew how tired the local facility had become so he met with councillor David Hendsbee and others to discuss a top of the line court with new nets, bleachers, glass backboards and banners that would honour those from North Preston who had gone on to basketball distinction. A proposal was brought to council and the rest, as they say, is history. The nets and bleachers are in place and the first round of surface has been installed. This spring, another three-inch acrylic surface was applied and a grand opening was in the works.

PHOTO: PAUL ADAMS (ADAM’S PHOTOGRAPHY)

Puzzling complacency

Smith is also working on creating a non-profit organization for student-athletes to help prepare them for the different stages of their life during and beyond sport. He says his experiences at Acadia helped to unlock a passion to be in the community and make a difference.

Key mentors off the court included former president of the Associated Alumni of Acadia University Bruce Phinney (’81) and fellow hoop sensation Savior (Saj) Joseph (’02).

Bruce is a huge basketball fan and Smith says Phinney “was instrumental in my university career. He took me under his wing. And once I graduated, he invited me to the Alumni Gala and showed me how to network. He shared his expertise and worked to connect me.”

One of the people to whom Smith was introduced that night was Joseph, then a VP at Colour. “He gave me his card,” Smith recalls, “and told me to reach out to him.

He instantly took on that mentorship role.” Smith called Joseph about a week after receiving the invitation to get in touch and “the first thing Saj said to me was, ‘What took you so long to reach out? Why did you wait a week?’”

Joseph offered Smith an internship for a couple of months that turned into full-time employment and he has been with the agency ever since.

“Basketball took me to some great places,” Smith says, “but you can be consumed at a young age and not tap into your full potential or explore other interests. I want to wave a red flag and encourage young people to use sport to get a career, and plan to have a career long after sport. Definitely take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you and understand that being uncomfortable just means you’re growing.”

It’s pretty sound advice from a guy who has lived the dream and is only too willing to share its many benefits with others. He sees a need and takes action. If that isn’t next level, what is?

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BORNE ON THE WINDS OF CHANGE Outstanding Acadia experience gave energy meteorologist Matt Corkum a wonderful gift: independence

By Jim Prime (’69)

I

PHOTO: COURTESY OF MATT CORKUM

t’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good. An old proverb, to be sure, but Matt Corkum (’06) can vouch for its continued veracity in today’s high-tech world. His job with Dynasty Power in Calgary is to forecast weather and wind for power markets in Canada and the United States.

“Basically, I’m an energy meteorologist,” Corkum says. “My company trades electricity and natural gas. You may say, ‘What does that have to do with weather?’, but when it comes down to it, weather has to do with everything. We trade kind of like a stock market and what drives the price on a fundamental scale is supply and demand.

Matt Corkum: “My Acadia experience is what made me who I am today.”

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ALUMNI PROFILES Supply is somewhat fixed, but the weather drives electricity demand. If it’s hot outside, everyone turns on the A/C; if it’s cold outside, everyone cranks the heat; if it’s cloudy during the day, everyone keeps the lights factors increase the demand. My main function at the company is to turn weather into an electricity demand forecast.”

Corkum came to Acadia in the fall of 2002 after graduating from Park View Education Centre in Bridgewater, N.S., where he was class valedictorian. He arrived with some degree of anxiety because he was leaving behind his entire support system. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 18 months old, he had been dependent on his mother and teaching assistants to do his actual writing (scribing) for him.

“When I moved to Acadia, that was a super scary time for me, not knowing how this was going to play out. I actually can’t do any handwriting and so all throughout public school, mom played a huge role. After working hard all day she would spend her evenings scribing for me. At school, I had teaching assistants to help with tests and exams.”

His fears were quickly allayed when Acadia’s Physics department, combined with Accessible Learning, provided a senior physics student to act as his scribe. “I would meet him in the evenings and tell him what to write. He’d write it down and then he’d do the same for me for tests and exams. On exams, I got up to double the time that others did because it took me a long time to explain things.”

Greater independence In his sophomore year, Matt discovered a new computer program that allowed him to do math and physics equations more easily. This gave him greater independence, although he still had a scribe available when needed. Toward the end of his third year, an opportunity arose that proved to be a turning point in his life. “Dr. Richard Karsten, head of the math department, offered me a position for the summer to work with him researching ocean currents in Antarctica,” Corkum says.

“That really got me on track to discover what research really was. It was all computer simulations so I could do it independently, without a scribe. I was his only student and we worked really well together.”

But it wasn’t all academics. That summer his social life blossomed, too. “It changed my social life forever. I don’t know how many stayed to do research in sciences, but not that many. You become family. We were having barbecues almost every night or having dinner together. We had a softball league where the physics department played the math department and the biology department.”

When the summer was over, Corkum was still unsure what specific career direction to pursue, although he knew

that he wanted to do his Master’s and continue doing research. “I always loved the weather and meteorology, but I wasn’t sure what path would take me there.” He was accepted into several graduate programs, but decided to go to Dalhousie to pursue Oceanography and Atmospheric Science.

Corkum and his mother had chosen Acadia after careful scrutiny, and their proactive approach paid off. The Acadia Advantage program, under which he would be given a laptop for labs, had piqued his interest and several meetings with Acadia people followed. Today, Matt looks back at his Acadia days with fondness and appreciation.

“My Acadia experience is what made me who I am today,” he says.

Effective advocate Corkum has become a dedicated and effective advocate for those with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. “When I was younger I got made fun of and in my undergrad years I knew it was there, but didn’t see the importance of advocacy. However, as I go through life and now in my working career, I see how people just don’t understand how people with disabilities can contribute to society.

Everything comes down to understanding it. Even the medical school here in Calgary had me come in to talk to their first-year medical students to explain the disability by explaining my life. If doctors need that, the public needs it even more.”

Of the three universities he attended – Acadia, Dalhousie and York (where Matt earned his PhD in Atmospheric Science) – Corkum gives Acadia top marks for the assistance they gave him to continue his studies. “Acadia was by far the best, both in their willingness to provide scribes and in their easy access to someone who could help you,” he says. “They set it up and you didn’t have to jump through a hundred hoops. I talked to one person and they made it happen. My first meeting at Acadia was with James Sanford (Executive Director, Student Services, ’87).

He took a big interest in accessibility.”

When Corkum graduated from Acadia in 2006 he was again class valedictorian and in the audience that day were Chesley and Betty Fulton. Chesley’s cousin Gloria Fulton had cerebral palsy and Matt’s speech motivated them to establish the Gloria Fulton Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to an Acadia student with a physical disability, with preference given to an entering student from Nova Scotia. It is indeed an ill wind that blows nobody any good.

To learn more about Corkum’s advocacy for cerebral palsy, please visit: https://www.matthewcorkumspeaking. com/.

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AT THE TOP OF HER GAME Amy Walsh sets strong agenda in new role as Executive Director of Hockey Nova Scotia

By Fred Sgambati (’83)

A

my Walsh (’99) has played hockey at the club, varsity and professional level, and right now she’s at the top of her game.

A former captain of the Acadia varsity Axewomen and Academic All-Canadian who played semi-pro for a year in Switzerland after her university career concluded, Walsh is now Executive Director of Hockey Nova Scotia.

Her goal is to grow the sport in the province and have an impact at every level. Since taking the position in November 2018, Walsh has met with Minor Hockey Association representatives and volunteers throughout Nova Scotia, gathering information and working to chart a course that will attract young people to the game and sustain it in the future.

“I am listening and learning,” she says, “exploring more opportunities for kids to experience the game in a safe and quality environment. A priority of mine is to make hockey more accessible and representative of our diverse population. I want to find out from the grassroots what our challenges and opportunities are and ensure that our coaches are educated, trained and well supported.”

PHOTO: FRED SGAMBATI

Amy Walsh: “It’s important to have (a) supportive network, and this is truly what I had at Acadia.”

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ALUMNI PROFILES

The value of training and education comes naturally to this Kinesiology honours graduate, who says her time as a student-athlete at Acadia was transformative. Walsh’s experiences in the classroom and the arena provided leadership opportunities that inform her perspective today, and the social connections she made are just as strong now as then.

Reflecting on her time in Wolfville, Walsh says she had a protective ‘bubble’ around her as part of a close-knit and comfortable community that included friends like Shannon (Mahar) Brown (’99), Leah Rimmer (’99), Christine Pound (’00), Stacie (Drew) Rimmer (’99), Gillian (Lynch) Lirette (‘98), Anne (Dennison) Cullihall (‘99) and professors Gary Ness, Wendy Bedingfield and Jim MacLeod. “It’s important to have that supportive network,” she adds, “and this is truly what I had at Acadia.”

Not surprisingly, she stays in touch with many of them.

Walsh, who has three boys aged seven, nine and 11 with her husband Casey, met Shannon Brown in her first class at Acadia. Twenty years later, Brown has three boys also and lives one street away from Walsh in Halifax. Walsh still sends a Christmas card to Ness each year and holds him in such high regard that she has trouble calling him ‘Gary’ and prefers instead ‘Dr. Ness’.

Life skills “I would definitely put my Acadia experience in three buckets,” Walsh says. “There was the student/schoolwork part of it, and I had a phenomenal experience. The social part was amazing, and then there was the hockey piece of it. I definitely learned a lot at Acadia, living away from home (being originally from Rothesay, NB and later Guelph, ON), learning time management, training and gaining confidence in my decision-making ability.”

She worked for a while as a pharmaceutical sales rep and later coached high school, university and minor hockey, which connected her to the sport once again.

After a 10-year stint at Sport Nova Scotia, where she was Director of Sport Development, Walsh was thrilled with the opportunity to return to her first love and extol the virtues of hockey as a sport and educational tool.

“Hockey is all about life skills: competing, overcoming adversity, building on failure. Sports gave me my greatest strengths and I strongly believe that we need sport now more than ever,” she says. “If we can make hockey accessible and have a safe and positive environment with a focus on good coaching and a good player experience, nothing beats it. We want to encourage diversity and development over winning and make sure that kids have fun.”

She is a powerful advocate of women’s hockey and is delighted that Halifax will host the IIHF Women’s World Championships in April 2020. “It’s obviously a tremendous opportunity on the legacy front,” she says.

“See her, be her. We hosted a similar event in 2004 and saw a spike in enrolment, and we are hoping to be even more strategic next year.”

Although Walsh admits she has a big job ahead of her, she sees great things on the horizon and is thankful for an engaged membership and a volunteer cohort that is, in her opinion, second to none. “We have the most dedicated volunteer membership, at all age levels” she says, and concludes that hockey builds communities and future leaders. “Collaboration and the alignment of clubs across the province with Hockey Nova Scotia and stakeholders is very important and will help make the future of hockey bright.”

Add to that the fact that it’s one heck of a game and you have a recipe for success that Walsh believes will sustain and preserve its legacy for generations.

Acadia Reminiscence Amy Walsh spent the summer of 1998 in Wolfville working on her honours thesis, doing fitness assessments in the community and hanging out with close friends. She and her thesis advisor, Dr. Gary Ness, also spent a lot of time in his garage that summer developing an off-ice skating simulation device (trademark: SkateSim) that was eventually patented, used by the Toronto Maple Leafs and taken to market later on. “It was a great summer,” Amy says. “I was spending quality time in Wolfville, and the fact that Dr. Ness took me on as his honours student was incredible. I was passionate, I worked hard – he taught me a lot and gave me a lot of confidence.”

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CONNECTIVITY THE KEY FOR ACADIA’S OFFICE OF INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

By Fred Sgambati (’83)

W

e are open for business and able to provide a onestop shop for organizations and individuals looking to connect with Acadia to develop innovative new products and services,” says Leigh Huestis, Director of Acadia’s Office of Industry and Community Engagement (ICE), located in Horton Hall on the Wolfville campus.

If it sounds impressive, it is.

ICE identifies and connects Acadia’s researchers with industry, government and community groups interested in research, commercialization and outreach activities.

As a member of Springboard Atlantic, ICE works also with other universities in Atlantic Canada to ensure a strong contribution to the development and prosperity of local and regional communities.

“We serve as a primary point of contact between external organizations and internal staff and facilities,” Huestis says. “We can assess their needs and identify appropriate expertise, explore funding opportunities for research collaborations and assess the commercial potential of discoveries, too.”

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. ICE works with Acadia faculty and students, industry and industry associations, all levels of government, NGOs and economic development agencies, and regional, national and international educational and research/commercialization organizations.

The bar is set high, and the following is a quick snapshot of some of the projects currently in process:

HERITAGE MEMORIALS LIMITED, WINDSOR, N.S. • PROJECT: examining alternative uses for granite dust – a byproduct of Heritage’s manufacturing process.

• FACULTY MEMBERS: Drs. Kirk Hillier, Nicoletta Farone and Brian Wilson (Biology); Dr. Robin Browne, K.C. Irving Environmental Centre; Drs. Sandra Barr and Cliff

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Stanley (Geology) • IMPACT: The research has shown that the dust has significant bio-stimulant properties, with potential uses as both a soil amendment and an insect repellant.

“Our experience with Acadia University and the ICE office has been excellent. The importance to our R&D projects cannot be overstated and the technical expertise has surpassed our expectations. The focus on achieving commercial outcomes has been very important to our success. Our research crossed many departments and the integration provided by the ICE office made this very easy. We could not ask for a better resource to be in our own backyard. As a local manufacturer, competing against products from around the world, innovation is our only means of survival and Acadia and its research is a crucial part of that strategy.”

- Steve Nelson, President, Heritage Memorials

ATLANTICK REPELLANT PRODUCTS INC. • PROJECT: development, testing and registration of natural, essential oil tick repellant products.

• FACULTY MEMBERS: Drs. Kirk Hillier and Nicoletta Farone (Biology) • IMPACT: Acadia has enabled Atlantick to enhance their product offering and conduct efficacy testing that proves these products work. This information will enable Atlantick to register their products with Health Canada.

“I am more than happy to show my support for ICE and Acadia because without their support I wouldn’t be on the path I am today.

When I hit one of my biggest roadblocks, Leigh Huestis teamed Atlantick and Acadia together and, as a result, I can continue to grow. Without Acadia’s research on my product and aid in the registration process, I simply wouldn’t be in business, mainly because I am a small business that didn’t have ample funds readily available for the research process needed to move ahead. Acadia’s extensive knowledge on the science side and requirements for the registration process with Health Canada was a gamechanger.”

- Lisa Ali, President, Atlantick

EYE ON ACADIA

ICE Success Snapshot

AQUALITAS INC. • PROJECT(S) – (1) development of a proof-of-concept aquaponics system for the production of plant products using fish-generated waste; CURRENT: (2) development of innovative cannabis beverage products; and (3) examining the differences in cannabis grown in hydroponic vs. aquaponic systems.

• FACULTY MEMBERS: Drs. Russell Easy, Kirk Hillier, Nicoletta Farone and Brian Wilson, (Biology) • IMPACT: Based on the results of the aquaponics study, Aqualitis was able to move to a large-scale project and obtain Health Canada approval for their system. They are now one of the largest cannabis producers in Nova Scotia and aim to be first-to-market with new cannabis value-added products developed at Acadia.

“Aqualitas’s relationship with Acadia and its Industry and Community Engagement Office has been integral to the growth of our company. Our partnership with the University, its staff and researchers allowed us to develop our proprietary cultivation platform and nutrient recipes and integrate our aquaponic system into our scaled-up operations. We are looking forward to the next phases of our partnership, which will include research, development and sensory testing of new products for the valueadded marketplace.”

- Myrna Gillis, CEO, Aqualitas

If you think your company or business enterprise could benefit from this multi-faceted approach, ICE is well worth your consideration. For more information and to connect with Huestis and members of her team, please visit: https://ice.acadiau.ca/home.html or contact Leigh directly at: leigh.huestis@acadiau.ca.

ICE works closely with a variety of groups on campus, including the Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre (AEC) and the Rural Innovation Centre (RIC) as well as economic development and business development organizations throughout Atlantic Canada.

These integrated efforts have enabled Acadia to be a leader in driving economic development in Nova Scotia, particularly in western Nova Scotia. Over the past seven years, these efforts have resulted in: • The launch of a number of research institutes and large research initiatives on campus that support rural innovation in our region, including ALAB and the Data Runway Project within Acadia’s Institute for Data Analytics; • Massive growth in the number and value of applied research contracts (over $25 million) with a wide variety of industry, community and government partners; • 15 products successfully commercialized and now being sold throughout the world; • 20 license agreements for Acadia technologies, ranging from computer software to insect pheromones; • Support for hundreds of start-ups, including faculty and student-led start-ups; • Support for a wide variety of social innovation projects (e.g. “Diabetes Toolkit” license to the Canadian Diabetes Association).

“The physical activity research and program investments that Acadia makes, with leadership from Jonathon Fowles and Chris Shields, has changed Diabetes Education practice and the lives of people living with diabetes. The Canadian Diabetes Association is privileged to collaborate with the Acadia team and can easily say that the many years of work has been energizing and fun. Thank you!”

- Carolyn Gall Casey, Director of Education, Canadian Diabetes Association

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PHOTOS: WENDY ELLIOTT; ACADIA ARCHIVES

Grads recall campus traditions that helped to define the Acadia experience from way back when.

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ALUMNI EYE ONPROFILES ACADIA

DANCE CARDS AND PENNY PARADES

By Wendy Elliott (’75)

I

inherited a ‘Golden A’. It was a literary ‘A’ from 1937, but also far larger and more stylish than the one I was granted some 40 years later.

My Golden A was handed to me one day in the SUB because I missed the graduation banquet. It’s the size of my little fingernail. Both are treasured.

Having these two distinct A’s got me thinking about Acadia traditions. Are Golden A’s still handed out? What other traditions are memorable?

Rings are certainly an enduring part of Acadia’s history. Judy Amos (’64) of Wolfville received her gold ring when she graduated and recalls it was a soft form of the metal and the crest wore off, but still precious.

Unfortunately, it was stolen out of her house one day.

However, Amos happens to be one of the Kings Kikima Grannies who sell ‘previously loved jewelry’ to raise funds for HIV orphans in a Kenyan village where Acadia graduate Ruth Kyatha (’92) works in community development. At a jewelry sale before Christmas, Amos spotted a silver Acadia ring from 1953 and was immediately drawn to it.

“It was unusual because it’s silver,” she says, “but it was the association with Acadia” that attracted her to it.

When asked what other traditions she recalls, Amos remembers a graduation week filled with celebrations: a special breakfast up at Ridge Stile Park and a grad dance at the Cornwallis Inn in Kentville.

Initiation time There was also a time when first-year students at Acadia University were ‘hazed’. “They did a lot of weird things,” recalls Clara Jefferson (’48), who graduated more than 70 years ago. “I remember in the fall of ‘47 a poor girl had her hair washed in molasses. I was horrified.” During the era when the duck pond at Willow Park was mud, “the boys had a tug of war over the pond.”

Her fellow classmate in 1948, Gordon Haliburton, says one of his fondest memories from the ’40s were the dances, “but you couldn’t call them dances. They were ‘receptions’.”

Dancing was rare on campus before 1929-30. When the ‘receptions’ occurred, they also involved a program for anyone not interested in cutting a rug. According to Haliburton, the skits that took place in the middle of the evening were very entertaining. Two faculty couples chaperoned each reception.

Jefferson has saved the dance cards that were emblematic of that big part of her social life, while Haliburton chuckles recalling the Sadie Hawkins dances where the girls asked the guys to the event.

“It was a nice feeling that you were popular enough to get asked to dance,” he says.

Easter Hat Parades and Cane Sunday The late Shirley Elliott’s 1937 Golden A contrasted with Wendy Elliott’s from 1975.

Grad ring from 1953

Some may remember an Easter Hat Parade to church. The bonnets on that occasion were worn by the male members of the Acadia Sophomore class who marched solemnly to church wearing college gowns and invented hats.

ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2019 19

Cane Sunday 1950 (left to right) Gladys Webster, Nancy Tyler, Mary Menzies and Bobby McLellan

On Cane Sunday, the senior class sported canes, again wearing academic dress, and their officers conducted the service prior to Baccalaureate. Jefferson remembers borrowing her father, George C. Nowlan’s (’20), cane for the event.

Another long-gone Acadia tradition was the penny parade, set up on the pavement outside University Hall.

The first one took place in the fall of 1943 and raised over $600 for the War Services Board.

After the war, Haliburton recalls keen competition between classes at the penny parade. “It was a big deal because the money was for a student centre. We wanted to have one.” The first Students’ Union Building opened in 1950.

This past academic year, the tradition of the Propylaeum Cup was revived and won by the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) for their debating skills, but Jefferson remembers a time when the female society cultivated good public speaking. Participants

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in intercollegiate debates wore red blazers with white cord piping and Jefferson earned a Golden A for her involvement.

She also recalls Acadia’s legendary winter carnival events in the 1960s during her time as an instructor in the University’s department of home economics. The ice sculpture competition, which the engineers usually won, produced beautiful results. A King and Queen were always chosen at Winter Carnival, too, and funds raised that week were devoted to the construction of the Manning Memorial Chapel in 1963.

In the 1940s, no cars were allowed on campus, Jefferson says. She once dared to hitchhike to Kentville, was spotted by the Dean of Women, Dr. Marion Grant (’21), and found herself grounded for a week.

Students who ate at the dining hall had table lists to determine seating and they were served by waiters.

Jefferson notes that the seating lists changed monthly and by the mid-1950s, cafeteria style had arrived at meal hall.

Golden A winners Acadia Students’ Union manager Ian Morrison oversees the awarding of Golden A’s today. He confers with a committee composed of the incoming Grad Executive, a faculty member and staff member (usually from Student Services). The criteria require active involvement in extracurricular life each year on campus. Eight to 10 letters are awarded each spring at the Grad Banquet.

In old Acadia yearbooks, there is generally a list of athletic and other endeavours that earned graduates their Gold A’s. Morrison wishes he had a complete list of those who have been awarded Golden A’s, together with the year they graduated.

“We could create a wall,” he says, “and that might build more awareness of Acadia traditions.”

EYE ON ACADIA

ACADIA CONFERS FIVE HONORARY DEGREES, welcomes more than 800 graduates to alumni ranks Slightly more than 800 graduates received degrees during Acadia University’s 177th Convocation ceremonies May 12 and 13 in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Following a tradition that began in 1848, the University conferred Honorary Degrees as part of the ceremony, this year to five deserving individuals who have demonstrated a passion for making our world a better place to live and fostering tolerance, acceptance and understanding. The five Honorary Degree recipients included:

RICK HANSEN, CC, OBC – Doctor of Humanities: Canada’s Man in Motion, Rick Hansen has been a tireless international advocate for a world without barriers for people with disabilities for more than 30 years.

NANCY NASONCLARK, PhD – Doctor of Divinity: Scholar, author and speaker, Dr. Nason-Clark founded the RAVE Project at UNB as a means of providing support to families of faith that have been shattered by domestic violence.

BILIANA CICIN-SAIN, PhD – Doctor of Science: Dr. Cicin-Sain is a global expert on ocean and coastal governance who leads a global movement to incorporate oceans within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

DAVID HUESTIS – Doctor of Humanities: Mr. Huestis (’63) is President and CEO of the Huestis Insurance Group, and has been recognized worldwide for his philanthropy, receiving the Silver and Bronze Wolf Awards – Canadian and World Scouting’s highest honours.

ELDER JOE MICHAEL – Doctor of Humanities: Mi’kmaq Elder Joseph Michael is an inspirational spiritual leader within Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq community and a retired RCMP officer who developed the RCMP’s Aboriginal Community Policing model still in use today.

To see complete biographies on this year’s Honorary Degree recipients, please visit: http://bit.do/ Acadia-Convocation-2019 Also this year, during the Monday, May 13 afternoon ceremony, Acadia University honoured Raymond E. Ivany with the distinction of President Emeritus.

Ivany served as Acadia’s 15th President and Vice-Chancellor from 2009 to 2017.

ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2019 21

CAMPAIGN

for ACADIA

Campaign for Acadia gains momentum alumni, friends, foundations, and corporations support acadia in record numbers by Sherri Turner In an unprecedented show of support,

more than 5,000 individuals, corporations, foundations, and other allies have committed approximately $61 million toward the $75-million Campaign for Acadia goal. the comprehensive fundraising campaign, announced in october 2018, will strengthen support for students and faculty, enhance investment in research, and improve campus infrastructure. “our community has rallied behind Campaign for Acadia with enthusiasm and pride,” says acadia president and Vice-chancellor Dr. Peter Ricketts. “our alumni, donors, and friends see the value in supporting acadia and our students. through their generosity, we are increasing financial support and improving access to higher education.”

he explains that the campaign is a way to reach people who believe in the university’s values. “this is an opportunity for supporters to give back and help our students and to make sure acadia continues to deliver on its promise for generations to come.”

In 2018, 4,938 people attended 100 alumni and campaign events held in locations at home and abroad, including wolfville, halifax, toronto, calgary, Vancouver, ottawa, hong Kong, Bahamas, and Bermuda. the Campaign for Acadia website had nearly 20,000 views as people visited the site to learn more about the initiative by reading feature articles written by alumna Rachel Cooper (’89).

Moreover, 90,000 people viewed the Campaign for Acadia launch video, which was filmed and edited by alumnus Mike Dembeck (’98).

Left to right: Katie Ross (’17), Dr. Peter Ricketts, Nancy McCain (’82), Huggins Science Hall, Dr. Rod Morrison, KC Irving Environmental Science Centre, Josh Sampson (’18)

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campaign.acadiau.ca

acadia’s office of advancement and campaign cabinet leadership team launched the initiative after consulting with campus and community stakeholders. the campaign’s purpose is to strengthen vital programs and priorities across acadia’s faculties and campaign themes: Transform, Inspire, Discover, and Build.

Every Gift Matters “our campaign is really about people,” explains Nancy McCain (’82), campaign chair. “acadia’s supporters are improving learning environments, enhancing research and teaching infrastructure, and investing in the people and spaces that make acadia unique in the post-secondary landscape.” she adds that every donation enriches the student experience. Mccain and an impressive group of campaign cabinet members from canada and abroad are meeting with alumni and friends to garner support for acadia, and many have increased their contributions to the university. “every gift matters to the campaign,” says Dr. Rod Morrison, Vice-president, advancement. “we are encouraged by our progress to date, and we’re excited to see first-time donors joining long-time supporters. alumni generosity is in large part due to a deep connection to acadia and a desire to help others.”

Supportive Acadia Family Indeed, the acadia family bond is strong with more than 29,000 alumni and friends having some form of engagement with acadia through strategic efforts, including events, communications, benefits, services, mentorship, and more. their generosity is no surprise. to date, the campaign, which started in quiet phase in 2013, has received more than 21,000 gifts – ranging from $10 to $2.5 million – from more than 5,000 donors. dr. Morrison says every gift makes an impact, pointing out that 80 percent of contributions and new pledges in 2018 were under $1,000.

“this is an initiative that everyone can be involved in – as a leader, a donor, or an ambassador for acadia,” he says. “we are using the word ‘campaign’ in both senses – a noun to describe the fundraising aspect and a verb to encourage our allies to campaign for acadia actively.” although just starting his career as a business analyst with Jd Irving, Josh Sampson (’18) decided now was the right time to join fellow graduates and support a new initiative, the Manning enrichment program, which will enhance the offerings of acadia’s school of Business.

“I know firsthand the difference financial support makes for students, and I experienced incredible support from my professors in the school of Business,” he says. “nowhere else can replicate the connection and engagement we have at acadia. I want to make sure future students have the same or better quality of education that I received.”

Donors Making a Difference no matter what area a donor supports during Campaign for Acadia, our students are the primary beneficiaries. “I can’t imagine any greater gift than to allow someone to become educated because it’s a transformative experience,” says Dr. Randy Lynn Newman, psychology professor.

“Our students have so much gratitude for financial support, and they want to honour the legacy of the people who helped them.”

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campaign.acadiau.ca

donor generosity for emerging scholars from the Harrison McCain Foundation encouraged dr. newman to create a research program that eventually attracted canada foundation for Innovation funding. “sometimes people feel that ‘support’ means giving a million dollars to build a building, but often it’s support on a modest scale that makes the difference, that helps a faculty member get a research program started or, for example, that helps a student with financial need.” recent alumna Emily Kennedy (’14) was inspired to support acadia. this fall, Kennedy made her first donation, $20.14 (her grad year), to Campaign for Acadia and challenged her fellow grads to do the same. “acadia made me a better person all around,” says Kennedy, who just three years after receiving her degree, took the stage in amsterdam to receive a nudge Global Impact award for a youth agricultural initiative she created. “acadia made me a global citizen and made me aware of my actions. It also made me realize that I have a responsibility, and the ability, to make the world a better place.”

Transform: extraordinary student experiences the campaign’s Transform theme aims to strengthen the university’s financial awards and aid for students and creates a stronger, more responsive support system to improve access, opportunity, and wellness. recently deceased philanthropist Ron Joyce and Joyce Foundation trustees established the Joyce foundation Bursaries and the clifford and helena oliver Bursaries, to honour the parents of Joyce’s friend, the Hon. Don Oliver (’60). these awards will forever be a part of Joyce’s legacy. “recognizing students who are already committed to their communities by being active volunteers

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is particularly satisfying,” Joyce said when acadia announced the $2.5 million endowment in 2016. the awards are among acadia’s most generous and reward minority students and those with financial need for their volunteerism, community involvement, and good citizenship. although retired, Dr. Roy Bishop (’59, ’61), professor emeritus and an honorary research associate of physics, continues to make a difference to students. he has contributed $254,000 to the Campaign for Acadia to bolster the endowments of the existing florence Jodrey Bishop scholarships in physics and Business, and to establish a new florence Jodrey Bishop scholarship in english, resulting in an endowment of $100,000 for each of the three scholarships. dr. Bishop’s mother, florence Jodrey (’34) majored in english. recent graduate and basketball student-athlete, Allie Berry (’18) appreciates those who help relieve the pressure felt by students. she says community and financial support helped her grow at acadia – from nervous teenager to poised champion and community mentor.

“It is so life-changing to be at Acadia. When donors support the Campaign, they are supporting students like me, who are growing each day. I believe we’re going to make the world a better place.”

Inspire: exceptional teaching and engagement the campaign’s Inspire theme looks to enhance teaching and engagement through new endowed faculty positions and additional professional development opportunities. campaign cabinet member Ruth Hennigar (’81), created an award in 2014 to support young women, who like herself, want to attend acadia to pursue a degree in computer science. recently, hennigar pledged an estate gift valued at $1 million to endow the ruth hennigar fund for faculty excellence. the fund will create opportunities for faculty exchanges, pedagogical and leadership training, the creation of educational tools, teaching resources, and equipment.

BY THE NUMBERS:

$ 75,000,000 CAMPAIGN GOAL

5,120

DONORS

Discover: innovative research and discovery the campaign’s Discover theme focuses on expanding research and innovation on campus.

In 2018, the Sobey Foundation launched a $500,000 fund to establish the sobey Bursaries and the sobey awards in nutrition and dietetics. “partnering with acadia university, which has an exceptional reputation for academic excellence and community engagement, was an ideal choice,” said Frank Sobey. “our partnership will not only help individual students achieve their academic goals but will eventually help canadians live better lives, and we’re proud to contribute to the Campaign for Acadia.” alumni and friends support discovery on campus through gifts to specific causes like the Vaughan Memorial Library, which has benefited from the generosity of the Dalglish Family Foundation, with the strong endorsement of educator and family member Kim Abell (’91).

21,171 GIFTS SINCE THE 2018 CAMPAIGN LAUNCH:

80

% OF GIFTS AND NEW PLEDGES WERE UNDER $

1,000

19,700

VISITS TO THE CAMPAIGN WEBSITE

4,938 PEOPLE ATTENDED AND 100+ ALUMNI CAMPAIGN EVENTS

ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2019

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campaign.acadiau.ca

“donor support helps us achieve our mission to provide the highest standard of resources,” says Daphne Flanagan, university Librarian, who is grateful for the funding. “we are better able to acquire currently published scholarly books needed by faculty and students in their pursuit of learning, teaching, and research. these resources will serve the campus community for years to come.”

Build: proud heritage and promising horizons The Huffington Post has named acadia’s campus among canada’s most beautiful. the Build theme of the campaign aims to further enhance acadia’s physical infrastructure and strengthen financial resources. for campaign cabinet member Francis Yip (’91), acadia was the foundation on which he built a successful career in Information technology. “acadia moulded my confidence and independence in my first truly multicultural environment,” he recalls. “the faculty were teachers, mentors, and friends.”

Because of his experience, Yip wanted to give back, generously contributing to his alma mater in various areas. he helped fund the ambitious renovation of patterson hall in 2015, naming a classroom in honour of professor Paul Tom. he has established the francis Yip endowment for student opportunity in Business. the fund will

create experiential opportunities for students to attend competitions, exchanges, and development programs. Yip also joined fellow alumni to become a Key donor, part of a school of Music piano acquisition drive for 63 pianos. “with an innovative, new core program that requires all Bachelor of Music students to be proficient on the keyboard, pianos have now become an absolute necessity,” explains Dr. Christianne Rushton (’98), director, school of Music. “donor support is making all the difference to our efforts to attract gifted students and enhance overall musicianship. we cannot thank them enough for their thoughtful generosity.”

Nancy Handrigan (’92), campaign director and executive director of philanthropy, says the support of alumni and friends is crucial to the campaign. “there’s no time like the present to campaign for acadia. we want to build on the momentum that we’ve developed in recent years,” she says. “together we can make a transformative difference for our students, and take our campus and facilities to the next level.”

Yip agrees, saying, “Giving back ensures that acadia will be strengthened today and well into the future.” to learn more about Campaign for Acadia and how you can be a part of the most ambitious fundraiser in acadia’s history, visit: campaign.acadiau.ca or email: campaign@acadiau.ca.

Top row left to right: Harrison McCain (’49) Aminah Gedi (’13), Chantal Peng (’22), David Huestis Innovation Pavilion, Francis Yip (’91), Jared Craig (’19), Nancy Handrigan (’92) and Kyle Vandertoorn (’20), Emily Kennedy (’14) Bottom row left to right: Dr. Roy Bishop (’59, ’61), Ruth Hennigar (’81), Hon. Don Oliver (’60), Dr. Scott Landry (’97), Ron Joyce, Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, Dr. Christianne Rushton (’98)

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ACADIA BULLETIN Fall Spring 20182019

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR PROFILES STEPHANIE REID (’05) Stephanie is from Halifax, N.S., and graduated from Acadia in 2005 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. While at Acadia, Stephanie was actively involved in campus life as a residence advisor and teaching assistant as well as with The Acadia Dance Collective, Dance Acadia, the F.C. Manning School of Business, and the S.M.I.L.E. program. During her time in Wolfville, Stephanie also volunteered as an advisor for Junior Achievement Nova Scotia’s Company Program.

Since graduation, Stephanie’s marketing and communications experience has spanned the public, private and non-profit sectors. She has held positions with the House of Commons, Walt Disney World, Village Camps Geneva, Cossette and the IWK Foundation, where she discovered her passion for non-profit and health care communications. During her time at the IWK Foundation, Stephanie had the opportunity to collaborate with the Children’s Miracle Network and Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundation as well as execute major fundraising events like the annual IWK Telethon for Children on CTV. In 2016, Stephanie completed a Master of Arts in Communication at Mount Saint Vincent University, where she focused her thesis research on crowdfunding in Canada’s non-profit health sector. Stephanie is currently a Senior Consultant at NATIONAL Public Relations in Halifax, where her work focuses on integrated marketing and communications in the health and non-profit sectors across NATIONAL’s global network.

HILARY ARENBURG GOBIEN (’12)

Hilary graduated from Acadia in 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting). During her time at Acadia, she was actively involved in campus life and was a member of various clubs, programs and committees, including S.M.I.L.E., Eaton House Residence Council, the Acadia Accounting Society, and the annual Arrival and Survival Welcome Week Show. After graduation, Hilary obtained her CA designation while working with PwC in their Halifax office and has recently moved back to her hometown of Yarmouth, NS, where she enjoys working as Manager of Finance of the Tri-County Regional Centre for Education. Hilary’s husband, parents, sister, aunt and uncle are also proud Acadia graduates. Hilary and her husband recently welcomed a daughter, Gwyneth, who they hope will also join the Acadia family as a member of the Class of 2041!

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.

Angela Clair (BBA ‘88) Administrative Associate 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 Spring 2019 27

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ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2019

PHOTO: PETER OLESKEVICH

ATHLETICS

ANOTHER SEASON, ANOTHER AUS CHAMPIONSHIP

By Eric Cederberg (’94)

T

he 2018-19 Acadia Athletics season delivered one AUS championship, two AUS Most Valuable Athletes, one AUS Coach of the Year award, 10 AUS major award winners, 25 AUS medalists, 33 AUS All-Stars, and nine U SPORTS major award winners and AllCanadians. Acadia Athletics had 110 Academic All-Canadians this year, which accounts for nearly 40 per cent of our student-athletes.

The second half of the varsity season was definitely a crowd-pleaser with many games that were decided in the last minute of regulation time or in overtime. Despite only one AUS championship being won by an Acadia team, all five winter sports contended until the final week of the regular season.

Women’s Basketball

The Acadia Axewomen celebrate their AUS Championship win at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax.

The Axewomen basketball team lost four of last year’s starting five athletes of a championship team to graduation, but that didn’t stop them from finishing third overall in the AUS with a 13-7 record. In the midst of the excitement of the second half, rookie Jayda Veinot tied the single game Axewomen single-game scoring record of 41 points set by Paloma Anderson (’18).

The Axewomen delivered a 74-54 quarter-final loss to the Dalhousie Tigers on the opening day of AUS Final 6 championship weekend.

Advancing to the semi-finals, the Axewomen were matched up against the #2-seeded UPEI Panthers. They beat the Panthers 88-84 in a game highlighted by an AUS record-setting 51-point performance by Haley McDonald. Acadia then advanced to the AUS final game for the third consecutive season and recorded an 84-74 championship win over the Memorial Sea-Hawks to capture their second title in a row.

McDonald was named Most Valuable Player of the championship tournament and a tournament all-star. Veinot was also named to the tournament all-star squad.

McDonald was honoured also as an AUS first team all-star and second team U SPORTS All-Canadian. Veinot was AUS Rookie of the Year and second team AUS all-star. Lanae Adams was named the AUS and U SPORTS Tracy MacLeod Award winner for overcoming adversity.

ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2019 29

Men’s Basketball

The Axemen basketball team finished regular season play with a 6-14 record, tied with Memorial for the last playoff spot. Memorial advanced to post-season play due to the AUS tie-breaking formula. It was the first time the Axemen failed to appear in the AUS championship Final 6 weekend since 2006.

Women’s Volleyball

The Axewomen volleyball team finished the season at 14-6, earning second place in the AUS standings heading into the championships. A stunning loss to the UNB Reds in semi-final play eliminated the Axewomen from contention for their first AUS championship.

Three Axewomen were named AUS All-Stars, including second-year outside hitter Lucy Glen-Carter as first team all-star, outside hitter Lauryn Renzella and setter Regan Herrington as second team all-stars.

Swimming

This year a combined swim team effort placed the Axewomen and Axemen in second in their respective gender categories and second place overall at the AUS championships. The team brought home 24 medals.

Brett Liem was the 2019 AUS Male Swimmer of the Year for the second year in a row. Kelsey Vessey was named an AUS All-Star while teammate Guy HarrisonMurray was honoured as the AUS Community Service Award winner.

Hockey

The Axemen hockey team squeezed into the postseason with a 10-18-2 record and sixth-place finish.

The Axemen battled to a 2-1 best-of-three quarter-final series loss to rival StFX. First-year defenseman Garrett McFadden was named to the AUS All-Rookie team. McFadden and teammates Stephen Harper and Liam Maaskant were selected to the U SPORTS Team Canada men’s hockey team that participated in the Universiade Games in Russia this past March.

The long off-season will be highlighted by preparation for the U SPORTS Men’s Hockey National Championship hosted by Acadia in March of 2020 at the Halifax Scotiabank Centre. “Never has a school our size hosted this event without a university partner in a city

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like Halifax. U SPORTS entrusting us with the University Cup speaks to the best fan base in the country and a strong alumni following and I'm confident that our role as tremendous hosts of national events over the past few years was definitely a factor in the selection,” said Executive Director of Athletics, Kevin Dickie.

Major Awards

The 2018-2019 season concluded with the annual Fred G. Kelly Awards Night. The banquet bears the name of Major Fred G. Kelly (’38), an individual who gave 41 years of dedicated service to Acadia Athletics and Maritime sport as a coach and Director of Varsity Athletics.

This year’s Jean Marsh Female Athlete of the Year was Rugby’s Laura Pfleiderer while The Athenaeum Male Athlete of the Year was swimming’s Brett Liem.

Outstanding Rookies of the Year included basketball’s Jayda Veinot and hockey’s Garrett McFadden.

The Roger Prentice Citizen Award recognizes the contribution of Acadia University student-athletes who exemplify attributes that we value and encourage in all our student-athletes. The award is donated and presented annually by the Rev. Roger Prentice (’69) to a male and female student-athlete in their third year or beyond who best combine athletic excellence and a strong work ethic. This year’s winners were swimming’s Guy Harrison-Murray, football’s Cameron Davidson and soccer’s Sarah Charnock.

The President’s Award was established in recognition of Acadia’s 175th Anniversary. Individuals chosen for this award have displayed the highest standard of leadership and will be known as builders because of the impact they have had on their teams. This year’s Award winners included basketball’s Haley McDonald and Ellen Hatt and soccer’s Zachary Visser. Visser was also Acadia’s nominee for the AUS James Bayer Award and the U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadians.

The ASU Jimmy Atomate Award is dedicated in memory of Jimmy Atomate, who died at the age of 18 and who was an active participant in intramural sport.

The Award is given annually to a Varsity Athlete who made an exceptional effort to connect with students and fans. This year’s winner is Tomi McCarthy, who was the AUS Community Service Award recipient in women’s rugby.

DEVELOPMENT

MUD CREEK ROTARY STEPS UP TO SUPPORT SENIOR FITNESS AT ACADIA Some of the Aquafit participants shown in photos include Rosalind Foley (’73), Pamela (Graham) Dugas (’79), Nancy Fryday-McBay (’04), Anne MacKenzie (’94), Donna Brunton (‘86), Marilyn Campbell (’79), and instructor Sally Way (’87).

A

cadia and the surrounding community have a longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship that continues to grow and improve. One example is community access to the Acadia Athletics fitness centre, pool, arena and fitness classes. One local group recently contributed resources that help make Acadia’s pool more accessible for students, community members and especially a group of seniors, many of whom are Acadia alumni.

Over the past several decades, fitness offerings at Acadia and elsewhere have changed, but one program that has grown in popularity and value is Aquafit. Its range of aquatic programming includes cardiovascular and strength training, aquatic running, tabata circuits, stretching and balance. Some members say that the rhythm and coordination required to follow movement done in time with music is good training for the brain.

While research indicates that aquatic exercise has positive effects for all, it is especially beneficial to those who may be limited from other exercises due to injuries, impairments or aging joints. One such person is 95-year-old Doris Foley, who attends with her daughters, Rosalind Foley (’72) and Davlyn Stark. Doris is so certain of the program’s benefits that, when it became difficult for her to climb the pool ladder, she began participating from the opposite side of the venue, where there is a lift and stairs. She was soon joined by two other senior members of the class who had mobility issues. It was difficult to see the instructors’ moves and impossible to hear instruction from so far away, but their commitment didn’t waver. Soon other participants began brainstorming for solutions on their behalf.

Long-term solutions For various reasons, the existing stairs and lift could not be moved, nor could the class. That’s when Marilyn Campbell (’79) and Nancy Fryday-McBay (’04) got involved. They surveyed the class to determine its needs and discovered that many participants normally use hearing aids and therefore found it hard to hear instructors. Some were plagued by recurrent knee, hip or back injuries that made Submitted by Marilyn Campbell (’79)

the ladder climb difficult. Much of the equipment used for buoyancy and weight training had deteriorated over time, especially the floatation belts that eliminated impact on bones and joints for those who needed them.

McBay and Campbell approached Acadia Athletics staff on behalf of the group to seek long-term solutions for these classes and future members. Having heard that some universities and private schools were struggling to maintain their pools, and since the Aquafit program is comprised predominantly of older adults, they knew that community support would be essential. They approached Acadia Athletics staff Rich Johnson (’10), Kellie Lynn Shillington (’14) and AquaRun instructor Shannon Read to work collaboratively on a grant application to Mud Creek Rotary Club in Wolfville.

Mud Creek Rotarians recognized the proactive value of Acadia’s Aquafit Program and they generously responded with a grant of $8,340 to purchase stairs and a new sound system with wireless microphones to amplify instruction.

Acadia took care of installation and will continue to house and maintain the equipment. Due to some savings made on the sound system, Mud Creek Rotary agreed to allocate any remaining funds to replace some of the aging floatation belts. The belts are used by certain members in aqua classes to reduce impact on joints, but they are utilized by nearly all participants in the Aqua Run program, allowing enrolment to grow. Runners generally range in age from 55-95.

Aquafit members are thrilled by the support from Mud Creek Rotary and the infrastructure and increased quality of instruction provided by Acadia. They look forward to expanded accessibility and the prevention of injury that good fitness programming offers. The partnership between Acadia Athletics staff, alumni and Rotarians (supported by the community and vice-versa) has been a positive experience for all involved.

When random participants were asked for input into this article, the sentiment was clear: please encourage readers to continue to support the volunteer efforts of Mud Creek Rotary, Acadia University, and fitness programs for seniors. Thanks, Mud Creek!

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION COMMITS

$1.5 MILLION TO CAMPAIGN FOR ACADIA

Alumni Association President Ryan Conrod (’06) announces the Association’s $1.5M commitment.

By Fred Sgambati (’83)

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Distinguished Alumni Award and Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipients Dr. David Levy (’72) and Heather MacDonald (’09).

Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Dr. David Levy (right) with Professor Emeritus Roy Bishop (’59) at the VIP reception.

Chancellor Bruce Galloway (’68) welcomes guests and honorees to this year’s event.

University President Dr. Peter Ricketts.

PHOTOS: PETER OLESKEVICH

It was an amazing evening on May 23, 2019 when 300 Acadia alumni and friends gathered at Pier 21 in Halifax for the Annual Acadia Alumni Dinner and Awards! Proceeds supported Acadia student financial aid, and guests were delighted to honour 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, author and amateur astronomer Dr. David Levy (’72) from Vail, Arizona, and Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient, community advocate and Executive Director of the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, Heather MacDonald (’09) of Halifax.

Special guests included Chancellor Bruce Galloway (’68), University President Dr. Peter Ricketts, and Chair of the Board of Governors, John Rogers, (’79). Campaign for Acadia Chair Nancy McCain (’82) was also in attendance and provided an update on the Campaign’s progress. With a target of $75 million, she told the crowd that the Campaign has raised more than $60 million so far in support of Acadia’s students, faculty and campus.

ALUMNI EVENTS

save the date Campaign for Acadia Chair Nancy McCain (’82).

Co-recipients of the 2019 Student of the Year Award were in the house: Sam Teichman (’19, left) and Ruvimbo Chipazi.

Emcee Peter Harrison (’84) was masterful at the podium.

Bidding was fast and furious on this year’s Silent Auction items.

She said, “while we are now more than 80 per cent toward reaching our goal, there is still lots to do. I want to tell you that every gift matters, and every gift will move us closer to our goal. Thanks to every one of you who has chosen to invest in Acadia.”

Another highlight of the evening was Alumni Association President Ryan Conrod’s (’06) announcement that the Alumni Association has committed $1.5 million to the Campaign. The Board of Directors of the Alumni Association has been encouraged by what McCain and her team have accomplished for Acadia around the Campaign themes of transform, inspire, discover, and build. “We are so encouraged, in fact,” Conrod said, “that I have been authorized, and am pleased to announce, that the Acadia Alumni Association will make a $1.5 million commitment to the Campaign!”

He thanked McCain and all the alumni volunteers who comprise the Campaign Cabinet “for their leadership on this important undertaking in support of Acadia’s students. We are proud to be a part of it, and wish you every success!”

We would also like to thank our wonderful event sponsors TD Insurance, Irving, Crombie Reit, Bank of Montreal, McInnes Cooper (which hosted our VIP reception), S.M.I.L.E. raffle sponsor Paul Bailey (’75), Industrial Alliance Financial Group, Advocate Printing, The Stevens Group of Companies, Ambassatours, and Sodexo, donors and all who contributed to make the evening a rousing success.

It was truly remarkable, and we can’t wait to see everyone again next year. Stand Up and Cheer!

Homecoming 2019

Make sure you join us for Homecoming 2019, Oct. 1720, on the Acadia campus.

We’re inviting all alumni back for Homecoming Weekend, which will be jam-packed with varsity, cultural and alumnioriented events, so don’t you dare miss it! For more details, contact Sandra Symonds: sandra.symonds@acadiau.ca; 902.585.1708.

Mark Your Calendar Upcoming Acadia Alumni Events JULY 5-7 Summer Reunion/Seminary House Reunion - Acadia campus JULY 26 Alumni Golf Tournament Ken-Wo Golf Course, New Minas SEPTEMBER 5 Acadia Kitchen Party Murphy’s on the Water, Halifax http://alumni.acadiau.ca

ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2019 33

EVENTS The Office of Alumni Affairs, in cooperation with the Acadia Alumni Association, is pleased to host nearly 100 events annually that provide alumni around the world the opportunity to come together, reminiscence and catch up on all things Acadia! We love meeting you at receptions, family dinners, luncheons and Campaign for Acadia events, and are delighted to share with you some names and faces from events we’ve attended since the last Bulletin was published. Enjoy!

TORONTO LAUNCH, CAMPAIGN FOR ACADIA

CALGARY LAUNCH, CAMPAIGN FOR ACADIA

Pictured with Vice-President, Advancement, Dr. Rod Morrison are Rochelle and Peter Miller (’66).

Steven Oldale (’84) and Lana Wood (’82) took the opportunity to share a moment with Campaign Chair Nancy McCain (’82).

LONDON LAUNCH, CAMPAIGN FOR ACADIA

HONG KONG LAUNCH, CAMPAIGN FOR ACADIA

Pictured, left to right, are: Anthony Stuart (’80), Mo Talukder, and Franz Hepburn (’87).

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ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2019

President Dr. Peter Ricketts (left) enjoyed meeting alumni and friends in Hong Kong to launch Campaign for Acadia.

ALUMNI EVENTS

KUALA LUMPUR, SINGAPORE RECEPTIONS

Acadia University VicePresident, Advancement, Dr. Rod Morrison hosted happy hour receptions in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

HOLIDAY DINNER IN MONTREAL, PUB STYLE!

OTTAWA LAUNCH, CAMPAIGN FOR ACADIA

HALIFAX LAUNCH, CAMPAIGN FOR ACADIA

Pictured, left to right, are: Noah Tompkins (’19); Grace HamiltonBurge (’18); Allison Smith (’18); and Nicole Wambolt (’18).

Pictured with Chancellor Bruce Galloway (’68) are (left) Peter Webster, Lindsay Harris (’13), and Liam Heelis (’15).

Amal Alsalem (’18, left) with Lynne MacQuarrie (’90).

GREAT CROWD, KEY MESSAGES AT TO BUSINESS BREAKFAST COMMUNITY CELEBRATION, CAMPAIGN FOR ACADIA

In an afternoon celebration in Wolfville in November, the Acadia campus and community gathered to celebrate the launch of Campaign for Acadia, the largest comprehensive fundraising initiative in Acadia’s history.

Guest speaker was Tracey McGillivray (‘87, ‘15), Vice-President, Information Technology Services, Rogers Communications. Campaign for Acadia Chair Nancy McCain (’82) provided an update on Acadia’s fundraising effort. Pictured with McCain are Amanda Penrice (’09) and Kerrie-Anne McFarland (’16)

ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2019 35

EVENTS FREEPORT DINNER AND CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Left to right: Kelli Armstrong (‘12), Destiny Martin, Kerel Pinder (‘06), Dr. Peter Ricketts, Aura Rolle (‘14), Britt Turnquest (‘06), and (leaning in) Rushan Hamilton (‘12).

ALUMNI FAMILY DINNER IN BARBADOS

Pictured are, left to right: Sam Robinson (’14), Vanessa Phillips (’18) and Justin Batson.

BERMUDA RECEPTION AND CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Karolyn Darrell-Burgess (‘00), Sheree Jacobs (‘96, ‘98), Candace Marshall, and Vince Williams-Savery (‘05).

WINNIPEG ALUMNI FAMILY DINNER

Pictured are, William (Bill) Anderson (‘74,) and Edith Austin-Anderson (‘75).

NASSAU RECEPTION AND CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Alexya Dorset-Williams (‘95) and Juliette Pinder (‘05).

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ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2019

PLEASANT DAY FOR NATURE HIKE IN HONG KONG

Acadia’s nature hike in Hong Kong attracted 16 people representing six decades of graduation years, with special guest Dr. Rod Morrison, Acadia’s Vice-President, Advancement.

ALUMNI EVENTS

GREAT TIME IN THE BIG APPLE!

Guests included Leah McNally (’07), Alison Backman (’07), Grant Courtney (’69), Andy Watkins, Corey Hodder (’10) and Executive Director, Alumni Affairs, Ian Murray (’88).

DELIGHTFUL PRESENTATION AT FLORIDA LUNCHEON

Twenty-five alumni and friends came together in Lakewood Ranch, Florida to receive an update from Vice-President, Advancement, Dr. Rod Morrison on Campaign for Acadia and hear special guest, Dean of Science, Dr. Suzie Currie (’91).

FUN TIMES AT 105TH TULLY TEA!

Guests included Edythe Hirtle (’43); Thelma Simms-Brown and Ruth Lelacheur (both ’49); Jean Sutherland (’51); Carol Harris (’59); Winnie Horton (’64); Janet Muttart (’65); Linda Winott (’75); Lisa Lelacheur (’82); Heidi Williams (’98); Tracy Burgess (’00); and Claire Bullock, (’18).

MACKAY CENTRE OF ATTENTION AT BOSTON EVENT Hon. Peter MacKay (‘87) shares a moment with Katherine Cicerone (‘68).

“PROUD TO REPRESENT ACADIA UNIVERSITY”

T MC

Taylor Maclellan Cochr ane L A W Y E R S

Making Service A Matter of Practice Since 1835

Tel: (902) 678-6156 | www.tmclaw.com

ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2019 37

CLASS NOTES

1940s

1950s Alumna and Honorary Degree recipient JOAN CLARK’S (’57, ’99 HON) 2006 book An Audience of Chairs was made into a film that was released in 2018. The movie, filmed in Newfoundland and Sarnia, is set in Cape Breton and other places in Nova Scotia.

It received four awards from the Halifax Festival and deals positively with the story of a bipolar woman.

Mary Montgomery of Kentville was kind enough to send along this lovely reminiscence: “My mother, HORTENSE PADMORE, 98, of Ottawa (nee Gilliatt, BA ACADIA, ’41; MLS Toronto, ’42; M Theological Studies, AST, ’84; mother of five, grandmother of 14, great-grandmother of 14, and proud great-great grandmother of newborn Marilla) recently shared with family the story of a special supper party hosted by one of her Acadia professors, HAROLD SIPPRELL (’27), at his home in Wolfville in the summer following her graduation from Acadia. The other guests that evening were New Brunswick artist Miller Brittain and musiciancomposer Ivor Keys of the UK. At the end of the evening, Brittain presented Hortense with a pencil sketch of Keys that was later donated by Hortense and her husband, Capt. Donald Padmore, RCN, to Acadia University and is now held in their Art Gallery archives.

After World War II, all three went on to establish families and careers and had a lasting influence on many others

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through the years. This, along with the privilege of sharing that memorable evening together, and the personal experience of Professor Sipprell’s hospitality and mentorship for which he was so well loved, are the sources of the very deep gratitude and pleasure that my mother feels in recalling this special event, which she very much wishes to share with others through the Alumni Bulletin.” Pictured are Hortense and her daughter Mary Montgomery in Ottawa in 2018 and the archived sketch of Ivor Keys by Millar Brittain, photographed by Acadia Art Gallery curator DR. LAURIE DALTON (’01) in 2017. We are grateful to Hortense and Mary for offering this wonderful piece of Acadia history to members of our alumni audience!

In 2017, DR. PHILIP SMITH (’48) published an article, ‘An Unsettled Life’, in the British journal History Today on the early European settlement of Newfoundland from an anthropological perspective.

MARCIA CAMPBELL DAVEY (‘59), has published a new book, Sweet Landing, a fictional story set in Pictou Landing. It is available at Chapters.indigo.ca and Amazon.com. Her other books include: Isabella, Chevy Blues, Priest, Gallivanting, Three Stories and Camille’s Fond Embrace. Marcia also says that Sweet Landing is a happy way to celebrate her Class’s 60th reunion, coming up in July. Stand Up and Cheer!

empathy; and provides ‘Service Above Self’ in word and deed. The True Rotarian is the foundation of Rotary – always there, contributing to Rotary’s goals and objectives unselfishly.

Congratulations, Winnie!

1960s Stand Up and Cheer for #AcadiaU alumna WINNIE HORTON (’64), who received The True Rotarian Award in December from the Wolfville Rotary Club.

The True Rotarian Award is presented to a Rotarian who demonstrates through his or her Rotary and community life that he or she lives by the Four-Way Test at all times: who is humble; does not flatter wealth or boast of his or her achievements; speaks with sincerity and

Oops, they did it again!

IAN HENDRY (’65) and AL CHISHOLM (’66) got together for the second annual Acadia University Whitehorse reunion in September. Plenty of Acadia spirit right there – great job, guys!

1970s

DR. YVETTE D’ENTREMONT (‘75) retired on Dec. 31, 2018 after 43 years in the field of education. Dr. d’Entremont, who has a BA and MA from Mount Saint Vincent University and a PhD in mathematics education from the University of Alberta, began her teaching career in 1975 with the Clare Argyle School Board in Yarmouth County. She taught in Wedgeport, Sainte-Anne-du-Ruisseau and West Pubnico before heading west. She joined the academic staff at Faculté Saint-Jean, the Francophone campus of the University of Alberta in 1990, where she taught mathematics and science education.

During her 28 years at the University of Alberta she wore many hats: professor, Chair of the Education Department, Director of Graduate Studies, and Vice-Dean Academic.before heading west. She joined the academic staff at Faculté Saint-Jean, the Francophone campus of the University of Alberta in 1990, where she taught mathematics and science education.

During her 28 years at the University of Alberta she wore many hats: professor, Chair of the Education Department, Director of

Graduate Studies, and ViceDean Academic.

Canada Post’s latest definitive honouring Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was designed by Wolfville’s STEVEN SLIPP (’76), whose work has appeared on more than 20 stamps. To bring a fresh approach to the latest stamp of Her Majesty, Slipp took an in-depth look at past issues featuring royalty.

“It was a real philatelic education, researching and comparing the stamps of our monarchs over more than a century-and-a-half,” he said. “It was also a time warp for a print nerd like me to see how the techniques and technologies used to create stamps have evolved since the Queen’s coronation in 1953.” Slipp focused his image research on recent photos to continue the visual narrative of Her Majesty’s reign, deciding on one from 2017.

An important factor, he pointed out, was that the photo had to work at the diminutive dimensions of 20 by 24 mm. Canada Post has commissioned Slipp to design over 20 commemorative stamps: everything from a Christmas series in 1981 to the Korean War series in 2001. Two years ago, he designed his first definitive stamp of Queen Elizabeth. In 2013, he designed a stamp to honour Canadian writer Robertson Davies. He acted as Atlantic Region Design Coordinator for Canada Post from 1994 to 2001 and served two terms on the national Stamp Advisory Committee.

A group of Dennis House alumni who are mostly 1978-79 grads gathered in PEI to celebrate each other and their Acadia memories in September 2018. They are, front row, left to right: KAREN EATON (’78), JEAN PARKER (’78), CHRIS MACNEARNEY (’78); back row: KATHRYN (ROWE) HIMSL (’78), ANNE CAVERHILL (’78), SHARON FISK, and BETH MACDONALD (’78). They now have a variety of professions, including social worker, doctor, lawyer, businesswomen, teacher, potter and travel agent extraordinaire! The picture was taken compliments of alumnus CHRIS CALLBECK (’78), class friend and tolerant PEI cottage neighbour.

1980s DAVID VILLENEUVE (’82) is still living in Ottawa, now working at BlackBerry QNX. When he’s not volunteering with children’s and youth programs with Christine Yamazaki, he has been studying aviation and meteorology, and flying sailplanes over the Ottawa Valley. He fondly remembers those four great years at Acadia and sends well wishes to all his former classmates. Stand Up and Cheer!

TIMOTHY BOWLBY, (’83) is Senior Lecturer in Music at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. His Construction in Sand’s Tones for saxophone quartet was premiered at New York University in February. Tim is in the process of finishing a research paper titled, “Epigrammatic-to-Cyclic Architecture in Samuel Barber’s Hermit Songs Op. 29.”

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CLASS NOTES

Four Acadia alumni reunited from the Class of 1985 Oct. 27-28, 2018 at a retreat in Fox Harbour, N.S. ANDREA COTIE-MELNYK (‘85), HEATHER FRAME (‘85), GRACE SELBY (‘85), and CATRINA TAPLEY (‘09) first met in Cutten House and have remained friends throughout the years!

1990s MAJOR DR. TREVOR JAIN (’93) of Charlottetown was one of five members of the Canadian army to receive in November the officer level of the Order of Military Merit, the second highest military honour awarded by the Governor-General to recognize outstanding military service. A surgeon with the Armed Forces, Major Jain serves in the 36th brigade of the army reserves for P.E.I. and was nominated by his fellow soldiers. His most recent deployment was in Iraq, where he served as a trauma team leader. When he is not serving his country as a reservist, Major Dr. Jain is an emergency physician at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, the program director of the Bachelor of Science in paramedicine program at the University of Prince Edward Island, and the medical director of the paramedicine program at Holland College.

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ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2019

PEGGY (HORNE) LUNN (‘95) serves as Head, Education Library at UBC Vancouver.

She is pleased to work alongside alumnus BLYE FRANK (’77), Dean of the Faculty of Education, as well as Acadia alumna HEATHER BERRINGER (’01), Chief Librarian at UBC Okanagan campus. Acadia is well represented at UBC!

Former Acadia Axette LANA BURNS (‘96) was inducted into the Mount Pearl Sports Hall of Fame in January,

2019. Lana started playing soccer in Mount Pearl in 1981. Over the next 20 years she would play with seven consecutive Provincial Youth Age Group Championship teams, a Provincial Summer Games Gold Medal team, three consecutive Provincial Jubilee Shield Championship teams, and one Atlantic University Championship team (Acadia University Axettes Soccer). As well as claiming 10 Provincial Championships and one Atlantic Championship, Lana’s play and leadership earned her recognition as Acadia University Female Freshman Athlete of the Year (1992-93) and selection as an AUAA First Team All-Star and Team Captain of her 1996 AUAA Championship Team.

Lana was always thought of as a leader, both on and off the field. She played with great skill and had an ability to change positions during a game – a valuable asset for her team, and a challenge to teams she played against. As a player, Lana was thought of as one of the best. As further testament to this, in 2015 the University named Lana Honorary Captain in recognition of her playing days at Acadia and a continued supporter of the program. Lana currently lives in Port Williams, N.S. with her husband, Axemen head hockey coach, DARREN BURNS (’95).

DR. ANNE ROBINSON (’96) was appointed Chief Strategy Officer for Kinaxis Inc. in January. Tasked to accelerate strategy development to help Kinaxis add further value for its customers, Robinson will work closely with customers, external stakeholders and the rest of the senior executive team on the strategic roadmap, emerging

technologies, thought leadership and new industry opportunities. Previously, Robinson was with Verizon, most recently as Executive Director, Global Supply Chain Strategy, Analytics and Systems. Robinson is a past president of INFORMS (the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences), a seasoned industry speaker and has served on serval advisory boards. Originally from St. John’s, NL, Robinson has a BScH from Acadia, MASc from the University of Waterloo and an MSc and PhD in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University.

MAGDA PALCZYNSKA (’96) was appointed in March as Global Head of Investor Relations for BNY Mellon.

Previously, Palczynska served in a variety of

senior investor relations and finance roles in Hong Kong, Singapore, London and New York during nearly two decades at UBS, most recently as Head of North America and Asia Pacific Investor Relations and Global Head of Debt Investor Relations. She was previously a senior executive at a private equity-owned start-up in the luxury sector.

Palczynska has a BBA from Acadia and did further studies in the UK and Germany. She began her career in corporate finance in London and Frankfurt.

Annapolis Valley children’s author and Acadia alumnus WADE ALBERT WHITE (’97) released the third installment in the Adventurer’s Guide series, The Adventurer’s Guide to Treasure (and How to Steal It) in January 2019 at the Public Library in Kentville, N.S. Other books in the series include The Adventurer’s Guide to Successful Escapes and The Adventurer’s Guide to Dragons (and Why They Keep Biting Me).

2000s

Finally, the guidebook cycling enthusiasts have been waiting for, Where to Cycle in Nova Scotia, was released by Nimbus in June. It brings together the collective knowledge of experienced cycling guide ADAM BARNETT (’04) and his peers at Bicycle Nova Scotia to detail the best routes to cycle in the province, from the Cape Breton Highlands to the rugged Eastern, North, South, and French Shores, to the vibrant Annapolis Valley, Truro, and urban Halifax. Barnett has spent many years exploring Nova Scotia, leading him to believe the sweetest spots are located at the end of a dirt road, and the best way to get there is by bicycle.

He has worked as a cycling guide all over Eastern Canada and dedicates his time to mapping out trails and routes to share with others to help increase the profile of Nova Scotia as an outdoor destination.

TAGE LEE (’07) sent us a note about a reunion trip in Montreal in early March with a group of six Acadia alumna!

Pictured are: LAURA BRYAN (’07); LAURA REDDEN (’07), married to former hockey Axeman JOEL ISENOR (’07); JENNIFER GRAY (’07); TAMARA GERVAIS (’07), married to another former Acadia student, DANIEL STAINE; TAGE LEE (’07), author of Amazon bestseller Mama Needs A Drink; and JACQUELINE FLINN (’06). “We had the BEST TIME,” Tage says.

2010s A nice win for JON MANN (’11), ROB RAMSAY (’10) and MICHAEL CORBY (’11)!

Mann’s and Ramsay’s short film, Cahoots, won Best Canadian Short at the Canadian International Comedy Film Festival in Winnipeg in February.

Cahoots is the story of three friends that get together for a beer and are quickly split on their values as one of the men starts to talk about his new career.

Starring Ramsay, Jeff Bate Boerop, Michael Walker Corby and Sean McCullum, the 11-minute film is now available to watch: vimeo. com/257383585, rated ‘Mature’. Check it out!

Tenor MARCEL D’ENTREMONT (’13) has won McGill University’s 2018-2019 Wirth Vocal Prize, which recognizes a voice student who demonstrates exceptional talent and significant promise for an international career.

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CLASS NOTES Marcel performed on Nov. 25, 2018 with three others as part of the final round of competition. His musical collaborator was pianist and Talent Trust music scholarship recipient Dakota Scott-Digout, who also studies at McGill. Marcel is a Nova Scotia Talent Trust voice scholarship recipient who won the Talent Trust Portia White award in 2013.

Originally from Merigomish, Nova Scotia, Marcel is in Montréal to complete a Graduate Diploma in Performance. Established in 2015 and awarded annually, the Wirth Vocal Prize brings the winner a $25,000 cash prize and a 14-karat Wirth Prize lapel pin.

GEOFF GATES (’13) recently accepted a position with the Los Angeles Lakers running their social and content team. As the Associate Director, Social and Content, Geoff will be creating and cultivating the Lakers’ social and content strategy while guiding the team through the intricacies of marketing in a crowded space.

Congrats to former Axewomen rugby player EMMA DELORY (’14), who was named in January as Rugby Nova Scotia’s firstever Development Officer.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Science, Emma played varsity rugby for the Axewomen for four years and was named an AUS All-star. In recent years, she has been a staple on the Keltics’ Senior women’s team and has been the head coach of the Keltics’ U-16 women’s team since it was formed in 2015. Recently, the team took the Atlantic gold medal and Eastern National Silver.

On Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, Acadia University and the Alumni Affairs Office welcomed some of our Axewomen basketball alumni to campus for a meetand-greet with this year’s team. Everyone had a wonderful time, and many thanks to all who attended!

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ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2019

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CLASS NOTES, REMINISCENCE How about this, Acadia alumni? Responding to a request for historical information from Professor Rob Raeside in Acadia’s Department of Earth and Environmental Science, PATRICIA (HALEY) GORDON (’56), shared on Aug. 25, 2018 the following reminiscence about coming to Acadia from California in the early 1950s and what life was like after graduation. Many thanks, Patricia, for sending this along and agreeing to publish it in the Bulletin!

Sir: It’s very nice of you to ask me about my past experiences, both at Acadia and after. I first came to the Acadia campus to attend Horton Academy in the fall of 1949. It was after WWII and my parents didn’t think that the Los Angeles/ Santa Monica, California area had all that much to offer my older sister and myself as teenagers.

The Santa Monica area was still much a military area because of the big Douglas Aircraft factory there so we were packed off to Wolfville.

There were Haleys living in Wolfville then, some elderly cousins coming from our grandfather’s brother’s side of the family living in the Saint Stephen, N.B. area, and my father’s younger brother, Dr. David Haley (’38), who was head of Acadia’s math department at that time. I believe we two girls were the fifth generation to attend Acadia University. To this day, I look upon my experiences at Horton and Acadia as some of the best years of my life. It was so very different from the large city life we were brought up in and it has had a lasting effect on my life. Having the experience of snow and ice was new to us: ice skating (I learned on my ankles unless I had a big hunk ask me to skate with him and then he held me up), ground hockey, and ice hockey were all new; even rugby, to say nothing of small-town life. We soon adapted and loved it.

When I was studying geology at Acadia there were only three professors that I remember: Dr. Merle Bancroft (’41), who was the head of the department; Harcourt “Harke” Cameron (’37); and Rupert McNeil (’50). I was the only girl student taking geology beside Rupert McNeil’s wife Jeannette (’63). I was one of the first three women to graduate with a degree in geology at Acadia. Women just didn’t go into this field.

Life on the campus back then was quite different from today, even different from when my daughter went to Acadia,

graduating in 1986. You might remember her – Katrine Gordon. Dr. Patterson (’49) was President of the University when I attended Horton Academy; his daughter was married to Laurie Trites, who was the head of Horton then. Dr. Kirkconnell (’64) was President of the University when I was there. Dormitories were separate, no co-mingling: we had to be in by 10 p.m., had to sign out and in when we did go out. Dances on Saturday night were called ‘Receptions’ and chaperoned by various faculty members. All dances ended at 11:45 p.m. so there would be no dancing on Sunday. We all had to be back in the dorms by midnight. Sundays were quiet days, for walks, writing letters, going to church, which was mandatory. There were no sports of any kind allowed on Sundays. In those days the University was governed by the Maritime Baptist Convention and things were very strict. NO alcohol of any kind – one could be expelled if caught; no cars were allowed by students; and the Student’s Union Building (SUB) came into being. It had a sort of coffee and hamburger cafe downstairs and a place to dance or relax upstairs, nothing like today.

The dining hall was quite different from today, too. There were no choices, you just ate what was provided for each meal. Young men helped earn their way through college by waiting on tables. Each table sat 10 people, we stood for ‘Grace’, and no one could leave their table until the last person was finished.

After I graduated, I traveled in England and Europe for five months. Upon my return, I sought a job. The Los Angeles area was full of oil companies, so I applied to them. They didn’t hire women in those days as newly hired geologists were put in the field and they just didn’t put women in the field with men back then. I tried to apply to use my aerial photography knowledge, but those few jobs were filled. I finally landed a position with the RAND Corporation, a think tank, that was mainly under contract with the DOD and the Air Force. I stayed there for about two years when I got married and retired to be a housewife and mother. My husband was one of the many research engineers working at RAND. After about two more years we moved to the Washington, DC, area in Falls Church, VA, and were there for about 50-plus years.

We raised our children there, and when the children were old enough I went to work for the federal government, doing legal stuff, then becoming an assistant to several Inspector Generals in different departments before retiring after 25 years.

My geology knowledge was used again in helping Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts earn their Geology Badges. Other than this, my geology knowledge has helped me appreciate the world around me as I have traveled extensively. I was more aware of nature everywhere I went because of my geology background. To most this must all seem like small potatoes, but to me it has been an enhancement to my life. I now live in Phoenix, Arizona, and the rock formations and the Grand Canyon leave me in awe every time I see them.

I still hope to come back to Acadia for my class’s 65th reunion in a couple of years, and if I am able to attend, I’ll look you up. Thank you for your ear.

Patricia Haley Gordon ‘56

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ACADIA REMEMBERS We are saddened to report the following deaths in the Acadia community

Rosamond Burgess Munro (’32) Highland, MD Helen L. Smith (’38) Sydney Mines, NS Betty Clough (’40) Richmond, VA Isabel K. Bruce (’40) Middleton, NS George E. Hart (’42) Toronto, ON Marion F. Crowell (’43) Halifax, NS Lois R. MacDonald (’45) Redwood City, CA Lloyd L. Marshall (’45) Douglas, NB Shirley E. Morton (’47) Halifax, NS Benjamin Prince (’48), Smith’s Cove, NS Reuben Cipin (’48) Toronto, ON Robert M. Martin (’48) Westville, NS Rev. Judson M Corey (’49) Saint John, NB Trudy Crowell (’49) Kentville, NS Everett MacLeod (’49) West Porters Lake, NS Arthur H. Burry (’49), Nepean, ON Geraldine Hopkins (’49) Kentville, NS

Lloyd MacFarlane (’50) Moncton, NB

Sandra Kerr (’60) Halifax, NS

Karen Dumaeh (’74) Fall River, NS

Scott Sibley (’95) Kentville, NS

R. Irwin Jenkins (’50) Charlottetown, PE

David H. Young (’60) Hantsport, NS

Brent Fox (’75) Kentville, NS

Robert Boyd, Jr. (’95) Dartmouth, NS

Jean Wallace (’50) Halifax, NS

William A. F. Nagle (’60) London, ON

Janet Doleman (’76) Dartmouth, NS

Dominique Desroches (’96) Ottawa, ON

Myrtle H. MacNeil (’52) Wolfville, NS

Dennis W. Magill (’61) Toronto, ON

Lawrence J. Clow (’77) Greenwood, NS

Glendon Pulley (’97) Middleton, NS

Stephen E. Steeves (’53) Grand Falls-Windsor, NL

Murray C. Steele (’62) Burlington, ON

Perry W. Chambers (’77) North York, ON

Steven Wohlmuth (’01) Port Williams, NS

Elizabeth Murray (’53) Truro, NS

Russell A. Dowe (’62) Wolfville, NS

Richard J. Brown (’77) Dartmouth, NS

Derek T. Copp (’04) Esterhazy, SK

A. Mary White (’54) Halifax, NS

Anton Orlic (’63) Halifax, NS

Patricia J. Kenneally (’77) New Minas, NS

Owen H. Thomas (’07) Bridgewater, NS

Janet B. Rice (’54) Bridgetown, NS

Jonathan C. Noble (’63) Halifax, NS

Nancy J. Lescoutre (’78) Belleville, ON

Emmy Lou Jenkins (HOR) Charlottetown, PE

Raymond R. Fielding (’55) Pleasantville, NS

Michael Smith (’64) Amherst, NS

Eugenie Trites (’80) Wolfville, NS

Joan E. Berthelot (HOR) Campbellton, NB

Carlene A. Polak (’55) Bedford, NS

Beulah D. Shaw (’64) Newport, NS

Elinor L. McClare (’80) Saint John, NB

Madelyn D. Hutchinson (HOR), Wolfville, NS

Charles A. Brown (’56) Kentville, NS

Raymond H. MacLeod (’65) Waverley, NS

Barry Kaye (’81) Porters Lake, NS

Marjorie F. Zwicker (HOR) Bridgewater, NS

Diane M. Prosser (’56) Halifax, NS

James Retallack (’69) Port Williams, NS

Donald P. Weagle (’83) Hubbards, NS

Patricia Campbell-Nichols (HOR), Warwickshire

W. Donald Caldwell (’57) Mount Hope, ON

Carolyn A. MacLean (’69) Bedford, NS

Louise Power (’85) Brampton, ON

Carole M. Olsen Wolfville, NS

James E. Taylor (’57) Dartmouth, NS

Gregor M. Ward (’70) Halifax, NS

Kirk Woodman (’85) Lower Sackville, NS

Jared Oldford Russell, ON

Barry Camp (’58) Victoria, BC

William R. Mantle (’72), Halifax, NS

Gertrude Bent (’87) Annapolis Royal, NS

Wilma Clark Saint Andrews, NB

Wayne B. Barro (’59) Mount Uniacke, NS

Rick Salsman (’73) Halifax, NS

Tammy A. Squires (’90) Vanier, ON

O’Neal G. Blackman Wolfville, NS

Sandra Andersen (’60) Burlington, ON

Blair N. Douglas (’74) Caledonia, NS

John Salter (’92) Stratford, PE

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.

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ACADIA BULLETIN Spring 2019

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 two people in this photo? If so, send me an e-mail at fred.sgambati@ acadiau.ca. First person to identify them will win an Acadia sweatshirt (valued at $70). Bonus points to the person who can identify their characters (hint, hint)! 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 fall edition. Look forward to hearing from you. Have fun!

FINAL FRAME WINNER In our last edition, Patricia (Wright) Wentzell (’79) was the first to identify the photo of Nancy Charron (’77) and Ted Upshaw (’80). Congratulations, Pat!

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