Photo: Deborah Nicholson Photography
Fall 2010
Gaining momentum Momentum…it’s a concept we’re all familiar with whether we’re thinking about a sports team, a stock market rally, or even a university. Over the past year, we have worked hard to build on Acadia’s rich tradition of academic excellence, while focusing on growth and long-term financial sustainability. We’re pleased with our progress to date and we’re excited about the future. I believe it’s not entirely by chance that this positive momentum coincides with the 150th anniversary of the AAAU. Last May, the Class of 2010 shared the spotlight with six distinguished alumni who received honorary degrees. This year’s Homecoming was special in part because of the sesquicentennial celebrations and also because of multiple reunions for the Classes of 1975, 1980, 1985, 2000 and 2005. Recently, the AAAU supported our Open House by sponsoring a bus for prospective Acadia students from metro Halifax, one of our most important markets. These are just a few examples that link the excitement at Acadia today to you, our alumni. University traditions are sometimes portrayed as an anchor that slows institutional progress. However, in my experience at Acadia, I believe our rich history is more like a wave that propels us forward. I want to thank each of you for contributing to this wave of momentum. Now, here is a brief update on recent signs of progress: Enrolment continues to grow, with this year’s incoming class almost 12 per cent higher than last, which was 12 per cent higher than the year before. In fact, overall student enrolment is up by 4.7 per cent. You can feel the difference on campus and in Wolfville. In addition, 2
ACADIA BULLETIN FALL 2010
more than 400 prospective students attended our Open House. That’s nearly 200 more than attended last year’s event, which itself was a record-breaker. Our current students feel it, too. In the recent Globe and Mail Canadian University Report, Acadia placed first in six of seventeen categories, including student-faculty interaction, quality of teaching, and satisfaction with the town or city in which students live. When you consider that one of the most influential sources of information for prospective students is what their friends say about their university, this report helps raise our profile. And as always, Acadia had a strong showing in the Maclean’s University Rankings with a second place finish in the undergraduate category, making us the highest nationally-ranked university in Nova Scotia. These outstanding results are due, in no small measure, to an extraordinary faculty who continue to distinguish themselves in both their teaching and research. Their work, coupled with a talented and dedicated staff, make Acadia’s personalized education come to life. Since you crossed the stage in University Hall, you’ve used your Acadia education to build momentum in your own career and life. We are now doing the same thing as we move your University forward—it’s challenging work but we want you to know we are having some fun doing it! In Acadia Spirit,
Raymond E. Ivany President and Vice-Chancellor, Acadia University
Volume 93 Issue 2 Publisher Office of Advancement, Acadia University Editor Kristen Loyst (’02) Executive Director, Alumni Affairs and Advancement Strategy Ian Murray (’88) Advertising and Production Manager Sandra Symonds AAAU Board of Directors Kiersten Amos (’96) Gillian Latham (’92) Clive Anderson (’89) Tracy Lightfoot (’96) Hugh Bray (’75) Tanya Lush (’96) Charles Coll (’84) Darren MacLeod (’88) Frank Davis (’59) Bruce Phinney (’81) Sandra Greer (’85) Maura Ryan (’88) Angela Harris (’10) Meaghan Sim (’01) Ed Hemphill (’89) Martin Suter (’88) Geoff Irvine (’87) Lana Wood (’82) Doug Jackson (’99) Jeffery Wright (’95) Chris Kavanagh (’75) Christine White (’97) Mike Kennedy (’05) Troy Yeo (’96) Graphic Designer Cathy Little Printing Transcontinental 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 25,000 alumni. All material is copyright ©2010 Acadia University, and may be reprinted with written permission. Acadia Bulletin welcomes letters to the Editor: Acadia Bulletin Editor Office of Advancement Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 alumni.office@acadiau.ca Advertising inquiries: Advertising and Production Manager Communications and Marketing Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 902.585.1708 sandra.symonds@acadiau.ca