PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
It is with deep gratitude that we share with you the 2024-25 Giving Report. Each page of this report reflects the generosity, vision, and commitment of our community – alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends – who believe in the mission of Acadia and the transformative power of education.
This past year, your support enabled us to expand student scholarships, invest in groundbreaking research, and bring us to over $23 million of our $24 million goal for the new Student Centre (formerly the SUB). These achievements were made possible because of you. Your gifts, whether large or small, have a direct impact on our students, and the future leaders they will become.
Philanthropy at Acadia is about more than financial support; it is about investing in possibility. You are helping us open doors for talented students, foster innovation, and create a campus community that prepares graduates to make a difference in the world.
Thank you for your support. Together, we are building a stronger future.
With gratitude,
Jeffrey J. Hennessy (’99), PhD President and Vice-Chancellor
“Receiving
MUSHROOMS
By Suzanne Robicheau (’03)
The fungi they study may keep a low profile, but Acadia’s mycology researchers – also known as the Fungal Dream Team – are making a name for themselves in the area of fungal diversity and ecology in coastal Nova Scotia.
“Research in our lab includes field collecting in salt marshes, seagrass beds, the Acadian forest and agricultural habitats,” says Dr. Allison Walker — Acadia Biology professor, Director of the University’s E.C. Smith Herbarium in the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre, and mushroom enthusiast.
It’s not all a walk in the park as Walker explains. The field work is combined with modern technologies that allow the team to use molecular data to classify fungi based on their evolutionary history. Sound complicated? These days, DNA provides a rapid ID tool for everything from crime solving to sorting out which fungi are helpful to us and which ones may be poisonous.
As well as engaging in lab-based research, Dr. Walker and her students have a noticeable presence in the community, where industry partnerships have resulted in scientific breakthroughs, including the development of a fungal protein product from agricultural plant waste. Even more exciting – especially for Dr. Walker’s students – a collaboration with Saltbox Brewery and Dr. Russell Easy’s Biology lab at Acadia led to the creation of a craft beer made from all local ingredients.
Dr. Walker traces her interest in fungi to childhood trips with her family to Ontario’s Algonquin Park, recalling her fascination with mushrooms and the mysterious way they seemed to appear overnight. The interest is shared by the family of Dr. Kenneth A. Harrison (DSc Hon ’65), an internationally renowned mycologist who was an integral part of Acadia’s mycology program in the 1970s and 1980s, serving as a teacher, researcher and student advisor with his collaborator, Acadia mycologist Dr. Darryl Grund.
The Kenneth A. Harrison Memorial Mycological Fund celebrates Kenneth’s many contributions. His son, Ashley, a top scientist in agricultural and pharmaceutical chemicals, created a second mycology support with the Dr. William Ashley Harrison Endowment Fund in 2020. An Acadia alumnus (BSc ’54, MSc ’55), Ashley continued his education at McMaster before completing a National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship at Oxford University. Ashley’s siblings Ken (’70) and Jennie are also strong supporters of Acadia including purchasing specialized microscopes for mycology research.
Thanks to the Harrison family’s commitment to Acadia, students are conducting essential research in areas ranging from vineyard microbiomes to hemlock-associated fungi. “This training serves them well in their future careers in a wide range of biology topics, says Dr. Walker. “As well, it advances our knowledge of fungal biodiversity and its importance to multiple sectors in our region.”
THE GOLD STANDARD OF GIVING
Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) play a powerful role in building community among new alums and supporting current students. The support doesn’t stop there. Two such GOLD alumni are giving back to their community and are among a group of young alumni donors to Acadia.
As a former student-athlete on the Acadia Women’s Rugby team, Annie Kennedy (’20, ’22) continues to stay involved with sports. She is a Regional Sport Consultant for Sport Nova Scotia and an active referee for rugby, basketball and soccer at national tournaments and recently officiated the Ruby Americas North U19 Men’s tournament in Mexico. When asked why she is a donor to women’s sports she shared that she was incredibly grateful to receive several awards including the Arthur Irving Athletics Award, the Gary Ness Athletic Award, and the Women in Sport Spirit Award which helped her balance academics and athletics.
“Women’s sports are finally starting to gain their deserved recognition, and we don’t have to look far from campus to see this. I wanted to find a meaningful way to help contribute to this movement in a more local context. As a player, our philosophy was always to leave the jersey better than you found it, and this investment is a simple way to continue carrying that message forward.” said Annie.
Annie feels “for younger alumni, it’s not about the size of the gift. Even a small amount helps catalyze a stronger foundation so that the next generation can have a better experience than we did.”
Similarly, AJ Magamura (’25) realized as a member of the men’s soccer team how much impact and influence student athletes could have within and outside the university. His experiences on the team helped him see how much of a role model he could be for youth. This motivated AJ to stay engaged and connected to the community. He is currently a volunteer coach for youth soccer and has witnessed firsthand “how having someone to look up to, gives youth, and their parents, so much joy.”
AJ shared that “the most important thing about Acadia is definitely its people and I want to continue to show those people that gave me their time and support how much it meant and how much I appreciate it.” When asked why young alumni should consider donating and getting involved, AJ responded “if we all try to pay forward the goodwill we received from Acadia and its community, collectively we can make a massive difference for the future of the institution and for everyone who will come after us.”
THE MACNEILL SCHOLAR-BURSARIES
A FAMILY LEGACY OF SUPPORTING EDUCATION
The MacNeill Scholar-Bursaries provide significant support to students. Valued at $8,000 each, they are awarded to Canadian or American students entering full-time study at Acadia in any discipline. A total of 20 students may receive these scholarbursaries in any given year.
Because the renewable awards are ongoing, award recipients have sustained support throughout their studies. The awards are also not subject specific, allowing students to pursue everything from sustainable aquaculture and civil engineering to international relations and community development.
The MacNeill Scholar-Bursaries were made possible through the kindness and generosity of alumni H. Gordon MacNeill (’48, ’87 HON), Barbara McLellan MacNeill (’50), and Janice MacNeill (’76). Celebrating Over a Decade of MacNeill Scholar-Bursary Recipients
We are excited to share updates from a few of our MacNeill Scholars. They credit much of their success to their time at Acadia and the MacNeill Scholar-Bursary support.
Josh Klum (’23)
What advice would you give to current and future students?
I would tell young students, particularly undergraduates, to work hard, hold themselves accountable, and get comfortable being uncomfortable. Entering university is an exciting time for young people and it comes with lots of distractions and challenges. You should have fun but maintain discipline and put your studies first. Although it can be challenging to balance academics with the excitement of student life, your future self will thank you and you will still have plenty of fun along the way!
Sarah Allen (’21)
How has being a MacNeill Scholar-Bursary recipient helped you with your journey?
The MacNeill Scholar-Bursary took a financial load off, allowing me to focus on my studies. It has helped me to move on to other educational journeys with less debt. After Acadia, I returned home to Yarmouth and worked for VON (Victorian Order of Nurses). That led me to the LPN program that I’m starting at NSCC this fall. I am grateful to have had this opportunity.
Makenzie O’Quinn (’20)
Where has life taken you after graduating from Acadia?
After graduation I worked as a Native Student Advisor with the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board and subsequently as a Child and Youth Care Worker for previously incarcerated youth. I was employed by the Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa as an Administrative Officer which led to experience in international affairs and bilateral diplomacy as well as my Master’s of International Affairs specializing in conflict analysis. I am currently a Junior Policy Analyst in the Multilateral and Regional Programming Division. From rural Nova Scotia to five continents in the past year, life has truly taken me far and wide since Acadia.
“Knowing the transformative power of education, these scholar-bursaries are a way to help even more students experience the same opportunities I had at Acadia.”
Janice MacNeill (’76) earned a Bachelor of Science at Acadia and built a successful career in Ontario as a hospital executive and chief information officer. She was also a visiting scholar at the University of Waterloo. She now resides in Halifax.
ENDOWMENT REPORT
For the year ended March 31, 2025, the Endowment Fund had a market value of nearly $144.7 million. Contributions to the funds were $2.5 million for the year. The funds distributed $5.7 million, averaging a net payout of 4.0%. The market value of the invested endowed funds increased by $15.6 million this year. Acadia University effectively manages administration fees (0.7% of total assets).
Statement of Changes
(for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025)
Balance at beginning of period $132,079,655
and other additions
Balance at end of period $144,684,168
* Special reserve funds are restricted funds held separately between the time a donation is made and the time the designation is finalized by the donor.
Asset and Manager Allocation
(As at March 31, 2025)
The allocation of Acadia’s endowment funds is listed below, with the highest weighting to Global Equity.
Endowment Split
and
Other (2.3%)
Investment Committee Members
Ed Barrett (’75)
Investment Committee Chair
Charles Coll (’84)
Tim Formuziewich (’00)
Bert Frizzell (’72) FCGA
Bruce Galloway (’68, ’03 HON)
Stuart MacLean (’83)
Jeffrey J. Hennessy (’99) PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor, Acadia University
Erin Beaudin
Vice President, Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer, Acadia University
PLANNING AHEAD TO GIVE BACK
By Suzanne Robicheau (’03)
Dr. Sylvia Simpson (’68) and Evan Green (’00) graduated from different programs in different decades. She was raised on a small island in New Brunswick, while he hails from Canada’s largest city. What they share is a deep connection to Acadia, generous support of students and programs, and membership in the 1838 Society – a special group of donors who have included Acadia in their estate plans.
Dr. Simpson earned a BSc with Honours in Biology at Acadia in 1968 – an experience she credits with preparing her for achievements highlighted by an MD from Dalhousie University, a residency in Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University, and a distinguished career there treating and researching the genetics of bipolar disorders. Her gifts to Acadia include the Gerald K. and Hazel A. Simpson Memorial Entrance Scholarship, in honour of her parents, and the Dr. Sylvia Simpson Bursary in Environmental and Sustainability Studies.
All donors who confirm a legacy or planned gift to Acadia gain membership in the 1838 Society – a special group of benevolent and farsighted individuals committed to Acadia’s mission and future.
The Society honours those who have shared their intention to include Acadia in their estate plans through a bequest, life insurance policy, or other gift arrangement. Informing Acadia of your planned gift will ensure we are able to administer your gift with your intended interests and gives us the opportunity to thank you for your support.
In order to ensure her support continues, Dr. Simpson has also included Acadia in her estate plans. “Education and the environment are top priorities for me, which is why I wanted to leave additional funding for them in my will,” she says.
Like Dr. Simpson, Evan Green had a wonderful experience at Acadia and wanted to give back.
A Director for CIBC Capital Markets, he began giving to the University’s Women’s Basketball team in 2019, just as the team claimed its second consecutive AUS Championship. “I could see the potential in the players and coaching staff and I knew that women’s sport doesn’t usually get the kind of financial support it deserves,” he says.
As a more recent graduate, Green doesn’t fit the 1838 Society’s usual demographic, but like Dr. Simpson, he wanted to create a legacy of support.
“Even young people should have a will,” says Green, “and I wanted to include Acadia in mine.”
Vicki MacCrimmon, Executive Director, Donor Relations, is happy to see more interest in planned gifts from alumni who are younger than the norm. “They want to do something that will change the world, and it’s never too early to begin,” she says. “The value of a donation isn’t important. Even small gifts can have a huge impact.”
To learn more, please scan orvisit giving.acadiau.ca/1838society or call 902-585-1026
MESSAGE FROM VICE-PRESIDENT, EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Thank you!
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous giving. Your support is not only deeply appreciated but also vital to Acadia’s continued success.
Every contribution we receive is more than just a financial gift – it is a sign of a true partnership. By choosing to invest in Acadia, you are directly helping us expand access to quality education, support student-athletes, fund critical research and improve the campus experience.
Your commitment allows us to dream bigger, act bolder and reach further than we could on our own.
Thank you once again for helping us shape the future of Acadia. I invite you to use the QR Code on the back page to view our 2024 donor listing or online at acadia.ca/donorlist.
With deepest gratitude,
Nancy Handrigan
(’92)
Vice-President, External Relations
“As an international student, your support has eased a significant financial burden and allowed me to focus fully on my studies. It’s more than financial aid—it’s motivation and encouragement from people who believe in students like me.”
Breanna Pinder, BBA
Sandy Point, The Bahamas
G.H. Rogers Award in Business
“I am so grateful for this amazing bursary. As someone who is financially paying for my education and residency on my own, the amount of support this university and the community have provided me is so special and I cannot give enough thanks.”
Diane Carr, BSc
Ellershouse, NS
Hugh and Linda Brown Educational Foundation Bursary
External Relations
15 University Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 Canada
Telephone: 902-585-1026 | Toll-Free: 1-866-222-3428 externalrelations@acadiau.ca giving.acadiau.ca
VIEW OUR 2024 DONOR LIST
Scan the QR code or visit acadiau.ca/donorlist to see who is making a difference.
Acadia University is in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw Nation.