Scholarships & Financial Assistance


With education costs on the rise, enhancing student assistance is a top priority for Acadia. Each year, we award more than $4 million to students in the form of scholarships, scholar-bursaries, bursaries, awards, and prizes. By maintaining a strong scholarship and financial assistance program, we are able to attract, retain and support our students.

As a donor to scholarships and financial assistance, you can direct your gift toward: general award funds or awards for specific departments, faculties, research, or athletic teams; any existing named awards; or you can create a personal legacy by establishing a named award yourself. By supporting scholarships and financial assistance, you can help to ensure access to all of the rewards of an Acadia education.

If you would like to give generally to the Scholarships and Financial Aid, please click here.

David Cartwright and Cyril Coldwell Memorial Award

Award | Eligibility: Pure and Applied Science, Biology, Current 3rd year, Current 4th year

The David Cartwright and Cyril Coldwell Memorial Award is provided annually through the generosity of the International Union of Game Biologists XXI Congress, to a student completing research in the field of sustainable use of wildlife. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of the quality and importance of the proposed research as well as their enthusiasm, commitment and broad abilities in wildlife management. The award is dedicated to the memory of David Cartwright and Cyril Coldwell, two unselfish mentors who nurtured many budding wildlife biologists.

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David Hastings Hockey Award

Award

Established in 2019 by David and Patricia Hastings, this award recognizes a member of the Axemen varsity hockey team, preferably a goaltender.

David Hastings graduated from Acadia in 1974 with a BBA and had a career in the oil and gas industry for 35 years as a senior manager and is a FCPA, FCMA and CPFA. A longtime member of Acadia’s Board of Governors and Business School Advisory Board, David’s other Acadia commitment was as goaltender of the Axemen (70-74) before being drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers. He is President of the Class of 1974 and a Hockey Honour Roll inductee in 2008.

Value: $10,000

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David Vernon Memorial Award

Award of up to $195 | Eligibility: Professional Studies, Music, Current 2nd year

The David Vernon Memorial Award is granted annually to a second­ year student enrolled in the School of Music, or this may be for $100 to each of two students. The award is based on participation in the Music Club activities during the students first year, academic standing and financial need.

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Deeneh Foundation Economics Award

Award of up to $2,500 | Eligibility: Arts, Economics, Nova Scotia

Established in 2023 by Nadine and Doug Allen (’87), the Deeneh Foundation Economics Award recognizes a returning student from Nova Scotia enrolled in the BA Economics program who may have financial need and be from Nova Scotia, preferably Windsor.

Originally from Windsor, NS, Doug Allen (’87) established himself as a business leader in Alberta after his time at Acadia. He completed his CPA CA designation in 1989 and his MBA at the University of Alberta in 2002. He held executive level positions with Syncrude Canada Ltd, the Guthrie Group of Companies and the Mikisew Group of Companies. He has served on the Board of Directors for several charities and non-profits. Nadine, from Halifax, started her career in banking and is a financial advisor with Raymond James Ltd. Together they have founded the Deeneh Foundation which recognizes their family roots and values with its mission and crest.

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Deeneh Foundation Leadership in Business Award

Award of up to $5,000 | Eligibility: Professional Studies, Business Administration, Nova Scotia

Awarded annually to a returning student from Nova Scotia enrolled in the Manning School of Business Administration, the Deeneh Foundation Leadership in Business Award recognizes exceptional promise and future leadership in the business community. The successful recipient will demonstrate financial need and preference will be given to suitable candidates from Windsor, NS.

The award was established in 2021 through the generosity of Doug (’87) and Nadine Allen. Originally from Windsor, NS, Doug established himself as a business leader in Alberta after his time at Acadia. He completed his CPA CA designation in 1989 and his MBA at the University of Alberta in 2002. He held executive level positions with Syncrude Canada Ltd, the Guthrie Group of Companies and the Mikisew Group of Companies. He has served on the Board of Directors for several charities and non-profits. Nadine, from Halifax, started her career in banking. She recently celebrated a 30-year milestone as a financial advisor with Raymond James Ltd. where her dedication to clients and her leadership is acknowledged through membership in the firm’s Chairman Council and being honored in 2019 with the firm’s Woman of Distinction award.

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Diefenbaker Medals and Awards for Debating

Award

The Diefenbaker Medals and Awards for Debating. The late Honourable John G. Diefenbaker made a substantial gift to the University to provide a gold medal and a silver medal to the first and second place debaters to be chosen by the University Debating Committee. The Board of Governors has also approved an award of $900 to go with the gold medal, $600 with the silver medal, and $250 each to the two runners up.

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Doctor Don Wright Awards in Music

Award of up to $1,650 | Eligibility: Professional Studies, Music

The Doctor Don Wright Awards in Music were permanently established in December 1979 by Dr. Don Wright of Toronto, an eminent Canadian musician and scholar. There are two annual awards of $1650 each; one in practical instrumental arranging, the other in vocal music education.

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Don Wells Memorial Hockey Award

Award | Eligibility: Athletics

Established in 2018 by John Saunders, Axemen Hockey 1976-1980, is in memory of Don Wells, varsity men’s hockey coach from 1966 to 1986. To be awarded to a returning men’s hockey player in recognition of their leadership, community involvement, positive communication skills and good academic standing. The recipient will be chosen by the Head Coach of the varsity men’s hockey team and the Director of Athletics.

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Donald F. Reed Finance Award

Award | Eligibility: Professional Studies, Business Administration, Current 3rd year, Current 4th year

The Donald F. Reed Finance Award is awarded annually to a student pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Preference will be given to those entering their third or fourth year of undergraduate study, majoring in Finance, who displays financial need and leadership qualities, through involvement in extra-curricular and/or community activities. The award is made on recommendation of the Director of the Fred C. Manning School of Business and the school’s awards committee. This Award was established and made available through the generosity of Donald F. Reed (BCO, Acadia, 1966, Acadia Board of Governor’s) who wished to provide a gift that would have a meaningful impact on the educational development of Acadia Business students in need.

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Donald G. Stairs Athletic Award

Award | Eligibility: Athletics, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island

Established in 2020 by the Stairs family to honour their father. To be awarded to a returning varsity men’s hockey player who exemplifies leadership qualities on their respective team and in the community, as well as excelling in perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanship. Preference shall be given to a hockey athlete from Atlantic Canada. The recipients shall be in good academic standing and shall be chosen by the Director of Athletics in consultation with the head coach of the men’s hockey program.

This award honours Donald G. Stairs (‘44) who played for the varsity hockey Axemen, as well as the Acadia varsity men’s rugby team. Don was a two-time winner of the Orley Bligh Trophy during his four year varsity career, plus later in life he was made an Acadia Hockey Honour Roll inductee.

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Donald S. Callbeck Hockey Award

Award of up to $2,000 | Eligibility: Athletics

Established anonymously in 2018, the award is in honour of Don Callbeck '51, member of the hockey Axemen from 1949 to 1951. To be awarded to a returning men's hockey player in recognition of their leadership, community involvement, positive communication skills and good academic standing. The recipient will be chosen by the Head Coach of the varsity men's hockey team and the Director of Athletics.

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Donna Conrad Leadership Award

Award

To be awarded to a returning female or male leader student-athlete. The athlete must show team leadership, community involvement, and is in good academic standing. The recipient will be chosen by the Director of Athletics. Donna graduated in 1990 with a degree in Recreation Management. After a few assistant management- leadership positions and work in the fitness industry, she entered the world of real estate. She has been recognized as an award-winning Realtor since 1992, continuing to focus on marketing and community development. Donna has established a positive reputation in the Annapolis Valley and beyond for her dedication to supporting community organizations and her clients. Donna credits her professor’s years at Acadia University for inspiring her to always keep working hard and growing her business.

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Doris Fraser Hiltz Chemistry Research Award

Award | Eligibility: Pure and Applied Science, Chemistry, Pursuing an Honours Research Project

Established in 2020 by Doris Fraser Hiltz (’51, ’52), this award is designed to support the unique research work of Acadia’s most promising undergraduate Honours students in Chemistry. It will be awarded during the summer prior to the final honours year in recognition of the recipient’s Chemistry thesis proposal.

Doris Fraser grew up in New Glasgow, majored in Chemistry and played violin at Acadia. She earned a BSc (1951) and a BEd (1952) and went on to a full lab career with the Fisheries Research Board of Canada in Halifax where she met her husband. Raymond Hiltz was an oceanographic researcher who worked for many years at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography until they retired to New Glasgow where Doris continues to play violin in an orchestra and a trio.

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Dorothy G. Walker Athletic Award

Award of up to $1,000 | Eligibility: Athletics

Established in 2020 by Dorothy Walker Robbins. To be awarded to a returning female basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country or swimming varsity athlete. The recipient must be in good academic standing with a minimum 3.50 GPA, and present strong leadership qualities in the university and community. The recipient will be chosen by the Director of Athletics in consultation with the head coach of the female varsity athletic program.

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Douglas (Red) Fraser Award

Award | Eligibility: Athletics

The Douglas (Red) Fraser Award is presented on recommendation of the Director of Athletics, to a returning hockey player with good academic standing who best exemplifies the qualities of sporting behaviour and leadership. Douglas (Red) Fraser graduated in 1948 with an Engineering Diploma and received his B.Sc. in 1954. He was a well known athlete both as a hockey player and a golfer. He was inducted into Acadia's Hockey Honour Roll in 1984.

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Douglas and Patricia Armstrong Award

Award | Eligibility: Entering first year, Nova Scotia

The Douglas and Patricia Armstrong Award is presented annually to an incoming student in financial need from Nova Scotia, preferably from Kings County.

The award was established in 2021 by Douglas and Patricia Armstrong’s children in honour of their parents’ love of, and dedicate to, Acadia University. Douglas, a proud graduate of Horton Academy (’44), studied engineering at Acadia and was a versatile athlete, competing on all three for the Rugby, Track & Field, and Hockey teams. Pat Nancy Armstrong, nee Fraser, had a love of the arts, started 1st year studies for a BA and found time to compete on the Freshette Swim Team. Doug and Pat met at Acadia, then Pat went on to study nursing in Halifax. They married, raised five daughters while Doug ran a successful business in Kingston, NS. They were very proud to be part of the Acadia family, valued education, and helping others. It is the family’s hope that this award will support local students in pursuit of their academic goals and endeavours.

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Dr. Alex Wright Memorial Award

Award | Eligibility: Professional Studies, Community Development, Kinesiology, Current 4th year

The Dr. Alex Wright Memorial Award is awarded annually to a graduating student from each of the Kinesiology and Community Development programs who best exemplify energy and enthusiasm for learning, coupled with inquiring minds, and who demonstrate creative thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication skills. The award was established in 1997 in memory of Dr. Alex Wright by his graduating students, staff, friends and family.

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Dr. Blair Jarrett Hockey Award

Award of up to $3,000 | Eligibility: Athletics, Professional Studies, Pure and Applied Science

Established in 2021 by Blair Jarrett. To be awarded to a returning men’s varsity hockey athlete who demonstrates leadership qualities on and off the ice and is in good academic standing in Health Sciences or Kinesiology. The recipient will be chosen by the Director of Athletics in consultation with Head Coach of the men’s varsity hockey program. The inaugural disbursement of funds will be for the 2021-22 academic year.

Blair was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and recruited to Acadia after playing four years in the Ontario Hockey League. He was a member of the 2006 AUS championship team in his rookie season as a hockey Axemen, 4-time Academic All-Canadian with a BSc in Biology and Kinesiology, Athletic Therapy Program graduate, S.M.I.L.E. program volunteer and recipient of the George Wilbert Cox medal. Blair is now a practicing family physician and attributes his academic and athletic experiences at Acadia as being the integral foundation to his career in medicine.

Value: $3,000 annually

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Dr. Frank H. Eaton Award

Award | Eligibility: Athletics

The Dr. Frank H. Eaton Award was established in memory of the Rev. Dr. Frank H. Eaton, outstanding alumnus and long time member of the Senate and Board of Governors of Acadia University. The award is given on the recommendation of the Director of Athletics to a student entering their second, third or fourth year of undergraduate study at Acadia University who has given evidence of good academic achievement and leadership and has participated in varsity intercollegiate sport.

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Dr. Robert Graeme Boutilier Memorial Research Award

Award | Eligibility: Pure and Applied Science, Biology, Current 4th year, Graduate

The Dr. Robert Graeme Boutilier Memorial Research Award is awarded annually on recommendation of the Biology Department to support an honours summer research student in Biology. Preference will be given to students attending the Sidney Sussex College at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. If in any year the award is not provided to an Honours student, it can be awarded to a student enrolled in the Masters program in Biology.

This award has been established by Mrs. Brenda Rainnie as a tribute to her brother, Dr. Robert Graeme Boutilier (BSCH, MSC Acadia, 1976, 1978; Ph.D. East Anglia 1982; DSC Acadia 1996).

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Dr. Zelda Abramson Award

Award | Eligibility: Sociology, Current 4th year

An annual award given to a fourth-year honours sociology student who is selected by sociology faculty, as demonstrating characteristics central to Dr Abramson's academic and personal philosophy. This includes actively contributing to the Acadia community, the Wolfville community, and the broader sociology community through advocacy and/or academics. In particular, contributing in the areas of feminism, women and gender studies, applied research, and/or archival research.

Dr. Zelda Abramson is a brilliant academic, a passionate advocate, and an unwaveringly generous mentor. Zelda profoundly impacted the lives of students, staff, and faculty during her Acadia tenure where she served as an associate professor and head of the Department of Sociology

Zelda is an accomplished academic and a public sociologist. She fought tirelessly to make Wolfville a safer, more inclusive community. Zelda's academic interests include feminism, health, women and gender studies, applied qualitative and quantitative research, and archival research. One of Zelda's most outstanding works is her book, MONTREAL SHTETL: Making Home after the Holocaust, written with her partner John Lynch. This book details the less than glamorous realities of the survivors of the Holocaust who settled in Montreal, a topic dear to Zelda as this is how she and her family arrived in Canada.

Zelda cared deeply about her students. She generously opened her office and home and was always available to give feedback or teach how to make fresh challah bread and hummus. Zelda's unwavering support shaped a generation of academics and advocates. Through this award, Zelda will be able to continue to support generations of Acadia students wherever life takes her. The profound impact Zelda had on the lives of the staff, students and faculty of Acadia can never be reflected by any award, but her contribution to Acadia will forever be cherished and celebrated.

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Dream Chaser Change Maker Award

Award of up to $1,000 | Eligibility: Arts, Professional Studies, Pure and Applied Science

Established in 2017 by three Acadia friends, the Dream Chaser Change Maker Award, is awarded annually to an outstanding student who embodies the Acadia spirit. This student embraces everything an education can offer by ambitiously supporting social and or environmental change in their local community or around the world. Having overcome adversity in their own lives, they give back to society and community through active volunteerism. The recipient will be awarded funding for their own education; to chase their dreams, as well as an opportunity to ignite change with funds donated to their choice of UNICEF education programs in developing countries.

Niluka Kottegoda (’03) created the Dream Chaser Change Maker concept to help improve accessibility to education both in Canada and around the world. Close friends Chantal Pelham-Edwards (’03) and Laura Rutherford Watt (’02, ’04) enthusiastically joined the effort. As recipients of awards at Acadia, they wanted to give back to their alma mater and reward students who have qualities most meaningful to their Acadia experience. Niluka, a Vice President at Sobeys Inc., recently completed her Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA based in Toronto. Chantal holds a BA in Political Science from Acadia and is Principal of Third Sector Enhancement Ltd. Laura graduated from Acadia with a BSc (Math) and a BEd and currently is teaching Secondary Mathematics and Science in Calgary.

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Contact

Office of Advancement
Rm 225 University Hall
15 University Avenue
Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6, Canada
General Inquiries: 902.585.1026
To make a donation: 902.585.1912
Toll Free in North America:
1.866.ACADIA (1.866.222.3428)
advancement@acadiau.ca

Charitable Registration #: 106681893 RR0001