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.

Lad Javorek Memorial Awards

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

The Lad Javorek Memorial Awards are provided annually to two students entering their third or subsequent year of study at Acadia that has been accepted to participate in a recognized International Exchange or Study Abroad program. Preference will be given to students who has shown financial need and an interest in International Trade/Business. The recipients will be selected in direct consultation with the Coordinator- International Education.

This award was established in 2012 through the generosity of the John and Judy Bragg Family Foundation, in consultation with the Javorek family, to honour Lad Javorek, a good friend and business colleague who had a positive impact on John Bragg, particularly as it related to the development of International Trade/Business.

BY MARCH 1: Please submit a one page letter to international@acadiau.ca, indicating why you would like to study abroad and how this opportunity will advance your career goals especially in the area of International Trade and Business.

Donate Now 

Lalia Halfkenny Award

Award | Eligibility: Arts, Pure and Applied Science, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island

Established by sisters Laura Robinson (’88) and Alva Robinson (’77) in honour of Lalia Halfkenny (Acadia Ladies Seminary 1889), this award is granted to an in-course Black Canadian student, preferably from Nova Scotia or the Maritimes, in the BA or BSc program (alternating) in recognition of academic success and community service.

New Brunswick-born Lalia Halfkenny was the first Black woman to graduate from an institute of higher education in the Maritimes at a time when few Black Canadians had access to any schooling at all. Halfkenny was the only Black graduate in her class at the Acadia Ladies Seminary in 1889. After graduating she looked for work but found few opportunities in the Maritimes. Halfkenny went to Virginia, where she was a very active and much beloved teacher. She volunteered in a home for African American families who were living in poverty.

Alva Robinson (BSc), Secretary of Acadia’s Class of 1977, enjoyed a career in digital information with the City of Halifax and then Halifax Regional Municipality. Laura Robinson (BA English ’88) continued her academic life and is Dean of Arts at Acadia. Both sisters spent their Acadia years as residents of Whitman House (“Tully”) and were inspired by Lalia’s story and those of current Black Acadia students.

Donate Now 

Laura Payzant-Doleman Music Award

Award | Eligibility: Music, Entering first year

The Laura Payzant-Doleman Music Award is awarded annually to an entering student pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree who through his or her academic accomplishments and extra-curricular activities shows merit and promise in the field of music. The award is made on recommendation of the Director of the School of Music.

This Award was established and made available through the generosity of James and Ronald Doleman who wished to provide a gift in celebration of the life and legacy of their mother Laura Payzant-Doleman (BMus , Acadia, 1936). Laura was an accomplished musician and music teacher and in a career of 50 years mentored 1000 students through the Royal Conservatory of Music program.

Donate Now 

Laura Sanders Athletic Award

Award | Eligibility: Athletics

Established in 2021 by Women’s Basketball Alumni (Grads 1991-97). This award will recognize a returning player who is a passionate team player exhibiting mental toughness and pride for the program. They are an athlete willing to give the “extra 5 percent” and respects those around them. The inaugural disbursement will be for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Laura Sanders was a multi-sport coach (field hockey, soccer and basketball) who led the Acadia Women’s Basketball program from 1984-2004. Laura’s passion, hard work and commitment to the program has left a lasting impression on many under her leadership. Laura was inducted into the Acadia Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Donate Now 

Laurie and Marilyn Stevens Award

Award | Eligibility: Entering first year

The Laurie and Marilyn Stevens Award is awarded annually to a student entering an undergraduate program at Acadia, with preference given to a resident of Nova Scotia. Laurie Stevens graduated from the Acadia School of Engineering in 1955 and conducted a successful business career in Nova Scotia. Marilyn Stevens graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History and a Diploma in Secretarial Sciences.

Donate Now 

Laurie B. Stevens Memorial Award

Award | Eligibility: Applied Science, Business Administration, Current 1st year, Current 2nd year, Current 3rd year, Current 4th year, Entering first year

The Laurie B. Stevens Memorial Award is awarded annually to an entering or returning student in the Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Applied Science, or Certificate of Applied Science program at Acadia. Laurie Stevens graduated from the Acadia School of Engineering in 1955 and conducted a successful business career in Nova Scotia.

Donate Now 

Liam Blanchard Memorial Award

Award | Eligibility: Athletics

The Liam Blanchard Memorial Award was established in 2013 by friends of Liam Blanchard. To be awarded to a returning Acadia female rugby player in recognition of their leadership, community involvement, positive communication skills and general love of life. The recipient will be chosen by the Head Coach of the varsity women's rugby team and the Director of Athletics.

Donate Now 

Linda J. Johnston Award in Theatre Performance

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

Established in 2017, the Linda J. Johnston Award in Theatre Performance is granted to a returning student majoring in Theatre who exhibits passion for theatre and intends to continue with studies or a career in performance, directing, or teaching theatre.

Linda Johnston grew up in Sydney, Nova Scotia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She came home to Acadia where she earned a BSc degree in Recreation Management and Psychology in 1980, but spent most of her time and energy in Denton Hall, and U Hall as a performer and director. Her career has been predominately in the healthcare sector as a therapist at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre, and Executive Director of both the Abilities Foundation of NS and the Atlantic Division of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Atlantic Canada. Linda concluded her career as Development Officer for Dalhousie University. She is involved in local theatre and her church, but as the Life President of the Class of 1980, she has never forgotten to “stand up and cheer” for Acadia. This award is a 60th birthday gift from Linda’s husband, Bill Brydon.

Donate Now 

Liz Vermeulen Women’s Sport Award

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

Established in 2021 by former female athletes coached by Liz. To be awarded to a returning women’s varsity athlete who demonstrates leadership qualities with her respective program and is in good academic standing. The recipient will be chosen by the Director of Athletics in consultation with head coaches of the women’s varsity programs. The inaugural disbursement of funds will be for the 2021-22 academic year.

Liz Vermeulen coached several women’s varsity programs through the 1960s and 70s including basketball, field hockey, volleyball and curling. Professionally, Liz has been a tireless and effective member of associations established to promote intercollegiate sports. As a member since ’62 of the Canadian Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, she contributed immensely to such founding programs as the Adapted Program and Teacher Education in P.E. Fittingly, in 1987, she was made a “Fellow of CAHPER”! Miss Vermeulen was also very involved in the founding committee that established in Nova Scotia the Teachers’ Association of Physical Education.

Value: $1,000+ annually

Donate Now 

Lloyd and Anne MacFarlane Family Athletic Award

Award | Eligibility: Athletics, Current 1st year

Established in 2019 by Anne MacFarlane and family. The award will be presented to a first-year student-athlete who is a member of the men’s hockey or football program with preference to a student enrolled in education, science or business.

The recipient will be recommended by the Director of Athletics in consultation with the head coach of the hockey or football program.

The Lloyd and Anne MacFarlane Family Athletic Award was created to recognize the impact the University has had on the family from which all of Lloyd (’50,’52), Anne (’52), and sons David (’77), Mark (’81), and John (’85) are graduates. Lloyd, David, and Mark all played varsity sports during their time at Acadia including hockey, rugby, and football. This award is also established in memory of Mark who passed away in 2000 and Lloyd who passed away in 2019.

Donate Now 

Lois Duffy Award

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

The Lois Duffy Award was provided by friends and colleagues to honour Lois G. Duffy, CPS (BA Secretarial 1948) on her retirement from Atlantic Provinces Economic Council. The award is made annually on the recommendation of the School of Music to a promising and deserving third or fourth year vocal student with an aptitude for oratorio and church music. An alternate acceptable candidate would be a music student with an interest in choral conducting.

Donate Now 

Lyle Davis Community Engagement Award

Award | Eligibility: Professional Studies, Community Development, Current 2nd year, Current 3rd year, Current 4th year

The Lyle Davis Community Engagement Award is presented to a returning Acadia student in Community Development. This award honours Lyle Davis who worked for Acadia University from 1983-1991 and had a deep connection to the Recreation Management and Community Development Department. Lyle Davis was fun-loving, lived an active lifestyle, was an inspirational leader, optimistic, deeply connected to others and lived life fully. He was an avid outdoor enthusiast and musician, and he pursued many other hobbies until his untimely death in a climbing accident at Lake Louise in 1991.

This award was created and funded by Lyle’s family, friends, colleagues, and alumni and faculty members of the Community Development Department because of the inspiration and vision he created for them. The award recognizes a returning Community Development student who is passionate about the outdoors and/or active living, has infectious optimism, fosters deep connections to others, is fun loving, and demonstrates inspirational leadership.

Donate Now 

Lynn Barkhouse Music Education Award

Award of up to $115 | Eligibility: Professional Studies, Music, Current 3rd year

The Lynn Barkhouse Music Education Award. An award given annually by the Acadia Music Club to one student ($115) or two students ($57.50 each) registered in the third year of the Bachelor of Music Education degree program. The award will be granted on the basis of above-average scholastic achievement, financial need, and interest in teaching music.

Donate Now 

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