MacLean Awards

Award | Eligibility: Athletics

The MacLean Awards are awarded, on a renewable basis, to all-around academic students from Canada who have demonstrated leadership qualities and an interest in athletic activities. The awards are made, on the recommendation of the Director of Varsity Athletics, to students on the University's varsity football team. The awards may be held for a maximum of five years. This gifted award was established by Donald MacLean CAS 57' and Patricia MacLean in 2005.

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Magic 949-MBS Athletic Award

Award of up to $1,000 | Eligibility: Athletics, Professional Studies, Business Administration

Established in 2019 by Annapolis Valley Radio, this award recognizes a returning female varsity student-athlete enrolled in business. Preference will be given to a student who expresses an interest in a journalism career. The recipient must be in good academic standing, demonstrate leadership on the team and in the community. Value: $1,000.

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Major Fred Kelly Athletics Award

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

Established in 2018 in memory of Fred Kelly who was Hockey Head Coach from 1927 to 1966 and Director of Varsity Athletics from 1940 to 1967. During his stay of forty years at Acadia, the “major” or “Kel” as he was so fondly called, coached almost every intercollegiate sport. He inspired teams to approximately 50 Maritime or provincial intercollegiate championships in track and field, English rugby, swimming, hockey and basketball. Included are 31 out of a possible 33 Maritime Intercollegiate titles in track and field.

To be awarded annually to an athlete in recognition of their leadership, community involvement, and is in good academic standing. Preference will be given to a men’s hockey player.

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Mark MacFarlane Memorial Hockey Award

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

Established in 2019 by former Axemen hockey teammates of Mark MacFarlane (’81). To be awarded to a returning 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 hockey team and the Director of Athletics.

Mark MacFarlane was a skilled player who displayed a unique sense of humour. He placed great importance on a high level of academic achievement. Beyond hockey, Mark was not shy about building relationships with good students and professors alike. His teammates appreciated his dedication to his career as an educator, his faith and family. Value: $1,000.

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McCain Family Athletic Awards

Award of up to $10,000 | Eligibility: Athletics

Established in 2018 by Stephen and Penny McCain. To be awarded to a men’s hockey athlete ($10,000) and a women’s basketball athlete ($10,000) and two $5000 awards to a male and female student-athlete in recognition of their leadership, character, community involvement, and good academic standing. The recipients will be chosen by the Director of Athletics.

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McGillivray Athletic Award

Award of up to $1,000 | Eligibility: Athletics, Applied Science, Mathematics and Statistics

Established in 2015 by Tracey McGillivray. To be awarded to a returning female varsity athlete in applied sciences, engineering or mathematics. The recipient must be in good academic standing with a minimum 80% average, and present strong leadership qualities in the community. The recipient will be chosen by the Director of Athletics in consultation with head coaches of the female varsity athletic programs.

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Michael Hazard (’81) Memorial Basketball Award

Award of up to $3,500 | Eligibility: Athletics

This award was established in 2021 by alumni and friends of men’s basketball in memory of Mike Hazard (’81). It is awarded annually to a men’s varsity basketball student-athlete who demonstrates leadership qualities on and off the court, competitive spirit, community engagement, and is in good academic standing. It is preferred that the recipient is Black, Indigenous or a Person of Colour and demonstrates financial need. The recipient is chosen by the Director of Athletics in consultation with the Head Coach of the men’s varsity basketball program.

Rhode Island native Michael Hazard (’81), undoubtedly qualifies as one of the greatest ever basketball Axemen. A Conference and All-Canadian All-Star during his years at Acadia, he ranks high on the team’s list of all-time scoring leaders. Michael was instrumental in helping to lead the basketball Axemen to the national final in 1978. Michael is the only Acadia men’s basketball recipient of the Mike Moser Memorial Trophy presented to the Outstanding Male Basketball Player in the CIS. Michael passed away in 2020.

Value: $3,500+ annually

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Mike Chiasson Hockey Leadership Award

Award | Eligibility: Athletics, S.M.I.L.E. volunteer

Established in 2021 by Mike Chiasson ('11). This award recognizes a varsity men's hockey student-athlete who is in good academic standing and possesses positive leadership qualities on and off the ice. Preference will be shown to an athlete who volunteers as a member of the SMILE and/ or Kinderskills program. The recipient shall be selected by the head coach of the men's hockey program and the director of varsity athletics.

Mike Chiasson was a member of the hockey Axemen from 2007 to 2011 and spent two seasons as an Assistant Coach with the program. During his time as a student-athlete at Acadia, Mike was passionate about working with youth and was a member of SMILE. In 2015, Mike joined the Pittsburgh Penguins organization as Goaltending Development Professional.

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Mike Gillen Memorial Award

Award | Eligibility: Athletics

Established in 2017 by an anonymous Alberta corporation. To be awarded to a returning Acadia football player. The recipient must be in good academic standing and displays dedication through leadership, perseverance, commitment to hard work and general love of life. The recipient will be chosen by the Director of Athletics in consultation with a football committee.

Mike Gillen was a vital member of the Acadia University Axemen football team from the time he arrived on campus in 2002 until his departure in 2006. As a running back, punt returner and a team captain, Mike always lived up to the #1 on his jersey and inspired his teammates on a daily basis with his energy, positive attitude, and his genuine concern for everyone involved with the Axemen football family. Mike was a once in a generation leader.

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Millicent (Forsyth-Smith) Rice Women’s Basketball Award

Award | Eligibility: Athletics, Nova Scotia

Established in 2020 by the family of Millicent Forsyth-Smith Rice. The award will be presented to a returning student-athlete who is a member of the women’s basketball program. Preference will be given to a Nova Scotia born student-athlete. The recipient shall be passionate about community, possess strong leadership qualities and be in good academic standing.

The recipient will be recommended by the Director of Athletics in consultation with the head coach of the women’s basketball program.

The Millicent (Forsyth-Smith) Rice Women’s Basketball Award was created to recognize the impact Millicent Forsyth-Smith Rice (’43) made during her time as a member of the Acadia Women’s Basketball program. A graduate of Wolfville High, Forsyth-Smith Rice coached the High School basketball team as a student-athlete. At Acadia, she was captain of the women’s team. Millicent was 98 years of age at the time of her passing in 2019 and was the first of three generations that attended and graduated from Acadia University.

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Myrt MacNeil Memorial Basketball Award

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

Established in 2018 by the MacNeil Family, to be awarded to a returning women’s basketball athlete. The recipient should be in good academic standing, display positive team leadership qualities as well as good citizenship with the community.

This award is endowed through a generous gift by The John and Judy Bragg Family Foundation.

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