Dear colleagues,

As you know, Dr. Rod Morrison, our Vice-President, Advancement, will be retiring effective at the end of February 2021. Thanks in large part to his leadership, the Campaign for Acadia was completed at the end of 2020, exceeding its $75-million goal by more than $7 million.

Today, I am pleased to announce that Nancy Handrigan (’92) CFRE, will be appointed Interim Vice-President, Advancement, on March 1, 2021. I am delighted that Nancy has agreed to take on this important leadership position at such a critical time for Acadia, and it is exciting to have her step into the role and oversee our fundraising and alumni relations activities.

Nancy is a seasoned fundraising professional with experience in health care and the private and public education sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Acadia and a Master of Arts from McMaster University in music criticism. In 2013, Nancy returned to Acadia to serve as Executive Director of Philanthropy. She added Campaign Director to her duties in 2017, when we launched Campaign for Acadia, the most ambitious comprehensive fundraising initiative in our history. Nancy’s contribution to the success of the Campaign has been significant.

She worked with Rod and a small Advancement team to establish an impressive Campaign Cabinet, develop award-winning communications materials, and host launch events at home and worldwide. Nancy’s tremendous commitment to relationship-building, combined with her skill, diplomacy, and sheer hard work, were critical to the success of the Campaign for Acadia – a success that will help us fulfill the strategic directions set by Acadia 2025, our new strategic plan.

Please join me in congratulating Nancy and wishing her every success. And once more, thanking Rod, who will assist with a smooth and peaceful transition, ensuring continuity internally and externally. We are fortunate to have such dedicated people as part of the Acadia community.

Sincerely,

Peter