Vice-President, External Relations

Ms. Nancy Handrigan

The Vice-President, External Relations leads the teams responsible for maintaining a strong connection with alumni and building a network of supporters for Acadia University.

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Welcome

Dear Acadia Community,

I am excited to lead our dedicated External Relations team, which operates Alumni Relations, Donor Relations, and Reporting and Records. Our mission is to strengthen the bonds that connect our alumni and supporters with Acadia University and one another.

As a proud member of the Class of 1992, serving as the Vice-President of External Relations is especially meaningful to me. Your passion and dedication inspire me every day.

We are currently focusing on the Build: The Student Centre campaign to reimagine our Students’ Union Building. This $24 million fundraising effort is more than a renovation; it's about creating a space that will be the heart of student life for future generations. We are developing an accessible, inclusive hub that offers outstanding student support, engagement, and services.

We are deeply grateful for your loyal interest. Your generosity and commitment to Acadia are essential to our success and achieving our goals. Your support makes all the difference for students who aspire to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.

Our team is here to keep our alumni and community informed and engaged with Acadia and campus life, to help grow Acadia's distinguished reputation, and to secure the philanthropic support vital to our future.

I invite you to join us on this journey and thank you for your continuing to stand up and cheer!

Yours in Acadia spirit,

Nancy Handrigan (’92)
Vice-President, External Relations

Biography

Nancy Handrigan (’92) is a seasoned fundraising professional with experience in health care and the private and public education sectors.

After receiving her BMus at Acadia, Nancy earned an MA in Music Criticism at McMaster University and continued her path in the arts as General Manager of the Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus and the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra. Nancy developed her skills in alumni relations and fundraising at McMaster, followed by a position in major gifts and gift planning at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital Foundation in Burlington, Ontario. Before joining Acadia, she served as Executive Director, Philanthropy, at Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario.

Nancy returned to Acadia in 2013 to serve as its Executive Director, Philanthropy. She added Campaign Director to her duties in 2017 as the University prepared to launch Campaign for Acadia. Nancy worked with a small advancement team to establish an impressive Campaign Cabinet and implement the launch of Acadia’s ambitious $75-million fundraising initiative that concluded successfully in December 2020, two years ahead of schedule, and exceeding its goal by nearly $12 million. The Campaign earned awards nationally and internationally for its communications strategies.

A native of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Nancy is delighted to serve the University, its alumni, donors and many friends as Vice-President, External Relations.

Related Offices

Alumni Relations

Alumni Relations fosters enduring connections between the University and its alumni. The team facilitates engagement through events, mentorship, and opportunities to ensure our graduates remain integral members of the Acadia community.

Donor Relations

Donor Relations honours the generosity of our supporters, ensuring transparency and meaningful recognition of contributions. The team is dedicated to showing the tangible impact of donations, maintaining trust, and celebrating philanthropy as a cornerstone of Acadia's growth.

Reporting and Records

Reporting and Records oversees the financial processes involved in managing donor contributions and ensuring the effective allocation of funds to support Acadia’s mission and goals.

Publications

Explore our Advancement Publications page for additional information, including:

  • Build: The Student Centre campaign (Case for Support)
  • 1838 Society (Legacy Giving Booklet)
  • The Bulletin (Alumni Magazine)
  • The Giving Report (Endowment Update to Donors)
  • The Honoree (For Friends of Acadia)
  • Forms and policies
 

Contact

The Office of the Vice-President, External Relations is situated in Room 225 University Hall, centrally located on the University campus. Our operational hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. AST. Appointments are recommended and welcomed.

Laura Caldwell

Executive Assistant University Hall,
Room 225 902-599-3084

Office of the Vice-President, External Relations

15 University Avenue
Acadia University
Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 General Inquiries: 902-585-1026 To make a donation: 902-585-1912 Toll Free in North America: 1.866.ACADIA (1-866-222-3428)

Charitable Registration #: 106681893 RR0001