Acadia University student Nick Lundrigan (BA'26) is one of 19 Canadians selected to join the sixth cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill University.

Established with a historic $200 million gift in 2019, the McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies.

More than 700 Canadian students applied for the opportunity, and the top 150 participated in the first round of interviews across the country and online. Afterwards, 91 finalists were invited to attend final interviews in Montreal in March.

The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, relocation, mentorship, coaching, and leadership program activities.

“I was in disbelief. I still can't really believe that this is real,” says Nick. “I received the call while I was in class, so I ran to my office on campus and answered as soon as I could. I was shocked to hear the news, and celebrated by telling my loved ones in the following days. I am so incredibly honoured to be recognized by this award.”

Recipients were chosen based on exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.

Dr. Laura Robinson (English) is thrilled for Nick and says they are “most deserving to be a McCall MacBain scholar.”

“I’d like to convey my most heartfelt congratulations to Nick, someone who is not only gifted but also pushes themself in all facets of their life. Nick pairs their artistic and intellectual gifts with compassion and empathy to effect social and cultural change. An outstanding scholar, evocative dancer, and involved student, Nick is also deeply humble and kind.”

“I cannot wait to see what they will accomplish in their life.”

Nick will be crossing the University Hall stage next week, receiving a degree in English and Women's and Gender Studies. During their time at Acadia, they got involved, took initiative and learned beyond the classroom. They worked throughout their degree, including as a student assistant at Acadia's Vaughan Memorial Library, a team supervisor at a visitor information centre, and as a research assistant on campus.

As co-lead of the Acadia Dance Collective, they worked to make it more inclusive and accessible to all dancers. They also managed finances for the Acadia English Society, organizing fundraisers and managing the budget. Nick served on the youth advisory council for TransCare+, a national non-profit organization, where they worked to raise awareness about gender-based violence affecting queer and gender-diverse youth in rural areas.

“My experiences with people at Acadia have shaped me,” said Nick. “The people here, academically and socially, have inspired me to become more caring in a lot of ways. The sense of community that I have gained here makes me want to carry it forward into opportunities like this one.”

Nick will pursue a Master of Information Studies (MISt) at McGill. “In my studies, I hope to explore the potential of libraries as transformational community centres. I believe in libraries' ability to make people feel seen and heard, through their collections, programming, and physical environment—especially serving as a resource in rural communities.”

Ciaran Purdome (Digital Archivist, Acadia University Archives), who worked with Nick at the Archives at the Vaughan Memorial Library, says “Nick is the kind of student who makes me excited about the future of the field. Libraries and archives are going to be richer, more just places because of the work they will do.”

“These scholarships go beyond financial support,” says Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “They’re about investing in the leadership potential of individuals who dare to pursue unconventional paths and care deeply about improving the lives of others."

“Every McCall MacBain Scholar has participated in six different interviews to earn this opportunity,” said Natasha Sawh, CEO of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “In September, they will join a diverse, interdisciplinary network of graduate students committed to bringing people together and creating meaningful change.”

Nick was one of two Acadia University students honoured this year. Environmental Science student Rowan Norrad (BSc’26) earned a $10,000 McCall MacBain Finalist Award as a national finalist.

Applications will open in June 2026 for the 2027 cohort. More information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships can be found at mccallmacbainscholars.org.