2024       Dr. Caroline Cochran, Department of Mathematics and Statistics

2023       Dr. Ryan MacNeil, F. C. Manning School of Business

2022       Dr. Colin King (2017), Kinesiology

2021       Dr. Juan Carlos López, Biology

2020       Dr. Ian Spooner, Earth & Environmental Science

2019       Dr. Jennifer MacDonald, History and Classics

2018       Dr. Michelle Boyd, School of Music

2017       Professor Ann Dodge, School of Recreation Management and Kinesiology

2016       Dr. Randy Newman, Department of Psychology

2009       Dr. Stephen Ash, F. C. Manning School of Business

2008       Dr. Brenda Robertson, School of Recreation Management and Kinesiology

2007       Dr. Gregory MacKinnon, School of Education

2006       Dr. Stephen Maitzen, Department of Philosophy

2004       Dr. Peter Williams, Physics Department

2000       Dr. Frederick H. Chipman (1961) Math and Stats Department

1998       Dr. Jeanette Auger, Sociology Department

1997       Dr. Mervin Chen, Sociology Department

1996       Dr. Thomasz Muldner, Computer Science

1995       Dr. Merritt A. Gibson (1951) Biology Department

1994       Dr. Stanley Fisher, School of Music

1993       Dr. Gary Ness, Recreation and Physical Activity

1992       Dr. Gwen Davies, English Department

1991       Dr. Maurice Tugwell, Economics Department

1990       Professor Edward Eagles, English Department

1989       Dr. Sandra Barr, Geology Department

1988       Dr. James Stokesbury (1960) History Department

1987       Dr. J. Sherman Bleakney (1949) Biology Department

1986       Dr. Charles Taylor (1951) Acadia Divinity College

The Associated Alumni of Acadia University is pleased to announce that this year’s recipient of the Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service is Mr. Barry Wisener, Class of 1982.

The award recognizes an alum of Acadia University who has had a significant positive impact on its alumni and focuses on a volunteer who has provided consistent support in the form of time, effort and resources to the services and promotion of the advancement of the University and its alumni. The description sums up all that Barry has accomplished over the last several decades, and as noted by one of his many colleagues and peers, “his intentions are always for the right reasons.”

Barry’s dedication and contributions to Acadia, specifically, span from establishing the Mark MacFarlane Memorial Hockey Award, the annual Night in the Skybox event which helps sustain and grow the Award and contributing to the Don Wells Memorial Award, to rolling up his sleeves to help with fund raising events like the Friends of Acadia Hockey Scramble and the Acadia Axemen Celebrity Dinner. In doing all this work, classmate Brian Wood (’83) notes that Barry’s initiative, vision and follow-through were instrumental at every stage, from concept to execution.

Wood goes on to say that Barry “has single-handedly brought former teammates and friends together, reigniting a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. His ability to unite us for meaningful causes speaks volumes to his dedication and leadership.”

Outside of Acadia, and before he retired in 2018, Barry was heavily involved in female hockey. He coached in the CHBAMHA, held a seat on HNS Female Council, managed and grew the HNS Female Festival to 400 new to the game female players, took a term as president of the NSFMHL AAA and in 2018 received a national award at the Hockey Canada AGM in Regina called the Female Hockey Breakthrough Award.

For Barry, it’s quite simple. “When I see a bare wall, let’s throw up a picture or message to promote something.” This power play attitude is evident in all that he does and even in the daily interactions with him. He is a joyous addition to the Wolfville community, now residing here after raising a family in Cole Harbour with his wife Cindy and coming to Acadia via Pictou.

Associated Alumni of Acadia University President, Christine Luckasavitch (’11), delights when an individual like Barry is selected for an Alumni Service award. “Barry is the fabric of the community of Acadia, Wolfville and the province of Nova Scotia. He has made an impact through the support of Acadia Hockey awards programs and positively impacted the growth and development of hockey for females, adding value to female hockey programming, and taking advantage of resources from local, provincial and national hockey organizations. Thank you for all that you do, Barry.”

Coach Darren Burns ('95) puts the exclamation at the end of all this when he says, “Barry Wisener cares about our institution and Acadia Hockey benefits immensely from his efforts.”

Talented, Relentless and Loyal - Congratulations to Barry Wisener!

Bruce Phinney honoured with Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service

By Fred Sgambati (’83)

Larger than life. Many are described that way, but few people can match the hype.

Then there’s Bruce Phinney (’81). A dynamic personality, Bruce embodied the spirit and intention of Acadia University’s mandate and values. He was a fierce advocate for countless students, serving Acadia administration, alumni, faculty and staff with verve, intelligence, and insight that was at times quietly understated and occasionally vocal. Always respectful and unfailingly affable, Bruce wore his passion for Acadia on his sleeve and stands as one of the University’s staunchest supporters.

Acadia was his heart and soul, and why the Acadia Alumni Association is proud to announce that he is the 2024 recipient of the Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service.

Bruce graduated from Acadia with a BBA in 1981, having served as treasurer of the Acadia Students’ Union as an undergrad. He earned his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 1984 and was named by the Nova Scotia Institute of Chartered Accountants as a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) in 2011.

A successful Nova Scotia entrepreneur, Bruce served on many boards, enjoying voluntary leadership capacities as President of the Waegwoltic Club; Treasurer for Sacred Heart School of Halifax; Director of Swim Nova Scotia; and Director of the Halifax Junior Bengal Lancers. Over the years he organized and managed successful fundraising events and initiatives for these organizations. He was an avid sailor, musician, cook, gardener, carpenter, SCUBA instructor and golfer, and loved to share his passions with everyone he knew.

Bruce served as President of the Acadia Alumni Association and member of the University’s Board of Governors. He enthusiastically participated in all aspects of these organizations and shared his insight on financial, strategic, governance, and capital initiatives. He was a valued mentor to many Association board members, and provided strategic financial counsel and support to the University during difficult times while offering advice and support to current students and alumni. Bruce was also an ardent and prolific student recruiter.

One of his fondest highlights during his tenure on the Board of Governors was sitting alongside his daughter Evan (’16), which presumably made for the first parent-child alumni duo to concurrently serve the Board.

Evan says, “from a very young age, I knew my dad bled ‘red and blue.’ I remember going to countless football games, in the bitter cold, knowing nothing about football, but still having the best time ‘networking’ with dad.”

His commitment to sharing his head, heart and hands with the Acadia community was relentless and impressive. He was known to drop off recurring full grocery orders to students he knew were unable to make ends meet; he created invaluable career connections for graduating students; dropped everything to offer mentorship and invite students going through a tough time into his home until they could get back on their feet (including ensuring that they had tutoring support to help them cross the stage and earn their degree).

He had a way of finding the best in everyone, making you dream a little bigger and push beyond what you thought possible, and having fun while doing it. He brought a balance of strategic advisory and a willingness to roll up his sleeves to get things done. Perhaps most impressive of all, he did these things selflessly, expecting nothing in return.

Bruce's passing after a brief illness in 2019 was felt deeply by his family, friends, and the Acadia community. His impact on Acadia and its students is everlasting and will continue to be recognized with the establishment in 2020 of the Bruce Wendell Phinney, FCPA, FCA, BBA (’81) Merit Award.

It’s a testament to his legacy and a powerful statement on the beneficial effect he had on so many others, including those who stepped up to initially fund and sustain the award.

“When considering Bruce Phinney’s legacy and what it means to Acadia and our alumni community, there’s no doubt his remarkable energy cast a brilliant light that touched nearly every aspect of the University and those affiliated with it,” says Alumni Association President Christine Luckasavitch (’11). “He fostered and supported an incredible number of students, shared his business acumen with faculty, staff, alumni and the administration, and gave so generously of his time and talent to make a difference. We will never forget the enormity of his long-standing service, and will continue to embrace it as a shining example for members of our alumni family to emulate. He is a most worthy recipient of the Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service, and we are proud to honour his memory with this award.”

The Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service will be presented during this year’s Halifax Holiday Reception on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Office Interiors, 2 Ralston Ave., in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

JANET KIRKCONNELL APPLAUDED AS 2023 ACADIA ALUMNI ISAAC CHIPMAN AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ALUMNI SERVICE RECIPIENT

For nearly 20 years, Janet Kirkconnell (’56, ’58) has been a quiet and loyal volunteer for the Sunday Music in the Garden Room concert series hosted in the K. C. Irving Environmental Science Centre Garden Room.

Her unselfish and persistent dedication to the concert series over the past two decades has enhanced its public profile and ensured its longevity, and is one of the reasons why she is the 2023 recipient of the Acadia Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service.

Supported financially by the Acadia Alumni Association as well as the generosity of donors since its inception, the chamber music concerts provide world-class entertainment on campus for the Acadia community and alumni while promoting the Alumni Association at a fundamental, grassroots level.

Chris Olsen (’57) came to be essentially the chief manager of the series for the first decade of its existence.  From the beginning of the series, Janet distributed posters around Wolfville and environs, faithfully attended each recital and, in the earlier years along with Joan Allen Peters (’53), welcomed attendees at the entrance to the Garden Room with a program. She helped to host the guest artists before and after the concerts, many of whom are alumni themselves.

After Chris Olsen could no longer do so, Janet, with a background in music, concert management, and journalism, took over and has nearly single-handedly operated the six to eight (sometimes nine) concerts annually. From contracting the guest artists and consulting on their programs to booking their accommodations and welcoming them on arrival for rehearsal, on occasion soliciting drives for artists arriving at Halifax from other parts of Canada or the US, researching and writing the program notes and biographies, promoting the concerts through local and provincial media, which included the writing of articles, and hosting the musicians and audience on the day of each concert, Janet has done it all, and been without a doubt the backbone of this special program.

A very active octogenarian, Janet until recently still distributed posters, retrieved programs from the Print Shop and payment for the musicians from the Finance Office (these last two for the final concert of the season, the William Marshall Bishop Memorial Concert in early May), delivered donations to the Office of Advancement, and ensured everything ran smoothly for the audience and guest artists alike.

“Sunday Music in the Garden Room offers a professional musical experience on campus that simply could not happen without the volunteer commitment and leadership of Janet Kirkconnell,” says Alumni Association President Matthew Rios (’14). “Her faithful support of the series reflects our Association’s ambition to engage audiences in a way that shines a bright and favourable light on our talented alumni and others, and fully represents our mandate to connect alumni here at home and around the world.

“It’s a privilege to acknowledge Janet’s tremendous contributions to the University, alumni and local communities and recognize her as this year’s Acadia Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service recipient.”

Pictured above: Janet Kirkconnell (’56, ’58) with Vice-President, Advancement Nancy Handrigan (92). (Photo: Peter Oleskevich)

Barry Taylor named 2022 Acadia Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service recipient

Resilience amid grief, service above self. Fundamental qualities that reflect Acadia’s motto, In Pulvere Vinces.

There are few people in Acadia’s alumni community who have confronted personally devastating circumstances and debilitating heartbreak with as much grace, humility and determination and were able to turn it into service for our university as this year’s Acadia Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service recipient, Barry Taylor (’80).

Barry came to Acadia in 1975 as a kind and caring human being who had an appreciation for his classmates, colleagues and peers. He settled into campus life comfortably, made friends easily, and personified the Acadia spirit. He was involved and engaged, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration before heading to the United States to establish a management career in the video game market.

Later, with young daughter Sydney in tow, Barry moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia and created Crossridge Construction, now headquartered in Chester, building million-dollar homes on Nova Scotia’s south shore. He also served three terms on the Associated Alumni of Acadia University Board, attended myriad Acadia events and shared his affection for the University with everyone he met. Small wonder that when it was time for Sydney to choose a post-secondary school, Barry naturally recommended Acadia.

A strong and independent soul herself, though, Sydney was determined to make her own way in the world and initially looked elsewhere. But after meeting then University President and Vice-Chancellor Ray Ivany, Sydney was convinced that Acadia was the right choice for her, and she had four very successful years on campus, completing a political science and sociology program with honours. No one was prouder than Barry to see his only daughter soak up everything that Acadia and the local community had to offer. Tragically, just as Sydney was planning for the next steps in her life, she passed away at the age of 21 while on her grad class trip in May 2013.

It is impossible to gauge the impact of such a loss, and even more difficult to imagine how to process it, but Barry somehow managed to embrace the pain and grief, seek the light, and immediately began a journey to honour Sydney’s memory. This resilience was on display two weeks after her death, where Barry was present at University Hall during that year’s convocation ceremonies to personally accept his daughter’s diploma.

He invited Sydney’s many friends, all of whom were still reeling from the loss, to celebrate her memory with music and song at his Chester home, and has done so every year. He launched Sydstock, a musical celebration that became a staple during subsequent Homecoming Weekends, raising funds to create the Sydney Taylor ’13 Memorial Award, given to a returning student(s) in the Faculty of Arts who has enriched campus life as an active Acadia citizen through academic, on- or off-campus leadership or activities. Barry also worked with the Politics Department and the Acadia Politics Student Association to develop the Sydney Taylor Memorial Lecture, which brings a notable scholar/leader to campus each year.

He has honoured Sydney’s memory faithfully and done so in a manner that has strengthened the University and made each member of the Acadia family better.

“It is a privilege to announce Barry Taylor as this year’s Acadia Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service recipient,” says Acadia Alumni Association President Matthew Rios (’14). “I was a student in 2013 and counted Sydney as a close friend. Her infectious spirit, energy and affection for music, family, friends and Acadia left a lasting impression on all who knew her, and Barry’s tireless efforts to communicate those magical qualities of hers to members of our community have been inspirational to me and successive generations of students and alumni alike. Sydney was brilliant, charismatic and quite frankly larger than life, and Barry’s heroic efforts to keep her beautiful memory alive and benefit Acadia and its students at the same time are laudable and impressive. I am humbled and honoured to acknowledge him as the 2022 Acadia Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service recipient.”

Learn more about the Sydney Taylor Memorial Lecture or donate to the Sydney Taylor ’13 Memorial Award.

Bostonian Tony Cicerone named 2021 Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service recipient

Dr. Cicerone (left) with Ian Murray ('88) at an Alumni event.

The Acadia Alumni Association is proud to announce that Dr. Anthony ‘Tony’ Cicerone (’68) is the 2021 recipient of the Acadia Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service.

For more than 50 years, Tony Cicerone has had a significant positive impact on Acadia and its alumni in the Boston area. His effort has been consistent in the form of time, energy and resources to the services and promotion of the advancement of the University and its alumni.

Through the decades, Tony has volunteered for Acadia in multiple ways, most recently organizing Italian-style Alumni Family Dinners in Boston's north end prior to the pandemic and as a key proponent in getting Peter MacKay (’87) positioned as the keynote speaker at a joint Acadia-New England Canada Business Council Luncheon held on historic Beacon Street in March 2019.

Acadia Alumni Association President Donalda MacBeath (’75) applauded the selection, noting that “Tony Cicerone’s dedication and commitment to Acadia is a shining example of the kind of alumni engagement we encourage and support through our Association. His unwavering enthusiasm for all things Acadia within his sphere of influence and beyond has kept us connected to our alumni in the New England area and promoted the University to countless prospective and current students, business professionals, colleagues and members of our alumni family for decades. I’m delighted that he has been chosen to receive this award that acknowledges his long and excellent service to Acadia and our alumni community.”

Tony has put together countless alumni gatherings in the past and, as a long-standing member of and contributor to the New England Canada Business Council (NECBC), has kept Acadia connected to Canada’s Counsel General in New England and to various activities in the Boston area. The mission of NECBC is to advance the understanding of business, political and cultural issues between Canada and the United States and to promote the entrepreneurial networking of its members. Tony has arranged for Acadia alumni to be guest speakers on many occasions.

Tony served on Acadia's US Foundation for many years and was reappointed recently to the current iteration of the Foundation. As well, he has been an ardent supporter of New England-focused student recruitment initiatives in the past. Tony never misses a hockey or basketball game when Acadia athletic teams are playing an exhibition contest in the Boston area, often acting as the instigator to get other Acadia alumni out for the evening.

Semi-retired now, Tony was Director of the Canadian Studies Program (taking the helm in 1989) and Professor of Economics at Bridgewater State University. At present, he works on 'special projects' for the Office of the College President. Tony completed both his master’s and PhD in economics from Northeastern University.

Brian Heaney (’69) is a classmate, friend, Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and former Director of Athletics at Acadia from 2007-10. “One thing I remember about Tony during his years as a student and classmate at Acadia was that he was always engaged academically,” Heaney says. “He had many mentors from the faculty of business, most notably the late Ralph Winter, who became a special friend of Tony and (his wife) Kathy (’68) for years after they graduated from Acadia. The model faculty at Acadia inspired Tony to complete his PhD and devote his life and energy as an educator par excellence who almost annually returned to Acadia to renew his friendships and memories throughout his lifetime.”

Acadia’s Executive Director to the President, Ian Murray (’88), noted in a letter supporting Cicerone’s nomination that “Tony’s love of Acadia is palpable. Given his years of service, and the breadth of activities and responsibilities he has undertaken, recognizing Tony with the Chipman Award as an expression of pride and appreciation for his outstanding contributions would be a wonderful tribute.”

Geoff Irvine named 2020 recipient of Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service

The Acadia Alumni Association is proud to announce that Geoff Irvine (’87) is this year’s recipient of the Acadia Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service.

Geoff has been a friend of Acadia for more than 30 years, serving on Student Council and Frosh Committee as an undergraduate; as Executive Director of Alumni Affairs from 2006-09; as a member of Acadia’s Board of Governors twice (in 2005-06 and 2016-19); and on the Associated Alumni of Acadia University (now Acadia Alumni Association) Board in several capacities, including Vice-President and President (2016-18).

He has always been a champion of the alumni community in good times and bad, persistently encouraging mutual respect and collegiality and never losing sight of the value that alumni bring to Acadia through their shared experience, storytelling capacity, fundraising ability and overall affection for and affinity to the institution.

President of the Acadia Alumni Association, Donalda MacBeath (’75), has known Geoff for many years and values his commitment to the University and the Alumni Association.

“Geoff is a fine example of what volunteerism should be,” she says. “You don’t have to spend a lot of time with him to know how passionate he is about Acadia and how important alumni are to the University’s success, now and in the future. He has cultivated relationships, recruited students, established key protocols that govern our executive actions today, and his long history of service exemplifies his dedication to sustaining the Acadia experience for prospective students who will one day graduate and become part of the Acadia alumni family.”

“I’m honoured to receive this award named after such a significant Acadia alumnus,” Irvine says. “I have been blessed to be able to benefit from the unique educational and personal growth experiences offered by Acadia and made lifelong friends both as a student and then many years later as a leader in the alumni community. I strongly urge all alumni to get involved with Acadia in any way you can, including mentoring and recruiting students, attending events or making a monthly donation to a program of interest. The mental drift back to our halcyon days in Wolfville is a tonic!”

The Acadia Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service recognizes a graduate of Acadia University who has had a significant positive impact on Acadia and its alumni. The award focuses on a recipient who has provided consistent support in the form of time, effort and resources to the services and promotion of the advancement of the University and its alumni.

Beverley Richardson ('60)

Beverley (Trites) Richardson, a member of the Class of 1960, studied secretarial science with a music minor. She was involved in the Acadia Choral Society, Acadia Orchestra (violin), NFCUS, SCM, PC Party, cheerleading, and served as a monitor for Horton Academy girls in Seminary. Beverley entered and graduated from Victoria General Hospital in Halifax from the three-year nursing program then married Dick Currie, whom she met on the Acadia basketball court. The couple has three daughters and eight grandchildren. Beverley nursed private duty for cancer patients in Saint John, N.B., where she was involved with Acadia Alumni (1962-1968). The couple moved to Boston when Dick attended Harvard Business School, and opened a premature nursery at the Cambridge Hospital. Years later, Beverley and her family settled in Toronto, where she continued to be involved with Acadia Alumni. She was involved also with volunteer work at her girls’ school, grief and bereavement counseling at her church, and fundraising events. Beverley helped take the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church Choir to England and Scotland, arranging all venues and accommodations prior to the trip. She was the Editor for Crafts for J.A.M. magazine for young people for three years. Beverley traveled extensively, enjoying many Pro-Am golf tournaments along the way. In 1988, she married Acadia grad Grant Richardson, moving to Truro, where he taught Physics and Math. Grant took a year study leave in England, returning to Truro, and set up a 4.5 star Bed and Breakfast (The Silver Firs) which operated for nine years. Special guests included Prime Minister Kim Campbell, a Four-Star General, Vienna String Quartet, and more. In addition, the company catered to wedding parties. Beverley worked on many church boards and the Colchester Hospital Foundation. In 2000, Beverley moved to Wolfville. Her hobbies include gardening, reading, needlework, and painting in watercolour and acrylics. Beverley has been busy for the past four years organizing “Friends of Lucas” as a financial support system for pianist Lucas Porter. She keeps busy on the Board of Landmark East and the Valley Regional (Hospice) Foundation as well as involved in Wolfville Baptist Church organizations. She is presently the President of the Social and Benevolent Society, which organizes and prepares for all church receptions, teas and dinners, including the Divinity College.

2024      Spencer Richard

2023      Olivia Stevenson

2022      Sarah Lavallée

2021      Guy Harrison-Murray

2020      Liam Maaskant

2019      Samantha Teichman and Ruvimbo Chipazi

2018      Emily Murray

2017      Katie Ross

2016      Todd Dow

2015      Kenzie MacNeil

2014      Darcy Shea

2013      Lindsay Harris

2012      William Roberts

2011      Christina Muehlberger

2010      Leslie Lewis

2009      Rhys Kavanagh

2008      Alex Redfield and Hillary Barter

2007      Jordan M. Sheriko

2006      Megan Margaret Jean Burns

2005      Melissa Ann Brockerville

2004      Adam Armstrong

2003      Hannah-Ruth Feldberg

2002      Laura Elizabeth Saunders

2001      Meghann Clare Lloyd

2000      Paul F. BLack

1999      Tracy K. Antle

1998      David V. Wright

1997      Karen Lynnette Hood

1996      Jason G. Williams

1995      Thomas M. Hamza

1994      Stephen S. S. Lee

1993      Michele Hilton

1992      Robert G. Reeves

1991      Maureen J. MacDonald

1990      Pamela J. Butler

1989      Clive V. Anderson

1988      Sara Lynn Porter

1987      Stephen J. Smith

1986      Frances L. Peck 

1985      Edgar P. Spalding

1984      James K. Cruickshank

1983      Brad Yuill and Martha Grandmont

1982      Alan R. Dennis

1981      Eleanor Borden Crowell

Theresa Starratt named 2025 Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award recipient

The Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award recognizes a staff member who has made a significant positive impact on Acadia, its students, and alumni. It is without a doubt that during her 20+ year career at Acadia Theresa Starratt has gone above and beyond and not only provided outstanding service but created a collaborative environment that inspires and captures the Acadia spirit.

The Graduate Studies Office effectively serves as a second Registrar’s and Admissions Office, specifically meeting the needs of graduate students. It involves services associated with student admissions, registration, student funding, advising, provincial and national graduate scholarships, thesis submissions, defences, records management and much more. Theresa, in her current role as Graduate Studies Officer, Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies, exhibits extraordinary commitment to university service and takes on responsibilities well beyond her duties. She has developed close working relationships with many other service units and all of the Schools and Departments offering graduate programs at Acadia.

Theresa has an excellent work ethic, superb organizational skills, sharp and quick attention to detail and strong abilities to forecast and pro-actively problem solve and a heart-of-gold in interactions with graduate students. She is particularly attentive to the needs of international students, many of whom have expressed their immense gratitude via thank-you notes and personal gestures. One such international student shared that he began to experience Theresa’s commitment to supporting students before he arrived in Canada. Her promptness in replying to his many enquiries about course registration, visa issues, life on campus and the town of Wolfville, along with her help in providing additional documentation eased his entry into Canada.

Past President of the Acadia Graduate Students’ Association, Matthew Penney (’22), said “a particularly strong example of Theresa’s commitment to the academic aspect of graduate students was her participation in a workshop for students on how to successfully write research proposals for Canada Graduate Scholarships. Along with helping to promote the event to both graduate and honours students across numerous departments, Theresa herself took part in the presentation and instructed students about the importance of meeting deadlines, proofreading their work, and avoiding common pitfalls in the submission process that may lead to good proposals being rejected. This event was continued by the Office of Research & Graduate Studies the following year, with Theresa again taking part.”

Dr. Anna Redden (’79, ’82, ’86) was the lead nominator for Theresa’s award application and shared that “one of the many things that I admire about Theresa is her thoughtfulness of and care for other employees at Acadia. She regularly and openly demonstrates her appreciation of colleagues. And she is quick to offer and provide assistance to other units, especially those with time-sensitive activities and events (e.g., convocation preparations). She does this without hesitation and no matter how busy she is.”

Anna went on to say that “as a result of Covid-19 restrictions on in-person and group meetings, Theresa delivered, for 2 years in a row, an on-line and interactive orientation event for incoming graduate students.”

Not afraid to take on a challenge, Theresa was instrumental in undertaking intensive training on the new student registration system, Colleague, and has also spent countless hours learning new skills to make our CRM, SLATE, intuitive and welcoming for our students.

Dr. Mark Mallory provided a letter of support and felt “it is always great to see someone who does their job really, really well get recognized for that service, and that alone merits consideration of Theresa Starratt for this award, because she is simply exceptional. However, it is another thing to have that same person exude positivity and the joy and importance of being part of Acadia University. Theresa does this for every single graduate student that pops through her door – they know that she is there for them. She does this for all of the Graduate Co-ordinators as well! In fact, I suspect she does this with everyone she encounters here at Acadia. To that end, I think she exemplifies everything we try to be, and certainly that we tend to celebrate: a vibrant academic institution with a real personal touch.”

Theresa is generally the first person you are in contact with when you begin graduate school at Acadia and her patient, kind, well-informed, friendly and prompt responses foster a wonderful first impression! Christine Luckasavitch ('11), President of the Associated Alumni of Acadia University, shares her sincere congratulations. “Theresa, you truly exhibit the qualities of an individual deserving of the Outstanding University Service Award. With deep gratitude, we honour your devotion, generous spirit and the lasting impact on our university community. Your unwavering dedication and commitment have left an indelible mark, and you continue to inspire all of us all. Congratulations – and thank you!”

Brad George named 2024 Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award recipient

Technology can be confounding and difficult to understand and appreciate for many people. Those with the training and willingness to share their knowledge, however, have the skills to unlock its powers and invariably end up holding a special place in the hearts of anyone who relies on technology to get the job done.

Brad George, recently retired Manager of Hardware Services at Acadia, is one of those people. Over a 30-year career at Acadia, Brad’s patience and outstanding service distinguished him among his peers, going above and beyond with confidence, kindness and always a smile. He was quick to respond with insight and action and for this reason, and many others, the Acadia Alumni Association is delighted to recognize him as the 2024 recipient of the Outstanding University Service Award.

Brad began his career at Acadia as a technician and later became a supervisor. He is unfailingly thoughtful and polite and went out of his way – literally – to deliver top service to employees experiencing technical issues. During the pandemic, for instance, Brad drove to an employee’s house with a new keyboard and mouse. He asked another employee who needed a phone repaired to hang it on their door. He swung by, picked it up, had it repaired and drove it back. He was certainly one of Acadia’s quiet heroes.

Also during the pandemic, employees transitioned to working from home, transitioned back to the office, and others continue to have a hybrid working relationship. Through all these transitions, Brad and his colleagues in Technology Service were there with a positive attitude, great advice, and remarkable customer service.

Easygoing and affable, Brad made staff, faculty, and students feel important, no matter how small the job. He never made anyone feel incompetent or bothersome never, and demonstrated amazing patience when sharing new technical knowledge with others. The Acadia community is better for Brad’s steadfast presence and outstanding work ethic.

The Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award is given in recognition of a staff member who has had a significant positive impact on Acadia. Brad has done just that for more than three decades.

Alumni Association President Christine Luckasavitch (’11) says, “Acadia’s culture is predicated on a spirit of kindness and willingness to help in any situation. Brad George is the epitome of this kind of service above self. He puts people first, values relationships, and supports in the best way possible those who are not necessarily familiar with technology or are perhaps intimidated by it. He makes the difficult seem easy and inspires confidence while outlining best practices and reasonable options. He’s a testament to what Acadia is all about, and the Alumni Association is honoured to celebrate him as this year’s Outstanding University Service Award recipient.”

MELANIE JACKSON NAMED 2023 ACADIA ALUMNI OUTSTANDING UNIVERSITY SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

Humble, fierce, intelligent, and dedicated.

Just a few words that describe Acadia alum Melanie Jackson (’99, ’01), this year’s recipient of the Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award.

Passionate and meticulous, Melanie is committed to all things Acadia and exemplifies the University motto, In Pulvere Vinces. She has tremendously deep institutional knowledge coupled with a comprehensive understanding of the Advancement profession that has stood her in good stead while serving the Acadia community over the last 17 years.  

Currently Senior Alumni Officer in the Office of Advancement, Melanie is a two-time Acadia grad, having earned a BSc in biology and a BEd. Like many others in the alumni family, she met her life partner Doug (’99), a former Acadia Alumni Association President, while still an undergrad. Married now for 19 years, Melanie and Doug have two children.

Melanie was involved as a volunteer with the student-alumni organization, Students Maintaining Alumni Relations Through Teamwork (S.M.A.R.T.T.), supporting the work of alumni relations and fundraising staff, affording her first-hand experience in event planning and execution, diplomacy, communications and donor stewardship.

Over the years, Melanie has refined her many talents, surmounting challenges with aplomb and applying order and organization to workflow deliverables in an orderly and methodical manner. She is creative, adaptable and collaborative, working comfortably with colleagues, Board members and senior administrators alike. Her ability to see things as they are and candour in representing that perspective is uncommon and refreshing.

She works tirelessly with the Acadia Alumni Association, supporting 10 committees and sub-committees and the 22 Alumni Association Board members with remarkable skill, tact, insight and diplomacy.  She also works with each graduating Class Executive, advising the Grad Class Life Officers.

Kierstyn Palmer is Life Class President 2022. She notes that Melanie “genuinely wants what is best for students, and her passion for Acadia is blatantly obvious to anyone who has the pleasure to work alongside her. It comes naturally to her to want to go above and beyond for students (and) having such genuine, non-judgmental support to accomplish our goals is what led to our plans for graduation year having so much success. This award is an excellent way of seriously acknowledging the positive impact she has on students, alumni, and the entire Acadia community!”

Sophia Blanchard, 2023 Grad Class President, echoes the sentiment. “Melanie is a truly outstanding member of the University community, and I could not think of someone more highly deserving of the Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on the institution and those who have had the pleasure of working with her, especially myself and the Class of 2023.”

Melanie is a pivotal member of the Acadia team who has provided during her incredible career an extraordinarily high degree of management-level administrative experience, support and advice to the Alumni Association Board, its members, countless students, alumni and valued colleagues during her tenure.

Alumni Association President Matthew Rios (’14) concurs, noting that Melanie “is always willing to go above and beyond. She is thoughtful, energetic and committed to producing the finest work in the most efficient way possible. She is persistently respectful, considerate and ready without hesitation to roll up her sleeves and pitch in with a wonderful combination of determination, professionalism and caring that has made her an integral part of the Advancement team and the Acadia community. She is an incredible asset, and it is my great pleasure to acknowledge and applaud her as this year’s Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award recipient.”

Kim Vaughan named Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award winner

Kim Vaughan is the Administrative Coordinator for Acadia’s School of Kinesiology and the Centre of Lifestyle Studies. She has a keen eye for detail and her knowledge of University policies and procedures is expansive and impressive. Small wonder she is often described as a driving force behind what happens in the School of Kinesiology.

Kim joined the School of Recreation Management and Kinesiology in 2003 and has been a mainstay there ever since, going above and beyond in every aspect of her role to ensure that faculty, staff, students and alumni are informed, cared for and respected. She gives freely of her time and talent, bakes cookies for students, decorates the lobby at Christmas, and routinely drops everything to help anyone in need. She is an exemplar of what an admin coordinator should be: capable, organized, principled, determined, and always on top of things.

For these and a host of other reasons, the Acadia Alumni Association is pleased to announce that Kim Vaughan is the 2022 Acadia Alumni Association Outstanding University Service Award recipient.

Alumni Association President Matt Rios (’14) says, “Kim epitomizes the term ‘university service’. Her commitment to the many facets of her job have endeared her to the Acadia community, and her incredible dedication to the students she has influenced over the years has added tremendous capacity, insight and compassion to our alumni community. I offer hearty and sincere congratulations, and am delighted to recognize and applaud her remarkable achievements with this year’s Acadia Alumni Association Outstanding University Service Award.”

Kim’s contributions are not confined to the Acadia campus. She continues to have a significant civic impact as the Parker District Co-Commissioner for the Girl Guides of Canada and Contact Guider for the Kentville Brownies and Rangers, among other roles. She has also planned fundraisers for Chrysalis House, which provides a safe and non-judgmental shelter and outreach services for women and children; testicular cancer; blood drives; and has been instrumental in most of the School of Kinesiology’s service-learning programs, including the cardiac maintenance program, Kinderskills, Sensory Motor Instructional Leadership Experience (S.M.I.L.E.) program, Acadia Active Aging program, and the Hannah Miller Memorial hockey tournament.

Acadia grad Megan Beliveau (’14) says, “Kim embodies service leadership in the many roles she finds herself. Through all these roles she goes above and beyond the expectations, doing so with a clear motivation to support the success of others.”

Kim sets a high standard for those around her, supporting and elevating everyone to new and previously unimagined heights. Her dedication to the goals of the University and her colleagues is unparalleled, and why she is the 2022 Acadia Alumni Association Outstanding University Service Award recipient.

2021 Jennifer Veinot

2020 Cheryl MacDonald

2019 Eric Cederberg

2008 Pat McNutt

2007 James Sanford

2006 Elaine Schofield

2004 Safety and Security Department

2000 Carolyn Bowlby, Kaye Burke, Millard Cherry, Edith Hicking, Don Mosher, Ernie Hovell, Al Whittle

1999 Staff of Physical Plant – Past and Present

1998 Don Wells

1997 Vincent Leung

1996 John Mercer

1995 Mary Miles