Alumni return, embrace magical moments at Homecoming 2021

Members of the alumni community braved overcast skies and slightly wet weather to come together on the Acadia campus October 14-17 for Homecoming 2021. Things were a little different than in previous years because guests at a number of events were required to pre-register, offer proof of vaccination and a photo ID upon arrival due to the lingering coronavirus pandemic, but spirits were high and several activities made the weekend come alive in true Acadia tradition!

A full slate of varsity athletics was on tap, with the Acadia Axewomen basketball team starting things off Thursday evening with a big win over the Dal Tigers! We welcomed members of the 1981 Vanier Cup-winning national championship football team back to campus for a reunion reception Friday and sports fans enjoyed women’s rugby and hockey that evening as well.

The Acadia Alumni Association Board of Directors met in the Wu Welcome Centre to start the day Saturday and a Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony later that morning welcomed Bruce Beaton (’92, ’96), Andrea Burk (’06) and Ed Shannon (’79) to the hall.

Our signature Backyard BBQ was another huge hit, with 250 people on the Clark Terrace and surrounding area by Alumni Hall enjoying the musical stylings of The Non-refundables and the opportunity to reconnect after a virtual celebration last year. A big thank-you to the Acadia Alumni Association, BMO Mastercard, iA Financial Services Inc. and Stirling Fruit Farms for sponsoring this year’s BBQ.

The football game between Acadia and Bishop’s then took centre stage and although Bishop’s prevailed 15-14, a packed house thrilled to a halftime ceremony that included legendary coach and honorary alumnus John Huard and the presentation of the 1981 Football Axemen John and Helen Huard Award.

Later, women’s basketball returned to the spotlight with the presentation of the Laura Sanders Award in honour of Sanders’s outstanding contributions to Acadia Athletics. There was a women’s basketball reunion/meet and greet in the new Sports Hall of Fame Room at the Athletic Complex following the contest between Acadia and StFX. Former Acadia Basketball Axeman Steve Konchaski was honoured on his incredible career in coaching at StFX.

Our swim team acquitted itself well at the Jack Scholz Swim Meet and the hockey Axemen remained undefeated at home after a win over Moncton. The women’s rugby team capped their weekend by defeating StFX and ended the regular season a perfect 6-0. Sunday Music in the Garden Room and a Chapel service rounded out this year’s schedule.

It was an action-packed weekend, and together we proved that Acadia Cares. Thank you to everyone who attended, followed the rules and played safe. We look forward to seeing you next year at Homecoming 2022!

For more, check out our photo gallery.