Date: Monday, January 27

Time: 7 - 8 p.m. AT

Location: Microsoft Teams Link (Note: the link will be shared with all registrants prior to the event.)

Register HERE.

Join past Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipients Heather MacDonald ('09), Paul McFarland ('10), and Shannon Nordstrom ('13) as they chat with Executive Director, Alumni Relations Oonagh Proudfoot (’93, ’06) on Monday, January 27, 7 p.m. AT, about what they have been up to since receiving their awards.

Panelist bios:

Heather MacDonald ('09)

Heather MacDonald (she/her) is an experienced servant leader with a demonstrated history of working in the community development and non-profit sectors. Heather started her career at the YMCA and recently returned with experience serving organizations like Brigadoon Village, NPower Canada, MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, and JA Nova Scotia. Heather holds an MBA and Bachelor in Recreation Management.

She brings with her knowledge and skill in strategic and business planning, community engagement, marketing, fund development, and stakeholder relations. Heather's personal purpose is to help others find their place in the world. She is passionate about community engagement and youth. As a dedicated lifelong volunteer, Heather has been connected with community organizations, most recently with the Emera Blue Nose Marathon and DASC – Dartmouth Adult Services Centre. Heather has two children, Breton and Remi.

Paul McFarland ('10)

Paul McFarland was a member of the Acadia Axemen hockey team from 2006-2010 and graduated in 2010 with a BBA.

The Acadia men’s hockey program created an Annual Award in 2010 – the Paul McFarland Award – recognizing an Acadia hockey player’s excellence in hockey, academics, and the community.

Paul was inducted into Acadia Hockey Honour Roll in 2023 and is currently in his first season as the Head Coach of the Calgary Hitmen (WHL), hired in May 2024.

He started his coaching career in hockey in 2012, spending five seasons in the OHL (two as the assistant coach of the Oshawa Generals and three seasons as the head coach of the Kingston Frontenacs). He spent the last six seasons prior to this year as an NHL assistant coach: 2017-2019, Florida Panthers; 2019-2020, Toronto Maple Leafs; and 2021-2024, Seattle Kraken. Paul's wife's name is Kelly (Acadia graduate in English, 2008, and Education, 2010). They have two children: Cooper (12 years old) and Keaton (eight years old).

Shannon Nordstrom ('13)

Shannon Nordstrom is currently the International Liaison at Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA). Prior to CDA, she spent a decade working in the Health Policy and Research space. Originally from New Brunswick, Shannon’s career has taken her across the Atlantic, allowing her to call England, Ireland and Switzerland home at various points in her journey. Shannon worked as a consultant executing policy initiatives for organizations such as The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition, Novo Nordisk, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Fight Bladder Cancer UK.

Prior to this, she earned an MSc from University College London in Global Health and Development and then worked at the World Health Organization supporting the Ebola outbreak. In her spare time, you might find Shannon exploring Toronto with her husband, walking her furry friend Winston, or spending time with family and friends.