Acadia University - External Relations News

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.

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.

The afternoon of June 22, 2023 was sunny and warm as members of the Acadia community gathered on the quad for the second annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation BBQ. The BBQ was immediately followed by the University’s General Assembly in the Sheldon L. Fountain Learning Commons to celebrate career milestones of 10, 25, and 35 years of service, along with those who retired this year. The Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award was also awarded to one exemplary member of the Acadia community.

Olivia Stevenson is the 2023 recipient of The Athenaeum and Acadia Alumni Student of the Year Award. Stevenson entered the kinesiology program at Acadia University with a desire to build on a very successful high school experience and expand her horizons. Highly motivated, energetic and intelligent, she wanted to immerse herself in campus life, connect with people and satisfy an overriding ambition to serve others. Fast forward to 2023 and she has fulfilled those ambitions beyond all measure, engaging people with her powerful vision and providing spaces for others so they can be their very best.

Charles Dewey graduated from Acadia University in 1957, but never had the chance to cross the stage to accept his degree. He had to leave town for work instead, but the ambition to share in the atmosphere of an Acadia graduation ceremony never really went away. On Sunday, May 14, 2023, 66 years after receiving his degree, 89-year-old Charles Dewey finally crossed the stage during a Convocation ceremony at Acadia.

Many professors understand that success is deeply personal and work hard to tailor each student’s academic experience to ensure superb personal and professional achievement. Acadia’s Dr. Ryan MacNeil is no exception. His innovative teaching style and passion for his students is extraordinary, and why he is the 2023 recipient of the Acadia Alumni Association Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching.