Acadia University hosted a groundbreaking event on October 16 for its long-anticipated new Student Centre, marking a transformative moment in the university’s history and an exciting new chapter for student life on campus. The new Student Centre, expected to open in 2027, replaces the existing facility built in 1949 and expanded in 1972, ushering in a new era for campus engagement and support.

“Today’s groundbreaking is much more than a construction milestone—it represents a collective vision for an inclusive, accessible, and dynamic hub at the heart of campus life,” said Dr. Jeff Hennessy (’99), Acadia’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “This new Student Centre will be a place where every student feels a sense of belonging and opportunity.”

The new Student Centre will feature a range of student supports and multifunctional spaces, including MacNeill Commons, the Wicha Wellness Centre, and the Accessible Learning Centre. It will also include welcoming areas such as the Clark Community Kitchen, where students can gather to cook, share meals, and build community.

“Students have always been at the heart of Acadia’s story,” said Nancy McCain (’82, ’20 HON), Chancellor of Acadia University and Chair of the Build: theStudentCentre campaign. “This new facility will provide a space that reflects who our students are today—diverse, engaged, and forward-looking. It’s a true investment in the Acadia experience. We are exceptionally grateful to everyone who contributed to the project.”

Fundraising for the project has surpassed its $24-million goal, driven by the extraordinary generosity of Acadia’s alumni, students, and friends. The Acadia Students’ Union (ASU) contributed $2 million and the Acadia Alumni Association also supported the project with a $1 million donation and a $250,000 matching challenge, inspiring alumni across the globe to join in building the future of student life at Acadia.

Tove Biskop, Vice-President of Events and Promotions for the Acadia Students’ Union (ASU), spoke on behalf of students, highlighting their significant contribution of $2 million over 10 years, funded through student fees. “Many of the students contributing to this project will have graduated before the new Student Centre opens,” she said, “but they are deeply committed to creating a space that will serve future generations of Acadia students for many years to come.”

Dr. Jeff Hennessy (’99) announced that the new facility will be named the Eleanor Johnson Student Centre, in honour of Eleanor Jean McCain (’45) (Johnson was her married name.) During her years at Acadia from 1942 to 1945, Eleanor was an exceptionally active and engaged student leader. She served as a member of the House Committee, Class Vice-President, and contributed to numerous other campus committees. A talented varsity debater, she also played varsity basketball and participated in drama productions. Her peers described her as “an inexhaustible supply of energy.”

“It is a fitting name,” said Dr. Hennessy, “as Eleanor truly embodied the spirit of an Acadia student—intelligent, passionate, and community-minded. We are especially proud as we believe that this will be the first Student Centre in Canada named after a woman.”