Nancy Handrigan (’92), joins Acadia University’s Advancement Department as Executive Director, Philanthropy in January 2013. She brings a wealth of experience gained during a 15-year career in arts management, alumni and donor relations, and fund development.

After receiving her B.Mus. at Acadia, she earned an M.A. in Music Criticism at McMaster University and continued her path in the arts as General Manager of the Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus and the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra. She honed her skills in alumni relations and fundraising at McMaster University, followed by a position in major gifts and gift planning at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital Foundation in Burlington, Ontario. Most recently she has served as Executive Director, Philanthropy at Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario.

Nancy has continually enjoyed a part-time career in music since her summer job as organist at St. Andrew’s Church in Wolfville. For nearly two decades she has been Music Director at East Plains Church in Burlington, Ontario and has enjoyed playing violin in the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra and volunteering with Opera Hamilton.

A native of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Nancy is very excited to be “coming home” to her second home and to meet many fellow alumni and friends through her new role at Acadia.

Rod Morrison, Vice-President Advancement, says, “I’m tremendously pleased to welcome Nancy back to Acadia, in this important leadership role. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Nancy before, and I know she’ll make an enormous contribution to our Advancement team and to Acadia in the years ahead.”