The afternoon of June 22, 2023 was sunny and warm as members of the Acadia community gathered on the quad for the second Faculty and Staff Appreciation BBQ.

Sponsored by the Acadia Alumni Association in partnership with Acadia University, the event began in 2022 as a thank-you to faculty and staff for their contributions to campus life.

“It was a pleasure to be among faculty and staff at this year’s campus barbecue, where we recognized their incredible contributions to our Acadia community,” said Matt Rios (’14), Acadia Alumni Association President. “The Alumni Association deeply appreciates the dedication of our faculty and staff, who leave a lasting impact on the lives of students and alumni. It was incredibly rewarding to see so many people come together to enjoy the wonderful weather and good company.”

Around 250 attendees from across campus ate burgers, fries and salad, sipped mocktails and chatted with friends while some folks challenged each other to rounds of washer toss and axe-throwing.

Four lucky raffle winners each took home one of the washer toss games while two others won gift cards.

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.

Retirees

Sandra Barr, Earth and Environmental Science Department

Christopher Callbeck (’78), Finance and Administration

Darryl Carnell, Technology Services

Eric Cederberg (’94), Varsity Athletics

John Christopher, Open Acadia

Susan Conlan, School of Nutrition and Dietetics

Michael Corbett (’81, ’83, ’90), School of Education

Joy Cunningham, School of Education

Rosie Hare, Faculty of Professional Studies

Scott Hennigar (’93, ’11), School of Kinesiology

Stephen McMullin (’79), Acadia Divinity College

Allison Petrie, School of Education

Douglas Symons, Psychology Department

Philip Taylor, Biology Department

Patricia Townsend, Vaughan Memorial Library

35 years

Darryl Carnell, Technology Services

25 years

Rosanne McClare (’88, ’93), Technology Services

Jennifer Richard, Vaughan Memorial Library

Shawna Singleton (’91, ’98), Provost’s Office

Donald Stewart (’87), Biology Department

10 years

David Beach (’85), Varsity Athletics

Lesley Frank (’95), Sociology Department

Nancy Handrigan (’92), Office of Advancement

Len Hawley, Office of Advancement

Colin King (’17), School of Kinesiology

Justin Lingard, Open Acadia

Matthew McSweeney, School of Nutrition and Dietetics

Anna Robbins (’93, ’97), Acadia Divinity College

Mary Sweatman (’03, ’19), Community Development

2023 Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award (Presented by the Acadia Alumni Association)

Melanie Jackson (’99, ’01), Senior Alumni Officer

Visit the General Assembly website for more information, and enjoy photos from both events here.