By Fred Sgambati (’83)

Larger than life. Many are described that way, but few people can match the hype.

Then there’s Bruce Phinney (’81). A dynamic personality, Bruce embodied the spirit and intention of Acadia University’s mandate and values. He was a fierce advocate for countless students, serving Acadia administration, alumni, faculty and staff with verve, intelligence, and insight that was at times quietly understated and occasionally vocal. Always respectful and unfailingly affable, Bruce wore his passion for Acadia on his sleeve and stands as one of the University’s staunchest supporters.

Acadia was his heart and soul, and why the Acadia Alumni Association is proud to announce that he is the 2024 recipient of the Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service.

Bruce graduated from Acadia with a BBA in 1981, having served as treasurer of the Acadia Students’ Union as an undergrad. He earned his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 1984 and was named by the Nova Scotia Institute of Chartered Accountants as a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) in 2011.

A successful Nova Scotia entrepreneur, Bruce served on many boards, enjoying voluntary leadership capacities as President of the Waegwoltic Club; Treasurer for Sacred Heart School of Halifax; Director of Swim Nova Scotia; and Director of the Halifax Junior Bengal Lancers. Over the years he organized and managed successful fundraising events and initiatives for these organizations. He was an avid sailor, musician, cook, gardener, carpenter, SCUBA instructor and golfer, and loved to share his passions with everyone he knew.

Bruce served as President of the Acadia Alumni Association and member of the University’s Board of Governors. He enthusiastically participated in all aspects of these organizations and shared his insight on financial, strategic, governance, and capital initiatives. He was a valued mentor to many Association board members, and provided strategic financial counsel and support to the University during difficult times while offering advice and support to current students and alumni. Bruce was also an ardent and prolific student recruiter.

One of his fondest highlights during his tenure on the Board of Governors was sitting alongside his daughter Evan (’16), which presumably made for the first parent-child alumni duo to concurrently serve the Board.

Evan says, “from a very young age, I knew my dad bled ‘red and blue.’ I remember going to countless football games, in the bitter cold, knowing nothing about football, but still having the best time ‘networking’ with dad.”

His commitment to sharing his head, heart and hands with the Acadia community was relentless and impressive. He was known to drop off recurring full grocery orders to students he knew were unable to make ends meet; he created invaluable career connections for graduating students; dropped everything to offer mentorship and invite students going through a tough time into his home until they could get back on their feet (including ensuring that they had tutoring support to help them cross the stage and earn their degree).

He had a way of finding the best in everyone, making you dream a little bigger and push beyond what you thought possible, and having fun while doing it. He brought a balance of strategic advisory and a willingness to roll up his sleeves to get things done. Perhaps most impressive of all, he did these things selflessly, expecting nothing in return.

Bruce's passing after a brief illness in 2019 was felt deeply by his family, friends, and the Acadia community. His impact on Acadia and its students is everlasting and will continue to be recognized with the establishment in 2020 of the Bruce Wendell Phinney, FCPA, FCA, BBA (’81) Merit Award.

It’s a testament to his legacy and a powerful statement on the beneficial effect he had on so many others, including those who stepped up to initially fund and sustain the award.

“When considering Bruce Phinney’s legacy and what it means to Acadia and our alumni community, there’s no doubt his remarkable energy cast a brilliant light that touched nearly every aspect of the University and those affiliated with it,” says Alumni Association President Christine Luckasavitch (’11). “He fostered and supported an incredible number of students, shared his business acumen with faculty, staff, alumni and the administration, and gave so generously of his time and talent to make a difference. We will never forget the enormity of his long-standing service, and will continue to embrace it as a shining example for members of our alumni family to emulate. He is a most worthy recipient of the Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service, and we are proud to honour his memory with this award.”

The Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service will be presented during this year’s Halifax Holiday Reception on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Office Interiors, 2 Ralston Ave., in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.