By Fred Sgambati (’83, ’85)

Alumni excellence was on full display and a celebratory mood filled the room at Pier 21 in Halifax on April 20, 2023 when members of the Acadia community came together for this year’s Alumni Awards Dinner.

More than 200 guests gathered to honour and applaud this year’s recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, Dr. Susan Crouse (’85), and Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Ms. Shannon Boldon (’13). The honorees were welcomed into the room with a standing ovation and a red-carpet procession featuring musical accompaniment by Acadia associate professor Mark Adam and student Tyler McDonald.

Alumni Association President Matt Rios (’14) was an affable and charming emcee, welcoming attendees and honoured guests, including University President Dr. Peter Ricketts and his family; Board Chair Henry Demone (’76); Chancellor Emeritus Arthur Irving (’52, ’03), Sandra Irving (’74, ’17) and Sarah Irving; provincial and federal political representatives; AUS President Sadie MacAlear; members of the Alumni Association Board; and past Alumni Association Award and Honorary Degree recipients.

He thanked Paul Bailey (’75) for once again donating the S.M.I.L.E. raffle prize of a Toronto Dream Weekend that included airfare from Halifax to Toronto, two tickets to a regular season Toronto Maple Leafs home game, hotel accommodations for two nights, and $500 in cash for meals, cabs and entertainment.

More than $3,600 was raised to support S.M.I.L.E. The winning ticket belonged to Sandra Irving, who graciously declined the prize and asked that a new name be drawn, prompting appreciative applause throughout the room that grew even louder when Associate Vice-President Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies Dr. Anna Redden’s (’79, ’82, ’86) name was picked.

Rios also acknowledged the following event sponsors for their financial and in-kind support: TD Insurance; Irving Oil; BMO; Mattatall Signs; Industrial Alliance Financial Group; Sodexo; McInnes Cooper; and Oyler MacDougall Wealth Advisors – BMO Nesbitt Burns.

“Clearly the Acadia spirit is alive and well!” he said.

Podium speakers included Dr. Ricketts, who lauded this year’s honorees for their many accomplishments and contributions to the Acadia family. Referencing his pending retirement in June, Dr. Ricketts reflected on his tenure as Acadia’s 16th President and Vice-Chancellor. He thanked faculty, staff, students and alumni for their support and said in closing that his presidency “has been the greatest honour and privilege that I or anybody could hope to have had in their life.”

Dr. Crouse was humble in her remarks, noting that the science program at Acadia taught her to think critically and apply scientific learning that has sustained and informed her career as a physician and humanitarian. “Acadia in so many ways has been woven into my life,” she said, and she thanked alumni for creating scholarships and bursaries that help bridge the gap for those who need financial assistance to pursue their dreams at post-secondary school.

Rios thanked Dr. Crouse for being a remarkable role model, noting that “you are the best of what we aspire to be.”

Ms. Boldon delivered an emotional acceptance speech, saying that her Acadia experience allowed her to discover and explore an interest in international development.

After founding the Acadia Chapter of Global Brigades and working in rural Honduras providing medical and dental care to more than 500 people, she said, “the experience really changed my trajectory and made me want to pursue a career in global health. I am so thankful to Acadia University for creating such a magical, supportive and personalized university experience that allows students the freedom to explore, pivot and find their passions.”

The evening ended with everyone clapping and singing along to a rousing video rendition of “Stand Up and Cheer”.

Vice-President, Advancement Nancy Handrigan (’92) summed things up nicely afterward, saying, “it was wonderful to see alumni and friends, especially former student assistants, Board members, donors, and so many students. It was truly an amazing night, and many thanks to all who supported this year’s Acadia Alumni Awards Dinner.”

For more, please see our photo gallery.

Pictured above: Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Dr. Susan Crouse ('85) with Alumni Association President Matt Rios ('14) and Alumni Association Board member Moira MacLean ('85)

Pictured below: Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient Ms. Shannon Boldon with Alumni Association President Matt Rios ('14)