Acadia University President and Vice-Chancellor, Ray Ivany, announced on October 17, 2013 the dedication of “The Raddall Wing” in the University’s Biology Building, in recognition of Dr. Thomas Raddall, Class of 1957. 

Dr. Raddall’s one-million dollar gift to establish The Raddall Research Fund in Biology is among the largest made by an individual to Acadia and will greatly enhance student and faculty research in the life sciences.

“It has been 56 years since Tom received his undergraduate degree from Acadia, and we celebrate a significant gift that will encourage research excellence and student success well into the future,” Ivany said. “This reflects Tom’s lifelong commitment to his alma mater and we’re honoured to have his name and example permanently connected to our Biology Building and its programs.”

The Raddall Research Fund in Biology will be used by the department to support purchases of equipment for use by faculty and students. The Fund will also finance student research projects and allow for increased participation in scientific conferences beginning in the 2013-14 academic year. This most recent gift from Dr. Raddall is in addition to scholarships and awards he had already established to support students and faculty in the sciences and the arts.

“Tom’s thoughtfulness and generosity serve as a wonderful example of what the Acadia community hopes of every graduate,” said Ivany. “He has achieved success in his career, served his colleagues within his profession, and invested back in his community.”

“Student excellence is a tenet of an Acadia education and I am pleased and privileged to be able to give back to a university that has given me and my classmates so much,” said Dr. Raddall. “I had a first-class education and made lifelong friends during my time on campus. It is heartening to know that what I experienced still exists today, and that I can contribute to Acadia’s tradition of excellence.”

“Tom Raddall is a role model for our students,” said Dr. Tom Herman, Acadia’s Vice-President, Academic, “many of whom will follow in his footsteps to pursue a professional career. He is also a role model as a philanthropist – as someone committed to giving back to the community.”

Herman described Dr. Raddall’s keen interest in environmental effects on our coastline, and his desire to keep our coastal waters clean and healthy. “Having his name attached to our Biology Building and connected to our students’ research is a natural fit,” Herman said.

Thomas H. Raddall II graduated from Acadia in 1957 with a bachelor of science before earning a D.D.S. from Dalhousie University in 1961. He returned to his hometown of Liverpool, N.S., where he established a successful dental practice and dedicated himself to community and professional service. Throughout his career, he remained a strong and loyal supporter of Acadia and its students. Previous gifts to Acadia were named for his mother, Edith Freeman Raddall, and father, renowned writer Thomas H. Raddall. 

In 2001, Dr. Raddall joined Acadia’s Board of Governors, where he served until 2013. His genuine interest in students was recognized by the Acadia Students’ Union in 2004 when it chose Dr. Raddall to be the first recipient of its Governor of the Year award.

The Biology Building (2008) is Acadia’s newest academic building on campus and was created with the environment and an enhanced teaching atmosphere in mind. The building is designed to meet Gold Level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards set by the Canada Green Building Council – a first for academic science buildings in Atlantic Canada.