By Meagan Hancock

More than 120 Acadia alumni and guests representing classes from the 1970s braved the heat to return to campus June 20-22, 2025 for a weekend full of laughter, nostalgia, and renewed friendships.

Grads from 1970-79 enjoyed a jam-packed schedule, starting with a Welcome Reception on Friday evening in the Garden Room at the K. C. Irving Environmental Science Centre. On Saturday, folks gathered for breakfast together, followed by Class Meetings, a smudging ceremony led by Elder Lorraine Whitman, a banquet reception with University Q&A, and a few musical performances organized by the School of Music ’70s committee. Sunday saw a beautiful and touching chapel service followed by a farewell lunch in the Students’ Union Building (SUB).

Unseasonably warm weather didn’t stop enthusiastic participants from enjoying a campus tour Friday, where folks visited the Clock Tower – a gift from the Class of 1977 – and explored the tick lab, where they met Associate Professor and research scientist Dr. Nicoletta Faraone. A highlight of the tour was a stop at the Student Centre revitalization site, where new spaces will provide support and resources for students in the years to come. Many had fond memories of spending long hours in the SUB during their time at Acadia.

Attendees came from far and wide, including Distance Award recipient Don Ross (’78), from Hornsby, Australia. Other award winners were also acknowledged as part of the weekend’s activities: Susan Vogel (’78) was the First to Register, and the Reunion Cup was awarded to the Class of 1975.

The weekend was full of reconnections, but the reunion between cousins Laurence MacIsaac (’75) and Beverly Hagen (’79, ’83), who hadn’t seen each other in 54 years, was certainly a highlight!

The banquet Saturday evening got off to a roaring start with classes reciting their respective cheers, some writing new ones, and others singing the hit song from their graduation year. Everybody joined in for Stand Up and Cheer!, for a moment of school spirit. Vicky (Blakley) May’s (’70) rendition of Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water was a moment that moved many.

It was a weekend filled with laughter and lasting memories. Alumni spoke from the heart about how meaningful it was to be back at Acadia, reconnecting with their Acadia family.

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