By Fred Sgambati (’83, ’85)

Olivia Stevenson (’23) entered the School of Kinesiology at Acadia University four years ago with a desire to build on a very successful high school experience and expand her horizons. Highly motivated, energetic and intelligent, she wanted to immerse herself in campus life, connect with students, faculty and staff, and satisfy an overriding ambition to serve others.

Fast forward to 2023 and there is no doubt that her remarkable empathy, capacity and positive approach has enriched the experience of many during her time at Acadia. She has fulfilled her ambition beyond all measure, engaging people with her powerful vision and providing spaces for others so they can be their very best.

A 3M National Student Fellow in 2022 as well as the Acadia campus finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship, Olivia is a leader and a learner, a fully engaged citizen in the Acadia, kinesiology, Wolfville and greater communities. She is an honours student, a Residence Assistant, a lead coach in Acadia Sport Performance, and a strength and conditioning coach for the varsity swim team.

She has earned numerous awards and distinctions, including: the McCall MacBain Regional Award from McGill University (2023); Student of the Month, Acadia Kinesiology Society (2022); Honours Summer Research Award, Acadia University (2022); Scotia Scholars Research Award, Research Nova Scotia (2022); the Garnet Burns Memorial Award, Health Association of Nova Scotia (2021); and a MITACS Accelerate Research Grant (2021), among many others.

Her distinguished resume at Acadia is extensive and impressive. She was President of the Acadia Kinesiology Society (AKS), serving as a member since her arrival at Acadia as a first-year student and in successively more progressive roles, culminating in the presidency. She was co-president of the Exercise is Medicine program; developed and led PAUSE (a mindfulness and yoga experience offered to all Acadia students through Acadia’s e-learning platform, ACORN) and AMI (the Affirmative Movement Initiative, a fitness support program for women, transgender, and non-binary individuals). Olivia has been a Kinderskills coordinator, worked with Acadia Active for Life, was a Teaching Assistant, and a hiring committee member in the School of Kinesiology. She is also a certified yoga teacher and personal trainer.

She has a clear passion and commitment to discovery, incredible academic and organizational abilities, and displays a compassion and respect for others in her relationships and interactions.

Acadia Alumni Association President Matt Rios (’14) says, “there is no doubt that Olivia Stevenson has excelled as a student and a scholar, but even more significantly, she is an outstanding human being who defines the finest elements of our Acadia community. She is humble and self-effacing, preferring to serve and credit others rather than herself. She has persistently devoted her considerable talents to helping students help themselves, identifying factors for their personal success and elevating their experience singularly and collectively.

“She has sought to enhance the lives of those around her through a kind and inclusive vision that addresses an unwavering commitment to change that I’m sure will distinguish her in the future. She is everything to which we should all aspire, and it is an honour to recognize her as this year’s recipient of The Athenaeum and Acadia Alumni Student of the Year Award.”

Pictured above: Olivia Stevenson (’23) with Acadia Alumni Association President Matthew Rios (’14).