Last week, University President Dr. Peter Ricketts announced that Ian Murray (’88), Acadia’s long-time Executive Director, Alumni Affairs, will be taking up a 10-month secondment in the Office of the President as Executive Director, Communications and Government Relations.

All of us in the Office of Advancement wish Ian the very best during this important assignment and I know he will bring tremendous insight and expertise to his new responsibilities. I’ve worked closely with Ian since my arrival at Acadia in 2012, and I’d be hard-pressed to exaggerate his contributions to Acadia and our alumni community, or the value I have placed on his wise counsel and constant commitment.

Sherri Turner, Manager, Campaign Communications, will be joining Ian in the President’s Office. Thanks to Sherri, we were able to launch the Campaign for Acadia in October 2018 with a suite of award-winning materials – including logo, video, brochure, web site, and other promotional items – and Acadia will now derive great benefits from her renewed focus on institutional communications and storytelling. We’re sorry to see Sherri move on from Advancement, but recognize that this is a good news story for Acadia.

In terms of next steps, I’m pleased to advise, following consultation with Ryan Conrod, Alumni Association President, that Oonagh Proudfoot has agreed to take on additional responsibilities and will be serving as Acting Manager, Alumni Relations throughout Ian’s secondment. Oonagh is strongly positioned by her extensive history at Acadia and her excellent work with our Alumni Association and our alumni community over the years to assume oversight of this important portfolio. We all know that Oonagh wears her love for Acadia on her sleeve, and she takes on her new duties with gusto and talent, and the strongest possible commitment to success.

I’m looking forward to working closely with her and the other members of our Alumni team in the months ahead, and having Oonagh join Nancy Handrigan, Cassie Tremain, and me in leading our Advancement program during Ian’s secondment.

As you know, we have a great group in the Alumni office, and Melanie Coleman, Melanie Jackson, Debbie MacMillan, and Sandra Symonds will continue to ensure that our events and activities are second to none. They bring depth of experience and a world of ability to their work, and we’re extremely fortunate to have them on our Advancement team. Likewise, Fred Sgambati, our veteran and accomplished Communications Officer, and Natalie Weekes, our new Digital Communications Coordinator, are both terrific professionals who bring commitment and skill to Advancement, and I’ll be collaborating with them on our alumni communications portfolio.

As always, all the members of the Advancement team will be working hand-in-glove to provide outstanding service and engagement opportunities to our alumni community and our Alumni Association.

Rod Morrison, D.Phil.

Vice-President, Advancement