The Student Centre is a vibrant hub where students gather, connect, learn, and create community. We have made incredible progress on demolition of the old SUB and the new SUB is cleared out and ready for interior abatement and demolition.
Build Opportunity
Open doors for every student at Acadia. We’re building a student centre where diversity is celebrated, and every student finds the help they need to succeed.
- Barrier-Free Access: We’re creating an environment where all students, regardless of their learning needs, find tailored support and a sense of belonging.
- Health and Wellness: Our comprehensive health and wellness services are designed with care, ensuring every student has access to the support they need when they need it.
- Cultural Connections: Acadia’s diverse community is our strength. Our dedicated spaces for Indigenous, Black, and International students are not just about support—they’re about celebrating and learning from our rich, diverse cultures.
Build Community
Weave the fabric of a united Acadia, where every student finds their place and purpose. We’re creating a student centre that celebrates togetherness and fosters a community spirit that is the hallmark of our student experience.
- Central Hub for Engagement: The Central Common Space is the beating heart of our Centre, pulsating with the energy of intellectual exchange and collaborative projects. It’s where ideas are ignited and partnerships flourish.
- Spaces for Socialization and Wellness: Our Centre has a welcoming café, food-sharing space, and versatile rooms for activities like dance and yoga—each a haven for forging friendships and nurturing well-being.
- Career Advancement and Community Service: The Centre is a launchpad for career journeys and a gateway to giving back. It houses Career and Co-op Services alongside community-driven initiatives like S.M.I.L.E. and Active for Life that enrich life skills.
Build Success
Establish a foundation of enduring success. We’re revitalizing the student centre to meet the ever-changing needs of our students and sustain our commitment to the future.
- Student Leadership Hub: The Acadia Students’ Union is a testament to student empowerment, channelling the essence of Acadia into a force for positive change.
- Eco-Conscious Commitment: Our Centre is a living example of our environmental pledge, with green roofs and solar panels that herald a future of eco-responsibility.
- Foundation for Success: The Centre is a welcoming space for student achievement, providing the tools and support that ensure the Acadia legacy of excellence endures.
Thank you for your support
Campaign Leadership
Dear Acadia Community,
As a member of the Class of 1982 and chair of an initiative to reimagine our Student Centre, my connection to Acadia is a story woven through time. It is a story shared with many, including Bill Hoyt (‘52, HON ‘01), who serves as the honorary chair of our campaign. Although we walked the halls three decades apart, we share a bond with this institution that goes beyond the years. What unites us is not just our cherished memories but our shared vision for the future of Acadia.
We have joined forces with a diverse team of people for a common purpose – to gift the next generation a Student Centre that reflects Acadia’s spirit and meets the evolving needs of students.
A message from our chair
Dear Acadia Community,
As a member of the Class of 1982 and chair of an initiative to reimagine our Student Centre, my connection to Acadia is a story woven through time. It is a story shared with many, including Bill Hoyt (‘52, HON ‘01), who serves as the honorary chair of our campaign. Although we walked the halls three decades apart, we share a bond with this institution that goes beyond the years. What unites us is not just our cherished memories but our shared vision for the future of Acadia.
We have joined forces with a diverse team of people for a common purpose – to gift the next generation a Student Centre that reflects Acadia’s spirit and meets the evolving needs of students.
Our time on campus was transformative and has shaped countless others into who we are today. The friendships forged, the lessons learned, and the sense of community we experienced are still with us today. However, providing an enriching student life experience is an ongoing commitment.
The world has changed over the years, and so have the needs of our students. It's our collective responsibility to ensure that our facilities keep pace. This is why we are embarking on an ambitious campaign to revitalize our Old SUB and New SUB – transforming them into an inclusive Student Centre to serve as a hub of activity, collaboration, and growth.
We invite you to join us on our mission to raise $24 million. Your contribution, no matter the size, will help lay the foundation for a modern space where students can connect, learn, and thrive. Let's come together to gift our students a place where they can create their own future, just as we did.
With sincere gratitude,
Nancy McCain ('82, '21 HON)
Chancellor, Acadia University
Chair, Build: The Student Centre campaign
Meet our campaign cabinet
Acadia University is thankful for the outstanding group of alumni and community leaders who are working together to build a renewed Student Centre for our students.
Nancy McCain ('82, '21 HON)
Chancellor, Acadia University
Chair, Build: The Student Centre campaign
The Honorable William Hoyt ('52, '01 HON)
Honorary Chair, Build: The Student Centre campaign
Libby Burnham ('60, '00 HON)
Chancellor, Acadia University (2011 - 2018)
Bruce Galloway ('68, '03 HON)
Chancellor, Acadia University (2018-2024)
Bert Frizzell ('72)
Acadia University Board of Governors
Janice MacNeill ('76)
Ruth Hennigar ('81)
Indrani “Drin” Lutchman ('84)
Andy Amir ('91)
Kareem Robinson ('96)
Josette Matthew ('04)
Matt Rios ('14)
President, Acadia Alumni Association (2022-2024)
Ian Morrison ('20 Honorary Alumnus)
Student Centre Manager and General Manager of the Acadia Students’ Union (ASU) for over 25 years
Sadie McAlear ('24)
President, Acadia Students' Union (2022-2024)
We are all here for a short time and have benefitted from the generosity of those who came before us. I cannot wait to return and see the new space we will help create for future students.
Emily Patterson ('24)
Life President, Class of 2024
This will be a game-changer for the Acadia community. I know it will make the university experience even more rewarding and memorable for every student.
Sadie McAlear ('24)
President, Acadia Students' Union (2022-2024)
This gift is about the Acadia family investing in the future of our university and ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed.
Matt Rios ('14),
President, Acadia Alumni Association (2022-2024)
The kindness of those who wish to assist students like me is truly heartening. There were moments when I felt lost and overwhelmed. Having one place to access resources and support will change everything, making Acadia a true home away from home for all students.
Sujit Acharya ('25)
I strongly believe that this renovated student centre is essential to revitalizing student life and becoming a welcoming place for all students living in residence or off campus. It will have a positive impact on the recruitment and retention of students.
Bruce Galloway ('68, '03 HON)
Chancellor (2018-2024)
Class of 2026 Legacy
As they transition from students to alumni, the Class of 2026 is supporting the purchase courtyard furniture for the Eleanor Johnson Student Centre. Their gift will help create a welcoming outdoor space where students can gather, connect, recharge, and build community for years to come.
“This gift reflects our commitment to fostering community and enhancing campus life, creating a space where friendships will be built, ideas shared, and memories made for years to come.”
- Sophie Vertanness, Life Class President 2026
Although the Student Centre Campaign is complete, you can still support the Eleanor Johnson Student Centre. Your donation will assist with purchasing lounge furniture and study desks as well as other items to make the space welcoming, functional and accessible.
Donor Impact
Acadia Students' Union pledges $2M to help revitalize Student Centre
In an inspiring display of student leadership and commitment to Acadia's future, the Acadia Students' Union (ASU) has made a $2 million gift to the Build: The Student Centre campaign.
Learn More
Acadia University Receives $1M Gift to Transform Student Centre
Acadia University has received a transformative $1 million gift from the Acadia Alumni Association that will propel the campaign closer to its $24 million fundraising goal.
Learn More
Campaign for Acadia receives $2-million boost
Campaign Chair Nancy McCain and husband The Honourable Bill Morneau make cornerstone gift to support Build: The Student Centre campaign.
Giving News
Join Us! Build The Student Centre
We can help
Have questions or ideas about giving to Acadia? Please reach out to us! We're happy to connect with you to explain how we can work together to make a lasting impact on the lives of every Acadia student.
Donor Relations
Acadia University
15 University Avenue, Room 225
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, B4P 2R6
Canadaexternalrelations@acadiau.caCharitable Registration #: 106681893 RR0001
To make a donation: 902.585.1912
Toll-Free in North America:
1.866.ACADIA (1.866.222.3428)
