MacLean Awards

Award | Eligibility: Athletics

The MacLean Awards are awarded, on a renewable basis, to all-around academic students from Canada who have demonstrated leadership qualities and an interest in athletic activities. The awards are made, on the recommendation of the Director of Varsity Athletics, to students on the University's varsity football team. The awards may be held for a maximum of five years. This gifted award was established by Donald MacLean CAS 57' and Patricia MacLean in 2005.

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MacLean Family Arts Award

Award | Eligibility: Arts, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Pursuing an Honours Research Project

The MacLean Family Arts Award is awarded to a returning upper-year student in the Faculty of Arts, at the discretion of the Dean of Arts. The award will be granted to a student from Atlantic Canada who is enrolled in an Honours program and demonstrates high academic achievement and may have financial need.

Established in 2022 by Don MacLean (’57) in honour of his cousins and fellow Acadia graduates Elizabeth Hoyt (’57) and Aleen Stanton (’15). Elizabeth graduated from Acadia with a BSc in Biology. A natural and gifted artist, Elizabeth developed a professional interior design practice, followed by a long career as a science teacher in New Brunswick. Throughout her career and in her retirement, she has always been a strong supporter of arts and culture. Aleen shares a love of the arts; she graduated in 2015 with a BA (Hons) in History and received the Hayward Medal. She works for the Government of Nova Scotia on culture, heritage, and climate change issues. Aleen is also a Research Associate with the Nova Scotia Museum, and has published articles on topics such as environmental history, music heritage, and heritage craft. Though of different generations, Don, Elizabeth, and Aleen all have felt nurtured by Acadia and their family relationship strengthened because of it. They are grateful and proud to establish and participate in this award supporting students in the arts.

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MacNeily Economics Research Award

Award | Eligibility: Arts, Economics, Pursuing an Honours Research Project

Established in 2019 by Ian MacNeily (’81), this award is designed to support the unique research work of Acadia’s most promising undergraduate Honours students in Economics. It will be awarded during the summer prior to the final honours year in recognition of the recipient’s Economics thesis proposal.

Ian MacNeily is a proud Acadia graduate of the class of 1981 (BA, Economics). A CPA, CA, Ian is an accomplished senior financial executive with extensive experience in building and leading public companies. Based in Toronto, Ian has been actively engaged with Acadia as a donor and a volunteer for many years.

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Magic 949-MBS Athletic Award

Award of up to $1,000 | Eligibility: Athletics, Professional Studies, Business Administration

Established in 2019 by Annapolis Valley Radio, this award recognizes a returning female varsity student-athlete enrolled in business. Preference will be given to a student who expresses an interest in a journalism career. The recipient must be in good academic standing, demonstrate leadership on the team and in the community. Value: $1,000.

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Major Fred Kelly Athletics Award

Award of up to $1,000 | Eligibility: Athletics

Established in 2018 in memory of Fred Kelly who was Hockey Head Coach from 1927 to 1966 and Director of Varsity Athletics from 1940 to 1967. During his stay of forty years at Acadia, the “major” or “Kel” as he was so fondly called, coached almost every intercollegiate sport. He inspired teams to approximately 50 Maritime or provincial intercollegiate championships in track and field, English rugby, swimming, hockey and basketball. Included are 31 out of a possible 33 Maritime Intercollegiate titles in track and field.

To be awarded annually to an athlete in recognition of their leadership, community involvement, and is in good academic standing. Preference will be given to a men’s hockey player.

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Manning School of Business Director’s Award

Award | Eligibility: Business Administration

Established in 2019 by an anonymous alumnus of the Manning School of Business. To be awarded to a returning full-time student in the Manning School in recognition of exceptional promise, aptitude and emerging talent, with preference for students from the Maritimes and/or students specializing in Finance. The award will be made by the Manning School’s Scholarship and Awards Committee to one of the nominees recommended by the School’s Director. Financial need may be taken into account. Value: $1,000.

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Margaret’s Legacy Award

Award of up to $1,000 | Eligibility: Professional Studies, Education

Awarded to a mature student enrolled in a Bachelor of Education who has had some work and life experience, moving toward a second career, the Margaret Aylward Legacy Award recognizes a student who has a strong work ethic and is bravely undertaking a new chapter later in life. Preferably identifying as a woman, this student may be juggling parenting or other caregiving, part-time or full-time work, volunteer leadership roles in the community or other extraordinary challenges.

Honouring their mother, Margaret Aylward (’74 & ’79), the family is proudly sharing her accomplishments and personal traits through this award. Margaret raised five children while going to school and working full-time as an educator. Fiercely determined, she took courses over many years at night and in the summer in order to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Education degrees, furthering her expertise and abilities as a teacher.

Value: $1,000 annually

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Mark MacFarlane Memorial Hockey Award

Award of up to $1,000 | Eligibility: Athletics

Established in 2019 by former Axemen hockey teammates of Mark MacFarlane (’81). To be awarded to a returning hockey player in recognition of their leadership, community involvement, positive communication skills and good academic standing. The recipient will be chosen by the Head Coach of the varsity hockey team and the Director of Athletics.

Mark MacFarlane was a skilled player who displayed a unique sense of humour. He placed great importance on a high level of academic achievement. Beyond hockey, Mark was not shy about building relationships with good students and professors alike. His teammates appreciated his dedication to his career as an educator, his faith and family. Value: $1,000.

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Mary Carolyn Gower Memorial Award

Award | Eligibility: Pure and Applied Science, Nutrition

The Mary Carolyn Gower Memorial Award is available annually to a deserving student of the nutrition program on recommendation of its director. The endowment was provided from the estate of Harriet Agnes (Allen) Gower, 1898­1988, whose husband Charles Ronald Gower, and daughter Mary Carolyn Gower, graduated from Acadia in 1929 and 1960 respectively.

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Matthew Kohlenberg Memorial Award in Philosophy

Award | Eligibility: Arts, Philosophy

The Matthew Kohlenberg Memorial Award in Philosophy. Established in memory of Matthew Kohlenberg in 2013 by his family and friends, on the recommendation of the Department of Philosophy, the award will be given to a returning full-time Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Philosophy who demonstrates (1) a passion for learning evidenced by academic excellence together with active and inclusive participation in the learning process; and (2) either (i) well-rounded engagement and camaraderie within the university community or (ii) financial need. As an Honours Philosophy student at Acadia, Matthew searched for truth and meaning. He had passion and purpose. Matthew was always smiling and enjoyed engaging with people. He was genuine, compassionate, creative, articulate and had a sharp mind.

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McCain Family Athletic Awards

Award of up to $10,000 | Eligibility: Athletics

Established in 2018 by Stephen and Penny McCain. To be awarded to a men’s hockey athlete ($10,000) and a women’s basketball athlete ($10,000) and two $5000 awards to a male and female student-athlete in recognition of their leadership, character, community involvement, and good academic standing. The recipients will be chosen by the Director of Athletics.

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McGillivray Athletic Award

Award of up to $1,000 | Eligibility: Athletics, Applied Science, Mathematics and Statistics

Established in 2015 by Tracey McGillivray. To be awarded to a returning female varsity athlete in applied sciences, engineering or mathematics. The recipient must be in good academic standing with a minimum 80% average, and present strong leadership qualities in the community. The recipient will be chosen by the Director of Athletics in consultation with head coaches of the female varsity athletic programs.

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Michael Hazard (’81) Memorial Basketball Award

Award of up to $3,500 | Eligibility: Athletics

This award was established in 2021 by alumni and friends of men’s basketball in memory of Mike Hazard (’81). It is awarded annually to a men’s varsity basketball student-athlete who demonstrates leadership qualities on and off the court, competitive spirit, community engagement, and is in good academic standing. It is preferred that the recipient is Black, Indigenous or a Person of Colour and demonstrates financial need. The recipient is chosen by the Director of Athletics in consultation with the Head Coach of the men’s varsity basketball program.

Rhode Island native Michael Hazard (’81), undoubtedly qualifies as one of the greatest ever basketball Axemen. A Conference and All-Canadian All-Star during his years at Acadia, he ranks high on the team’s list of all-time scoring leaders. Michael was instrumental in helping to lead the basketball Axemen to the national final in 1978. Michael is the only Acadia men’s basketball recipient of the Mike Moser Memorial Trophy presented to the Outstanding Male Basketball Player in the CIS. Michael passed away in 2020.

Value: $3,500+ annually

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Mike Chiasson Hockey Leadership Award

Award | Eligibility: Athletics, S.M.I.L.E. volunteer

Established in 2021 by Mike Chiasson ('11). This award recognizes a varsity men's hockey student-athlete who is in good academic standing and possesses positive leadership qualities on and off the ice. Preference will be shown to an athlete who volunteers as a member of the SMILE and/ or Kinderskills program. The recipient shall be selected by the head coach of the men's hockey program and the director of varsity athletics.

Mike Chiasson was a member of the hockey Axemen from 2007 to 2011 and spent two seasons as an Assistant Coach with the program. During his time as a student-athlete at Acadia, Mike was passionate about working with youth and was a member of SMILE. In 2015, Mike joined the Pittsburgh Penguins organization as Goaltending Development Professional.

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Mike Gillen Memorial Award

Award | Eligibility: Athletics

Established in 2017 by an anonymous Alberta corporation. To be awarded to a returning Acadia football player. The recipient must be in good academic standing and displays dedication through leadership, perseverance, commitment to hard work and general love of life. The recipient will be chosen by the Director of Athletics in consultation with a football committee.

Mike Gillen was a vital member of the Acadia University Axemen football team from the time he arrived on campus in 2002 until his departure in 2006. As a running back, punt returner and a team captain, Mike always lived up to the #1 on his jersey and inspired his teammates on a daily basis with his energy, positive attitude, and his genuine concern for everyone involved with the Axemen football family. Mike was a once in a generation leader.

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Millicent (Forsyth-Smith) Rice Women’s Basketball Award

Award | Eligibility: Athletics, Nova Scotia

Established in 2020 by the family of Millicent Forsyth-Smith Rice. The award will be presented to a returning student-athlete who is a member of the women’s basketball program. Preference will be given to a Nova Scotia born student-athlete. The recipient shall be passionate about community, possess strong leadership qualities and be in good academic standing.

The recipient will be recommended by the Director of Athletics in consultation with the head coach of the women’s basketball program.

The Millicent (Forsyth-Smith) Rice Women’s Basketball Award was created to recognize the impact Millicent Forsyth-Smith Rice (’43) made during her time as a member of the Acadia Women’s Basketball program. A graduate of Wolfville High, Forsyth-Smith Rice coached the High School basketball team as a student-athlete. At Acadia, she was captain of the women’s team. Millicent was 98 years of age at the time of her passing in 2019 and was the first of three generations that attended and graduated from Acadia University.

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Morghan Krieger Memorial Award

Award of up to $1,000 | Eligibility: Music Therapy

Morghan Krieger Memorial Award. Established through donations by friends and family in memory of Morghan Krieger, this award is granted to a full-time second or third-year music therapy student in recognition of enthusiastic participation in musical activities at Acadia. The recipient embodies similar character traits to Morghan – pure passion for music, an adventurous spirit and a love of helping others.

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Mud Creek Rotary Acadia Entrance Awards

Award of up to $1,000 | Eligibility: Entering first year

Established in 2018 by The Rotary Club of Wolfville – Mud Creek. These awards will be granted annually preferably to one student from each of the region`s secondary schools: West Kings, Horton, Northeast Kings, Avon View and Central Kings. The recipients will be chosen in recognition of financial need.

The Rotary Club of Wolfville – Mud Creek was formed in 2010 with six members from the Rotary Club of Wolfville. The name `Mud Creek` was chosen to associate the club with the rich history of Wolfville, formerly known as Mud Creek. While still a Community Service-focussed club, Mud Creek is active in areas of Vocational & International & Youth Services.

Value: 5 awards at $1,000 each

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Myrt MacNeil Memorial Basketball Award

Award of up to $1,000 | Eligibility: Athletics

Established in 2018 by the MacNeil Family, to be awarded to a returning women’s basketball athlete. The recipient should be in good academic standing, display positive team leadership qualities as well as good citizenship with the community.

This award is endowed through a generous gift by The John and Judy Bragg Family Foundation.

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