John and Margaret Forbes Award in Entrepreneurship

Established in 2018 by Margaret and Gerald Kazma through the Kazma Family Foundation in honour and memory of Margaret's brother John A. Forbes and wife Margaret (MacIsaac), this renewable award is granted to third-year students annually, one female and one male. Preferably from Nova Scotia, the recipients display entrepreneurial spirit, academic achievement and financial need.

Background

John and Margaret Forbes did not benefit from a university education, but they encouraged and supported their 4 children and in doing so influenced many others. Brian ('79), Heather ('80), Mark ('83) and Sandra ('85) graduated from Acadia. Brian's wife Wendy Brookfield ('82) and Sandra's husband John Greer ('86) were also supported in their educational endeavours at Acadia by their soon-to-be in-laws. Grandchildren Alexander Cannon ('12), Brandon Greer ('13) and Rylan Greer ('15) launched their business careers from Acadia, and Hayley Cannon pursued her first love, Theatre Studies, at Acadia in 2015-16.

A formal naval officer, John began his entrepreneurial career in cable tv systems in Halifax where he spearheaded the expansion of Metrovision. This experience brought him to the US, where he worked with brother-in-law Gerry developing systems in Michigan and Indiana. John and Margaret raised their family with the love and support of community, teaching them a strong work ethic and to care for others. Their home was open to all and the table often set for international Acadia students who could not make it home for special occasions.

Margaret and Gerry Kazma wish to mark the legacy of entrepreneurship and the importance of education encouraged by John and Margaret Forbes with the establishment of this award.