In a heartwarming display of the spirit of giving, a significant announcement was made at the Acadia Alumni Holiday Reception in Halifax, N.S. Distinguished alum Janice MacNeill ('76) has generously donated an extraordinary $1 million gift. The contribution significantly enhances the MacNeill Scholar-Bursaries, raising the endowment to a robust $4 million and extending the reach of the student awards to support more students at Acadia University.

Reflecting on her decision to support Acadia students, MacNeill thought of her parents, Gordon and Barbara, who had established the award during the Campaign for Acadia. "Knowing the transformative power of education, this gift is a way to help even more students experience the same opportunities I had at Acadia."

MacNeill earned a Bachelor of Science at the Wolfville campus and built a successful career in Ontario as a hospital executive and chief information officer. She was also a visiting scholar at the University of Waterloo. She now resides in Halifax.

Quincy Cochrane ('23), a former MacNeill Scholar-Bursary recipient and a consultant on Deloitte’s technology strategies team, spoke about his experience at Acadia and how the financial support he received made all the difference. "It felt like someone was taking a chance on me and that enabled me to succeed.” He added that “attending Acadia was a stretch, and receiving the award helped set me on the path where I am today. It gave me support and allowed me to be more involved on campus without the burden that comes with financial stress.”

More students can pursue their dreams

Because the renewable awards are ongoing, award recipients have sustained support throughout their studies. The awards are also not subject-specific, so graduates have taken their place in careers as varied as policing, civil engineering, sustainability aquaculture, and international relations. Now, more students will be able to pursue their dreams.

Acadia Vice-President, Advancement Nancy Handrigan ('92) emphasized the impact of contributions that help students overcome financial barriers to attending university. "We're fortunate to have alumni like Janice who care deeply about Acadia and its students. The most influential gift we can give society is educating the next generation, and there's no impact more profound than empowering students to achieve their potential."

Dr. Jeff Hennessy ('99), Acadia President and Vice-Chancellor, spoke warmly of the MacNeill family and their remarkable legacy. "Janice’s parents, Gordon and Barbara MacNeill, truly embodied the essence of the Acadia experience. They met on campus as undergraduates, formed a deep and lasting bond, and applied their Acadia education to great benefit in the world. They faithfully supported the University for decades in every way possible. Janice's exceptional gift continues this legacy, and on behalf of the Acadia community, I extend our deepest gratitude for her generosity."

View photos from the Alumni Holiday Reception:

About the MacNeill Scholar-Bursaries

The MacNeill Scholar-Bursaries, valued at $8,000 each, are awarded to Canadian or American students entering full-time study at Acadia in any discipline. A total of 20 students may receive these scholar-bursaries in any given year. The scholarships are renewable for four years, or until graduation, subject to maintaining an average of 80%.

The MacNeill Scholar-Bursaries were made possible through the kindness and generosity of alumni H. Gordon MacNeill, BA '48 DCL '87 DD (Knox College), Barbara McLellan MacNeill BA '50, and Janice MacNeill BSH ’76.

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