Church Brewing Company supports The Athenaeum Journalism Award


The Church Brewing Company in Wolfville, Nova Scotia has partnered with Acadia University’s student newspaper, The Athenaeum, to support aspiring journalists by contributing to The Athenaeum Journalism Award.

Launched in November 2020, The Athenaeum Journalism Award – valued up to $1,000 per year – is awarded to a writer who has displayed journalistic excellence, commitment to The Athenaeum, and demonstrates promise in campus journalism.  The award will be presented annually at the discretion of The Athenaeum Publishing Board, composed of student and faculty representatives.

Ultimately, the goal is to raise $25,000 for an endowment in perpetuity by the 150th anniversary of The Athenaeum in November 2024. Currently, there are no scholarships supporting writers at student newspapers across Atlantic Canada, making this initiative a first.

“This partnership demonstrates the strength of the relationship between the University and the town,” says Editor-in-Chief Axel Eschholz (’24). “The Athenaeum has long been a voice for under-represented portions of the student community and this scholarship will help us recognize those contributors who make this work possible.”

For the month of March 2022, The Church donated $1 from every croque monsieur sandwich as part of their monthly Brew Good Do Good Campaign. Featuring maple glazed back bacon, Swiss cheese and Dijon aioli in house-made cornmeal bread, the collaboration raised $218 to contribute to the award.

Erin Haysom (’01), co-founder of The Church Brewing Company, noted that part of Wolfville’s magic is its entrepreneurial spirit.

“I went to school at Acadia and fell in love with the small community during our summer vacations home to visit family,” she says. “My husband, Matt, and his brother, Steve, fell in love with the full flavours in craft beer many years ago and they were excited to support craft breweries in Nova Scotia. It was only natural that they decided to leave their oil and gas careers to transition into craft beer.”

Opened in 2019 in the former St. Andrew’s United Church, the brewery has become one of the most successful businesses in Wolfville.

“We started to notice an entrepreneurial spirit and new businesses opening,” Erin notes. “We also recognized the growth in the wine industry and the microclimate that drew the farmers’ markets and stands. These farm markets and wineries in the area have been drawing Nova Scotians for years. Aside from Halifax, it’s the place to be!”

The Athenaeum was an early supporter of The Church, publishing an editorial in January 2019 about how it would support students and boost the local economy. It has since become a regular spot for students, professors and Wolfville residents to enjoy great food and a refreshing pint.

Vice-President, Advancement (Interim) Nancy Handrigan (’92) says, “the relationship between Acadia and the Town of Wolfville and its many business owners and community members has always been strong, and it’s gratifying when an organization like The Church Brewery steps up to support our students and a venerated publication like The Athenaeum. We acknowledge and embrace the value of a free press and hope that members of our alumni community will likewise encourage student journalism by supporting The Athenaeum Journalism Award.”

The Athenaeum has existed since 1874 as the definitive voice for Acadia students. Its first publication in November 1874 started a long tradition of student journalism, with alumni including the only Nova Scotian to sign the UN Charter Charles Eaton (1890, 1893, 1907 HON), Acting Prime Minister J. L. Ilsley (1913, 1937 HON), former Senator Donald Oliver (’60) and former Chancellor Libby Burnham (’60).

The Athenaeum is one of the oldest institutions at Acadia, save for the University itself and the Alumni Association,” Eschholz says. “With the help of decades of alumni and local businesses like The Church, we have the opportunity to bolster journalism on campus and help create a new generation of journalists, broadcasters, and writers.”

To donate, please visit The Athenaeum Journalism Award.

Pictured above: Ath Editor-in-Chief Axel Eschholz (’24) accepts a cheque to support The Athenaeum Journalism Award from Church Brewery co-founder Erin Haysom (’01). (Photo: Fred Sgambati)


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