Taya Lucas-Desmond is honoured to have help during her academic studies

Taya Lucas-Desmond, a fourth-year environmental science student at Acadia University, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Tory-Bagnall and MacDonald Bursary. Cairine (Tory) and Bernie MacDonald established the $10,000 annual bursary to honour their family's commitment to education and to enable students from the Maritimes to aspire to university.    

A native of Sunnyville, Guysborough County, Lucas-Desmond pursued her degree at Acadia to remain in her home province while still accessing a world-class education.

"I was drawn to Acadia because of its close connection with nature," she explained. "I spend much of my downtime in the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens on campus and the various walking trails around Wolfville. I am fascinated with the Minas Basin and the famous Bay of Fundy tides that are just a few minutes from Acadia's campus."

Lucas-Desmond's experience at Acadia has been profoundly positive, fostering academic growth and lasting relationships. "I have had the opportunity to create long-lasting, meaningful friendships," she said. "I have also had the chance to get to know many of my professors, as the classes are very small at Acadia. The support from professors, peers, friends, and other campus resources has been astounding."