“Our bursaries are designed to ease financial burden, recognize students who give back to their communities, and offer a helping hand to those who simply need a chance.” – Hugh Brown

Established in 2022, the Hugh and Linda Brown Educational Foundation Bursary provides financial support to students at Acadia University pursuing a degree in any program. It is a renewable award – eligible students can receive it each year of their program.

Hugh and Linda wanted to create something that was more than just financial support. Hugh says, “it’s about opening doors and creating opportunities for young people who might not otherwise have them. This mission is deeply personal to me. When I was in Grade 11, my father passed away. Without financial assistance, pursuing post-secondary education would have been incredibly difficult. That experience has stayed with me and is a driving force behind the work we do through the Foundation.”

Hugh and Linda were both raised in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Their roots run deep, and they understand the challenges that many young people face. They also know that talent and determination are everywhere, but access to opportunity is not. That is why they chose to support Acadia, an institution that shares their belief in the transformative power of education. It is also meaningful on a personal level: two of their children, Sean (’98) and Lesley (’02), experienced the richness of an Acadia education.

Second-year Bachelor of History student Tayla Stevens is a prime example of the impact of the award. She says, “this award has eased my burden and allowed me to pursue my education. Your support not only provides me with the opportunity to further my education, but also motivates me to continue to give back to my community through volunteering and outreach. I am committed to making a positive impact, just as you have done for me and many other students.”

Second-year Bachelor of Business Administration student Gavin Sheehy has received the award for the past two years and says, “receiving this bursary means a great deal to me. It has eased the financial pressures of post-secondary education and allows me to focus more fully on my studies and campus involvement. It is a powerful reminder that there are generous, community-minded people out there who believe in students like me.”

Thanks to increased support from the Foundation, what started as three renewable awards at Acadia has grown to six. Hugh says, “every time we hear from a student who tells us our bursary has helped them stay in school, focus on their goals, or believe in themselves a little more, it reaffirms why we started this Foundation. Sometimes a little support at the right time can make all the difference in the world.”

Pictured up top: Tayla Stevens.

Pictured above: Gavin Sheehy.