A Visionary Gift

Prioritizing applications from Guysborough County, the bursary also welcomes Canadian candidates from the broader Maritime provinces. The bursary aims to help students who plan to enter the workforce after obtaining their bachelor’s degree cover critical expenses such as tuition or residence. The long-term goal of the award is truly inclusive, with at least 50% of future bursaries to be awarded to female students and 50% to Black students.

“On the Tory side of the family, all 16 of my great-great-great grandparents settled in Guysborough in 1784. My grandfather Clem left for Alberta in 1917, after his blacksmith shop burned down. The Bagnall family also headed West in 1911, with Acadia graduates Herb and Lucy serving as pioneer home missionaries in Grande Prairie, Alberta.

“We have always been very proud of our Maritime roots, in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. As Bernie grew up in the Annapolis Valley, he suggested we fund a scholarship where it would make the biggest impact.” says Cairine MacDonald. “This gift reflects our belief in the transformative power of education and our desire to contribute those who may not otherwise be able to attend university.”

Nancy Handrigan, Vice-President, Advancement, says the forethought of donors like the MacDonalds makes all the difference to the student experience at Acadia.

"The generosity of Cairine and Bernie MacDonald exemplifies the incredible impact that thoughtful giving can have on our student body. The Tory-Bagnall and MacDonald Bursary is a testament to a long-standing commitment to helping others, and it will create new opportunities for diverse students from Guysborough and beyond achieve academic excellence," Handrigan explains.

She adds that the family history behind the gift demonstrates resilience and an ongoing commitment to the transformative power of education.

Automatic Consideration

Enrolled students who meet the criteria will automatically be in the running for the Tory-Bagnall and MacDonald Bursary, which bolsters the generous $5 million in financial aid and awards offered by Acadia to students each academic year.

"Applying for financial aid can often be a daunting process. At Acadia, we've streamlined it so that by completing one application, most students are automatically considered for the majority of the available support for which they qualify. It's our way of lifting the burden of multiple applications from their shoulders," explains Kim Rhymes, Manager of the Scholarships and Financial Aid Office.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have such generous donors who are invested in the success of our students,” she adds. “Their contributions create meaningful opportunities for those pursuing their educational goals."

How can I help?

Learn more about the Tory-Bagnall and MacDonald Bursary and consider making a gift to this initiative.

For more information on enhancing the student experience at Acadia University, please visit How Can I Give? to contact the Donor Relations team within the Office of Advancement.