Acadia University student Kate MacKenzie is one of six business students studying at Atlantic Canadian universities to be awarded $15,000 as a recipient of the 2013 Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies. In addition, four students received an honourable mention award of $2,000. At Acadia, that award was presented to Erin Hayes. All finalists, nominated by the Deans of Business at each university, received a $500 honorarium.

“These winners are exceptional role models for people of all ages. They exemplify compassion for their communities and demonstrate a healthy balance with everything else in their lives, all while maintaining outstanding academic performance,” said David F. Sobey, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies. “They demonstrate qualities, skills, passion and dedication to their communities, and are the leaders of the next generation. We are proud to recognize and celebrate their achievements and tremendous potential.”  

MacKenzie is a fourth-year marketing Business Administration student at Acadia. Her hometown is Truro, Nova Scotia.

MacKenzie's unprecedented re-election as the president of the Acadia business society demonstrates her strong leadership skills, passion and abilities. she shows her civic pride through her volunteer work with Best Buddies, CC Riders Youth Soccer and Special Olympics.

She received accolades for her hard work and innovative ideas during her internships at TalentEgg, a web-based resource that helps students navigate the post-graduate transition from academic life to the working world.

MacKenzie feels strongly about staying and working in her home province of Nova Scotia and is searching for her next opportunity to shine in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

The award recipients were chosen from 30 finalists based on academic standing, entrepreneurial interest, extracurricular and community activities, and career aspirations. The other recipients of the 2013 Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies are:Taryn Greig, STFX; Heidi Landry, SMU; Patricia McCann, CBU; Daniel Saulnier, U de M; and Ben Wilson, MTA.

The following students each received Honourable Mention and a prize of $2,000: Nicole Sanscartier, STFX; Alex Whalen, UPEI; and Ryan Meyers, DAL.

About the Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies

The Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies currently presents six awards of $15,000 each. All full-time business students attending Atlantic universities are eligible for consideration. Deans of Business at each university nominate candidates based on academic standing, entrepreneurial interest, extracurricular and community activities, employment history and career aspirations.

Established in 1989, the Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies have awarded more than $1,000,000 to business students in the four Atlantic Provinces. Each university in the region offering a business program has had at least one recipient of a Frank H. Sobey Award.

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For further information, please contact:

Bernard Doucet, Director, Corporate Affairs, Sobeys Inc.

Phone: 902.752.8371 ext. 2301

bernard.doucet@sobeys.com