Olivia Stevenson, a third-year honours undergraduate student in Kinesiology at Acadia University, has been awarded the prestigious 2022 3M National Student Fellowship. Presented by 3M Canada and the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE), the fellowship recognizes exceptional student leaders across Canada who are making a positive impact in higher education.

“A genuine, caring, intelligent, and compassionate person, Olivia is a leader in the Kinesiology program and in the wider Acadia community,” says Professor Ann Dodge who nominated Stevenson for the fellowship. “How wonderful that she is being recognized for all she has brought to her university studies, her volunteer commitments, the relationships she creates with others, and the compassion she shares with all? With a very bright future ahead, she is indeed deserving of this esteemed award.”

Stevenson has excelled in her time at Acadia University both academically and as an active member of student life. She has pursued her love of research and serving others through her work as a research assistant for JackHabbit Inc. and her honours thesis in Kinesiology. “I have had the extraordinary privilege of learning from some of the most educated and empathetic leaders; they have all instilled so much of what I stand for today,” says Stevenson.

Stevenson has immersed herself in campus life, serving as vice-president of the Acadia Kinesiology Society, an executive member of on-campus committees, a residence assistant, teaching assistant, lead coach for Acadia Performance Training, and as an intern with the Strength and Conditioning program. A certified 200-hour yoga instructor, Stevenson understands the importance mindfulness can have on mental and physical wellbeing. By developing and hosting yoga and mindfulness classes, Stevenson has been able to share these wellness strategies with her fellow peers, faculty, and community members.

This year, the Maple League of Universities were well represented with 3M Canada student awards.  Other recipients included Ben Boudreau (St. Francis Xavier), Oorja Gonepavaram (Mount Allison), and Sufia Langevin (Bishop’s). This is also the second year in a row that an Acadia student has received the award, with Leah Creaser being the 2021 recipient.

Stevenson is excited to have an opportunity to work collaboratively with the other 3M National Student Fellowship recipients to develop a funded project on teaching and learning.

“This fellowship means an opportunity to work in an uncommon ground, which is something I love,” says Stevenson. “To know that I have a chance to gather with likeminded individuals to connect, brainstorm, and discuss possible resolutions for disparities in higher education systems is beyond exciting.”

“At the end of the day, that is what this fellowship means to me: more good work and more good people. Does it get any better than that?”