2015 04 23 advancement community report

OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT

2014

Community Report

OVERVIEW

The goals of Acadia’s Office of Advancement are to

engage and inform alumni and the public; to manage

and promote the University’s reputation; and to

generate charitable and other revenue in support of

Acadia’s students, faculty and programmes.

2014 was the second full year of a rebuilding effort designed to

restore capacity following a major contraction in Advancement

after the “Tides are Turning” campaign, and this report is

intended to provide brief highlights of the results achieved

by the Advancement team in pursuit of its engagement,

reputational, and financial goals.

CONTENTS: OVERVIEW 2 | DEVELOPMENT 3 | ALUMNI 4 | ALUMNI EVENTS 6 | COMMUNICATIONS 8APPENDIX I: NEW FUNDS AND AWARDS 10 | ADVANCEMENT STAFF TEAM 19

2014 COMMUNITY REPORT

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DEVELOPMENT

In 2013, Acadia’s revenue from private giving rebounded from $2.922 million to $4.662 million, an increase of 60% which brought results into alignment with our “steady state” target. Due to a fortuitous convergence of circumstances, 2014 saw a spike of $8.646 million, up 85% from 2013 and 196% from 2012. In 2014, donor numbers grew by 23% over the preceding year, and the number of gifts increased by 22%. Presaging a likely return to our steady state range in 2015, new pledges booked in 2014 fell by 36% to $2.979 million.

The Advancement team places the highest possible emphasis on stewardship and personal interaction with friends of the University – in 2014, this involved more than 500 individual donor visits, as well as special initiatives like the Chancellor’s Reception at the Art Gallery of Ontario; improved endowment fund reports; personal thank-you messages and phone calls from students to donors; and our first faculty and staff donor appreciation event. Other ongoing priorities include our work in partnership with the Associated Alumni of Acadia University to increase the scope and success of our biannual appeals, and collaboration with faculty colleagues, who are becoming increasingly engaged in a range of Advancement initiatives.

A total of 19 new awards and funds were established in 2014, with the approval of the Board of Governors. (See Appendix I.)


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Throughout 2014, our Alumni programme was strongly focused on Acadia’s 175th anniversary, which was celebrated at events on campus, across Canada, and around the world. Special highlights of the year included the 12th Annual Alumni Gala in Halifax, sponsored by the Associated Alumni of Acadia University (AAAU) with more than 350 people in attendance to pay tribute to Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Dr. Elizabeth Cannon (’82), President of the University of Calgary, and Honorary Alumnus and legendary football coach, John Huard Sr. During Summer Reunion Weekend, we welcomed the classes of 1949, 1953, 1954, 1958, 1959, 1968 and 1969 back to campus, together with the Class of 1964, celebrating its Golden Anniversary. Homecoming was a fitting finale to our 175th anniversary year, featuring the 102nd running of the Bulmer Race, the AAAU’s Backyard BBQ, the Women in Sport brunch, a football game against Mt. Allison, and “A Ron James Homecoming” concert, in support of the Sydney Taylor (’13) Memorial Award. Toward the end of the year, the AAAU sponsored a fireworks display on Raymond Field as part of Wolfville’s “Night of Lights” event, followed by an open skate at the Andrew

H. McCain Arena.

ALUMNI


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Our outreach programme for 2014 included alumni events in Aulac NB (at our Beaubassin Research Station, hosted by Hon. David Smith, Chief Justice, Court of Queen’s Bench for New Brunswick, with special guests Arthur and Sandra Irving and their daughter Sarah), Beijing, Bermuda, Boston, Bradenton FL, Calgary, Charlottetown, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, London, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, Saskatoon, St. John’s, Singapore, Toronto and Vancouver.

The success of our programme in 2014 reflects our vibrant partnership with the Associated Alumni of Acadia University. The Association’s active leadership and support greatly enhanced the 175th anniversary-year experience for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of Acadia locally and abroad, and we look forward to continuing collaboration with the Association, its Board of Directors and committees.


DATE EvENT

Jan. 3, 2014 Fredericton Hockey Reception

Feb. 4, 2014 New York Reception

Feb. 6, 2014 Bermuda Reception

Feb. 6, 2014 175th Cookie Distribution

Feb. 11, 2014 President’s Reception for Employee Donors

Feb. 13, 2014 Toronto Business Breakfast

Feb. 27, 2014 Hong Kong Dinner

Mar. 1, 2014 Kuala Lumpur Reception

Mar. 1, 2014 AUS Basketball Pre-Game Reception

Mar. 2, 2014 Tully Tea and 100th Anniversary Celebration

Mar. 5, 2014 Singapore Reception

Mar. 6, 2014 AAAU Board Meeting

Mar. 18, 2014 Annual Florida Luncheon

Mar. 20-21, 2014 CIS Hockey Pep Rallies - Saskatoon

Mar. 26, 2014 Pan-Canadian Alumni Reception hosted by Canadian Consulate in Boston

April 3, 2014 12th Annual Gala Dinner

April 24, 2014 St. John’s Reception

April 29, 2014 vancouver Reception

May 1, 2014 Calgary Reception

May 9-12, 2014 Spring Convocation/Grad Weekend

May 10, 2014 Ottawa Maritime Lobster Picnic

June 5, 2014 Atlantic University Alumni Pub Night - Ottawa

June 5, 2014 Charlottetown Reception

June 6, 2014 3rd Annual Toronto Lobster Boil

June 19, 2014 Beaverbrook Art Gallery Dinner Honouring Freeman Patterson

July 11-13, 2014 Summer Reunion

July 12, 2014 Annual Alumni Banquet

EVENTS

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DATE EvENT

Jan. 3, 2014 Fredericton Hockey Reception

Feb. 4, 2014 New York Reception

Feb. 6, 2014 Bermuda Reception

Feb. 6, 2014 175th Cookie Distribution

Feb. 11, 2014 President’s Reception for Employee Donors

Feb. 13, 2014 Toronto Business Breakfast

Feb. 27, 2014 Hong Kong Dinner

Mar. 1, 2014 Kuala Lumpur Reception

Mar. 1, 2014 AUS Basketball Pre-Game Reception

Mar. 2, 2014 Tully Tea and 100th Anniversary Celebration

Mar. 5, 2014 Singapore Reception

Mar. 6, 2014 AAAU Board Meeting

Mar. 18, 2014 Annual Florida Luncheon

Mar. 20-21, 2014 CIS Hockey Pep Rallies - Saskatoon

Mar. 26, 2014 Pan-Canadian Alumni Reception hosted by Canadian Consulate in Boston

April 3, 2014 12th Annual Gala Dinner

April 24, 2014 St. John’s Reception

April 29, 2014 vancouver Reception

May 1, 2014 Calgary Reception

May 9-12, 2014 Spring Convocation/Grad Weekend

May 10, 2014 Ottawa Maritime Lobster Picnic

June 5, 2014 Atlantic University Alumni Pub Night - Ottawa

June 5, 2014 Charlottetown Reception

June 6, 2014 3rd Annual Toronto Lobster Boil

June 19, 2014 Beaverbrook Art Gallery Dinner Honouring Freeman Patterson

July 11-13, 2014 Summer Reunion

July 12, 2014 Annual Alumni Banquet

DATE EvENT

July 13, 2014 175th Anniversary Garden Party

July 25, 2014 Alumni Golf Tournament - valley

August 30, 2014 Welcome Week (Move-in; Alumni Reception)

Sept. 6, 2014 AAAU Retreat

Sept. 7, 2014 Beaubassin Reception

Sept. 18, 2014 3rd Annual Butler Memorial/Acadia Alumni Golf Tournament

Sept. 22, 2014 175th Cookie Distribution

Oct. 1, 2014 Scotiabank Gift Announcement

Oct. 16, 2014 Toronto Pub Night

Oct. 17-19, 2014 Homecoming Weekend

Oct. 17, 2014 Bulmer Race

Oct. 18, 2014 Women in Sport Breakfast

Oct. 18, 2014 AAAU Board Meeting

Oct. 18, 2014 AAAU Backyard Barbeque

Oct. 18, 2014 Ron James Concert

Oct. 30, 2014 London, UK, Reception

Nov. 5, 2014 NetTalk

Nov. 8, 2014 Hockey Honour Roll Induction and Luncheon

Nov. 8, 2014 Stevens Gift Announcement

Nov. 12, 2014 Beijing Reception

Nov. 14, 2014 Founder’s Day Celebration

Nov. 28, 2014 Fireworks at Raymond Field

Dec. 1, 2014 Ottawa Social on the Hill

Dec. 3, 2014 Montreal Reception

Dec. 5, 2014 Chancellor’s Reception in Toronto

Dec. 9, 2014 Coach Huard Induction - College Football Hall of Fame

Dec. 10, 2014 New York Reception

EVENTS

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Social media channel

FanS/viewS//FollowerS

march 1, 2014

FanS/viewS//FollowerS

march 1, 2014

% change

Facebook (University fan page)

14,418 16,112 +12

Facebook (Alumni group page)

5,332 5,597 +5

Twitter 6,052 7,955 +31

Linked In (company page)

1,614 2,064 +28

Linked In (education page)

12,962 15,995 +23

YouTube (AcadiaTV) 311,064 348,644 +12

Flickr 192,103 503,728 +162

Acadia’s 175th anniversary featured prominently in communications activities throughout 2014. The final two volumes of Voices of Acadia were published as supplements to the Bulletin, garnering uniformly positive reviews. Combined, the three volumes of Voices include more than 140 stories, featuring hundreds of Acadia alumni, faculty, and staff, and capturing the enormous impact Acadia has had on so many lives. Capping off the 175th anniversary year, a time capsule was sealed on Founders’ Day, to be placed in the walls of the Wu Welcome Centre at Alumni Hall, one of a number of significant legacy projects undertaken on campus in 2014.

Social media engagement is being used increasingly by businesses and organizations to measure their reach and impact, and 2014 was another strong year of growth for Acadia’s social media channels.

COMMUNICATIONS

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2014 brought important plaudits to the University. Acadia was named by Waterstone Human Capital as one of Canada’s “10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures”, and recognized for the commitment of faculty and staff to preserving Acadia’s culture of student-focused education while overcoming challenges caused by changing demographics and government funding. Acadia was also named a 2014 Finalist in the “Canada’s Passion Capitalist” programme.

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APPENDIX I: NEW FUNDS AND AWARDS

The following new named funds and awards were established and/or approved by the Board of Governors in 2014. They provide new support for the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science, and Manning School of Business, as well as for international students, varsity athletics, music, and art.

Alumni Swimming Leadership AwardEstablished in 2014 by Rob Harris, Class of 1995. To be awarded annually on the recommendation of the Director of Athletics to an entering or returning varsity swimmer who demonstrates outstanding commitment to leadership in the pool while maintaining strong academic standards as a student athlete in the classroom. Value: $1,000.

The William Marshall Bishop Memorial ConcertsEstablished in 2013 through the estate of the Rev’d William Marshall Bishop (’70) and his family, the annual memorial concert will be offered through the Sunday Music in the Garden Room Series, which is sponsored and supported by the Associated Alumni of Acadia University. A small group of alumni and friends will, at the invitation of the volunteer coordinator, join the series committee to choose the performer and program. The printed program for this annual concert will include the donor’s name, a short biography and a photo.

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The B. Harrison Black Scholar-BursaryThe B. Harrison Black Scholar-Bursary was established in honour of B. Harrison Black (’33) in 2013 by his wife and family. The scholar-bursary is available on departmental nomination to a returning student majoring or honouring in Economics.

Born in Truro, Nova Scotia, B. Harrison Black received his education in Economics at Acadia University (BA ’33) and University of Toronto (MA ’35). He spent his career with Bell Canada in Toronto, interrupted by WWII where he became Flight Lieutenant with the RAF. He married Lillian Coy in 1947 and had two children who both graduated from Acadia: Louise (’70) and Robert (’75).

The Jean Crowell Memorial Scholar-BursaryIntended to support entering students from any high school in Yarmouth County, was established by an anonymous donor to pay tribute to former Acadia student Elizabeth Jean Titus Crowell, originally of Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia who commenced post-secondary studies in 1947. Further, it is the donor’s desire to support the longstanding relationship between Acadia and students from Yarmouth County. It is hoped that this scholar-bursary will underpin Acadia’s student recruitment efforts in this region. The Scholar-Bursary will provide non-renewable funding for students entering full-time studies in any discipline. To be considered, students must have a high school average of average 80% or greater.

The Shelley Fleckenstein Athletic AwardEstablished in 2014 by Shelley Fleckenstein. To be awarded to a returning female varsity athlete majoring in science, with an interest in a healthcare career. The recipient must be in good academic standing with a minimum 80% average, and present strong leadership qualities in the community. The recipient will be chosen by the Director of Athletics in consultation with head coaches of female varsity athletic programs.

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Esther M. Gardiner Memorial AwardEstablished through a bequest from Mrs. Gardiner’s estate, the award is made available to entering undergraduate students who were born in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island commencing full-time study in any discipline at Acadia University. Other criteria for the award may be determined at the discretion of the University, including renewability, but include financial need and/or academic excellence. Two $10,000 awards shall be granted each year.

The Roger Prentice ScholarshipEstablished in 2013 by the Williams brothers, Jason ’96, Dale ’98 and Blair ’05 in celebration of Acadia’s longest serving Chaplain Roger Prentice and Manning Memorial Chapel’s 50th anniversary. On the recommendation of the Chaplain, the scholarship will be given to a returning student who combines outstanding academic achievement with a contribution to spiritual life on campus through the chapel and its programs.

The Rev’d Dr. Prentice ’08 retired from Acadia University in 2007 after 22 years of service. During his tenure at Acadia, Dr. Prentice planned and supervised a number of projects for the chaplaincy including the publication of the Chapel Times; the installation of the chapel bell (in memory of Dr. I. Judson Levy); the Chaplaincy Endowment Fund; the direction of ten annual Passion Plays, and the writing of nine; direction of a number of other plays; the establishment of the Chapel Choir (under the direction of Mr. John Scott); and the expansion of the chapel building.

The Raddall Research Fund in Biology Established in 2013 by Dr. Thomas Raddall to benefit the Department of Biology. Annual disbursements from the Fund will be used by the Department to support major purchases of equipment for use by students and faculty, and to fund student research projects (including participation in scientific conferences). The specific allocation of disbursements will be

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determined annually by a committee comprising the Dean of Pure and Applied Science, Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, and Head of Biology, and two additional members elected from the members of the Biology Department. The gift will be recognized through the naming of the main floor of the Biology building as The Raddall Wing, with appropriate signage including biographical information about Dr. Raddall, and through a gift announcement to be planned in consultation with him.

The Roberge-Pierce Bursary in ScienceEstablished by Michelle Roberge ’77 in memory of her mother and grandparents. To be awarded to a full-time female student studying full-time in a Bachelor of Science program who demonstrates financial need.

The Jack Scholz Memorial Award Established in 2013 by a grateful former student-athlete in memory of Jack Scholz. Jack was a strong leader and an inspirational member of the Acadia community. A professor in Acadia’s School of Recreation and Physical Education, he served for many years as the Head Coach of the men’s and women’s varsity swim teams, and was the founder of the S.M.I.L.E. program. To be awarded annually on the recommendation of the Director of Athletics to a varsity athlete who demonstrates outstanding leadership skills, commitment to achievement and teamwork. Preference for a member of the swim team. Where possible, the award will be made to a swimmer who is enrolled in a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Kinesiology.

The Science Atlantic Psychology Conference Fund Established in 2013 by Dr. Rick Mehta to support students attending the annual Science Atlantic Psychology Conference, for registration, accommodation and travel.

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The Eddy Garron AwardTo be awarded to a female student from South America, preferably Bolivia, who demonstrates school and community involvement. This award was established by Jim Mills (’82) in honour of his wife, Leilany Garron-Mills, and in memory of her father.

Victoria Harwood Excellence AwardsEstablished by Victoria Lanyon Harwood in 2007, these awards recognize and give support to women student athletes who demonstrate excellence in both athletics and academics.

Victoria Harwood (‘80), a varsity athlete graduated with a BA degree from Acadia University as a Dean’s List Scholar and a winner of the Hugh A. Nobel Award. She received her MBA from Dalhousie University and has been a partner of The Harwood Group ScotiaMcLeod Inc. for the past 15 years. She has served on Acadia’s Board of Governors, chaired the first Women in Sport Gala, and co-chaired the Athletics component of the Tides are Turning Campaign. No doubt Victoria’s accomplishments in her profession, and as a volunteer and the mother of four daughters (two of whom are recent graduates of Acadia University) are what have inspired her to create the Victoria Harwood Excellence Awards.

The Crystal Hennigar Memorial Hockey AwardEstablished in 2014 by Terry and Heather Hennigar. To be awarded to a returning varsity men’s hockey player who demonstrates caring and compassion for others and possesses a positive attitude. The recipient must be in good academic standing with a minimum 80% average and is a community role model. The recipient will be chosen by the Director of Athletics in consultation with the head coach of the men’s hockey program. A new recipient will be chosen in each of the five years.

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This award is in memory of an Acadia “hockey Mom & daughter”. Crystal’s father, Terry, was a member of the varsity men’s hockey team in the 1960s and her son Michael joined the program in 2013. Crystal was a true inspiration to her family, in particular her sons, Michael and Adam, and her many friends. Her legacy was putting others ahead of herself through kindness, respect and a positive attitude. Crystal lost her battle to cancer in 2014.

The International Student Support FundEstablished though a gift of stock from an anonymous donor, will provide financial resources for the recruitment and retention of international students. Revenue generated by this fund will be used by the University to recruit students from counties outside of Canada and/or will provide financial support to current students studying at Acadia who demonstrate financial need due to circumstances beyond their control.

The University may use the proceeds of the Fund as a recruitment incentive or enabling device to attract a student (or students) from a foreign country to come to Acadia to study, in any discipline, who would be unable to gather the necessary financial resources otherwise. Current students (in any discipline) who have lost financial and/or personal support through circumstances such as, but not limited

to natural disaster or armed conflict in their home countries, a family death, or the application of punitive cultural practices that makes their continued study at Acadia challenging will qualify for support. It must be generally agreed that failing to provide relief funding will prevent a deserving student from entering or continuing his/her studies at Acadia.

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The Fund will provide financial relief for expenses such as, but not limited to: tuition, academic fees, books, the provision of living expenses (i.e. housing, food, clothing), life essentials such as medicine or medical treatment, and /or travel home to attend to urgent family business (i.e. a family funeral or other necessities). Entering and/or returning students are eligible to receive financial support from this Fund.

The Geoffrey D. Kott Scholar-Athlete AwardsEstablished in 2014 by Geoffrey D. Kott (BBA Acadia, 1996). The awards will be presented to a student-athlete who:• is in his/her second, or subsequent

year of the Business Administration program;

• was named an Academic All-Canadian the immediately prior academic year;

• has a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; and• has otherwise demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship both in and

out of the athletic arena. For the men’s award, preference will be given to a member of the varsity Men’s Basketball team.

Judith Jane Leidl Award in Visual ArtEstablished in 2014 in honour of Judith Jane Leidl’s contributions as an artist and a teacher, the award is presented to a student demonstrating excellence in visual arts as recommended by the Dean of Arts in consultation with the Acadia University Art Instructor(s).

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Ottawa Alumni Scholar-BursaryEstablished in 2014 by Acadia Alumni from Ottawa, to be awarded to an entering student from the Ottawa region who demonstrates school and community involvement. Preference for students with an 80% average and financial need.

The Bob Smye (’78) Memorial AwardThe Bob Smye (’78) Memorial Award will be presented annually to a returning football student-athlete. Preference will be given to a recipient that requires financial assistance, demonstrates a strong academic standing and provides leadership in the community. The recipient will be chosen by the Director of Athletics in consultation with the Head Coach.

The Stevens CentreIn recognition of a $1 million commitment to Acadia Athletics by the Stevens Family Foundation, the proposed addition on the east side of the Athletics Complex toward the football field will be named The Stevens Centre. The addition will house the proposed High Performance Training Centre, a new football locker room and a new hockey locker room. This gift will be further recognized through a gift announcement to be planned in consultation with the Stevens Family Foundation.

The Kathryn Swenson (’63) Entrance BursaryEstablished in 2014 by Kathryn Swenson (’63), the bursary is awarded to an entering full-time undergraduate student from New Brunswick, with a preference for Saint John. The recipient must demonstrate financial need.

From Saint John High School, Kathryn Swenson graduated from Acadia University with a BA (1963), a BEd (1965) and completed her MEd (Counselling) at the University of Maine in Orono. After teaching for a decade, Kathie continued her career in education as a leader in government at the provincial level in Nova Scotia.

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The Ralph and Georgie Taylor Entrance ScholarshipEstablished in 2014 by alumni Ralph (’61, ’62, ’63) and Georgie (’60) Taylor, the scholarship is given to an entering student from the Anglophone East School District or successor in New Brunswick in recognition of academic excellence, school involvement and demonstrated leadership skills. In the absence of a student from this school district, any student from New Brunswick will be eligible.

Ralph Taylor and Georgie Lee Goodwin met at Horton Academy prior to attending Acadia and married in Wolfville the day before Georgie’s graduation in 1960. Their contributions as students and alumni are many, including varsity sports and the University Naval Training Division, participation in campus activities of all kinds and each of them worked in a number of campus employment positions. The Taylors’ support of the University reaches from leadership activities on the Board of Governors and committees to attendance at varsity games and gifts to the arts, academics, athletics, chapel and campaigns.

Barbara and Phillip Thorpe Scholar-BursaryEstablished in 2014 by alumnus Phillip Thorpe (‘58) and his wife Barbara, to be awarded on a renewable basis to an entering full-time undergraduate student in the Faculty of Science. This student, from Nova Scotia, must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.

Born in Wolfville, Phillip Thorpe grew up on a farm in Ross Corner, Nova Scotia and attended Acadia with his brother Ralph, where they roomed together for four years. After receiving his CAS and BSc (Math), Phil attended McGill for engineering and met and married Barbara, who was studying biochemistry. They moved to Calgary where Phil made his career with Shell.

Young Entrance Scholarship (YES) in MusicEstablished in 2014 by Mabel Young (’63), the Young Entrance Scholarship (YES) in Music is awarded to an entering music student in recognition of academic excellence. While preference is for an organ student, it may be awarded to any music student with an interest in pursuing church music.

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Nancy Handrigan Executive Director, Philanthropy

Len Hawley Marketing and Development, Athletics

Melanie Jackson Coordinator, Branches and Events Alumni Affairs

Shannon Kehoe Development Officer

Debbie MacMillan Administrative Assistant, Alumni Hall

Rod Morrison Vice President, Advancement

Sandy MorrowFinance Assistant, Development

Ian MurrayExecutive Director, Alumni Affairs and Advancement Strategy

Oonagh Proudfoot Senior Alumni Officer

Scott RobertsExecutive Director, Communications and Marketing

Fred Sgambati Coordinator, Communications and Technology, Alumni Affairs

Dave Sheehan Multimedia Producer,Communications and Marketing

Francesca Smith Administrative Assistant, Office of the Vice-President of Advancement

Sandra Symonds Manager, Production and Events

Cassandra TremainManager, Systems and Stewardship

Sherri TurnerManager, Communications and Marketing

ADVANCEMENT STAFF TEAM (as of December 31, 2014)

15 University Avenue | Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada | B4P 2R6 | acadiau.ca

2015 04 23 advancement community report

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