An exciting time of reconnection and renewal

It’s an exciting time of reconnection and renewal on the Acadia campus as the University welcomed students and faculty back to class for the fall term and celebrated the arrival of our new President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Jeff Hennessy (’99). A proud Acadia graduate, Dr. Hennessy is returning to his alma mater, where he had been a faculty member and administrator at Acadia for more than 20 years. He has a long and distinguished history of academic and professional achievement that will serve the Acadia and alumni communities well, and his strong advocacy for the value of a liberal arts education embraces our traditions and defines a clear path toward a bright future. Dr. Hennessy is also a powerful voice in the post-secondary sector, and I look forward to working with him on behalf of the Alumni Association to articulate our mandate in a supportive and collegial manner that is consistent with and supportive of his vision for Acadia. This edition of the Bulletin keys on a vital component of that vision and highlights our shared commitment to environmental sustainability and increasing awareness of the impacts of climate change. Simply put, climate change is real and we, as a global community, need to acknowledge its priority and educate ourselves about its circumstance and consequences. We cannot be silent, which is why this edition highlights programs and people on campus and beyond who are making a difference individually and collectively to identify and combat it. We are also fiercely proud to present the Dr. Fred Gilbert Speaker Series, which pays tribute to the work of Dr. Gilbert (’65) and celebrates his academic and scholarly contributions to Canada’s post-secondary education sector as former President of Lakehead University and a Director on the Acadia Alumni Association Board. The inaugural lecture in the Series featured Acadia honorary degree recipient Dr. Hans-Otto Pörtner (’22), whose presentation, ‘Climate change is ocean change: a physiologist’s view’, was eye-opening and relevant. He also participated in a lively Q&A session at the conclusion of his talk. Presentations like this shine an important spotlight on environmental issues and climate change. They also provide an opportunity for members of the public and the Acadia community to come together in a cooperative spirit of learning and leadership to acquire valuable insight into real world situations and apply creative solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability. You can learn more about the Dr. Fred Gilbert (’65) Speaker Series and experience Dr. Pörtner’s presentation HERE. As I enter my final year as the President of the Alumni Association, I continue to be energized by the enthusiasm, ambition and commitment of our Board members, the University’s administration, faculty and staff, and all those in the Acadia family. Alumni are a large part of this equation, and I am thankful for your ongoing support. We see you and hear you, and take tremendous pleasure in representing your interests as an Association. In Acadia Spirit,

Matthew Rios (’14) President, Acadia Alumni Association