University President Dr. Jeff Hennessy (’99) with former Board Director Ted Upshaw (’80), Executive Director, Alumni Affairs Oonagh Proudfoot (’93, ’06), Alumni Association Board Director Barb Anderson (’77), Alumni Association Vice-President Christine Luckasavitch (’11), and Association Board Director Matthew Saunders (’09).
Alumni Association Award Recipients
Alumni Association Director Profiles
Shaq Smith ('16)
Shaq is a digital marketing consultant who graduated from Acadia University with a business degree. With a keen interest in technology and marketing, he honed his skills in digital marketing and has since become a sought-after consultant in the industry. Shaq's success is not limited to his professional accomplishments. He has also made a significant impact in the community by leading various social causes and initiatives. Shaq's community engagement has helped him build strong relationships with people from all walks of life.
Shaq has helped many businesses grow and succeed in the digital space. He understands the importance of building relationships and takes a human-centric approach in his work. Shaq's ability to connect with people, combined with his technical skills, has earned him a reputation as a trusted consultant in his community and beyond.
Payton Wood ('18)
Payton is originally from Brantford, Ontario. She was proud to be the second generation in her family to graduate from Acadia, receiving her Bachelor of Business Administration in 2018. During her time at Acadia, Payton was involved with Acadia’s Sensory Motor Instructional Leadership Experience (S.M.I.L.E.) program and had the opportunity to help establish the Acadia Students’ Union Food Cupboard – the first student-run emergency food resource on Acadia’s campus.
After graduating from Acadia, Payton attended the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, where she received her Juris Doctorate in 2021. Deciding to put down permanent roots in Nova Scotia, she now works as a lawyer at the law firm of McInnes Cooper in Halifax. Payton primarily practices in real property, assisting clients with residential and commercial transactions, commercial financing and condominium matters.
In her free time, Payton can be found running, cycling, and forever cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Board of Directors
Matthew Rios (’14) - President Christine Luckasavitch (’11) - Vice-President Sam Zhang (’05) - Treasurer Stephanie Reid (’05) - Secretary Barb Anderson (’77) Paul Black (’00) Allison Dean (’14) Emma Duinker (’12) Natalie Irwin (’01) Moira MacLean (’85) Ron Malcolm (’82, ’83) Leah McNally (’07) Kierstyn Palmer (’22) Véronique Russell (’16) Matthew Saunders (’09) Olivia Shive (’21) Shaq Smith (’16) Kelton Thomason (’07, ’10) Payton Wood (’18) Sophia Blanchard (ex-officio, ’23) Emily Patterson (ex-officio, ’24)
Call for Expression of Interest - Acadia Alumni Association Board
The Nominating Committee of the Acadia Alumni Association invites “Expressions of Interest” from members of the alumni community who wish to be considered as candidates for 2024 vacancies on the Association’s Board of Directors. The deadline for submissions is December 1, 2023. Alumni can also submit at any time for future vacancies. The Acadia Alumni Association derives strength from the diversity of our alumni community. As a result, the Alumni Association is committed to creating a culture of inclusion and equity in all the work we do. We encourage alumni of all races, colours, religions, genders, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, national origins, disabilities, or ages to consider this challenging but rewarding volunteer opportunity. Your Expression of Interest should include a current curriculum vitae, as well as an introductory paragraph or two outlining: 1) your interest in serving on the Acadia Alumni Association Board; 2) what particular skills and perspectives you would bring to the post and; 3) any additional information that would serve to support your ability to represent the diverse alumni population of Acadia University. All submissions will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee of the Alumni Association and a list of potential candidates developed. Submissions will be kept on file for future consideration (not just 2024 Board vacancies) unless withdrawn by the candidate. Please submit your Expression of Interest to Oonagh Proudfoot ('93, '06), Executive Director, Alumni Affairs at oonagh.proudfoot@acadiau.ca. Thank you for your interest in Acadia University and the Acadia Alumni Association.
Nominations open for Alumni Association Awards!
Alumni are one of Acadia University’s greatest assets, and the Acadia Alumni Association derives strength from the diversity of our alumni community. As a result, the Association is committed to creating a culture of inclusion and equity in the work they do and encourages nominations from all races, colours, religions, genders, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, national origins, abilities, or ages as candidates for award consideration.
The Athenaeum and Acadia Alumni Student of the Year Award
Created in 1981, The Athenaeum and Acadia Alumni Student of the Year Award recognizes a student who has excelled at Acadia and embodies the Acadia spirit. The award is presented annually to a nominee who has contributed to the Acadia and Wolfville communities through extracurricular and/or academic activities and has worked to further the Acadia spirit. Nomination deadline: March 31 annually. Click here for a Nomination Form.
Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award
The Acadia Alumni Outstanding University Service Award is presented in recognition of a staff member who has had a significant positive impact on Acadia, its students and its alumni. The award is an expression of the Alumni Association’s appreciation for an outstanding staff member who has contributed above and beyond job requirements to ensure that Acadia provides an environment that encourages academic, athletic, cultural, organizational and social development. Of greatest importance is the person's ability to foster an environment in which students and/or members of the Acadia community thrive.
Nomination deadline: April 30 annually. Click here for a Nomination Form.
Acadia Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service
The Acadia Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service recognizes an alum of Acadia University who has had a significant positive impact on Acadia and its alumni. The award focuses on a recipient who has provided consistent support in the form of time, effort and resources to the services and promotion of the advancement of the University and its alumni.
Nomination deadline: May 31 annually. Click here for a Nomination Form.
For more information on other Acadia Alumni Association Awards, please click HERE.