A wonderful reminiscence from Acadia alum Barbara Porter (’56):

Here is the graduation picture of my Mother, Florence (Bagnell) Williams, who graduated in 1924, 100 years ago. She had a wonderful married life with my Dad, Captain Charlie Williams. Actually, they married on October 19, 1929, just 10 days before the stock market crashed. They were very fortunate that Dad had his job lined up with Mersey Paper Co., of Liverpool, N.S. There, he began his career as Captain of the Markland. His ship transported newsprint from our paper mill to New York, plus either Richmond or Alexandria, twice a month. It was all clear sailing until WWII came along, at which time his ship was chosen by the government to become part of the Canadian Merchant Navy. It was a very worrisome time for us at home, not knowing where or how he was for over five years. I do remember the occasional letter that arrived with holes, caused by the censor’s scrutiny. To our great joy, he brought the Markland and crew safely home in March, 1946. Mom looked after my sister and me very well – she was a wonderful cook and, in spite of the rationing, we fared very well. She also drove our ’38 Chevy all over the place – Halifax, and by ferry to Dartmouth, plus to Saint John, where Mom’s parents lived. I vividly remember crossing from Digby to Saint John for Christmas, 1941. It was a really rough December crossing and because of the nearness of German U-boats, we had a plane flying escort, to keep watch over our ship, the old Princess Helene. Dad’s ship was in Saint John for some repairs and after that Christmas celebration I didn’t see my Dad until 1946. From a child’s perspective, it was a long, dreary time. Mom so loved the Acadia spirit and she made many lifelong friends. I remember three of her special friends: Amy Prescott (’24, ’33), Evelyn Goucher (’25) and Freddie Armstrong (’24, ’30). They visited periodically over the years, and we always enjoyed them. In later years, after Dad retired from the sea, he accompanied Mom to her class reunions, and they liked him so much that they made him an honorary class member. With the exception of the war years, they had a lovely life together. In memory of my parents, Barbara (Williams) Porter Class of ’56

Special Education Class of 1984 reunion planned for October 18 and 19, 2024. Please contact Carole Foran (’82, ’84, ’94) at caroleforan@hotmail.com for more information.

Acadia roommates, Chase Court 1982! Patty Roy Harding (’86, ’89) and Kym Roy met as strangers at Acadia: 41 years later, they rang in the New Year this year together as lifelong friends.

Larry Mussenden (’86) was appointed as Bermuda’s new Chief Justice in February. Mr. Justice Mussenden is a former senator as well as Director of Public Prosecutions. He has over 27 years of professional legal experience in public service and private practice, serving as Crown Counsel, Director of Public Prosecutions, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, and most recently as a puisne judge. His background includes information technology, working with youth groups and service as a criminal defence lawyer. He is also a former president of the Bermuda Football Association, and served on the Campaign for Acadia cabinet.

WXN and its partners released their 2023 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 list and Acadia alum Cathy Simpson (’90) was recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful CEOs. The citation for the 2023 award describes Cathy as “an IT leader who is dedicated to building the Atlantic Canadian region's tech capacity. Cathy is the CEO of TechImpact, an organization focused on building a growing economy by using technology to unlock its potential. She is the Chair of the NB Innovation Foundation, a not-for-profit that invests in growth-oriented companies and applied research. Her vision, passion, energy and capability define her work. She exemplifies how, when we lean into our strengths and act, we have an impact.” Congratulations, Cathy!

Six Acadia alum got together recently in Calgary for a mini reunion that they are beginning to do annually. Andrea Bowie (’97) stopped by the Alumni Office, which provided her with the Acadia shirts. Andrea says, “We had such a fun weekend. Thanks so much for the shirts. We wore them loud and proud!!! The alumni in the picture are: Robyn Bews (’97), Kellie Young (’97), Jackie Day (’97), Blossom Bitting (’97), Renee Reynolds (graduated Renee Vallance, ’96), and me, Andrea Bowie.”

Montreal Canadiens executive vice-president of hockey operations, Jeff Gorton, announced on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 that the team has agreed to terms on a multi-year contract extension with assistant general manager, John Sedgwick (’00). In addition to his duties with the Canadiens, Sedgwick is general manager of the AHL's Laval Rocket. His responsibilities include player contract negotiations, daily salary cap management and strategic planning, and the administration of all matters related to the NHL/NHLPA collective bargaining agreement. Sedgwick has been a key contributor to restructuring the Canadiens’ affiliate teams, serving as the principal governor of the Rocket since its inaugural season in 2017 and overseeing the establishment of the team’s new affiliation with the ECHL's Trois-Rivieres Lions. Prior to joining the Canadiens, Sedgwick was a member of the National Hockey League Hockey Operations Department in Toronto, where he worked from 2006 to 2013. He holds a BAH in Political Science from Acadia University and an LLB from Dalhousie University. He was called to the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society in 2005 and to the Law Society of Upper Canada in 2007.

A group of Acadia friends gathered in January for an impromptu visit at Blakey’s on the Boardwalk in Bridgetown, Barbados for a terrific catch-up on 20 years of friendship. Tamara came in from Canada, Kyran from Bahamas. From left to right: Corey Jones (’05), Tamara Hinds (’03), Anmol Uttamchandani (’03), Marrianne Burnham (’03),Camille Walker (’05), and Kyran Turnquest (’05).

Matt Corkum (’06) was chosen in 2023 as one of Calgary’s Top 40 under 40 by Avenue magazine for his advocacy and speaking on inclusion of those with disabilities. Passionate, full of animation and energy as a speaker, Matt never backs down from difficult topics. He has always pushed the limits in his life to prosper in a wide range of environments, regardless of living with cerebral palsy. Valedictorian of Acadia’s class of 2006, Matt went on to achieve a PhD in atmospheric science at York University and now works as head meteorologist in Calgary. He not only knows how to track the weather, he knows what it is like to be excluded, bullied, and discriminated against. He is a Director of Rocky Mountain Adaptive, a Community Advisory member of Calgary Adapted Hub, and past member of the City of Calgary’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility. Keep an eye out for an Acadia Alumni Virtual Event video featuring Matt, coming soon to our virtual event library.

Emma Duinker (’12) is now Manager, Sport and Technical Programs at Basketball Nova Scotia. Her bio on the BNS website says: Emma’s passion for coaching and developing the game of basketball grew when she started working with PGC Basketball in 2011, prior to her fifth year as a student-athlete at Acadia University. During her university career, Emma collected many accolades, including All-Canadian status and a conference title in 2012. After her university career, Emma pursued an opportunity to play overseas for three seasons, in Germany. Through her professional career she played in the first and second Bundesliga and won two league titles. As a graduate student, Emma attended the University of Windsor, where she graduated with her Master’s in Sport Management. She served as an assistant and interim head coach for the women's team. Emma started working with Basketball Nova Scotia in 2021 as the Operations Manager before stepping into her new role of Manager of Sport and Technical Programs.

Congratulations to Haley Doherty (’14), who was joined by several Acadia alum on her wedding day, May 25. Pictured here are: Jakob (Jake) Nickerson, Alyssa Stewart (’16), Haley Doherty, Molly Murphy (’17), Karlee Hunt (’20), Melissa McGuire (’15), Tyler Honeywood (’13), Dave Wood (’84), and Cathy Wood (’83).

Naoko Tsujita (’16), who has a Bachelor of Music in Performance and Percussion from Acadia, is Yorkminster Park Baptist Church’s first Carillonneur. Naoko also holds an MMus in percussion from the University of Toronto. University President Dr. Jeff Hennessy (’99) says, “Naoko was a great student when I was teaching in the Music School, one of the most talented percussionists we ever had. I have been following her Carillon work through social media and LinkedIn.”

Doanya Gholami (’21) is an Associate, People Events and Recognition, at Aritzia! From joining the company at 16 years old as a Style Advisor in Halifax, Doanya says she is so grateful for the experience and people Aritzia has brought her, and for continuing to allow her to be part of the journey.

From Acadia alum Dotun Olutoke (’23) on LinkedIn: “The start of 2023 was quite challenging for me, but I’m thankful for how the year ended with new wins. In December 2023, I was in Ottawa, where I was presented with the Black Diplomacy Award and a certificate of appreciation in recognition of my contributions with the Black Diplomats Academy, a program of the Developing Young Leaders of Tomorrow, Today (DYLOTT). My journey with the Black Diplomats Academy started in 2022 as a fellow and I am glad to continue to make an impact with the organization as an executive council member. It has been an incredible opportunity to learn and give back.” Congratulations, Dotun!

Cassie Fisher (’23) says on LinkedIn, “I’m excited to share that I've recently started a new position as The Patient Menu Clerk and Clinical Nutrition Technician at Horizon Health Network! As a new graduate, the possibilities can be overwhelming, right? At Acadia University, I focused my studies on sustainable food practices and upcycling food waste. But with the variety of skills I gained from my degree, I realized the wide range of career paths available. After taking some time off, I made an extreme change by starting a brand-new job in a new province. I want to give a huge shoutout to the amazing professors at Acadia University for their incredible support and guidance throughout my journey. I am grateful for this opportunity to make a difference in patient care and learn more about my career path through this role.” #AcadiaUniversityNutritionGraduate

Axewomen Soccer was represented by almost 20 years of Acadia alumni during a tournament held this year at the West Hants Sports Complex on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Meghan Earle reported that the current Axewomen squad joined in to help round out the rosters. It was a great game and a fantastic opportunity to lace up and catch up! As a former player, and now a coach with the Axewomen, Meghan added that “it's special to see our current and former athletes connecting based on their shared experiences within the program. We can't wait to plan more Axewomen soccer alumni events in the coming seasons - with even more engagement across the years.” Here’s a list of the participants: Back Row (L-R): Kylie Mansfield, Katie Aucoin (’09, ’14), Sophie Loy, Brenna Kennedy, Grace Longley (’23), Sydney Kennedy, Mya Harnish, Madicynn Harnish (’22), Milena Ramirez, Abigail Aucoin, Lauren Jodrey (’19, ’20), Julea Walsh (’20), Michelle Pryde (’16), Allie Scovil (’19), Jaqueline Burke (’17), Holly Buckler (’20), Annika Monroe (’20), Meghan Johnston (’22), Lauren Clarke, Gracie Somers, Rosie Nichols, Jenna Turner, and Izzy Boult; Front Row (L-R): Alli Kelly, Madyson Harris, Daniella Kidston, Leah Adams, Jess Hunt (’22), Alexa Derrick, Idara Akpan, Emelie Poirier (’17), Jenna Blackburn (’15), Chantelle Cadeau (’15), Jenna Howell (’18, ’19), Isabella Barbieri, Cherell Lee, Georgia Hamnett, Abby Girard, Swiler Boyd (’23), Curran Layden, and Meghan Earle (’17).

Camilla Tracy (’09) writes young adult fantasy novels, short stories and poetry. She encourages folks to check out her social media and Instagram, where she loves to show people more about her, the things that inspire her, move her, and what she’s thinking about. Learn more about Camilla and her work by visiting: Camilla Tracy.

Micah Siva (’15), School of Nutrition and Dietetics grad and long-time Bulletin reader, was in touch recently to say: “Thanks to my experience at Acadia, I became a Registered Dietitian, which played a crucial role in helping me build my career, work internationally (I'm currently based in San Francisco), and prepare for the exciting launch of my new cookbook, Nosh: Plant Forward Recipes Celebrating Modern Jewish Cuisine.” Here’s a quick Q. and A. with some additional details about Micah and the book. What I do: Food Writer and Photographer What my upcoming cookbook is about: Plant-forward recipes celebrating Jewish cuisine and traditional dishes with a focus on dishes and ingredients across the diaspora. It is a celebration of Jewish culture and diversity. How my Acadia experience shaped my work and career: My time at Acadia was filled with food, from the School of Nutrition and Dietetics, as a volunteer at the Wolfville Farmers’ Market, and time living in the Valley and experiencing all it had to offer. This book, while not a nutrition book, shares many lessons I learned while studying at Acadia and learning the ins and outs of nutrition, but more than that, that food should taste delicious as well. While at Acadia, I had the opportunity to work on many entrepreneurial projects, which has impacted my career trajectory, thinking outside the box to forge my own path.

Dr. Michael Thomas (’77) of Stourport-on-Severn, UK, graduated from Acadia University with an MA in English in 1977, and from the University of Saskatchewan with a PhD in English in 1985. He is a writer and former Associate Lecturer with the UK's Open University. Dr. Thomas' latest novel, The Erkeley Shadows, has just been published; it's set partly in England but mainly in Canada. For more, please visit: www.michaelwthomas.co.uk

Sara Filbee (’77) recently published a book with Taylor & Francis, Routledge on management titled, Managing in Complexity: How our fear of uncertainty hurts us and what to do about it. On a personal note, Sara says: “Since leaving Acadia so many years ago, I went to Dal and did my MBA and LLB. Since then I had a career in several sectors, which included as a corporate/commercial law partner, President of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, and Director at a Canadian National Bank. The last 20 years of my career was with the Canadian federal government and my last two positions were as an Assistant Deputy Minister in two departments. I have also been active in the not-for-profit sector, having held several leadership positions, including in the 1980s as Chair of the Board of United Way Centraide Canada. My fascination with how one gets things done in a complex workplace ultimately led me to the professional doctoral program at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK in the area of managing in complexity, which I completed in March of 2020. “The research from this university is leading edge. It is inspired by complexity sciences and, unlike much of management theory, takes social theory into account, drawing heavily upon pragmatic philosophy, group dynamics and group sociology. When I had a term as Public Servant in Residence at Dalhousie University, I decided to use the time to write for practitioners – folks in the workplace who are managers and leaders and wondering why it is so difficult to get things done, because no one had written that book before.” The following is the abstract for the book: Challenging traditional ways of thinking, leading, and managing based on cutting-edge research and real-world examples, this book provides an insightful and accessible perspective for leaders and managers in the 21st century who seek to become more effective in an increasingly uncertain and complex world which limits their ability to get results. Just how significant this is has become all too evident in the COVID-19 pandemic. Many books have been written to address these leadership and management challenges, but they are based on the premise that there are ways to simplify, organize, and control what is going on in the workplace. In our complex world this is not possible, and there are no magic tools and techniques that will ensure success. This book explains why and offers an alternative approach, incorporating social theory and the sciences of uncertainty, written in plain English by a leader with over 40 years of experience in the private, not-for-profit, and federal government sectors. Each chapter focuses on a single key concept and is introduced by a story illustrating how these key ideas can be applied in the workplace, and includes practical suggestions for leaders and managers at all levels and across sectors to incorporate these perspectives into their day-to-day work practice, making it easy for readers to use the book as a reference guide. All who manage in complex times and uncertain environments will appreciate this accessible and actionable book that will inspire a radical rethink of current management orthodoxy and help them to become more effective. The book can be found at: Managing in Complexity | How Our Fears of Uncertainty Can Hurt Us (taylorfrancis.com). Anyone wishing to purchase it will receive a 20% discount by using the promo code: EFLY01.