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Giving Report 2022-23

On behalf of the 痳豆TV视频 community, thank you
for all that you do for our University and its students.

Mount Allison is built on philanthropy. Every major step for the University has happened because people have rallied together, been energized by a vision, and have committed to realizing that vision.

Continually, alumni and friends have gifted their time, mentorship, financial resources, and other supports and delivered life-changing impacts, making Mount Allison our country鈥檚 greatest undergraduate experience.

In this report, we are pleased to share stories of recent visions and accomplishments. They are stories of giving back, of reaching across generations, and of looking forward to what our community will accomplish in the decades ahead.

These gifts and yours are the heart of our 痳豆TV视频 community.

You have our most sincere thanks.

 

Courtney Pringle-Carver, Vice-President, University Advancement 

 


Lending a Hand to Other New Brunswickers

Diana and Garnet Boyd Scholar Bursary Leverages Matching Program and Makes Education Possible

鈥淚 know there are many wonderful students out there who should be at Mount Allison," says Lorraine Eden. "I want my bursary to help them be able to go because at Mount A you are going to get a first-class education.鈥

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Dr. Lorraine (Boyd) Eden Hermann (鈥70) was the first member of her family to attend university and she and her family overcame many barriers for that to happen. Eden explains that both her parents were raised in orphanages and met during the Second World War. After the war, while supporting his young family, her father was blinded in an accident and left unable to work. Eden鈥檚 mother took on a secretarial job and the low-income family struggled to support Eden and her two brothers.

鈥淒espite all the challenges, my parents were active and positive people who encouraged us to learn,鈥 says Eden. 鈥淚 had the highest marks and was valedictorian of my high school class, but still university was not something my family could afford 鈥 it just seemed so unattainable.鈥

What made Mount Allison possible for Eden?

鈥淪cholarships and bursaries,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 be where I am today without them.鈥

Today, Eden is a renowned economist and professor emerita at Texas A&M University. She and her husband, Dr. Charles Hermann, give back to various organizations, and Eden says the couple share a core belief in the importance of lending a hand to the generations after you.

Eden created the Diana and Garnet Boyd Scholar Bursary, named after her parents, to make the Mount Allison education possible for more students from her hometown of St. Stephen, NB. She hopes the award will particularly help female, first-generation students.

鈥淚 was really impressed that Mount Allison was willing to work with me to create this innovative model where I could support both graduating seniors at my high school and first-year students at my university,鈥 says Eden. 鈥淢arcie Meekins [director of development] was wonderful, helping me create an award that really reflects my husband鈥檚 and my philanthropic goals.鈥

Eden was also thrilled to learn that her bursary was eligible for a matching gift from the Government of New Brunswick. The New Brunswick University Opportunities Fund (NBUOF)
makes limited amounts of matching monies available to universities that are working with donors to create awards for students from the province.

鈥淭he match helped me realize I could do something bigger than I first thought, and I hope other Allisonians will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity,鈥 says Eden.

鈥淚 know there are many wonderful students out there who should be at Mount Allison and I want my bursary to help them be able to go because at Mount A you are going to get a first-class education.鈥

Maya Vukelic is the bursary鈥檚 inaugural recipient. She is studying chemistry and aspires to be a pediatrician.

鈥淚 am honoured to receive the Diana and Garnet Boyd Scholar Bursary,鈥 says Vukelic. 鈥淚 believe coming to Mount A will help me achieve my dreams, and Dr. Eden鈥檚 willingness to be so generous and provide this scholarship has been incredibly helpful and I cannot thank her enough.鈥


Thoughtful Leadership

Dave Shastri ('79) shares his reflections on volunteerism and philanthropy 

There are two main reasons Shastri has wanted to stay involved with his alma mater. The first is to stay in touch with his former classmates and the second is to find ways to help others get the same great education and growing up experience Mount Allison gave him.

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When Dave Shastri thinks back over his life, Mount Allison鈥檚 role in it is simply stated, but profound in impact.

鈥淢ount Allison is where I grew up,鈥 says Shastri.

There are two main reasons Shastri has wanted to stay involved with his alma mater. The first is to stay in touch with his former classmates and the second is to find ways to help others get the same great education and growing up experience Mount Allison gave him.

鈥淢ount Allison is something special,鈥 says Shastri. 鈥淭he environment is one that lets you try new things, is more forgiving when you fail, supports you in trying something else. Mount Allison is a place where you can develop and navigate your own way. It may not be for everyone, but I think there are a lot of people out there that would benefit from this kind of experience.鈥

Over the years, Shastri has volunteered with many Mount Allison initiatives 鈥 from fundraising campaigns to alumni engagement in Bermuda, where Shastri primarily lives. He is a current member of the University鈥檚 Board of Regents.

鈥淚鈥檇 served on business boards but knew this was going to be different and am very grateful to have committed to it,鈥 says Shastri. 鈥淚 like all the various voices that come into the process of a university board, how these different experiences work together to help benefit the success of Mount Allison.鈥

Recently, Shastri made a philanthropic gift in support of the University鈥檚 Hub for Innovation and Learning project, which will renovate Mount Allison鈥檚 R.P. Bell Library building to provide modern library services as well as facilities designed for collaborative study, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning with community groups.

鈥淚 saw the value in Mount Allison鈥檚 Hub project right away and was happy to support it at this early stage,鈥 says Shastri. 鈥淵ou see similar projects happening all over the world. These are the environments that allow students to prepare for the complex realities that exist after graduation.鈥

Designs for the renovated library building are being finalized and construction will begin soon. The project is supported by investment from the federal and provincial governments and by gifts of various sizes from donors. It is Mount Allison鈥檚 largest capital project in more than 60 years.

Shastri encourages others to think about giving to Mount Allison, whether through donating their time and skills to a University initiative, making a financial donation, or by sharing their enthusiasm.

鈥淚 recently ran into someone at a business conference in London who was from BC and started asking me about Mount Allison because their daughter was thinking of applying,鈥 says Shastri. 鈥淚 like when that happens. I like having the opportunity to talk to people about Mount Allison, why they should consider attending, the role a place like this can play in their lives.鈥
 


Honour the Past, Contribute to the Future

How Marcie Meekins ('12) is leaving a legacy.

Marcie Meekins isn鈥檛 sure she will ever top a recent Mother鈥檚 Day present.

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Marcie Meekins isn鈥檛 sure she will ever top a recent Mother鈥檚 Day present. It was when she told her mom that she had created a student award in her honour.

Meekins presented her mom, Sandy (Sandra) (Hibberts) Meekins (鈥80) (鈥82), with a written story about why she wanted to create the award to recognize Sandy鈥檚 role as the first person in their family to attend university and as the person who had instilled in Meekins a love of learning.

鈥淢om doesn鈥檛 get emotional easy,鈥 says Meekins. 鈥淏ut on that day, she was gobsmacked.鈥

 

Meekins also told her mom she was going to ensure the award鈥檚 growth and existence by leaving a gift in her estate plans.

Meekins is Mount Allison鈥檚 director of development and works everyday with alumni and friends looking to give to the University and have an impact on future generations.

鈥淚 am honoured to work with others on their giving goals and am proud to be a donor myself,鈥 says Meekins.

 

Marcie Meekins ('12) and her mom, Sandy (Sandra) (Hibberts) Meekins ('80) ('82), at Marcie's Convocation.

鈥淢ount Allison has been a part of my life for as long as I remember. From learning to swim in the pool, to discovering a love of art at the Owens, to playing in music festivals at Brunton.鈥

When it came to making Mount Allison a beneficiary in her estate plans, Meekins says she was inspired by other members of the University鈥檚 Legacy Giving Society and by the fact that you can have a greater impact than you may think by involving philanthropy in your estate plans.

Meekins also encourages people to think about combining current and legacy giving to create an award today and see its impact. Meekins and her mom have already had the chance to meet several recipients of the Hibberts Meekins First-Generation Graduating Student Award.

鈥淭hose are also wonderful days for my mom,鈥 says Meekins.



Supporting Future Generations of Student-Athletes

New award supports Black students on the men's soccer team. 

Jules Alie (鈥07) is happy his philanthropy can support two causes important to him 鈥
soccer and 痳豆TV视频.

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Jules Alie (鈥07) is happy his philanthropy can support two causes important to him 鈥
soccer and 痳豆TV视频.

Alie played Mounties Soccer for three seasons, earning accolades as MVP, conference
all-star twice, and serving as the team鈥檚 assistant captain. After graduation, Alie
stayed connected with the soccer program and his teammates.

鈥淚 think that so many people can benefit from the Mount Allison experience 鈥 it鈥檚
transformative and powerful,鈥 says Alie. 鈥淚 currently sit on a committee where we
raise funds and create engagement events to keep the many generations of players
connected and together. The program was started in the 1940s by Clarence 鈥淭essi鈥
Terceira and we want to see it continue and do our part to help it grow.鈥

Alie went on to a career in sport operations and spent six years working with
Canada Soccer. He has a deep love and appreciation for the sport and believes there
is something truly special about competing in Sackville and at Mount Allison, citing
the tight-knit community, a shared passion for athletics, and how much teammates,
staff, and community members care about supporting everyone鈥檚 success.

Alie is supporting Mounties Soccer with his own philanthropy. He makes monthly
gifts to the program and has established the Jules Alie Bursary to support Black
Canadian student-athletes on the men鈥檚 soccer team.

"It鈥檚 important to me to support the next generation and in particular to support young people who look like me,鈥 says Alie. 鈥淚 want to ensure more young students of colour, more Black students, get the opportunity to attend Mount A and benefit from this incredible experience.鈥

Alie says he started giving monthly in 2016 and really liked the convenience and routine of it, that a relatively small amount each month could add up and really make a difference. His monthly donations to the men鈥檚 soccer program itself help fund everything from team travel and meals to extra coaching. Alie encourages others to support the program and remember that every dollar counts and has an impact on future generations.

鈥淧hilanthropically, I鈥檓 really in this for the long run,鈥 says Alie. 鈥淧roviding these opportunities and supporting an institution that supported me so much is very important.鈥

Alie is a member of Mount Allison鈥檚 1839 Society, which recognizes and celebrates donors who make the University a philanthropic priority, donating more than $1,000 in a calendar year. Members of the 1839 Society receive special communications and exclusive updates and invitations from Mount Allison.

To learn more, visit mta.ca/annualgiving

 

Jules Alie ('07) playing for the Mounties during his student days.

 


Suzanne Crawford Harper Hall Fund

Supporting the exemplary residence experience and honouring our friend and family member

From her time as a student to her service on the Board of Regents, and all the moments in between, it is difficult to overstate the impact the late Suzanne Crawford (鈥79) had on the Mount Allison community.

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From her time as a student to her service on the Board of Regents, and all the moments in between, it is difficult to overstate the impact the late Suzanne Crawford (鈥79) had on the Mount Allison community.

鈥淪he was a dear friend and our University is forever grateful for her leadership and generous heart,鈥 says Lynn Loewen (鈥82), Mount Allison鈥檚 Chancellor. 鈥淪uzanne was a volunteer, donor, counsellor, and one of the University鈥檚 greatest advocates. Those lucky enough to have known Suzanne understand that her legacy is characterized both by her professional contributions and work ethic, and by the warmth, optimism, and good humour she brought to all her interactions.鈥

Suzanne鈥檚 connections to Mount Allison were multi-generational. Her father, Purdy Crawford (鈥52), was a former University Chancellor, and he and his surviving wife, Bea, made many tremendous contributions to Mount Allison life. Suzanne鈥檚 sister Sarah is a member of the Class of 1995 and serves on Mount Allison鈥檚 Board of Regents. And the most recent Crawford family member to cross the stage at Convocation Hall was Suzanne鈥檚 daughter, Evelyne, in 2022.

When Suzanne passed away in April 2023, her family established the Suzanne Crawford Harper Hall Fund, to continue her legacy with Mount Allison and philanthropy. A new lounge space in the residence will be named in her honour.

鈥淪uzanne lived in Harper Hall as a student and the experience was one of the most important of her life with Mount Allison,鈥 says Sarah Crawford. 鈥淟ike many Allisonians, she was happy to share memories of her time at Harper and reflect on all the friendships she made. I know it would mean a lot to her that we are helping future students get a similar kind of residence experience.鈥

Harper Hall first opened its doors in 1965 and since then more than 8,000 students have called it home. The building is undergoing improvements to both interior and exterior infrastructure, including upgraded student rooms, inviting social spaces, and a new roof and windows.

鈥淧roviding students space for community building, self-discovery, and the forging of life-long friends 鈥 this has always been part of Mount Allison鈥檚 identity and in particular our residence experience,鈥 says Loewen. 鈥淭he Mount Allison community is honoured that Suzanne鈥檚 great legacy will live on in Harper Hall, helping transform the lives of future generations of young people.鈥

Harper Hall is scheduled to re-open in September 2024, and the Suzanne Crawford Harper Hall Fund is a significant support to the extensive renovations underway.

Renewing physical spaces is a priority at Mount Allison, as witnessed through our current upgrades to residences and athletic facilities and the upcoming library renovation project.
 


Powerful Investment in Post-Secondary Education

BMO's new entrance scholarship 

This scholarship, awarded to students from Atlantic Canada, is valued at $40,000 ($10,000/year for four years).

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BMO has donated $250,000 to Mount Allison and created the BMO Excellence Scholarship.

This entrance scholarship, awarded to students from Atlantic Canada, is valued at $40,000 ($10,000/year for four years).

鈥淭he University is deeply appreciative of BMO鈥檚 commitment,鈥 says Dr. Robert MacKinnon (鈥78), Mount Allison鈥檚 Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. 鈥淭he impact of these types of scholarships is tremendous, making university financially possible and recognizing a student鈥檚 hard work.鈥

Julia Simm is the inaugural recipient of the BMO Excellence Scholarship. She is from Halifax and is enrolled in a Bachelor of Science with a major in environmental science.

鈥淚 am extremely grateful to be granted this opportunity to move through university without having to worry about tuition and expenses,鈥 says Simm. 鈥淢ore than just an award, the BMO Excellence Scholarship is the road to my future and a means to achieve everything I have ever aspired for.鈥

Simm hopes for a career working with wildlife and is passionate about opportunities to give back to her community and planet.
鈥嬧赌嬧赌嬧赌
This is the bank鈥檚 most recent investment in student support at Mount Allison. Existing BMO scholarships have provided students vital financial aid for more than a decade, supporting 113 students.
 



Left: Sam Adeyemi, BMO's regional vice-president personal banking and Julia Simm, inaugural BMO Excellence Scholarship recipient.

News Brief: Allisonians Helping Allisonians  

The Mountie2Mountie Fund, started in 2020 to encourage alumni and friends to assist students during the pandemic, continues to make an impact. This past year, $223,275 was raised to support several campus initiatives including financial aid to more than 40 students.

鈥淒onations helped ease the financial burden of going to university,鈥 says Brenell Enman. 鈥淚 recently finished my first year, studying environmental science and I am excited to explore the many future career possibilities that I would not have otherwise been aware of had I not had the opportunity to attend university.鈥


 

News Brief: Other Recent Mount Allison Achievements

Other Recent Mount Allison Achievements:

  • Mount Allison welcomes Dr. Robert MacKinnon (鈥78) as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor.
  • Alumni Class of 1973 breaks the record for the largest reunion 鈥 107 members returned to campus in May for their 50th Reunion.
  • Mount Allison will host the 2024 CCAA Men鈥檚 Basketball National Championships next March. Teams from across Canada will play in our newly renovated McCormack Gymnasium.
  • New Bachelor of Arts 鈥 Aviation degree added. Students can now earn an Arts, Science, or Commerce degree while also obtaining their pilot鈥檚 license.
  • New Bachelor of Arts and Science in Interdisciplinary Health Studies welcomes its first cohorts. The Jackman Foundation creates the first scholarship supporting
    students in the innovative degree program.
News Brief: Government Funding for the R.P. Bell Library

Mount Allison will receive $36 million in joint funding from the Federal Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick for retrofits to the R.P. Bell Library and Archives. This is the largest public sector investment in the University鈥檚 history and will help deliver new spaces and resources for learning, collaboration, and community outreach.

This hub for innovation and learning will be home to contemporary library services and welcoming spaces for the library鈥檚 holdings and archives and special collections. It will also feature classrooms built for collaboration, media labs, group and individual study spaces, and a venture zone to foster experiential and entrepreneurial student endeavours. Donors are also becoming involved in this historic project.

 

News Brief: New Telescope for the Gemini Observatory

Mount Allison鈥檚 Gemini Observatory is getting an upgrade thanks to a donation from the Walker Wood Foundation. The additional telescope will enhance teaching and expand the observatory鈥檚 public outreach. Students and faculty will be able to operate the telescope remotely 鈥 a bonus when using the observatory during inclement weather.

This is only the most recent generous donation from the Walker Wood Foundation, which has created five student awards at the University. In the last decade more than 30 Walker Wood Scholarships have been awarded to Mount Allison students.

News Brief: Estate Gift Supports Department of History

The Estate of Alice Adams donated more than $1 million to support scholarships, research, travel, and a visiting scholars program, with a focus on Canadian and American history. The gift honours the legacy of two longtime Mount Allison community members 鈥 Alice Adams and Dr. Graham Adams Jr.

Alice (McFarlane) Adams (鈥54) was the former head of Mount Allison鈥檚 secretarial studies program and her husband Dr. Graham Adams Jr., who predeceased Alice, was the head of Mount Allison鈥檚 Department of History. The couple met at Mount Allison and were married in the University鈥檚 Chapel in 1969.


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The Giving Report 2022-23 (pdf) is also available to download.