In an inspiring display of student leadership and commitment to the future of Acadia University, the Acadia Students' Union (ASU) has made a $2 million gift to the Build: The Student Centre campaign. Announced just days before Convocation, the donation marks a major milestone in a mission to raise $24 million for a reimagined student centre that will redefine the university experience for generations.
"This gift is about student solidarity and the enduring impact we can have on our campus community," said Sadie McAlear ('24), outgoing President of the Acadia Students' Union and one of the driving forces behind the historic donation. "Every student contributing to the ASU has a stake in this legacy. This is our gift to the future of Acadia."
The ASU's generous contribution brings the Build: The Student Centre campaign to the halfway mark of its $24 million goal. The revitalized student centre will serve as a vibrant hub for student life, learning, and leadership, reflecting the diverse needs and aspirations of today's students. It will feature dedicated spaces for African descent, Indigenous, and international students, health and counselling services, accessible learning resources, and a strong focus on sustainability. It will also be a place for students to enjoy gathering.
"This pledge by the Students' Union is a meaningful endorsement of the love students have for Acadia," said Alicia Johnson ('06, '08), General Manager of the Acadia Students' Union. "The new student centre will grow to meet their needs, and we will be able to support their transition to university life better and help them thrive."
This year's graduating class has also contributed to the Build campaign. Grad Class Life President Emily Patterson ('24) emphasized the student-led nature of the gift. "We are incredibly proud to donate on behalf of the Class of 2024," she said. "We are all here for a short time and have benefitted from the generosity of those who came before us. I cannot wait to return and see the new space we will help create for future students."
Campaign Chair Nancy McCain ('82, '21 HON) expressed her gratitude for the student-led gift. "We are truly humbled and inspired by this generosity from our current students," she said. "This gift brings us another step closer to our goal of transforming the Students' Union Building into a contemporary centre that will serve every student. We know it will have a positive impact on the Acadia community for generations."
Inspiring Future Students
The Build: The Student Centre campaign has three key components:
- Build Opportunity: Creating an inclusive environment where all students can access the support they need to succeed.
- Build Community: Fostering a sense of belonging and purpose by providing spaces for socialization, collaboration, and personal growth.
- Build Success: Establishing a foundation for future student success by incorporating sustainable practices and serving as a hub for student leadership and achievement.
As the campaign reaches the halfway mark, Acadia is calling on all Acadia community members to contribute. Every donation, no matter the size, brings Acadia one step closer to creating a student centre that will serve as a catalyst for student success for generations to come.
"This gift from the Acadia Students' Union is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as the Acadia family," said Dr. Jeff Hennessy ('99), President and Vice-Chancellor of Acadia University. "Seeing our student leadership contribute to the campaign in such a meaningful way tells me the future is bright."
Learn More
Visit the website of the Build: The Student Centre campaign
Make a gift to Build: The Student Centre and double your impact thanks to a generous matching program by the Acadia Alumni Association.
