October 17, 2005 Source: Acadia University:
http://www.acadiau.ca/whatsnew/newsrelease/2005/scholar_athletes_17oct.html Acadia University honours scholar athletics (Wolfville, NS) - Members of the Board of Governors, faculty, students and staff joined together at an event Friday, October 14th, during homecoming and convocation celebrations, to pay tribute to Acadia University’s Academic All-Canadians. This year, 54 Acadia student athletes earned the designation of Academic All-Canadian by Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS). This number represents over one third of Acadia’s varsity athletes. The Academic All-Canadian program, established by CIS 15 years ago, honours those students who maintain academic averages of 80 per cent or better while participating in varsity athletics. During the ceremony, Paula Cook, Vice-President Student Affairs announced the creation of the Academic All-Canadian Scholarship fund. Through this fund, every current varsity student athlete who has been named an Academic All-Canadian is guaranteed a minimum of $1,000 in scholarship support. The monies for this scholarship program have been provided by generous gifts from Acadia alumni. "Varsity student athletes do so much more than study and compete. They are active volunteers and leaders in our community," said Ms. Cook. "They possess the values associated with responsible citizenship. We are not merely celebrating what these student athletes have achieved, but rather who they are." Included in the celebrations were tributes from people whose lives are impacted by Acadia athletes. Dr. Robert Perrins, associate professor of history, spoke of how varsity athletics drew him out of the classroom and enabled him to have a much more meaningful relationship with his students. He feels knowing his students better helps him to be a better teacher. Zach Dayler, the Vice-President Student Affairs of the Acadia Students’ Union, described the spirit that varsity athletics creates on Acadia campus and the sense of school pride that develops through cheering our teams in competition. Michael Cook, an honours student at Wolfville Elementary, was the most colourful speaker. The eight-year-old described how seeing Acadia’s cross country team running in the streets of Wolfville inspired him to participate in his school’s running program. He indicated how proud he was to know Acadia athletes and how thrilled he and his friends are when they lead volunteer programs or simply acknowledge young people with "high fives." Acadia University, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, has long been recognized as one of Canada’s premier undergraduate institutions. With its nationally and internationally recognized research initiatives, small class sizes and technology-rich teaching and learning environment, Acadia offers students an experience that includes academic achievement combined with personal growth and development. For more information about Acadia, visit our website at www.acadiau.ca -30- For more information contact:
Sheri Woodland Senior Manager, Communications and Public Affairs Pubic Affairs
Acadia University
P: 902.585.1362F: 902.585.1072
E-mail: sheri.woodland@acadiau.ca
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