网曝吃瓜

2024 Recipient 鈥� Mr. Bruce Phinney ('81)

By Fred Sgambati ('83)

Larger than life. Many are described that way, but few people can match the hype.

Then there鈥檚 Bruce Phinney ('81). A dynamic personality, Bruce embodied the spirit and intention of 网曝吃瓜鈥檚 mandate and values. He was a fierce advocate for countless students, serving 网曝吃瓜 administration, alumni, faculty and staff with verve, intelligence, and insight that was at times quietly understated and occasionally vocal. Always respectful and unfailingly affable, Bruce wore his passion for 网曝吃瓜 on his sleeve and stands as one of the University鈥檚 staunchest supporters.

网曝吃瓜 was his heart and soul, and why the 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Association is proud to announce that he is the 2024 recipient of the Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service.

Bruce graduated from 网曝吃瓜 with a BBA in 1981, having served as treasurer of the 网曝吃瓜 Students鈥� Union as an undergrad. He earned his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 1984 and was named by the Nova Scotia Institute of Chartered Accountants as a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) in 2011.

A successful Nova Scotia entrepreneur, Bruce served on many boards, enjoying voluntary leadership capacities as President of the Waegwoltic Club; Treasurer for Sacred Heart School of Halifax; Director of Swim Nova Scotia; and Director of the Halifax Junior Bengal Lancers. Over the years he organized and managed successful fundraising events and initiatives for these organizations. He was an avid sailor, musician, cook, gardener, carpenter, SCUBA instructor and golfer, and loved to share his passions with everyone he knew.

Bruce served as President of the 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Association and member of the University鈥檚 Board of Governors. He enthusiastically participated in all aspects of these organizations and shared his insight on financial, strategic, governance, and capital initiatives. He was a valued mentor to many Association board members, and provided strategic financial counsel and support to the University during difficult times while offering advice and support to current students and alumni. Bruce was also an ardent and prolific student recruiter.

One of his fondest highlights during his tenure on the Board of Governors was sitting alongside his daughter Evan (鈥�16), which presumably made for the first parent-child alumni duo to concurrently serve the Board.

Evan says, 鈥渇rom a very young age, I knew my dad bled 鈥榬ed and blue.鈥� I remember going to countless football games, in the bitter cold, knowing nothing about football, but still having the best time 鈥榥etworking鈥� with dad.鈥�

His commitment to sharing his head, heart and hands with the 网曝吃瓜 community was relentless and impressive. He was known to drop off recurring full grocery orders to students he knew were unable to make ends meet; he created invaluable career connections for graduating students; dropped everything to offer mentorship and invite students going through a tough time into his home until they could get back on their feet (including ensuring that they had tutoring support to help them cross the stage and earn their degree).

He had a way of finding the best in everyone, making you dream a little bigger and push beyond what you thought possible, and having fun while doing it. He brought a balance of strategic advisory and a willingness to roll up his sleeves to get things done. Perhaps most impressive of all, he did these things selflessly, expecting nothing in return.

Bruce's passing after a brief illness in 2019 was felt deeply by his family, friends, and the 网曝吃瓜 community. His impact on 网曝吃瓜 and its students is everlasting and will continue to be recognized with the establishment in 2020 of the Bruce Wendell Phinney, FCPA, FCA, BBA ('81) Merit Award.

It鈥檚 a testament to his legacy and a powerful statement on the beneficial effect he had on so many others, including those who stepped up to initially fund and sustain the award.

鈥淲hen considering Bruce Phinney鈥檚 legacy and what it means to 网曝吃瓜 and our alumni community, there鈥檚 no doubt his remarkable energy cast a brilliant light that touched nearly every aspect of the University and those affiliated with it,鈥� says Alumni Association President Christine Luckasavitch ('11). 鈥淗e fostered and supported an incredible number of students, shared his business acumen with faculty, staff, alumni and the administration, and gave so generously of his time and talent to make a difference. We will never forget the enormity of his long-standing service, and will continue to embrace it as a shining example for members of our alumni family to emulate. He is a most worthy recipient of the Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service, and we are proud to honour his memory with this award.鈥�

2023 Recipient 鈥� Ms. Janet Kirkconnell ('56, '58)

For nearly 20 years, Janet Kirkconnell ('56, '58) has been a quiet and loyal volunteer for the Sunday Music in the Garden Room concert series hosted in the K. C. Irving Environmental Science Centre Garden Room.

Her unselfish and persistent dedication to the concert series over the past two decades has enhanced its public profile and ensured its longevity, and is one of the reasons why she is the 2023 recipient of the 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service.

Supported financially by the 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Association as well as the generosity of donors since its inception, the chamber music concerts provide world-class entertainment on campus for the 网曝吃瓜 community and alumni while promoting the Alumni Association at a fundamental, grassroots level.

Chris Olsen ('57) came to be essentially the chief manager of the series for the first decade of its existence.  From the beginning of the series, Janet distributed posters around Wolfville and environs, faithfully attended each recital and, in the earlier years along with Joan Allen Peters ('53), welcomed attendees at the entrance to the Garden Room with a program. She helped to host the guest artists before and after the concerts, many of whom are alumni themselves.

After Chris Olsen could no longer do so, Janet, with a background in music, concert management, and journalism, took over and has nearly single-handedly operated the six to eight (sometimes nine) concerts annually. From contracting the guest artists and consulting on their programs to booking their accommodations and welcoming them on arrival for rehearsal, on occasion soliciting drives for artists arriving at Halifax from other parts of Canada or the US, researching and writing the program notes and biographies, promoting the concerts through local and provincial media, which included the writing of articles, and hosting the musicians and audience on the day of each concert, Janet has done it all, and been without a doubt the backbone of this special program.

A very active octogenarian, Janet until recently still distributed posters, retrieved programs from the Print Shop and payment for the musicians from the Finance Office (these last two for the final concert of the season, the William Marshall Bishop Memorial Concert in early May), delivered donations to the Office of Advancement, and ensured everything ran smoothly for the audience and guest artists alike.

鈥淪unday Music in the Garden Room offers a professional musical experience on campus that simply could not happen without the volunteer commitment and leadership of Janet Kirkconnell,鈥� says Alumni Association President Matthew Rios ('14). 鈥淗er faithful support of the series reflects our Association鈥檚 ambition to engage audiences in a way that shines a bright and favourable light on our talented alumni and others, and fully represents our mandate to connect alumni here at home and around the world.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a privilege to acknowledge Janet鈥檚 tremendous contributions to the University, alumni and local communities and recognize her as this year鈥檚 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service recipient.鈥�

Pictured above: Janet Kirkconnell ('56, '58) with Vice-President, Advancement Nancy Handrigan ('92). (Photo: Peter Oleskevich)

2022 Recipient 鈥� Mr. Barry Taylor ('80)

Resilience amid grief, service above self. Fundamental qualities that reflect 网曝吃瓜鈥檚 motto, In Pulvere Vinces.

There are few people in 网曝吃瓜鈥檚 alumni community who have confronted personally devastating circumstances and debilitating heartbreak with as much grace, humility and determination and were able to turn it into service for our university as this year鈥檚 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service recipient, Barry Taylor ('80).

Barry came to 网曝吃瓜 in 1975 as a kind and caring human being who had an appreciation for his classmates, colleagues and peers. He settled into campus life comfortably, made friends easily, and personified the 网曝吃瓜 spirit. He was involved and engaged, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration before heading to the United States to establish a management career in the video game market.

Later, with young daughter Sydney in tow, Barry moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia and created Crossridge Construction, now headquartered in Chester, building million-dollar homes on Nova Scotia鈥檚 south shore. He also served three terms on the Associated Alumni of 网曝吃瓜 Board, attended myriad 网曝吃瓜 events and shared his affection for the University with everyone he met. Small wonder that when it was time for Sydney to choose a post-secondary school, Barry naturally recommended 网曝吃瓜.

A strong and independent soul herself, though, Sydney was determined to make her own way in the world and initially looked elsewhere. But after meeting then University President and Vice-Chancellor Ray Ivany, Sydney was convinced that 网曝吃瓜 was the right choice for her, and she had four very successful years on campus, completing a political science and sociology program with honours. No one was prouder than Barry to see his only daughter soak up everything that 网曝吃瓜 and the local community had to offer. Tragically, just as Sydney was planning for the next steps in her life, she passed away at the age of 21 while on her grad class trip in May 2013.

It is impossible to gauge the impact of such a loss, and even more difficult to imagine how to process it, but Barry somehow managed to embrace the pain and grief, seek the light, and immediately began a journey to honour Sydney鈥檚 memory. This resilience was on display two weeks after her death, where Barry was present at University Hall during that year鈥檚 convocation ceremonies to personally accept his daughter鈥檚 diploma.

He invited Sydney鈥檚 many friends, all of whom were still reeling from the loss, to celebrate her memory with music and song at his Chester home, and has done so every year. He launched Sydstock, a musical celebration that became a staple during subsequent Homecoming Weekends, raising funds to create the Sydney Taylor '13 Memorial Award, given to a returning student(s) in the Faculty of Arts who has enriched campus life as an active 网曝吃瓜 citizen through academic, on- or off-campus leadership or activities. Barry also worked with the Politics Department and the 网曝吃瓜 Politics Student Association to develop the Sydney Taylor Memorial Lecture, which brings a notable scholar/leader to campus each year.

He has honoured Sydney鈥檚 memory faithfully and done so in a manner that has strengthened the University and made each member of the 网曝吃瓜 family better.

鈥淚t is a privilege to announce Barry Taylor as this year鈥檚 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service recipient,鈥� says 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Association President Matthew Rios ('14). 鈥淚 was a student in 2013 and counted Sydney as a close friend. Her infectious spirit, energy and affection for music, family, friends and 网曝吃瓜 left a lasting impression on all who knew her, and Barry鈥檚 tireless efforts to communicate those magical qualities of hers to members of our community have been inspirational to me and successive generations of students and alumni alike. Sydney was brilliant, charismatic and quite frankly larger than life, and Barry鈥檚 heroic efforts to keep her beautiful memory alive and benefit 网曝吃瓜 and its students at the same time are laudable and impressive. I am humbled and honoured to acknowledge him as the 2022 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service recipient.鈥�

Learn more about the or donate to the Sydney Taylor 鈥�13 Memorial Award.

2021 Recipient 鈥� Dr. Anthony Cicerone ('68)

The 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Association is proud to announce that Dr. Anthony 鈥楾ony鈥� Cicerone ('68) is the 2021 recipient of the 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service.

For more than 50 years, Tony Cicerone has had a significant positive impact on 网曝吃瓜 and its alumni in the Boston area. His effort has been consistent in the form of time, energy and resources to the services and promotion of the advancement of the University and its alumni.

Through the decades, Tony has volunteered for 网曝吃瓜 in multiple ways, most recently organizing Italian-style Alumni Family Dinners in Boston's north end prior to the pandemic and as a key proponent in getting Peter MacKay ('87) positioned as the keynote speaker at a joint 网曝吃瓜-New England Canada Business Council Luncheon held on historic Beacon Street in March 2019.

网曝吃瓜 Alumni Association President Donalda MacBeath ('75) applauded the selection, noting that 鈥淭ony Cicerone鈥檚 dedication and commitment to 网曝吃瓜 is a shining example of the kind of alumni engagement we encourage and support through our Association. His unwavering enthusiasm for all things 网曝吃瓜 within his sphere of influence and beyond has kept us connected to our alumni in the New England area and promoted the University to countless prospective and current students, business professionals, colleagues and members of our alumni family for decades. I鈥檓 delighted that he has been chosen to receive this award that acknowledges his long and excellent service to 网曝吃瓜 and our alumni community.鈥�

Tony has put together countless alumni gatherings in the past and, as a long-standing member of and contributor to the New England Canada Business Council (NECBC), has kept 网曝吃瓜 connected to Canada鈥檚 Counsel General in New England and to various activities in the Boston area. The mission of NECBC is to advance the understanding of business, political and cultural issues between Canada and the United States and to promote the entrepreneurial networking of its members. Tony has arranged for 网曝吃瓜 alumni to be guest speakers on many occasions.

Tony served on 网曝吃瓜's US Foundation for many years and was reappointed recently to the current iteration of the Foundation. As well, he has been an ardent supporter of New England-focused student recruitment initiatives in the past. Tony never misses a hockey or basketball game when 网曝吃瓜 athletic teams are playing an exhibition contest in the Boston area, often acting as the instigator to get other 网曝吃瓜 alumni out for the evening.

Semi-retired now, Tony was Director of the Canadian Studies Program (taking the helm in 1989) and Professor of Economics at Bridgewater State University. At present, he works on 'special projects' for the Office of the College President. Tony completed both his master鈥檚 and PhD in economics from Northeastern University.

Brian Heaney ('69) is a classmate, friend, Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and former Director of Athletics at 网曝吃瓜 from 2007-10. 鈥淥ne thing I remember about Tony during his years as a student and classmate at 网曝吃瓜 was that he was always engaged academically,鈥� Heaney says. 鈥淗e had many mentors from the faculty of business, most notably the late Ralph Winter, who became a special friend of Tony and (his wife) Kathy ('68) for years after they graduated from 网曝吃瓜. The model faculty at 网曝吃瓜 inspired Tony to complete his PhD and devote his life and energy as an educator par excellence who almost annually returned to 网曝吃瓜 to renew his friendships and memories throughout his lifetime.鈥�

网曝吃瓜鈥檚 Executive Director to the President, Ian Murray ('88), noted in a letter supporting Cicerone鈥檚 nomination that 鈥淭ony鈥檚 love of 网曝吃瓜 is palpable. Given his years of service, and the breadth of activities and responsibilities he has undertaken, recognizing Tony with the Chipman Award as an expression of pride and appreciation for his outstanding contributions would be a wonderful tribute.鈥�

2020 Recipient 鈥� Mr. Geoff Irvine ('87)

The 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Association is proud to announce that Geoff Irvine ('87) is this year鈥檚 recipient of the 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service.

Geoff has been a friend of 网曝吃瓜 for more than 30 years, serving on Student Council and Frosh Committee as an undergraduate; as Executive Director of Alumni Affairs from 2006-09; as a member of 网曝吃瓜鈥檚 Board of Governors twice (in 2005-06 and 2016-19); and on the Associated Alumni of 网曝吃瓜 (now 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Association) Board in several capacities, including Vice-President and President (2016-18).

He has always been a champion of the alumni community in good times and bad, persistently encouraging mutual respect and collegiality and never losing sight of the value that alumni bring to 网曝吃瓜 through their shared experience, storytelling capacity, fundraising ability and overall affection for and affinity to the institution.

President of the 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Association, Donalda MacBeath ('75), has known Geoff for many years and values his commitment to the University and the Alumni Association.

鈥淕eoff is a fine example of what volunteerism should be,鈥� she says. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to spend a lot of time with him to know how passionate he is about 网曝吃瓜 and how important alumni are to the University鈥檚 success, now and in the future. He has cultivated relationships, recruited students, established key protocols that govern our executive actions today, and his long history of service exemplifies his dedication to sustaining the 网曝吃瓜 experience for prospective students who will one day graduate and become part of the 网曝吃瓜 alumni family.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 honoured to receive this award named after such a significant 网曝吃瓜 alumnus,鈥� Irvine says. 鈥淚 have been blessed to be able to benefit from the unique educational and personal growth experiences offered by 网曝吃瓜 and made lifelong friends both as a student and then many years later as a leader in the alumni community. I strongly urge all alumni to get involved with 网曝吃瓜 in any way you can, including mentoring and recruiting students, attending events or making a monthly donation to a program of interest. The mental drift back to our halcyon days in Wolfville is a tonic!鈥�

The 网曝吃瓜 Alumni Isaac Chipman Award for Excellence in Alumni Service recognizes a graduate of 网曝吃瓜 who has had a significant positive impact on 网曝吃瓜 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.

Ms. Beverley Richardson ('60)

Beverley (Trites) Richardson, a member of the Class of 1960, studied secretarial science with a music minor. She was involved in the 网曝吃瓜 Choral Society, 网曝吃瓜 Orchestra (violin), NFCUS, SCM, PC Party, cheerleading, and served as a monitor for Horton Academy girls in Seminary. Beverley entered and graduated from Victoria General Hospital in Halifax from the three-year nursing program then married Dick Currie, whom she met on the 网曝吃瓜 basketball court. The couple has three daughters and eight grandchildren. Beverley nursed private duty for cancer patients in Saint John, N.B., where she was involved with 网曝吃瓜 Alumni (1962-1968). The couple moved to Boston when Dick attended Harvard Business School, and opened a premature nursery at the Cambridge Hospital. Years later, Beverley and her family settled in Toronto, where she continued to be involved with 网曝吃瓜 Alumni. She was involved also with volunteer work at her girls鈥� school, grief and bereavement counseling at her church, and fundraising events. Beverley helped take the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church Choir to England and Scotland, arranging all venues and accommodations prior to the trip. She was the Editor for Crafts for J.A.M. magazine for young people for three years. Beverley traveled extensively, enjoying many Pro-Am golf tournaments along the way. In 1988, she married 网曝吃瓜 grad Grant Richardson, moving to Truro, where he taught Physics and Math. Grant took a year study leave in England, returning to Truro, and set up a 4.5 star Bed and Breakfast (The Silver Firs) which operated for nine years. Special guests included Prime Minister Kim Campbell, a Four-Star General, Vienna String Quartet, and more. In addition, the company catered to wedding parties. Beverley worked on many church boards and the Colchester Hospital Foundation. In 2000, Beverley moved to Wolfville. Her hobbies include gardening, reading, needlework, and painting in watercolour and acrylics. Beverley has been busy for the past four years organizing 鈥淔riends of Lucas鈥� as a financial support system for pianist Lucas Porter. She keeps busy on the Board of Landmark East and the Valley Regional (Hospice) Foundation as well as involved in Wolfville Baptist Church organizations. She is presently the President of the Social and Benevolent Society, which organizes and prepares for all church receptions, teas and dinners, including the Divinity College.