During the last 20 years, the Class of 1978 Leadership Scholarship has made a transformational difference in the lives of 166 students. 

“This scholarship helped me achieve my goals and made me a better student,” says Josh Stevenson (’25), a graduate of the philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) program.  “As I celebrate my convocation weekend, I can’t help but reflect on the experiences I have had — from my time as an assistant don in Windsor Hall, interning with the YMCA to support immigrants and newcomers to Canada, participating in campus clubs and societies, and becoming a teaching assistant in my fourth year. These and other experiences were life changing, and this scholarship helped make it possible.”

Originally from Truro, NS, Stevenson is now off to Memorial University to pursue a master’s degree in political science.

Each year, the Class of 1978 Leadership Scholarship supports students from any academic program who demonstrate a strong track record and interest in community leadership. 

“One of the great things about Mount Allison is how many chances there are to get involved in extracurricular activities both on campus and in the community,” says scholarship recipient Andrew Dalzell. “I help coach and run soccer practices at the local middle and high schools in Sackville and love encouraging young players and supporting their development. I am also proud to say that I have become a regular blood donor, joining my teammates and other MtA Gives Blood students in support of this important cause.”

Dalzell, from Sydney, NS, is a biochemistry student and member of the Mounties soccer team.

Currently valued at $4,000, the Class of 1978 Leadership Scholarship provides students with greater financial freedom to engage in extracurricular learning and leadership activities.  

“In 2003, we agreed to create an endowed scholarship with the fundraising goal of $78,000,” says Linda Duncan (’78). “Little did we know that it would grow to help so many students. Today, the fund is valued at nearly $380,000 — and our classmates continue to give.”

As the class looks ahead to its 50th Reunion for 2028, it hopes to grow the endowment to $500,000 and to expand the scholarship’s long-term impact. To help reach this goal, $50,000 in matching funds is currently available to double new donations. 

As an endowed fund, the Class of 1978 Leadership Scholarship will continue supporting generations of students — creating a meaningful and lasting legacy for members of the Class of ’78. Student recipients routinely send letters of thanks to the class and have met with members at Reunion and other Mount Allison events. 
 
“I’ve been blown away by the quality of students,” says Duncan. “Meeting with them has been a real confirmation that we are doing the right thing in supporting and growing the impact of the scholarship.”

Louisa Whitmore, a recipient of the scholarship and an international relations student from North Vancouver, BC, plans to pursue a career in journalism. She recently hosted The Nature of Design, a TVO documentary series on architecture and the health benefits of incorporating nature into urban design. 

“I chose Mount Allison for its small, tight-knit community and the experiences I have had here have confirmed that choice,” says Whitmore. “In the past three years, I have had the chance to host dozens of hours of live radio and pre-recorded segments as CHMA Radio’s Independent Media Intern, take the stage in multiple Garnet and Gold Society drama productions, learn swing dancing and synchronized swimming, and interview local community members for personal and history projects. I am sincerely grateful for the support of the Class of 1978 Leadership Scholarship, which allows me to pursue my degree and pushes me to achieve everything I can. In the future I hope to be able to give back too.” 

The Class of ’78 50th Reunion Planning Team members are Linda Duncan, Sonja Dowbiggin, Scott McCain, Nancy MacLeod, Richard Mungall, Tom Paisley, and Ron Sutherland.