Acadia University and the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre selected three incoming undergraduate students as Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholars in 2026. 

The scholarship, valued at $80 000 over four years, is among the most prestigious in Canada. It is awarded to students who demonstrate a strong history of community involvement and passion for the environment, with an incoming Grade Point Average over 90 per cent. Now in its thirteenth year, the scholarship integrates recipients into a mentorship network of current scholars and alumni. The scholarship also reflects Arthur Irving’s lifetime of dedication to education. Arthur Irving was a visionary and extraordinary leader who passed away in May of 2024. The scholarship represents his steadfast commitment to community, conservation, and supporting students in Atlantic Canada.

During their time at Acadia University, the recipients will participate in academic research. The scholarship program fosters connections to ensure that each student is engaged in research that aligns with their unique interests.

“The Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholarships consistently encourage student excellence and participation in research at the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre. It’s rewarding to see the new scholars form meaningful and lasting relationships with the exceptional faculty and staff and build practical skills using our world-class facilities. Like the previous scholars who have graduated and are on to their exciting careers, this year’s recipients demonstrated a high caliber of academic dedication and community involvement, and I’m excited to see them contribute to the Acadia University community and ongoing environmental research. We are incredibly grateful to the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation for their generous support of these students.”

Dr. Mark Mallory, Director of Research, K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre

The 2026 Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholarship recipients are:

Lily Miles, Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. Lily will bring her devotion to learning and love of natural environments to her studies in biology.

Sarah Murimboh, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Sarah will be studying biology and environmental science, with plans to become a conservation biologist and mitigate human impacts on ecosystems.

Colette Peng, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Colette will be studying environmental science to pursue a future in climate advocacy and ecological restoration.

The Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholarship recognizes that environmental study is an interdisciplinary field. While this year’s scholars intend to pursue biology and environmental science, students may be accepted from a variety of undergraduate programs.

Scholars often describe the opportunity as life-changing; opening doors to a variety of possibilities by providing a platform to gain the confidence to begin research early on in their academic careers.

“Receiving the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholarship has helped me engage in my studies and community in a meaningful way. Through this opportunity, I feel trusted, supported, and motivated to approach my academic journey with intention and authenticity!”

Sappho Thompson, 3^rd year Bachelor of Community Development student and Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholar

To read full biographies for the new recipients, please click HERE.