Acadia University and the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre have selected two incoming undergraduate students as Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholars in 2024.  

The scholarship, valued at $60,000 over four years, is among the most prestigious in Canada. It is awarded to students with an incoming Grade Point Average (GPA) of over 90 per cent with a demonstrated history of community involvement and passion for the environment. In addition to the financial support, the recipients are integrated into a mentorship network of current scholars and alumni. This network is growing as the scholarship is now in its eleventh year.

The recipients will be involved in academic research during their time at Acadia University. Through the scholarship program, connections are encouraged to ensure each student is engaged in research that aligns with their unique interests. 

“I am so pleased that the Arthur L. Irving Family Scholarships will provide an opportunity for the recipients to develop their research interests with superb faculty and staff in the world class K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre. I am impressed by each student in this cohort, and I am excited to see what they accomplish at Acadia and beyond. Acadia is very grateful to Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation for their support and generosity.” 

Dr. Ian Spooner, Director of Research at the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre

The 2024 Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholarship recipients are:  

Victoria Mellish, Montague, Prince Edward Island. Victoria will be studying biology and is interested in learning more about environmental, economic and social sustainability.

Sappho Thompson, Truro, Nova Scotia. Sappho will be studying Community Development and Music, hoping to grow as an environmental leader, listener and advocate.

The Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholarship recognizes that environmental study is an interdisciplinary field. To reflect this, students are accepted from a variety of undergraduate programs.   

Scholars often describe the opportunity as life-changing, opening doors to a variety of possibilities, students gain the confidence to begin research early on in their academic careers.  To read full biographies of the new recipients, please click here.