Acadia University
Reflecting on the legacy and values of Mr. Arthur Irving
Today marks one year since the passing of Mr. Arthur Irving, a remarkable man who lived his values of compassion, tenacity, education and environmentalism every day.
As an Acadia community our hearts are with Mrs. Sandra Irving and Ms. Sarah Irving as we reflect on the legacy of Mr. Arthur Irving on this day.
University President Dr. Jeff Hennessey shares, “One year ago, Acadia lost a best friend. Arthur Irving’s impact on Acadia is beyond measure because it is enduring. He never stopped thinking about what he could do to help Acadia, and so we are forever connected. I will always be grateful for how he welcomed me back to Acadia as President and for the time he would take to offer me advice, support, and connections. He was kind, generous, funny, and honourable, and we miss him dearly.”
Acadia Contributions
Mr. Arthur Irving was an ambassador, cheerleader and generous benefactor of Acadia. His ties to Acadia originate when his father, K.C. Irving attended Acadia University from 1916-1917, leaving early to serve in World War One. Arthur followed his father’s footsteps, attending Acadia University, before joining the family business. Arthur’s lifelong commitment to Acadia deepened when he was installed as Chancellor in 1996. He served as chancellor until 2010, holding the title of Acadia’s longest serving Chancellor, and was later proudly installed as Chancellor Emeritus.
Famously, Arthur accepted the role of Chancellor “only if he could do something for Acadia and the students”. From that sentiment, the idea of the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre was born. In 2002 the K.C. Irving Centre and Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens were opened as an incredible gift from Arthur, his brothers Jim and Jack, and their families. The gift honours their parents Kenneth Collin Irving and Harriet Lila Irving.
A central part of Arthur’s vision was for the K.C. Irving Centre to improve our scientific understanding of the natural world. Arthur had a strong passion for the environment, and he loved to hear about the research Acadia students were engaged in. His development of the Irving Scholarship Program continues to support the next generation of environmental changemakers.
Since conception in 2014, the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholarships in Environmental Study have supported 47 students following their dreams of education at Acadia. The scholarship is one of the most prestigious in Canada, the undergraduate award is currently valued at $80 000 over four years.
Changing Lives
Arthur Irving, Sandra Irving, and Sarah Irving have profoundly shaped the lives of every Irving Scholar with their generosity. Each Irving Scholar has their own story of how the award has impacted their trajectory, from enabling them to attend university, to instilling in them confidence to reach for their goals.
Sarah Hines (’17), Irving Scholar Coordinator, and Irving Scholar alumnus speaks to the lasting influence of the award:
“I am eternally grateful to Arthur, Sandra, and Sarah for the opportunities that have come from their belief in me. It will always be inspiring to support Irving Scholars as they find their own unique paths through Acadia, and how they weave the values of environment and community into their lives”.
For current student Eve Pole (’26), the scholarship encourages her to grow:
“Arthur’s extraordinarily generous gift of the Arthur Irving Family Foundation Scholarship has provided students like me with opportunities and support that one can only hope for when starting a post-secondary journey. Arthur’s personality was so welcoming, and I always looked forward to his visits to campus.”
Baillie Holmes (’18) reflected on how the scholarship created a sense of belonging: “I think that my time as an Irving Scholar was quite formative in who I am now. It connected me with so many mentors and friends that have inspired and also helped me in innumerable ways. They lifted me up and taught me about life as much as what I was in school for.”
For Kayoung Heo (’18), the scholarship shaped both her education and personal growth:
“Being an Irving Scholar allowed me to explore environmental research during my undergraduate studies, which laid the foundation for my ongoing interest in environmental health. It connected me with a group of like-minded peers, and it was truly a pleasure to engage with such an inspiring community during my undergraduate years.”
A Legacy that Endures
The Arthur L. Irving Scholarships are one component of Arthur’s significant legacy, though the spirit of the award captures his love for environment, education and community building.
Mr. Arthur Irving’s life was defined by a deep and abiding commitment to people, place, and purpose. The Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholarships in Environmental Study are a living reflection of that legacy: a testament to his belief in the transformative power of education, the importance of community, and the urgency of caring for our environment.
Through the accomplishments and aspirations of each Irving Scholar, Arthur’s legacy continues to grow in impact. As we remember Mr. Irving today, we honour a man whose life’s work will continue to shape Acadia and the world for generations to come.
