JAMES D. BAYER
James “Jim” Bayer, a native of Prince Edward Island, grew up in Dartmouth, where he was an outstanding high school athlete, paddled competitively for the Banook Canoe Club, and started a lifetime commitment as a volunteer for the Red Cross. Jim was a graduate of the physical education program at the University of New Brunswick. Upon graduation, he returned to Dartmouth to teach physical education and to coach high school football. In the mid 1960’s, he joined the Nova Scotia Department of Education as a consultant in health, physical education and recreation. In 1970 Jim obtained a master’s degree in physical education from Springfield College, where he completed the first Canadian study on drowning, which led to significant change in Canadian Red Cross water safety practices. He was appointed Chef de Mission for the 1971 Nova Scotia Canada games team in Saskatoon. When Nova Scotia formed a new Department of Recreation in 1973, Jim became its first Director of Operations. He pioneered a number of new initiatives, including lifeguard services on Nova Scotia’s beaches. He also served as chair of the Canadian Interprovincial Council on Sport and Recreation.
Acadia recruited Jim in 1977 as a professor and coach, however being the leader that he was, he became Dean of the School of Physical Education and Recreation, as well the Director of Athletics. He became a mentor to both students and his colleagues. In addition to his paid employment, Jim was always quick to take on other leadership roles such as President of the Acadia Faculty Club, President of the NS Branch of the Red Cross, Chair the Nova Scotia Sports Heritage Center Board of Directors, President of the Atlantic Universities Athletic Association, and Chair of the Canada Games Bid Committee. Jim received the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal, the Award of Merit from the Canadian Parks/Recreation Association, and was named an Honorary Life member of the Recreation Association of Nova Scotia in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of sport and recreation.
Tragically, on October 1st, 1985, Jim lost his battle with cancer at age 47. He left behind his wife Margaret and two children, Michael and Michelle. He had been an enthusiastic, supportive and visionary leader in the field of Sport and Recreation throughout his all too brief career. Numerous organizations sought to honour his memory with the creation of awards and bursaries in his name.
Acadia recruited Jim in 1977 as a professor and coach, however being the leader that he was, he became Dean of the School of Physical Education and Recreation, as well the Director of Athletics. He became a mentor to both students and his colleagues. In addition to his paid employment, Jim was always quick to take on other leadership roles such as President of the Acadia Faculty Club, President of the NS Branch of the Red Cross, Chair the Nova Scotia Sports Heritage Center Board of Directors, President of the Atlantic Universities Athletic Association, and Chair of the Canada Games Bid Committee. Jim received the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal, the Award of Merit from the Canadian Parks/Recreation Association, and was named an Honorary Life member of the Recreation Association of Nova Scotia in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of sport and recreation.
Tragically, on October 1st, 1985, Jim lost his battle with cancer at age 47. He left behind his wife Margaret and two children, Michael and Michelle. He had been an enthusiastic, supportive and visionary leader in the field of Sport and Recreation throughout his all too brief career. Numerous organizations sought to honour his memory with the creation of awards and bursaries in his name.
THE JAMES BAYER AWARDThe Award: At the time of his death, students in the Recreation degree program were devastated. They wanted to take action to ensure that his memory would live on within the School and so they decided to establish the James Bayer award, in recognition of the graduating student who best emulated the characteristics they so admired in James Bayer: expressed qualities of leadership, fellowship, and professionalism. The students raised funds until sufficient monies were collected to purchase a quality plaque that was displayed in the SRMK foyer, and 15 matching keeper plaques so that the award would be given out for at least 15 years. Once that inventory was depleted, the School assumed responsibility for providing a framed certificate to the winners. A process was designed by which the members of the graduating class would determine the most worthy recipient each year. In 2002, the process failed to produce a clear winner and so three recipients, all deemed equally deserving, were given the award. In 1993, every member of the senior class was considered to be a deserving candidate by at least one peer and so after lengthy debate, the decision was made that members of the senior class would share in the award. The award was presented on graduation morning, at a special breakfast, with families and friends of the Recreation graduates present. A faculty member would discuss the legacy of James Bayer, and then the winner would be announced.
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JAMES BAYER AWARD RECIPIENTS
The following graduating students, 1986-2012, were chosen by their peers to be recipients of the James Bayer Award, as best representing the attributes of leader, mentor, and friend. Provided here is a brief synopsis of the careers of each following graduation (click on name to see profile).
Laurie Dickson ‘86
Laurie Dickson ‘86 pursued a Masters in Recreation at Acadia following completion of her BRM. She served the Court Administrator at the Kentville Justice Centre prior to her retirement in 2019. Before that, she served as the Western Regional Coordinator with the Maintenance Enforcement Program, NS Dept. of Justice; and Coordinator of the Valley Youth Alternatives Program.
Carol Schurman ’87
Carol Schurman ’87 earned a Masters in Leisure Studies at Dalhousie after departing Acadia. For nearly 30 years, she has worked in the Volunteer Services department of the QE11 Health Sciences Centre. Across the province, 7000 volunteers enrich the experiences of Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) patients, residents, clients and families. Volunteers engage in the following types of work: Ambassadors; hospitality and information desk staff; running recreation programs; companions in palliative care; therapy dog visits; and student volunteer initiatives.
Donna Keen ’88
Donna Keen ’88 completed a Masters in Public Administration at Dalhousie. She is the Director, Payroll Client Relations at Department of Internal Services, Province of Nova Scotia. Prior to that, within the Nova Scotia Civil Service she served as Manager, Organizational Change Management; and as Director of Human Resources.
Sean Pardy ’89
Sean Pardy ’89 is Manager of Therapeutic Recreation – Long Term Care, and a Professional Practice Consultant with the Regional Allied Health Professional Practice Department, Eastern Health Newfoundland and Labrador.
Laura-Lee MacLean ’90
Laura-Lee MacLean ’90 was not been able to located during data collection for the development of this website.
Wanda George ’91
Dr. Wanda George ’91 is a Professor & Researcher at Mount Saint Vincent University in the Department of Business Administration, Tourism and Hospitality Management. She received her MBA in International Business at St Mary’s University, and her PhD in Rural Planning & Development (Tourism) at the University of Guelph. She is Founding Director of the World Heritage Tourism Research Network which is a group of international researchers who are dedicated to fostering collaborative research that addresses the challenges and opportunities of tourism at World Heritage sites and their surrounding regions.
James Crockwell ’92
James Crockwell ’92 has been working in the non profit sector since graduating, primary as an Executive Director of two community agencies that offer social, education, recreational and health programs and services to low income families in the St. John's area. Jim completed a Masters in Physical Education at Memorial University.
Class of 1993
Members of the graduating class this particular year were unable to come to agreement as to who amoungst them was most appropriate choice to be the recipient, and everyone in the group received endorsement by some of their peers. It was decided that the entire group would jointly be given the award. Careers of members of the class have included such positions as Business Manager at Investors Group, Recreation Development Specialist-Western Health, YMCA Manager, Detective Constable- Security Bureau OPP, Programmer/Analyst Nipissing University, Purchasing Agent at Diesel Quebec, Instructor at Acadia University, Executive Director Service Canada, Manager of Student Support, Territory Account Manager-Avaya, Community Recreation Director, Statistics Canada Researcher, Senior Alumni Officer, Supervisor Vera Perlin Society, and Police Constable.
Sarah Baird ’94
Sarah Baird ’94 pursued a degree in Outdoor and Experiential Education at Queens after graduation, as well as a Masters in Education at Memorial University. For over 20 years she has been employed as a teacher with the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District.
Jodi Nicholson-Hachey ‘95
Jodi Nicholson-Hachey ‘95 participated in the international post-graduate program in leisure studies at the World Leisure International Centre of Excellence, Wageningen University, The Netherlands. Having been a varsity swimmer at Acadia, she turned her passion into her career and currently serves as Team Manager for the Regina Optimist Dolphins Swim Club. Much of her career has focused on the sport of swimming. She has also worked in the RCMP, in the North West School Division, and with the YMCA of Regina.
Charlene Shannon ’96
Dr. Charlene Shannon ’96 earned both a Business degree and a Recreation Management degree at Acadia, and then competed her Masters and PhD in Leisure Studies at U Waterloo. She has been a Professor at UNB in the Recreation and Sports Studies degree program since 2002. Her areas of teaching and scholarship include leisure behaviour, youth development, leisure education, gender, family leisure, as well as the connections between leisure experiences and aspects of health/wellbeing. She has presented her work throughout Canada and in the USA, as well as Europe. She currently (2020) serves as the Assistant Dean of the Undergraduate program.
Shayna Allen ’97
Shayna Allen ’97 has worked as Director of Programming with Hillel of Greater Toronto at York University; held several positions including Programmer in Allied Health, Director of Student Development, and Head of the Grants Department at Illisagvik College in Northern Alaska; ran a family owned Chiropractic business; and currently serves as a Customer Service Agent for Westjet.
Devin Trefry ’98
Devin Trefry ’98 currently serves as the Research, Policy, & Community Engagement Officer for Colchester County, Nova Scotia. Prior to that he worked as a Tourism Consultant, and as Marketing Director, for the Central Nova Tourist Association for nearly 15 years. That work has focused largely upon marketing the Northumberland and Fundy Shores of Nova Scotia as tourist destinations. His areas of specialization, along with tourism marketing and development, include strategic planning and customer service training.
Aggie Weighill ’99
Dr. Aggie Weighill ’99 currently (2020) serves as the Chair of the Recreation & Tourism Management program at Vancouver Island University as well as Coordinator of the MA program in Sustainable Leisure Management. She has been a professor at VIU since 2005 and proudly leads the Africa Research & Study Tour Program in partnership with the National College of Tourism in Tanzania. She completed her Doctorate in Physical Education & Recreation at U Alberta, with research focused on the Women's Participation in Sport Travel.
Christine Wilson ‘00
Christine Wilson ‘00 has been working in the health care field since graduation holding positions which include Vice President, Philanthropy, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, as well as the Director of Community and Corporate Fund Development; Senior Manager, Donor Engagement, with the Canadian Cancer Society, as well as and the Special Events Manager.
Heather Wickstead ’01
Heather Wickstead ’01 describes her current position (2020) as Chief of everything at Reason2Roam. After spending 4 years as a Recreation Supervisor with Calgary Parks and Recreation Department, she and her partner took up travelling full time and write a blog, intending to help others infuse adventure into their lives. Her travel adventures have included backpacking, canoe camping, and biking in such places as Baffin Island, East Africa, Argentina, Russia, Middle East, S.E. Asia, India, and Eastern Europe.
Rachel bedingfield/erin sarsfield/mary sweatman '02
In 2002, three graduates were deemed equally deserving of the honour and so it was awarded to each of them.
Rachel Bedingfield ‘02 went to work in Kenya for a year in a rural village teaching physical activity to children. For 7 years, she worked as a Physical Activity Consultant with the provincial government working with populations facing health disparities. For the past number of years she has served as Director of Parks and Recreation for he town of Kentville where her focus is very much on ensuring inclusion and access for all in an attempt to build community wellbeing. She has provided volunteer leadership to such groups as the Recreation Nova Scotia, Canadian Association for Advancement of Women and Sport, Women Active Nova Scotia, the Annapolis Valley Homeless No More initiative, and the Provincial Task Team for Inclusion and Access to Recreation for the Province of Nova Scotia.
Erin Sarsfield ’02 worked as a Strategic Planning Consultant with GB Associates Inc, before accepting her current position of Change and Human Performance Consultant with Innovapost where she designs, and delivers corporate training and communication strategies. She co-leads a team of employees who administer corporate involvement in community development and charitable activities. She also facilitates opportunities of teambuilding through community fundraisers (e.g. Dragonboat Festival, Habitat for Humanity, MS Bike Tour).
Dr. Mary Sweatman ‘02 pursued a Masters of Recreation at Dalhousie, and B.Ed at Trent after Acadia. She has taught and worked internationally with children in Katmandu (Nepal), Florence (Italy), and Cuenca (Ecuador). She worked as lecturer at Concordia prior to returning to Acadia as an Assistant Professor in the Community Development program. She recently completed her Doctorate in Education.
Rachel Bedingfield ‘02 went to work in Kenya for a year in a rural village teaching physical activity to children. For 7 years, she worked as a Physical Activity Consultant with the provincial government working with populations facing health disparities. For the past number of years she has served as Director of Parks and Recreation for he town of Kentville where her focus is very much on ensuring inclusion and access for all in an attempt to build community wellbeing. She has provided volunteer leadership to such groups as the Recreation Nova Scotia, Canadian Association for Advancement of Women and Sport, Women Active Nova Scotia, the Annapolis Valley Homeless No More initiative, and the Provincial Task Team for Inclusion and Access to Recreation for the Province of Nova Scotia.
Erin Sarsfield ’02 worked as a Strategic Planning Consultant with GB Associates Inc, before accepting her current position of Change and Human Performance Consultant with Innovapost where she designs, and delivers corporate training and communication strategies. She co-leads a team of employees who administer corporate involvement in community development and charitable activities. She also facilitates opportunities of teambuilding through community fundraisers (e.g. Dragonboat Festival, Habitat for Humanity, MS Bike Tour).
Dr. Mary Sweatman ‘02 pursued a Masters of Recreation at Dalhousie, and B.Ed at Trent after Acadia. She has taught and worked internationally with children in Katmandu (Nepal), Florence (Italy), and Cuenca (Ecuador). She worked as lecturer at Concordia prior to returning to Acadia as an Assistant Professor in the Community Development program. She recently completed her Doctorate in Education.
Noelyn Fulcher ’03
Noelyn Fulcher ’03 pursued an Education degree at Charles Stuart University after leaving Acadia, and has spent her career as a teacher in Ontario.
Hannah Feldberg ‘04
Hannah Feldberg ‘04 resides in New York city where she has held the following positions: Founder and Principle Consultant, The Group Forward; Faculty Member, Professional Facilitator, and Enterprise Facilitator with General Assembly; Director Culture and Training Strategy, The Design Gym; Management Consultant, Academic Expeditions; Consultant/Facilitator, Han Ban Can Consulting; and Consulting Director Youth Services, Me to We.
Graham Marshall ’05
Graham Marshall ’05 moved to Australia where he earned a Master of Teaching degree from Griffith University. He returned to Canada where he has been working as a teacher, currently teaching health and physical education to elementary students from a physical literacy perspective. He worked with the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association to develop a physical literacy resource manual for teachers and recreation providers.
Eric MacKenzie ’06
Eric MacKenzie ’06 served as Recreation Director for the Municipality of the District of Barrington prior to accepting the position as Community Recreation Coordinator, at 14 Wing Greenwood. From there, he moved to Ottawa to become the National Recreation Coordinator for Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services. He was recently seconded to a 3 year position as Family Services Europe: Community Services Manager-UK in London.
Lindsey Boland ’06
Lindsey Boland ’06 attended Fanshawe College and earned a post graduate degree in marketing management. She lived in Australia for a time doing contract work. For the last 10 years, she has worked for Rowing Canada Aviron and is the National Team Coordinator. She provides administrative and relationship support to the RCA NextGen initiative. She is also responsible for outfitting of National Team Programs, and she works closely with the High Performance Coordinator in the development of event specific plans for National Team events and camps.
Kate Pearce ‘07
Kate Pearce ‘07 continued her education by completing a Master's Degree Recreation and Leisure Studies at U Waterloo, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management at Fleming College. Kate currently serves as Community Relations Manager, and previously Community Engagement Coordinator, at Waterloo Global Science Initiative. Other past positions include Director of Community Relations with YMCAs of Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo, and Coordinator, Varsity Sport & Campus Recreation at Trent University.
David Greene ’08
David Greene ’08 has been living his dream, through his company Greener Adventure Consultants. He plans and carries out wilderness expeditions, and hosts a series of talks called Night of Adventure. The talks were created as a way for people to share their stories of human powered adventures and expeditions with like minded individuals. Of the 22 talks, topics have included 1500 mile trek through the Sahara Dessert, Big swim across the Northumberland Strait, a 424 run across Gambia, and a Maritimer participating in the Iditarod. His latest trip entitled Boreal to Barrenland 2019: Traversing Labrador involved a group paddling 840km from Labrador City to Nain, travelling along 5 river systems.
Katie Heckman ’09
Katie Heckman ’09 completed a Masters in Public Health at U Alberta and currently serves as the Virtual Care Lead for information management and technology with the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Virtual Care Services explores innovative e-health solutions, beyond traditional telehealth, to enhance the delivery of care to from a distance, to those living remotely. The team is currently developing a system where patients from the cancer care division, mental health, and addictions programs can connect directly with health care providers through cell phones, computers or tablets.
Andrew Waters ’10
Andrew Waters ’10 served as the Enrolment Advisor for Acadia before fulfilling his dream of joining the RCMP. After completing his training, Andrew served as a constable for 4 years in Williams Lake before accepting a placement on Haida Gwaii. He has recently accepted a position in community law enforcement back in Nova Scotia.
Michael Chiasson ’11
Michael Chiasson ’11 continued to pursue his love of hockey after Acadia, having proudly played as an Axemen. After working with the Pittsburgh Penguins for 2 years, Mike returned to Acadia as Assistant Coach of the Hockey Axemen. Since 2015, he has served as Manager of Youth Hockey for the Penguins.
Alex Atkinson ’12
Alex Atkinson ’12 has enjoyed a career in youth empowerment as a speaker and facilitator for both an international charity, and later an outdoor education company, as well as Co-director for a camp that provides respite and sense of community for youth with eating disorders. After earning a certificate in Food Security from Ryerson, she developed a workshop series to raise awareness about the challenges youth face with current food systems.