AS
THINGS STAND NOW WITH THE ASSOCIATED ALUMNI
Recently, there was a possible change in the “stand-off” between the Associated Alumni and the Administration of Acadia University that has gone on for three years. The immediate and long term effects are difficult to predict but the events that have occurred and subsequent actions bear examination.
The reasons for the “stand-off” are by now well known to most alumni and other interested parties and need not be repeated yet again. However, these differences resulted in the appearance last spring of an alumni group, largely based in Halifax, calling themselves “Friends of Acadia”. This group, (apparently organized and encouraged financially by Mr. George Bishop, Chairman of the Board of Governors and the President of Acadia University) came from Halifax and flooded into the Associated Alumni annual meeting in May 2001. Their numbers prevailed and their “roster” of candidates to fill vacancies on the Associated Alumni Board of Directors was largely successful. The “Friends” were led by Mr. George Bishop’s business associate Mr. Henry Demone, CEO of Highliner Seafoods, and such active participants as the University solicitor’s son-in-law and Mr. John Smith, Director of Security at Acadia University. While the “Friends” were not a clear majority on the Board of Directors of the Associated Alumni, they played a major role in subsequent events (being largely from the Halifax area, attending Executive and special Board meetings was a matter of some ease).
The prime goal of the “Friends”, as frequently stated, was the Associated Alumni Board approval of the Lorne Clarke tentative mediation agreement as written in January 1999 and approved by the Board of Governors. The existing policy of the Associated Alumni was that this document needed some changes and interpretation before being approved. A Negotiating Committee of the Associated Alumni was established consisting of alumni Board members from both factions charged with the mandate to meet a similar group from the Board of Governors to negotiate the implementation of a modified “Clarke” document.
At a subsequent series of joint meetings, the Alumni negotiating team found the Board of Governors and the President of Acadia University were definitely not interested in negotiating and insisted that the “Clarke” document be approved by the Associated Alumni Board before any discussions could take place. Frustrated by lack of progress, the Alumni negotiating team recommended that the “Clarke” document be approved by the Associated Alumni Board of Directors as there seemed to be no other alternative to the “stand-off”. The recommendation to approve the document was passed by the Board of Directors and this decision was transmitted to the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Acadia University.
President Vincent Leung, Vice-President William Beveridge,
a past President, Erik Hansen, and Board member Susan Roberts resigned for
various reasons, including concern about the fate of the “Clarke” document and
its implications for the future of the Associated Alumni. A decision was made to recognize Steve Pound’s
fifteen years of service to the Associated Alumni with a severance package and
the service of Ms. Katrina MacLean when funds are available.
Well, what has happened since ?
Have there been any discussions with the Board of Governors about content and interpretation of the mediation agreement?
There were two meetings and a conference call to date which appear to have been unproductive. It appears that the Board of Governors wishes to pursue their lawsuit against the Associated Alumni despite the Alumni recommendation that both lawsuits now be dropped.
If the mediation agreement is to be initiated “as is,” are the existing
provisions being observed?
No, not as yet. Despite the joint approval of the Clarke Mediation Agreement
1. No budget has been established;
2. Associated Alumni assets have not been returned;
3. Space in Alumni Hall has not been provided;
4. No Joint Associated Alumni, Acadia Administration Branch Meetings have been planned.
Are any of the provisions of the Clarke Mediation Agreement being violated?
In addition to the forementioned items, The President of Acadia University and
an Administration employee are reported to be arranging their own Branch
Meetings in Boston and Ottawa.
What of the future?
As both parties have now approved the Clarke Mediation Agreement of January 1999, it would seem reasonable that they should implement the Agreement without delay. To do otherwise would appear to be acting in bad faith. If this proves impossible, then the last article of the Clarke Mediation Agreement should be invoked. This calls for the return of Chief Justice Clarke to help resolve matters.
Erik Hansen