By John DeCoste
After 28 years as one of the Valley’s most recognizable radio personalities, Len Hawley will soon have a new gig.
Acadia athletic director Kevin Dickie and the university’s vice-president of advancement, Rod Morrison, jointly announced Dec. 14 that Hawley will join Acadia’s advancement department in January.
In his new position, Hawley will be responsible for marketing and developing Acadia Athletics by building relationships with new and existing varsity athletic donors and sponsors, and strengthening the connection between Acadia and its many community partners and stakeholders throughout the Valley.
“I couldn’t be happier to welcome Len aboard,” Dickie said. “I’ve known Len for a long time and have tremendous respect for his work and for his commitment to the Valley.”
One of Dickie’s priorities upon returning to Acadia was to build the capacity within the department, together with the Office of Advancement, to raise the profile of Acadia’s program.
“Adding Len to our team is critical to our success,” he said.
Hawley has had a long association with Acadia, including serving as the Voice of the Axemen hockey broadcasts for many years, and as an integral member of the organizing committee for the annual Acadia Hockey Celebrity Dinners.
He has been actively involved in spearheading projects to raise the profile of Acadia Athletics’ corporate sponsors for the past several years.
“Joining Acadia at a time when its varsity athletics program and individual athletes are succeeding on and off the field is very exciting,” Hawley said.
“I’ve been directly involved with Acadia Athletics for almost two decades, and I understand how much potential there is for partnerships between the community and university that will help continue this positive momentum.
“I know Acadia’s faculty, staff and especially its students very well, and I’m looking forward to making a significant contribution to strengthening Acadia’s reputation for excellence.”
Morrison suggested Acadia is entering a new phase in its approach to fundraising. “Working with Kevin and his team to reach our varsity sport supporters directly is a natural step for us,” he said. “I know Len will play a key role in helping rebuild our fundraising capacity.”
