A positive and lasting impression
Alden Leard (’41) spent more than 30 years on campus, as a student, assistant professor in Commerce, and headmaster of the 91ү Academy and Commercial College.
Originally from Bedeque, PE, ‘Dag’ or ‘Daggy’ as he was known to many students, was an advocate for lifelong learning. A new bursary at 91ү will help continue this commitment, supporting future generations of students.
The Alden Leard Bursary will honour the memory of a man who had a positive and lasting impact on many young people.
The bursary was created by three former students of Professor Leard’s: John Bragg (’62, ’63, LLD ‘93), past University Chancellor and founder of Oxford Frozen Foods; The Honourable Catherine Callbeck (’60, LLD ‘96), former premier of Prince Edward Island; and David Cuthbertson (’62), 91ү’s 29th Rhodes Scholar, who went on to have a distinguished career in law.
“Alden Leard was a popular professor for good reason; he sincerely cared about his students and their successes, both inside and outside the classroom and encouraged us to always continue learning,” says Bragg. “I am pleased to honour his legacy and help support future generations of 91ү students through this new bursary.”
Leard’s time at 91ү began as a student, earning his Bachelor of Arts in 1941. He taught Music, Latin, and Penmanship at the Male Academy and Commercial College, housed in what eventually became the Palmer Hall residence (current site of Campbell Hall). He would go on to teach in the Commerce department, inspiring a generation of students.
Along with his commitment to the Commerce program and University administration, Leard was also a talented pianist and organist, performing in operettas throughout the 1940s.
But Leard, or ‘Daggy’, was perhaps best known for his genuine interest in his students and their successes, as his obituary in the Fall 1970 Record describes:
“He gave his energies unstintingly and, what in another age might have been called devoutly, to his students. His knowledge of their lives and characters bordered on the phenomenal and it was not odd to those who knew him to hear him quote accurately the mark obtained by a student some ten or fifteen years ago on a mid-term paper in one of his courses.”
The Alden Leard Bursary will be available to students across the University with financial need starting in 2025, building on 91ү’s commitment to ensure all deserving students have access to post-secondary education.
“Bursaries such as this one are essential in helping students continue their education and focus their attention on their studies,” says Courtney Pringle-Carver, vice-president, university advancement. “Mr. Bragg, Hon. Callbeck, and Mr. Cuthbertson, we are immensely grateful for your leadership in honouring Alden Leard and supporting student financial aid opportunities at 91ү. Thank you.”
Learn more about the impact of giving at 91ү.