1949 Mr. Lorne G. French
1952 Mrs. Phyllis J. Pettigrew
1954 The Honourable Marilyn Trenholme Counsell
1957 Mr. Sterling MacLean
1960 Mrs. Annabel Roberts
1961 Mrs. Nova M. Tambeau, Mrs. Marilyn J. Higgins
1962 Mrs. Norma C. MacLean
1963 Dr. Winston R. Dykeman
1964 Mrs. Sheila J. Wilton
1966 Mr. Jabez L. Rayner, Mrs. Judy A. Spence
1967 Dr. Derek Hum
1968 Dr. Gerald H. MacGarvie
1970 Mr. Michael G. Tanner
1974 Mr. Robert J. Braedley, Mr. Richard W. Carver
1975 Mrs. Mary E. Johnston
1977 Mr. Edgar C. Sheffield
1988 Mrs. Leone G. Campbell, Dr. Stephen Lewis
1990 Mark Peacock
1992 Ms. Andrea K. Jones
1993 Mr. Arthur A. McCloskey
1994 Mr. Scott McDonald
2006 Mr. Jamie M. Heap

STAFF
Prof. George
J. De Benedetti
Mr. Lewis A. Clarke

FRIENDS
Mr. George B. Aiken
Mr. Robert Irving

Tributes

SANDRA HELEN MURRAY (’59)
Submitted by Brian Bell (’68) Marilyn Harrison (’61) & Lavada Pinder (friend)

Sandra, an ambassador of warmth, openness, and laughter, and a person of boundless energy, died on November 11, 2025 in Ottawa. 

She was a native of Campbellton, NB, loving mother of three children, a masters level swimmer, a downhill skier and an avid reader. And a devoted Allisonian! 

Following graduation in 1959 and completion of a BSc in Home Economics, Sandra obtained a BEd and a MEd and taught in Campbellton, NB, Magog, Que. and Saskatoon, Sask. She later moved to Ottawa where she worked with the Health Promotion Directorate of Health Canada as a member of an education and training team. 

Throughout her life, Sandra was a cherished friend to many and nowhere more so than at Mount A. In the words of a former classmate, “She bounced about campus offering encouragement and support whether it was in the halls of the UGR (university girl’s residence), on the boards of Fawcett Hall, Alumni Board meetings, social events, reunions or the classroom.” 

In later years, Sandra rarely missed class reunions where her presence enlivened Reunion Weekends. She was a member of the Alumni Board of Directors and in 2013 was awarded the Charles Frederick Allison Award for alumni achievement. Sandra was also an active member of the Alumni Chapter in Ottawa, where she continued to share her enthusiasm for all things Mount A. Sandra made even more lifelong friends as an active member of the Canadian Federation of University Women and the Canadian Association of Retired Persons.

EDWARD RIEGER (’62)
A proud Mountie and lifelong champion of student opportunity

Mount Allison University remembers Edward Rieger (’62) with deep gratitude and affection — a devoted alumnus whose life reflected the very best of what it means to be a Mountie.

A member of the class of 1962, Rieger’s young life included service in the Canadian Navy before receiving an honourable discharge to pursue his studies. It was at Mount Allison that he discovered his passion for education and honed his leadership skills — values that would shape both his professional path and his enduring relationship with the University.

Rieger proudly represented Mount Allison in both football and hockey. He was also committed to broader campus life, which included time as Don of Bigelow House, helping foster the sense of camaraderie that defines the Mount Allison experience. In his final year at Mount Allison, Rieger received the Don Norton Award, recognizing the male student who contributed most significantly to University life — an honour that reflected both his engagement and leadership.

Following graduation, Rieger’s career took him across Canada. He worked with Shell Oil in Calgary, completed an MBA year in Montreal, and returned briefly to Sackville, where he contributed to the University and wider community, from coaching hockey to helping organize the new campus bookstore and working at the Drew Nursing Home. His professional journey later led him into the medical devices field.

Mount Allison remained central to Rieger’s story no matter where life took him. He often spoke of the formative environment of the University and the profound influence of the Bragg family, whose warmth and generosity helped set him on the path to adulthood. This lasting gratitude found expression in his philanthropy. 

Through the Edward Rieger Scholarship in the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program, Rieger sought to recognize students who embody academic excellence, balance, and engagement — qualities he valued deeply. In correspondence with the scholarship’s inaugural recipient, he reflected with pride on Mount Allison’s ability to shape thoughtful, motivated leaders and expressed genuine delight in seeing the next generation flourish.

Edward Rieger will be remembered as a man who gave generously of his time, talent, and resources; who believed in the power of education; and who carried Mount Allison with him throughout his life. His legacy lives on in the students supported by his scholarship and in the enduring spirit of the University he so proudly called his alma mater.

DONALD ALLAN GASKIN (’75)
Submitted by James Allistar Gaskin

My brother Allan and I started our studies at Mount Allison in the fall of 1971. I believe he was the first music student to major in percussion at Mount Allison. Allan’s scholarly approach was proactive and he finished his projects well before they were due. We attended the same classes and he always reminded me of assignments that needed to be done. Without Allan, I would not have made it through high school, let alone university. Allan loved flat water and white water canoeing. He restored and rebuilt several canvas canoes and built his own cedar strip canoe. Allan left this message to his family: “To all my family, I offer my deepest love and affection. Godspeed on your journey, my heart will live on in you and I will always be with you.” He was not just my brother, but a mentor and teacher.

MARK PEACOCK (‘90)
Submitted Scott Embree (’90)

For many of us who knew Mark Peacock during our years at Mount Allison, it is impossible to think of that time without thinking of him. Mark was one of those rare people whose presence seemed to touch every corner of campus life. 

An honours anthropology student, he could just as easily be found directing French-language productions with Tintamarre, playing rugby, co-hosting a show at CHMA, or working shifts at the Tantramarsh Pub. Long before winter cycling became common, Mark was pedalling through Sackville snowstorms, unconcerned with what anyone thought. He left an impression.

An accomplished skier and instructor, Mark shared his love of the sport generously. He introduced many classmates to downhill skiing at Wentworth and Mont-Tremblant and helped create friendships and memories that extended well beyond campus. Mark had a remarkable ability to make people feel included.

Those fortunate enough to visit him between semesters in Montreal or Mont-Tremblant remember not only the Peel Pub and the slopes themselves, but the warmth, humour, and generosity with which Mark shared his favourite spaces. He made everyone feel at home. 

What many of us remember most, however, was not what Mark did but who he was. He was kind, thoughtful, funny, and deeply loyal to his friends. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, for speaking honestly when honesty was needed, and for offering encouragement when it mattered most. 

A proud Montrealer with Cape Breton roots, Mark carried both places with him. Many will remember the Cape Breton tartan scarf that he wore proudly, along with the stories, humour, and warmth he shared so generously. More than 35 years later, his friends still speak of him with affection and gratitude. Mark made our lives richer, our friendships deeper, and our university years more memorable. He will be remembered with great fondness.
 

SCOTT (SCOTTIE) MCDONALD (’94)
Submitted by Bill Robb (’94)

It is with great sadness that I pass on the sad news that Scott (Scottie) McDonald passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026 after a battle with cancer.

Scottie was a very special person to all of us. He might have been small in stature, but he was always the tallest person in the room. Scottie had a very unique gift to command a room with his positive and life is great attitude. That great attitude made him a very special person to be around and we were all very fortunate to have to him as our friend.

Scottie made many friends and became one of the leaders of our class. He was a member of the men’s swim team and part of the team that successfully swam the Northumberland Strait in support of a charity. Later on he was President of Bennett House and then became part of the student council executive.

Having him at Mt. A with me made my university experience that much better and I am sure he made it better for many others. As Scottie did for all of us, he supported us when we were down and always found a way to cheer us up. It is sure to say that, Scottie, you will be missed by all. May you rest in peace and spread the happiness you gave us all.

ADAM SHERMAN O’BRIEN (’03)
Submitted Sarah O’Brien

Adam always spoke fondly of his time at MTA. From acting in plays and playing rugby to life in Edward House and later living off campus with friends, there was always laughter, good stories, and great company. He will be missed.