Dr. James M.R. Beveridge

Builder
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993

…a distinguished scholar and athlete whose example has fostered the true Acadia “spirit.”

James Beveridge, an outstanding scholar and multi-talented athlete, has long been a major contributor to the sports life of Acadia. First, as an athlete, and later as a builder during his tenure as President of the University from 1964 to 1978, he has served Acadia with dedication and distinction.

As a student, James Beveridge participated in intermediate and varsity rugby for four years and served as captain of the powerful ’36-’37 team that captured the Maritime title. He also played both varsity hockey and soccer and even spent one season on the varsity swim team. Being very active in intramural sports as well, he also served one year as President of the Acadia Amateur Athletic Association.

With due respect to his involvement in hockey, soccer, and swimming, it was his participation in English Rugby that gained him his greatest recognition in intercollegiate athletics.

Excerpts from historical accounts indicate his prominence in the sport. In regard to a 1936 13-8 loss to the Halifax Wanderers it was reported:

“Beveridge, Canadian record holder for consecutive converts, was again successful.”

“The ’35 varsity rugby team shone in their next outing against Dalhousie, blasting the Tigers 22-8 as Runnels, Ralston, Balcom, Shaw, Feindel, and Beveridge had outstanding performances.”

“On October 30 of ’35, the club won the Nova Scotia Intercollegiate crown by defeating St. Francis Xavier, 6-3, as the likes of the Shaws -Leon and Robert, Ralston, Spicer, Ellsworth, Beveridge, Ideson, and Allaby -were the stars.”

As a fitting tribute to James Beveridge’s talents on the football field, he was named to Fred Kelly’s AlI-Star Rugby squad from the 1927 to 1937 era.

During the past three decades Dr. Beveridge has been a tremendous supporter of all Acadia teams, being an enthusiastic presence at many of the Axemen’s and Axette’s finest moments. Among the many accomplishments during his tenure as Acadia’s tenth president was construction of the “new” War Memorial Gymnasium.

It is indeed an honour to welcome to Acadia’s Sports Hall of Fame this distinguished scholar, athlete, and builder…Dr. James Beveridge.