School of Business

If ever there was a metaphor for achievement, BBA marketing student Evan Phinney is right on top of it. The show jumper and her horse, Bling, participated in the Canadian Equestrian Team Equitation Finals in Calgary. And how does one go about studying for the Canadian Equestrian Team Equitation Finals? "It’s not just getting on your horse and going," Evan laughs. "I ride four or five times a week; it’s definitely a huge time commitment."

After her showing at the Calgary Stampede Grounds, Evan and Bling participated in the Running Fox Equitation medal finals at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. Marketing professor Dr. Donna Sears, herself a rider and an equestrian coach, puts Evan’s accomplishment into perspective: "Equestrian sports require an unparalleled level of dedication and commitment. Evan’s hard work and tenacity have brought her to an elite level of her sport and will continue to reap rewards in the classroom and her career beyond. I’m so proud of her achievement as the first Maritimer to qualify for this prestigious event." After courses like Digital Marketing and Advertising & Promotion Management, Evan sees the intersection between sport events and marketing and is more aware of what goes on behind the scenes. At Acadia, she sits on the Board of Governors as a student rep, is on Student Council, and continues working on her BBA degree. She has also won JUMP Scholarships and a PPPC Scholarship. Between the stable and the university, she finds time to pursue an interest in sports photography. For Evan, obstacles in studying, scheduling, and extracurricular activities are there to be jumped. Best if they are jumped in tandem with a thousand-pound friend who knows where all the high points are.