Dennis Veinotte '56 

Distinguished Alumni Award Awarded 

Dennis Veinotte was born in the small rural community of Cross Roads, Country Harbour, Guysborough County, N.S. He graduated from St. Mary’s Rural High School, Sherbrooke, N.S. after which he earned the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees from Acadia University. He later received the Doctor of Ministry degree from Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Boston, Massachusetts.

In 1962, Dr. Veinotte was ordained at Gaspereau United Baptist Church in Gaspereau, N.S. Besides student pastorates, he ministered in Baptist churches in Gaspereau, Kentville, Windsor, south-end Dartmouth, and Pereau. He also served as Chaplain in Saint John hospitals and as a Chaplain with Correctional Services Canada in Springhill, N.S.

With the Canadian Association of Pastoral Practice and Education (CAPPE), Dr. Veinotte held accreditation as teaching supervisor in both clinical pastoral education and pastoral counseling education. For 17 years, he was Professor and Director of Clinical Pastoral Education and Pastoral Counselling at the Acadia Divinity College. He was instrumental in founding the Valley Pastoral Counselling Services Association, where he continues to be involved in both administration and counseling. Dr. Veinotte is currently a certified counselor with the Canadian Counselling Association and Nova Scotia Association of Counselling Therapists. He has written articles and conducted workshops on pastoral care and counseling, communication skills, marriage counseling, grief and end-of-life issues.

Dr. Veinotte has served on CABC boards and has held various positions at the association level. He has acted as consultant to local churches with respect to standards and education and conflict management and to Acadia Divinity College regarding thesis preparation and defense.

Married to the former Connie Barteaux, Dr. Veinotte and his wife have two married children, Lori-Ann and Paul, and three grandchildren, Grace, Mason and Luke.

Upon receiving the award, Dr. Veinotte shared several captivating and sometimes humorous stories. But, on a serious note, he reminded us God often calls his servants from very humble, rural beginnings. And we never know where that will lead us when we make ourselves available for His service.

On behalf of the vast worldwide family of alumni of the Acadia Divinity College, I want to wish Dennis and Connie well as they continue to serve God together and may God bless them!

Rev. Don Rafuse, President

Acadia Divinity College Alumni Association