9 1��Ѱ���

Dr. Miranda Lees (MD'22), inspired by her late mother’s community advocacy, pursued medicine to better care for her family. As associate chief resident in family medicine, she advocates for physician compensation and values compassionate patient care, continuing her mother’s legacy of leadership and service to her community in Saint John, N.B.

Once feeling unheard as a student in the classroom, Bermuda-based Montessori educator Tina James-Outerbridge (BA’96) is now sharing her knowledge as a 9 1��Ѱ��� Alumni Association (DAA) board member.

The 9 1��Ѱ��� Law Alumni Association's new award honours a remarkable alum who merges outstanding professional achievements with a significant commitment to the community. Emilie Coyle (JD’14) is the inaugural recipient.

Three-time 9 1��Ѱ��� alum, Maddie Hare (BA’17, MA’21, MI’23), says she is driven by maintaining a strong connection to her alma mater. She shares that her volunteer time as vice president of the 9 1��Ѱ��� Library and Information Alumni Association (DLIAA) has been a great way to serve others, while also being a gift to herself.

Through her volunteer experiences, Dal Computer Science alum Tabea Marzlin (BCSc’22) hopes to help increase diversity and inspire the next generation of women considering a career in technology.

Bonnie Salsman was motivated to donate to medical research that would help others after losing her husband Rick to pancreatic cancer. She’s supporting the research of Dr. Jeanette Boudreau and her team.

Tyler Dillman (MSc’16) runs One to One Wellness in Halifax. It's an interdisciplinary clinic for people with chronic pain and complex health conditions. The business has joined the Dal Alumni Benefits Program, offering members a discount on their first clinic visit.

Remembering 9 1��Ѱ��� alumni as part of the Dal Magazine Fall/Winter 2024 issue. Obituaries of Dal alumni in the 9 1��Ѱ��� magazine.

As a student, Nathan Barrett (BEng’17) never thought he might one day help shape 9 1��Ѱ���’s campus. The opportunity to be project manager of the new Oulton-Stanish Centre was a dream come true.

Dr. Gary Ernest (MD‘80) has served his community as a family physician for over 40 years. Now he’s combining that experience with an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) to help address the challenge of physician burnout.

Several Dal grads were among the impressive contingent of Canadian athletes who competed at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer. Learn more about them and their results at the Games.

Dal music and theatre alum Andrew Pelrine (BA’10) has been performing in drag as Bunni Lapin for 15 years. He's also Dal Health's faculty alumni manager.

Stephanie Hosein (MArch’10) didn’t realize the significance of unconscious bias until she began growing her career. Now, she is determined to empower other women in architecture.

Darshana Upadhyay (PhD’23) is a research scientist at TeleAI Corporation and adjunct professor in Dal’s Faculty of Computer Science. She credits her mentors for inspiring her to chase her professional dreams — and become a mentor herself.

Kim Melanson (BEng’99) wasn’t sure the world of retail was where she wanted to be. Thanks to her Dal degree, she’s not just excelling, she’s loving it.

When Anne McLellan was asked to be honorary co-chair of Bringing Worlds Together, 9 1��Ѱ���’s campaign for transformational change, she did not hesitate to say yes. She believes the university has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone just as it did for her.

David Kerr (BSc’19, MBA’23) loves to have an impact. Thanks to his MBA, he’s doing that by enhancing Nova Scotia’s health-care system and supporting a new generation of BIPOC MBA students.

Dal Computer Science alum and software development team lead of MOBIA Technology Innovations, Aleysha Mullen (BInf’17), says her volunteer experiences with 9 1��Ѱ��� are driven by a desire to help pass knowledge onto the next generation of tech professionals.

As a Dal Law alum, Cherry Ferguson (LLB’72) says the Weldon Tradition of unselfish public service is entrenched in her DNA. It encourages her to pass her knowledge and experiences on to the next generation of law professionals, “witnessing them soar to great heights” as they become leaders of tomorrow.

Engineering alum Kirk Drabble (Eng’22) says his volunteer efforts with 9 1��Ѱ��� stem from a desire to stay connected with his alma mater.

Robin Hennigar (BEng’66, MEng’68) is a one-time volunteer, who helped organize a Tech-TUNS-Dal reunion with his classmates from ’68.

Toronto real estate agent Tina Omrani (BEng’17) is one of the newest Dal Global Ambassadors to bring together Dal alumni and help strengthen alumni connections in her community.

Master of Digital Innovation alum, Aswini Anand (MDI’23), says her generous volunteer efforts at 9 1��Ѱ��� stem from a commitment to gain new experiences, a chance to advocate for important causes, and an opportunity to strengthen community ties.

Dr. Scott Swinden (BSc’70) is president of Swinden Geoscience Consultants Ltd. and volunteers with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences' (EES) alumni committee.

9 1��Ѱ��� Alumni Association (DAA) vice-president and Board of Governors representative Jo-Anne Galarneau (BA’03) shares her time at Dal not only shaped who she is but continues to shape how—and why—she influences the next generation.

Halifax-based orthodontist and Assistant Professor in Dal’s Faculty of Dentistry Dr. Lee Erickson (DDS’77) has volunteered his time in many different ways.

As volunteerism is evolving, so will the Women’s Division of the 9 1��Ѱ��� Alumni Association and co-lead Cynthia Pilichos is ready to lead the charge.

A strong sense of purpose and focusing on the present help Alana Riley (MBA’17), president of 9 1��Ѱ���’s Alumni Association, live a full and purposeful life as a senior financial services executive and active community member.

Nathan Murray (BScAgr’11) remotely volunteers his time and talent as secretary of the Agriculture Alumni Association Board. In his day job, he is an agile coach with Farm Credit Canada in Saskatchewan.

Cape Bretoner Darren MacDonald (BScK’96) lives and works in Sydney Forks, N.S., but stays connected to Halifax and to Dal through his volunteer positions.

Dr. Angela Ridi (MD’03) is a practicing anesthesiologist in St. John’s, N.L. She also finds purpose in volunteering, whether it’s with 9 1��Ѱ���’s Alumni Association, the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society or her children’s school.

In the ever-evolving tech scene, Alicia Wong (BCS’20) stands out as a trailblazer and advocate for diversity in her industry.

Less than a decade into her career, the nursing alum shares that she is inspired and determined to help shape the future of women’s health.

For over a century, a group of dedicated volunteers has focused on the empowerment of women at 9 1��Ѱ���. Now, it is going through a renewal process, keeping its best features while responding to shifts in volunteering. Recognizing expanded and deeper collaboration with others, the now-named 9 1��Ѱ��� Women’s Connection has rebranded to have wider appeal.

President of the Lown Institute, Dr. Vikas Saini (MD'80) created the Lown Hospital Index, a way to quantitatively rank the most socially responsible hospitals in the U.S.

Dr. Aaron MacNeil (BSc'01), a marine biologist and professor, was interviewed for the season premiere of Sciographies. In this episode, Dr. MacNeil reflects on his journey from growing up in Wolfville, N.S., to becoming a leading researcher in fisheries ecology.

This week, Dr. Ron Stewart (MD’70, LLD’17), a notable alum and generous supporter of Dal, passed away. His journey from family medicine to Nova Scotia Minister of Health and beyond changed emergency medicine forever.

Laura Lee Langley (MPA’02) went from journalism to the highest ranks of the provincial government by keeping people at the centre of the story.

The 9 1��Ѱ��� notable alum and Aurum Award winner studied music and social anthropology to become a ‘voice from within’ his culture.

John G. Paul (MPA’83, LLD’24) always wanted a career where he could make a difference for First Nations communities. His efforts on their behalf were recognized with an honorary degree from 9 1��Ѱ���.

There was a time when Maeghan Taverner (BA’19) thought they might have to give up dance and theatre due to chronic illness. They found a way back to their passion and are making space for more disabled artists like them.

Molly Kohn is an upcoming grad of Dal's Bachelor of Commerce program (fall 2024) and an entrepreneur. She's 'tying one on' with her small business – a soft and durable hair elastics company based in Toronto. And now she’s expanding her elastics business by offering discounts through the Dal Alumni Benefits Program as an alumni-owned business.

With burgeoning businesses in sustainable packaging, craft beer brewing and locally made food products, Dal alumni were honoured by the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards program.

9 1��Ѱ���’s annual Celebration of Philanthropy was an evening with valued friends and supporters, honouring the difference they make across Dal campuses and in communities.

9 1��Ѱ��� was a special place for Mary Werner (1935 - 2017) whose science career spanned over 30 years and across several provinces. Her husband, Douglas Werner established an undergraduate scholarship in her name to support aspiring scientists. Now he’s expanding that commitment to create opportunities for graduate students.

Entrepreneur Taylor Quinn (BA’15) and recent grad Rose Schoonhoven (BMgmt’21) have been working together as mentor and mentee through the 9 1��Ѱ��� Alumni Link program for the past four months. They meet virtually once a month to discuss Schoonhoven’s career plans, her recent wins and struggles, and chat about their shared interest in Halifax’s non-profit sector.

Daniel Parent’s (BArch’73) 9 1��Ѱ��� education opened the doors for him to become a university architect just like his mentor, Jim Sykes. Through a new bursary he established, he is helping a new generation of students achieve their goals.

Robert Larsen's (Class of '21) passion for agriculture, student life and volunteer work, along with his vast network of connections, have made him a valuable asset to the Faculty of Agriculture Alumni Association as a director on the board.

Five new postdoctoral fellows at the Faculty of Agriculture will be addressing food insecurity, water quality and availability, soil degradation and more thanks to the generous funding of the McCain Foundation.

Aurum Award 2024 winners Patricia Bishop (BSc (Agr)’99) and Josh Oulton (DipTech'96) own and operate TapRoot Farms in Port Williams, N.S., which is organic certified and focused on regenerative agriculture.

Krysti Campbell (DDH’13) has won an Outstanding Alumni Award from the Faculty of Dentistry for her many contributions to her profession and community.

Dr. Linda Blakey (DDS’89) has won an Outstanding Alumni Award from the Faculty of Dentistry for her many contributions to her profession and community in Newfoundland.

In a world of timeless tales and Cinderella’s castle, a 9 1��Ѱ��� engineering graduate Flo Park (BEng’18) is doing her part to put smiles on the faces of millions of people at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

George Elliott Clarke (MA'89, LLD'99) reflects on the life of Dr. John Fraser, a revered faculty member of 9 1��Ѱ���'s Department of English, on the one-year anniversary of his passing.

Vestibular rehabilitation physiotherapist and Aurum Award 2024 winner Kim Furlong (BScPT’88, MSc’00) works to restore confidence, independence, and hope in her patients at the Newfoundland Balance & Dizziness Centre.

Despite events that seem to indicate a regression in the observance and respect for fundamental human rights and equality, prominent lawyer, human rights activist and Aurum Award 2024 recipient Douglas Ruck (BA’72, LLB’77) remains hopeful that EDI&A initiatives will prevail.

Widely respected for his pioneering research into lithium-ion batteries, physics professor and Aurum Award 2024 recipient Dr. Jeff Dahn (BSc’78) is also beloved by generations of 9 1��Ѱ��� students interested in the future of sustainability science.

Socially minded consultant and Aurum Award 2024 winner Mike Davis (BEng’01, MEng’08) is focusing on building trust, understanding complex social issues, and working collaboratively to find innovative solutions to complex problems.

Take a look back at the special events hosted for alumni in late May. Attendees joined tours and panel discussions in the faculties, networked at the Mentorship Mixer, celebrated at the Aurum Awards and toasted milestone reunions over a champagne brunch.

Remembering 9 1��Ѱ��� alumni as part of the Dal Magazine Spring/Summer 2024 issue. Obituaries of Dal alumni in the 9 1��Ѱ��� magazine.

After holding leadership roles in some of the world’s biggest sports arenas — including the Olympics and FIFA World Cup matches — Dr. Cathy Campbell's (BPE’75, MSc’77) latest challenge is the presidency of the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine (CASEM).

Family Court Counsellor Kitty Choi-Cheung (BSW’17) is a social worker and volunteers with Dal's Insight Circle and Alumni Link mentorship program.

Dawn Web (BSc’22), a multi-disciplinary artist and entrepreneur, transitioned from studying neuroscience to owning Vivid Illusion Creative Studios and authoring the poetry book Red Corner.

Michael Kabalen (BComm'06) works to find affordable accommodation for unhoused Nova Scotians.

Sociology and social anthropology alum Qi Chen (BA’18) advises students and new alumni to be open to change and different directions.

Sophie Jacome (BA’19) tied in elements from her arts degree in classics and theatre studies to write Euripidaristophanize – a work she saw come to life on the Fountain School of Performing Arts stage.

Dr. Ken Rockwood was recognized with one of Canada’s highest honours for his enormous impact on geriatric medicine globally, alongside Drs. Sylvia Hamilton, Vike-Freiberga and Zoe Lucas.

Brenden Harvey (BA’12, MA’14) shares his experience of how the skills he gained through his social anthropology degrees at Dal are what many organizations need right now.

Charles Humphrey (MA’09) returns to Halifax to join the Department of National Defence as next step on “atypical” career path.

9 1��Ѱ��� Architectural Press Publications Manager Dr. Susanne Marshall (PhD (English)’09) shares her journey so far in professional publishing.

A lot can change over the course of earning a degree at 9 1��Ѱ���. Just ask Ken Clark. He finally completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at 83 – Dal’s oldest grad this year.

Free of natural predators, invasive species can harm native ones and cause a cascade of negative impacts on ecosystems — and economies. A panel of Dal experts, which included alumni, explored this problem during a recent event marking World Ocean Month.

Leo Salloum (BPE'04) is an alumni-owned business partner of the Dal Alumni Benefits Program. Learn how he carries on a family legacy at Tony’s Donair and what he does to give back to the Dal community.

Remembering 9 1��Ѱ��� alumni as part of the Dal Magazine Fall/Winter 2023 issue. Obituaries of Dal alumni in the 9 1��Ѱ��� magazine.

Knowing how vital mental health is to alleviating suffering and overall well-being, Halifax-based IWK Health Centre scientist Patricia Lingley-Pottie (BN’88, PhD’11) co-founded the Strongest Families Institute to deliver telephone and online mental wellness services.

Chief Sidney Peters (DipTech (Agriculture)’84) is the fourth chief of Nova Scotia’s Glooscap First Nation. Drawing on his experience with Indigenous housing programs, he’s leading efforts to rebuild the community’s fortunes and pride through new policies, housing and investments. Next up: financial self-sufficiency.  

A survivor of child sexual abuse, Glori Meldrum (BComm’95) was determined to provide other survivors with something that was not readily available to her: support. She founded Little Warriors, a national charitable organization focused on increased awareness, prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse.

As the first South Asian Canadian woman appointed to the bench in Ontario, Justice Sheila Ray (BA’77, LLB’80) has made progress through her decisions, articles, speaking and volunteer activities. She’s reshaping the justice system, and doing so in ways that support those who’ve experienced adversity.  

Bryan Langlands (MArch’92) says he did not choose to specialize in health care—it chose him. Through his unique approach to hospital designs, Langlands has helped improve patient care and staff well-being at some of the most prestigious medical centres in the U.S.

Alum Kate Clark (MPlan’18) helps lead a team of Planning alumni and students at Dal's Planning for Equity, Accessibility and Community Health (PEACH) Research Unit.

A job offer he couldn’t refuse in publishing meant David Leonard (BA’22) left Dal before finishing his BA in the 1990s. Then COVID opened the opportunity for him to complete it from Toronto in 2022. Now he’s supporting the arts and literature through his work and volunteering as a member of the 9 1��Ѱ��� Alumni Association.

Lyndsay Bozec (BSc'09, MSc’14) didn’t always know what she wanted to do, but she knew she wanted to be in health care and help people. Now, she has her own audiology clinic, and to give back to her community she does a yearly giveaway to help those who need hearing aids but can’t afford them.

Glen McMinn (BEDS’95, MArch’96) left his design career after 25+ years to pursue his passion: painting.

The road to sports marketer Armaan Ahluwalia’s (BMgmt’13) current job in F1 racing has included pit stops with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Kansas City Chiefs (where he earned a Super Bowl ring), and with the company that owns professional basketball’s NY Liberty and Brooklyn Nets.

Dr. Frank Lovely (DDS’59), professor emeritus, head of the Faculty of Dentistry’s OMFS department, 1966-1986, and creator of the Faculty of Dentistry’s MSc in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, is the 2024 recipient of the 9 1��Ѱ��� Golden Eagle Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes remarkable and longstanding connection and commitment to the advancement of academic excellence at 9 1��Ѱ���.

Governor General Mary Simon announced 78 new appointments to the Order of Canada in late December — a list of esteemed individuals that includes philanthropist and property developer Jim Spatz (MD’74, LLD’22), Elder Albert Marshall, Dal Architecture Professor Richard Kroeker, and physician and medical educator Dr. Ronald Stewart (MD’70, LLD’17).

Ariel Provo (BScMS’21) always knew she wanted to become a doctor. Nurtured by her parents, also Dal alumni, she pursued her ambition with a laser-like focus. Since 2020, she’s been working with Imhotep’s Legacy Academy, a 9 1��Ѱ��� program that aims to bridge the gap, specifically in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics), for students of African heritage.

Alum Grace Jefferies-Aldridge (BA’00) will draw on her personal and professional experience to help build a more inclusive university where relationships are paramount.

Now retired and living in Sydney, N.S., Order of Canada (2022) member Dr. Allan MacDonald (MD’63) reflects on an incredible career that includes being the first clinical resident, setting up an early ICU, and introducing laparoscopic general surgery to eastern Canada.

Mahbubur Rahman (MASc’16, MPA’22), a project manager with the Government of Nova Scotia, values the connections he has made volunteering with Dal since 2013.

Enjoy a look back in photos at some of our fall 9 1��Ѱ��� Engineering alumni events.

2023 Aurum Award winner Mona Lynch (LLB’85) quickly joined forces with other women judges from around the world to help their 250 Afghan colleagues find a way out when the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

Dr. Margaret Oulton (PhD’75) — a professor and prenatal researcher who made a discovery that would eventually lead to the safe delivery of over 10,000 infants across our region — is the inaugural recipient of the 9 1��Ѱ��� Golden Eagle Lifetime Achievement Award.

2023 Aurum Award winner Athanasius “Tanas” Sylliboy (MN’20) is advocating for improved health outcomes for Mi’kmaq and other marginalized communities by breaking barriers and lifting voices.

2023 Aurum Award winner Nada Haidar (BSc’93, DDS’97) says dentistry isn’t just her career, it’s her passion. Following some international volunteer work, Dr. Haidar was inspired after COVID struck to find new ways to help others locally.

2023 Aurum Award winner Igor Yushchenko (LLM’12) is applying his legal expertise to help fellow Ukrainians—including his own family—seek refuge in Canada.

2023 Aurum Award winner Jeremy Dutcher (BA’13) has had a fundamental impact on the way the traditional tribal language of Wolastoqiyik is shared, transforming our understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures and communities.

Nine universities and NSCC joined forces to raise funds for their student-led food security programs on campus through the Food Security Project.

"Independent living is about having choices, making decisions, taking risks, making mistakes, and taking responsibility.” - Jen Powley.

Computer scientist Varsha Hemrajani (MEC’21) is a user interface (UI) developer and volunteers with Dal's Women in Tech mentorship program.

A teacher in Dartmouth, April MacQueen (BSc'06) has been a Dal volunteer since the mid-2000s.

Novelist K.R. Byggdin is the recipient of the 2023 Thomas Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award for Wonder World.

The Blue and Gold Awards program honours alumni who have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to the Faculty of Agriculture, their communities, Atlantic Canada, and beyond.

The Bertha Wilson Honour Society recognizes Schulich Law’s extraordinary alumni and showcases their geographic reach and contributions to law and society. Meet the 2023 inductees.

The 9 1��Ѱ��� Medical Alumni Association (DMAA) Alumni Recognition Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in medical research and clinical practice and showcase alumni contributions to the medical school, students, and the community.

Halifax West Member of Parliament Lena Metledge Diab (MPA’87, LLB’90) sponsored Bill S-246 establishing November as Lebanese Heritage Month across Canada.

A look back at 13 stories about and for our alumni community that we were proud to share this year.