Dal’s notable alumni have achieved significant accomplishments and are well-known in their respective professional and personal lives. These esteemed individuals have distinguished themselves through their achievements, leadership and contributions to society. They are widely recognized and respected in their professions or through their endeavours. We are proud to showcase them here, and invite you to regularly check back to see new additions as they are added.
A Jamaican-Canadian broadcaster, publisher, civil rights activist and philanthropist, Brandeis Denham Jolly (NSAC’58) launched Canada's first Black-owned radio station, FLOW 93.5.
Robert MacNeil(LLD’00) (1931–2024)was a Canadian-American journalist, writer and television news anchor. He partnered with Jim Lehrer to create the landmark public television news program The Robert MacNeil Report in 1975 which eventually became the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour and is today the PBS NewsHour.
Robin Sharma (BSc’85, LLB’88, LLM’90)has been a leadership expert, a best-selling author, podcast host and a humanitarian who founded the Robin Sharma Foundation for Children.
Dr. James Edward Carter (BEng’73, DEng’93) is a leader in the energy sector credited with improving oilsands economics. He’s worked to improve sustainability within the sector, promote partnerships with Indigenous businesses, and support mining education and research.
Lynda Kuhn (BA’77)is a corporate purpose advisor and champion for food security. She highlights the power of equal opportunity for students through the Wazesha Education Foundation, breaking the cycle of poverty.
Charles McColough
Charles McColough (LLB’47, LLD’70)(1922–2006)served as the chief executive officer and chair of the Xerox Corporation for 14 years. He was treasurer for the Democratic National Committee, chaired United Way America, and is namesake of the C. Peter McColough Roundtable Series on International Economics.
John Noseworthy (MD’75, PGM’78, LLD’15) is an American neurologist who served as the president and chief executive officer of Mayo Clinic from 2009 to 2018. A board-certified neurologist, he specializes in multiple sclerosis and is the former editor-in-chief of Neurology.
Lydia Bugden (BComm’88)is a groundbreaking legal professional and the first female CEO of a law firm in Atlantic Canada. She is also a community leader and active volunteer.
Dr. James (Jim) Simpson Palmer (LLB’52, LLD’87) (1928–2013) was a leader in business, tax and international law. He played an instrumental role in the development of Alberta’s oil and gas industry.He was also a committed volunteer and sat on Dal’s Board of Governors.
Calvin Woodrow Ruck (DSW’79, LLD’94) (1925–2004) was a human rights activist and a member of the Senate of Canada. He worked with the Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Coloured People and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.
The HonourableAnita Anand(LLB’92) has held key positions in Canada’s parliament including Minister of Foreign Affairs. She’s also worked as a scholar, lawyer and researcher. She is the first Hindu woman elected as a Member of Parliament and to become a cabinet minister.
Kishore Mahbubani (MA’76, LLD’95) is a Singaporean diplomat and geopolitical consultant who served as Singapore Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and President of the United Nations Security Council.
Brian Mulroney(1939–2024) was a lawyer, businessman and politician who served as 18th prime minister of Canada. He studied law at Dal, completing his degree at Laval University.
Peter Nicholson
Dr. Peter Nicholson (BSc’64, MSc’65, LLD’95) has held leadership roles in industry, government and academia. From 2003 to 2006, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy in the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada.
Cuthbert Sebastian
Sir Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian (MD’58, LLD’98)(1921–2017)devoted his entire life to serving others as a soldier, doctor, and politician. He was governor general of his native Saint Christopher and Nevis, focused on the liberation, enlightenment and advancement of its people.
Dr. Susan Little (BSc’83) is a veterinarian, internationally renowned speaker, lecturer, researcher and consultant in feline medicine who has also authored and edited veterinary textbooks.
Caroline Xavier (EMEC’02) is a Canadian leader in cyber security. The child of Haitian immigrants, Xavier also holds the distinction of being the first Black person to reach the deputy-minister rank in the federal public service in Canada.
Sports
Dave Andrews
Dave Andrews (BA’70) is the former president and CEO of the American Hockey League (AHL). Under his leadership, the AHL became the primary development league for the National Hockey League (NHL), ensuring that players, coaches and officials received the highest-quality training available.
Ellie Black
Ellie Blackis a Canadian artistic gymnast and Olympian.
