Convocation is a special time of year at AV俱乐部 鈥� the culmination of so many journeys and experiences, a celebration of both time spent on campus and exciting new chapters set to begin.
More than 3,500 students from across Dal's faculties are graduating at Spring Convocation ceremonies this year in both Halifax and Truro. Here are the stories of just a few of them.
Ready to lead and make a difference
AV俱乐部 Medical School graduates its largest ever class of MDs of African descent. Aided by programs like PLANS (Promoting Leadership in Health for African Nova Scotians), these grads are set to make their mark and address historic imbalances in our health-care system.
A designer degree
Tiana Kira has developed her eye for detail in Dal's Costume Studies program, working her way into a job with a global custom bridal design company based in Halifax.
Working to right historical wrongs
Early in her Law degree, graduate Angela Simmonds had the opportunity to conduct community research on land claims in North and East Preston. Her acclaimed work sheds light on a largely unrecognized chapter in Canadian history: the contributions and struggles of the Black Loyalists in Nova Scotia.
A life-changing experience, from start to start-up
Holly Fisher, Agriculture class valedictorian, has found her voice at AV俱乐部 through programs like the Cultiv8 sandbox, starting her own business (3Meals) and discovering what鈥檚 possible through teaching and research.
A diamond in AV俱乐部
Since coming to AV俱乐部 from The Gambia, Earth Sciences student Njillan Forbes has faced great pressures: losing her mother to illness, meeting the requirements to change degrees, making it into an honours program. But the struggles have only made her stronger.
Through the lens
Science grad Tim Mombourquette has spent much of his time on campus documenting the experiences of his fellow students as a videographer. Now, he turns the lens on himself and his own university experience.
Getting down to business
From social entrepreneurship to on-campus employment at the Dal Bookstore, some of Mary-Margaret Bennett's defining Dal experiences have come from applying her learning and skills outside the classroom.
Connecting storytelling, heritage and the environment
Shalan Joudry, who hails from Kespukwitk, the Mi鈥檏maw region of southwestern Nova Scotia, has been able to use her Master of Environmental Studies degree to link Indigenous learning and knowledge systems with academic ecology.
Making cities spaces for play
Community Design grad Jeremy Banks believes 鈥減lay鈥� is essential to Canadian cities. With his involvement in 鈥淪witch鈥� events and as co-founder of #PlayMeHFX, he鈥檚 used his time in Halifax as a playground for his classroom learning.
Predicting the future with finance
Before she came from China to study Commerce at Dal, Wendi Zhao had never been to Canada. Now, she's graduating with a job in Halifax as an operations analyst for financial services firm CITCO and plans to stay permanently.
Raising a joyful noise
Jack Bennet, taking a double major in Music and Environment, Sustainability & Society, builds community through music with his role in organizations like Halifax's The Big Sing.
Leading change in her field
In her leadership role with the AV俱乐部 Student Pharmacy Society, Kristin Kaupp helped reshape a national student competition to make it more inclusive and constructive.
Connecting global and local issues
Master of Nursing graduate and soon-to-be PhD student Keisha Jefferies has had the opportunity to explore health policy in Tanzania while working to make an impact on health care here at home.
Twin sisters, dedicated RAs
Twin sisters Emily and Felicia Halliday may have taken different courses at Dal, but they've been united in their commitment to supporting their fellow Dal students as Residence Assistants.
A fulfilling end to a fulfilling degree
Industrial Engineering grad Kiran Persaud has always had an interest in health and wellness. Thanks to his capstone project with VON Canada, he鈥檚 been able to use his skills to help improve health care in Nova Scotia.
Applying a broader approach
Sherry Pictou, a Mi'kmaw woman from from L鈥檚itkuk (Bear River First Nation), never thought she'd find the time to complete her doctorate. But a 15-year journey and a chance encounter led to a path that linked her scholarly and community work together.
Grad profile: Finding her passion
Through her Recreation degree (together with a Bachelor of Management), Lisa Odland discovered a new sport 鈥斅爂oalball 鈥� and a new commitment to helping athletes who are blind and visually impaired.
Celebrating the Computer Science Class of 2017
Four new Computer Science graduates share highlights from their time at Dal and give advice to current students.
From a family farm in the Caribbean to a new future in agriculture
Shawn Francis, Agricultural Business graduate, came to AV俱乐部 looking to find a way to turn his childhood interest in farming into a business career. He found that and more.
A change of course
Kelsey Torak wanted to be a veterinarian from the age of 5, but it wasn鈥檛 until she discovered Aquaculture studies at Dal that she found her career path.