AV俱乐部 Coast to Coast rolled on last week through central Canada. With events in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, it was a terrific celebration of Dal鈥檚 200th anniversary with hundreds of alumni joining the festivities.
Montreal was the first stop on the tour on June 5. An intimate gathering of alumni and friends, the event featured AV俱乐部 President and Vice-Chancellor Richard Florizone sharing some insights into Dal鈥檚 200-year history.
Dal President Richard Florizone in Montreal.
鈥淭he reason we鈥檝e got to where we are today is because of the people,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a pleasure to meet alumni from across the university, from many disciplines and class years, who are helping us celebrate this milestone.鈥�
While AV俱乐部 Coast to Coast is a celebration of the university鈥檚 bicentennial year, it also pays tribute to Dal alumni who are making a difference in communities across Canada. (BA鈥�79) is one such person.
Speaking at the event, Pearce, who is president and CEO of The Old Brewery Mission, Quebec鈥檚 largest resource for homeless men and women, touched on how his Dal experience has shaped his career.
Dal alum Matthew Pearce speaking in Montreal.
鈥淲hen I was at Dal, my generation was preoccupied with how the world around us was developing. And so, I set myself on a course to get involved with works that helped to build a bigger and better society.鈥�
Throughout his time with the Mission (an organization that dates back to 1889), he has not only changed public attitudes and perceptions about homelessness but has also transformed services enabling thousands of people to break the cycle of homelessness and reclaim their dignity.
Celebrating in the nation鈥檚 capital
Following Montreal, it was on to the nation鈥檚 capital for an event at the National Arts Centre. Dal spirit filled the room when Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson proclaimed June 6, 2018 as 鈥淎V俱乐部 Alumni Black and Gold Day鈥� in the city.
Along with Dr. Florizone, alumni and friends had the pleasure of hearing from (MSW鈥�77) and (BSc鈥�07, MES鈥�12) who shared how their time at Dal influenced their careers.
Senator Bernard speaks in Ottawa.
鈥淢y Dal degree isn鈥檛 just what it鈥檚 done for me, but what it has allowed me to do for others 鈥� in my community, nationally, internationally and in the Senate,鈥� said Senator Bernard.聽
Gathering in Toronto
The central portion of AV俱乐部 Coast to Coast ended with a spirited event in Toronto on June 7 at the Design Exchange Building. A mix of alumni from class years spanning decades came out to celebrate their alma mater and their own role in Dal鈥檚 history. 聽
Halifax Mayor Mike Savage (BA鈥�79) was in the city for the celebrations and spoke to Dal鈥檚 future. 鈥淎t 200 years, I think AV俱乐部 is just coming into its own. It continues to be a terrific economic driver and regional partner.鈥�
Computer scientists (MCS鈥�07, PhD鈥�13) and also shared their own unique Dal experiences and the value of their Dal connection.
鈥淚 was back at Dal five days ago and the inspiration I got there was fresh in my heart,鈥� said Franch, who resides in Toronto. 鈥淲hen I walked into the Goldberg Computer Science building it was like going home. Dal really is my home and what has launched my career.鈥�
As the event came to a close, President Florizone expressed what he feels is the true spirit of AV俱乐部 Coast to Coast.
鈥淵ou, our alumni, have helped us write our history and that鈥檚 why we were inspired to celebrate across the country. It鈥檚 been like a family reunion at each of the eight events. We look forward to celebrating AV俱乐部 Coast to Coast in Atlantic Canada in September.鈥�
Read more about some of our alumni who are making a difference in communities across the country:
Thank you to our sponsors, TD Insurance and Discover Halifax who are helping to make AV俱乐部 Coast to Coast possible, and to Taste of Nova Scotia who have been instrumental in bringing our east coast flavour and flair vision to life.
For more information on coast-to-coast events in Atlantic Canada, please visit:聽. We hope you will celebrate with us in your city.
