Posted: February 19, 2026
Clockwise from top left: Liz Crocker, Richard Murray, Caroline Xavier, Bloyce Thompson, Dale Godsoe, Dr. James Palmer, Dr. James Carter, Anita Anand, Dr. Nancy Lane Perham, Carl Duivenvoorden, Kimberly Pate, Dr. Susan Little, Dr. Lisa Barrett.
Dalhousie’s notable alumni are recognized for leadership and impact across fields.
In February 2026, 13 distinguished individuals were added, including leaders in patient advocacy, environmental protectionism, cellular biology, cyber security, government, engineering, social justice and veterinary medicine. Their achievements continue to inspire and shape communities.
Agriculture
Carl Duivenvoorden’s (Agriculture Class of 1986) diverse agricultural career eventually led him towards his true calling: environmental advocacy. He is a speaker, writer and consultant on the topic of environmental challenges, particularly climate change.
Bloyce Thompson (Agriculture Class of 1994) is a third-generation dairy farmer and businessman from P.E.I. He is a strong advocate for the dairy industry locally, nationally and globally, and has served as an elected member, cabinet minister and interim premier in P.E.I.’s Legislative Assembly.
Business, industry and innovation
A patient advocate, store owner and prolific writer, Governor General’s Meritorious Service award winner Liz Crocker (BA’67) has turned curiosity and kindness into a lifelong practice of improving experiences for children, families and communities.
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.
Engineering, architecture and planning
Entrepreneur Dr. Richard Murray (Beng’66, LLD’15) is an award-winning and internationally renowned engineer who dedicated his career to improving infrastructure in Canada and the Caribbean. The Richard Murray Design Building and the Murray Engineering Student Centre at Dal's Faculty of Engineering are named in his honour.
Health and Medicine
Clinical scientist and researcher Dr. Lisa Barrett (PGM’09) specializes in chronic viral infection and immune function, and how infection can be treated and cured. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she regularly shared knowledge and advice with the public.
Law and justice/social justice
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.
Kimberly Pate (LLB’84) is a nationally renowned advocate who has worked in and around the legal and penal systems of Canada, with and on behalf of those marginalized, victimized, criminalized and institutionalized. She was appointed to Canada’s Senate in 2016.
Public Service
A committed Dalhousie champion, Dale Godsoe (BA’65, BEd’66, MEd’87) studied, worked, volunteered and led at Dalhousie, inspiring all who knew her with her unwavering dedication to lifting individuals and communities.
The Honourable Anita 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.
Science and computer science
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.
Dr. Nancy Lane Perham (BSc'58, MSc'60, LLD'85) (1936 – 2025) was a renowned electron microscopist, cell biologist, and champion of women in science. She taught at the University of Cambridge and also was an accomplished artist.
Caroline Xavier (EMEC’02), a Faculty of Computer Science alum, 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.