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Gathering for Alumni Days 2026 across the faculties

Hundreds of alumni returned to campus and venues across Halifax and in Truro for Dal Alumni Days 2026, taking part in reunions, awards celebrations, presentations, discussions and faculty-led experiences.
A group of people sitting around a table at a restaurant holding up glasses in cheers.

Posted: November 9, 2026

Dal Alumni Days 2026 brought alumni together for thought-provoking discussions, milestone celebrations, networking opportunities and faculty-led events.

From October 15 to 17, the weekend welcomed hundreds of alumni back to Dal's Halifax and Truro campuses for a diverse lineup of events showcasing the impact and strength of the Dal community.

Here are some highlights:

Champagne Social

Over 70 alumni and guests gathered at Via Condotti Restaurant in Halifax for the Alumni Days Champagne Brunch, celebrating milestone reunions and reconnecting with classmates. It was a lovely morning filled with great conversations, shared memories, and plenty of reasons to celebrate the Dal alumni community.

A collage of event photos with attendees toasting over brunch and mingling. Milestone anniversary alumni enjoyed brunch at the Champagne Social.

Agricultural Campus Homecoming

Alumni gathered for the annual Blue and Gold Awards Dinner, celebrating graduates whose leadership, service and accomplishments have made a lasting impact on their communities and the broader agriculture industry. The event also welcomed alumni celebrating milestone reunions, including members of the Class of 1966, who returned to campus to reconnect with classmates and mark 60 years since graduation.

This year's honourees were Emily Sutherland (Class of 2018), recipient of the Alum Volunteer of the Year Award; Jon Raymond Dykstra (Class of 2009), recipient of the Young Alum Achievement Award; and Sherry Porter (Class of 1975), recipient of the Distinguished Alum of the Year Award. Together, the recipients exemplify the leadership, generosity and commitment that define the Faculty of Agriculture community and the enduring impact its graduates continue to make across Atlantic Canada and beyond.

A man and a woman holding framed certificates at an event. Blue and Gold Award recipients Jon Raymond Dykstra (Young Alum Achievement) and Emily Sutherland (Alum Volunteer of the Year).
A collage of two event photos where a large group is posed together and another is seated at a dinner table at an event. Celebrating the Blue & Gold alumni award recipients.

2026 Stanfield Conversation: After the Rupture

From global alliances to democratic resilience, this year's Stanfield Conversation (watch on YouTube) examined how Canada can respond to a changing international order and help shape what comes next. Hosted by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Department of Political Science with support from CBC, this year's theme, "After the Rupture: Democracy and Diversification in a Post-Liberal World," asked whether the fractured democracy at hand is repairable.

Moderated by CBC’s David Cochrane, host of Power & Politics, the panelists were Lynette Ong (University of Toronto), Maxwell Cameron (University of British Columbia) and Sanjay Ruparelia (Toronto Metropolitan University).

Panelists framed the current moment as a profound and likely lasting rupture in the postwar international order, marked by weakening U.S. dominance, democratic erosion and growing global polarization. Rather than relying on a return to the status quo, they suggested Canada should diversify its partnerships through alliances with Europe, countries in the Global South, and, where beneficial, China. They closed the conversation with an optimistic reminder: citizens are at the forefront of democracy. Read more insights from the conversation in Dal News.

Four individuals are seated on an event stage in discussion with several banners behind them. L-R: David Cochrane, Lynette Ong, Sanjay Ruparelia and Maxwell Cameron on stage at the Stanfield Conversation. (Daniel Jardine photos)
People seated in a concert hall for an event. The Stanfield Conversation on Democracy held in the Joseph Strug Concert Hall .

Dentistry Alumni Awards and Platinum Reunion Reception

Dalhousie's Faculty of Dentistry proudly recognized an outstanding group of alumni and supporters at the annual Dentistry Alumni Awards. Honourees included Friend of Dal Dentistry recipient David Murchison (GreenShield), Early Career recipient Dr. Mo Salam (BSc'20, DDS'24), and Outstanding Alumni recipients Dr. David Dignan (DDS'86), Dr. Gorman Doyle (DDS’80), Dr. Jeff Williams (DDS’86), Dr. Sangeeta Wylie (DDS’01) and Melinda Ferguson-Robertson (DDH’88).

This year's recipients exemplify Dal Dentistry's values through their leadership, professional excellence, compassion, service and commitment to improving the lives of others. Their contributions have strengthened the profession, enriched communities and inspired future generations.

One of the highlights of DentDays 2026 was the inaugural Platinum Reunion Reception for alumni celebrating 51 years or more since graduation. The event recognized their careers, accomplishments and lifelong contributions to the profession, which have helped shape not only the Faculty's history but also the dental community across Canada and beyond.

A group of four people standing behind three people seated, each holding a crystal award or framed certificate at a semi-formal event. 2026 Dentistry Alumni Awards. Back row l-r: David Murchison, Dr. Gorman Doyle, Dr. Jeff Williams, Dr. David Dignan; Front row l-r: Dr. Mo Salam, Dr. Sangeeta Wylie, Stephanie Walker – GreenShield. Missing: Melinda Ferguson-Robertson.
A group of seated and standing event attendees. Alumni celebrating 51 years or more since graduation at the Platinum Reunion Reception.

Back row l-r: Dr. Simone Abbass (Vice-Chair of the Dentistry Alumni Committee), Dr. Elaine Gordon (DDS’69) – 57th reunion, Dr. Bill MacInnis (DDS’70) – 56th reunion, Dr. Lex MacNeil (DDS’73) – 53rd reunion, Dr. Doug Chaytor (DDS’62) – 64th reunion, Dr. Robert Sexton (DDS’68) – 58th reunion, Dr. Ben Davis (Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry); Front row l-r: Dr. Alastair MacLeod (DDS’62) – 64th reunion, Dr. Frank Lovely (DDS’59) – 67th reunion, Dr. Garry Condon (DDS’63) – 63rd reunion, and Dr. Doug Eisner (DDS’55) – 71st reunion.

Schulich School of Law Alumni Reunion Weekend

The Schulich School of Law welcomed alumni back to Halifax for its annual Law Alumni Reunion Weekend, bringing together graduates from across the years to reconnect with classmates, celebrate shared memories and strengthen their ties to the law school. 

The weekend kicked off with the Law Alumni Reunion Mixer at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Alumni enjoyed an evening of conversation, delicious food and live jazz. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with former classmates, make new connections and celebrate the enduring bonds of the Schulich Law community. 

On Saturday morning, alumni returned to the Weldon Law Building for Toast & Tribute, a celebratory gathering featuring a champagne brunch and the presentation of the school's annual alumni awards. The event recognized the exceptional achievements and contributions of alumni through the Weldon Award for Unselfish Public Service, the Bertha Wilson Honour Society and the Emerging Leader Impact Award. It was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate alumni excellence, reconnect with the law school and recognize the many ways Schulich Law graduates continue to make a difference in their communities and beyond. 

A collage of event photos. Attendees at the Law Alumni Reunion Mixer.
Alumni award winners (L-R): John Rogers, K.C., David Taylor, Thomas Nichini, The Honourable Brent Cotter, K.C., Dr. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, Angela Simmonds.

Management Curriculum Days 

Dal Management invited 23  alumni back to campus as guest lecturers for Curriculum Days. Over two days, alumni spoke to more than 2,400 students in six of the Faculty of Management’s programs. Alumni participants graduated between one and 45 years ago with titles ranging from senior analyst to president & CEO and business owner. It was an engaging opportunity for students to ask questions and for alumni to share their stories and advice.

A collage of people presenting in classrooms. Alumni joined classes as guest presenters during management's Curriculum Days.

Molly Appeal Luncheon

More than 70 friends and supporters of the Molly Appeal gathered at the Old Ashburn Golf Club for the annual Molly Appeal Luncheon, celebrating the impact of philanthropy on cardiovascular research at Dalhousie. Guests heard from Dr. Leah Cahill, whose research explores personalized approaches to heart health and disease prevention. The event also highlighted the Molly Appeal's more than 40-year legacy of advancing life-changing medical research and supporting the next generation of discoveries. 

A formal room full of people seated at round luncheon tables while a person presents at a podium with digital screen behind. Attendees of the 2026 Molly Appeal Luncheon.

Night at the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity

Dalhousie’s Faculty of Science welcomed alumni, family and friends to the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity for guided tours led by Discovery Centre staff. Guests explored two floors of interactive exhibits, while discovering marine species native to Nova Scotia. It was a memorable evening celebrating ocean science and the connections that bring the Dal community together. If you haven’t visited yet, be sure to stop by! Admission is free for Dalhousie faculty, students and staff. 

A group of people surround a table top display while focused on a person speaking under a bluish light. Attendees exploring the Beaty Centre. (Photo by Jocelyn Adams Moss)

Stay connected

Thank you to all who joined us for Alumni Days. We were delighted to see alumni from across generations come together to reconnect, learn and celebrate within the Dal community. We look forward to welcoming you back next year for Dal Alumni Days 2027 from October 13 to 16 and encourage alumni and friends to explore upcoming events and opportunities throughout the year.