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The future of health is in capable hands.

Every Convocation is a celebration of achievement, perseverance, and possibility. This year, the Faculty of Health proudly congratulates the Class of 2026; a remarkable group of graduates who are poised to shape the future of health care, health systems, research, education, and community well-being.

On June 3, the Faculty of Health celebrated more than academic excellence. We celebrated compassion, curiosity, leadership and most importantly, a generation of graduates prepared to advance health in all its forms.

Throughout their studies, members of the Class of 2026 demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to serving others. They learned in classrooms, laboratories, clinics, hospitals, community organizations, schools, and research settings. They supported patients and clients, collaborated with peers from other disciplines, and developed the expertise required to make meaningful contributions in their chosen professions.

And as they crossed the stage, they joined a community of more than 27,000 Dal Health alumni in communities around the world.

Advancing Health, Changing Lives

Today’s Dal Health graduates are taking with them strong experience in collaborative, team-based learning. Whether studying nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, communication sciences and disorders, health administration, health sciences, health and human performance, or clinical vision science, they have learned that the best outcomes happen when professionals work together in service of patients, families, and communities.

They also graduate at a pivotal moment for health care. Across Canada and around the world, health systems are evolving to meet complex challenges, from an aging population and workforce shortages to creating and sustaining equitable access to care. The Class of 2026 enters these professions with fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a deep commitment to improving health outcomes for all.

The Honourable Michelle Thompson, Health and Wellness Minister, welcomed the class to an incredible career in her Convocation address. She offered poignant and heartfelt advice, saying, “I had a colleague tell me many years ago: we can’t always change the outcome for people -- sometimes people are too sick, too injured, perhaps their environment is too unsafe. But we can always impact their experience. When we are skilled, competent and compassionate, we become part of a story where despite the outcome, people felt seen and supported through an impossibly difficult time.”

The Honourable Michelle Thompson, Health and Wellness Minister.

The Honourable Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care also gave a thoughtful address to the graduates. "We know the strength of our care is in its people – whether as patient, care provider, or researcher – you are the most important part of health care," she noted.

“Your chosen fields of study are essential. You will fill critical jobs, and pursue research and graduate education, your thought leadership will further engagement in civic society in Nova Scotia, across the Maritimes, throughout Canada, and around the world,” said Catherine MacPherson, Chief Operating Officer for Shannex in her commencement remarks.

Each grad’s journey is unique

Many graduates have already made significant contributions through research, clinical practice, advocacy, community engagement, and leadership. Others have balanced demanding academic programs with family responsibilities, employment, volunteer work, athletics, or personal challenges. Each graduate’s journey is unique, but together they share a common dedication to making a difference. You can read about some of our graduates and learn their unique stories here

Their accomplishments also reflect the support of faculty members, clinical educators, staff, mentors, family members, friends, and communities who encouraged them along the way. Convocation is not only a celebration of individual achievement but also a recognition of the many people who helped make these successes possible.

As they embark on the next chapter of their journeys, the Class of 2026 carries forward Dal Health’s commitment to excellence, equity, innovation, and collaboration.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. We cannot wait to see what you accomplish next.