Celebrating philanthropy with Dalhousie’s friends and supporters

Dalhousie’s annual Celebration of Philanthropy was an evening with valued friends and supporters, honouring the difference they make across Dal campuses and in communities.

Laurette and the Shaws standing together, smiling at an event.

Posted: November 28, 2024

By: Alison DeLory

Dal’s friends and supporters came together to celebrate philanthropy at the Emera ideaHUB on Sexton Campus on Nov. 28, 2024.

From providing critical financial assistance, to bolstering experiential learning and research, and enhancing academic and athletic programming, donor support plays a vital role in shaping Dalhousie its communities.

It was a special year, as in April 2024, Dal launched its Bringing Worlds Together campaign. At the Celebration of Philanthropy event, AVP Development Jen Laurette announced Dal has already well over half of its $750-million target, and that we’ve connected with over 300,000 alumni so far, reaching 61 per cent of its engagement goal. “The momentum is strong, and we’re on track for success thanks to the generous support of our donors,” Laurette said.

People gathered around a table covered in a black tablecloth and name tags; three people stand together smiling.

Each year during this event, Dal is pleased to recognize the members of the MacLennan Society—a group of more than 8,500 Dal alumni and friends who thoughtfully and generously donate to the university year after year in support of areas they’re passionate about.

Dr. Ronald Gilkie (BSc’60, BEng’62, MEng’64) and Mary Barker (BA’67) were presented with their gold-level MacLennan Society pins, acknowledging their 50 years of giving to Dalhousie. They have given in almost every year since 1971, and are among fewer than 30 households who have attained gold level of the MacLennan Society.

Gilkie looks on as Barker's pin is attached to her jacket lapel, both smiling, at the event.

A student describes a project display to two guests at an event; a student speaks with a donor at an event.

Donors also had the opportunity to meet Dal Engineering student groups who were showcasing some of their projects to learn, ask questions, and see firsthand the incredible work they’re doing.

Dal FSAE

Dalhousie Formula SAE students design, build, test and race an open-wheeled race car using first-principles-based engineering methods and then compete in the Formula Student collegiate competition hosted by the Society of Automotive Engineers

Four students gathered around a race car; a student speaking with event guests.

Force Seven Sailing

Force Seven Sailing is a Dalhousie student design group created in collaboration with Memorial University of Newfoundland. They will be competing in the SuMoth competition, which involves designing, building, testing and racing a foiling Moth class sailboat.

Event attendees gathered around a sailboat on display.

Dalhousie Space Systems

Dalhousie Space Systems Lab (DSS) is Dal’s first and only lab dedicated to the research and development of spaceflight systems, working to facilitate the growth of spaceflight research and design amongst the Atlantic community.

Students display their work at an event with lap tops on a table and banners in the background.

Global Engineering Brigades

Dal's chapter for Global Engineering Brigades is partnered with Global Brigades, an organization whose mission is to create sustainable health systems for communities in need (for Dal Engineering, those communities are in Honduras).

A student casually speaks with two guests at an event.

Dal MAST

The Dalhousie Microtransat Autonomous Sailboat team is a multi-disciplinary engineering group that designs and builds a sustainable, small-scale, autonomous sailboat capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The marine vessel then competes in the ‘Microtransat Challenge,’ which challenges teams to launch their vessel off the coast of the Atlantic to journey across the ocean.

Dalhousie Combat Robotics

Students with Combat Robotics are looking forward to developing a robust design, building, and then extensively testing robots this year. The goal is to be competition-ready in 2025, when they will submit their battle bot to the National Havoc Robotics League (NHRL).

Thank you to all who attended Dal’s annual Celebration of Philanthropy event this year. You set an aspirational example of dedication and commitment to Dalhousie through your loyal support.

Guests gathered around a person speaking from a podium, overhead view; Laurette at the microphone, smiling.