Introducing a new series: We Are Dal

What inspires that person standing next to you in the coffee line? Who is that student you see in class three times a week? How well do you know the person who works in the cubicle next to you?

Throughout the next year, you’ll have the chance to learn more about some of the thousands of individuals who live, work, study, and play at Dalhousie through a new storytelling series launching today.

We Are Dal uses first-person narrative and black-and-white portraiture to give you an intimate glimpse into the life of a new person each week. The first three We Are Dal profiles were revealed this morning, with a new person to be introduced each Tuesday for the next 52 weeks.

The goal of the series it to use the power of people’s stories — told in their own words — to deepen connections, increase engagement, and elevate awareness and pride in the many contributions people make to the Dal community and beyond every day.

An immersive experience

Inspired by the photoblog Humans of New York, We Are Dal uses direct quotations to evoke the feeling of an overheard conversation and photographs that envelop you in an important aspect of each person’s world.  

We Are Dal profiles individuals from all corners of the university, aiming to unearth some of the exceptional personal stories not profiled elsewhere. You’ll meet staff, faculty, students, contract workers, neighbours, prospective students, partners, athletes, caterers, custodians and more.

People like Abdirahman Haiye, an engineering student on Dalhousie’s Agricultural Campus who arrived at Dalhousie from a Kenyan refugee camp. Or Rob Sandeski, the trained funeral services professional who currently manages Dal’s human body donation program. And grad program coordinator Pam Sutherland, whose favourite place in the world is the inside of a woodworking studio.

You’ll be able to find their stories on weare.dal.ca, on Dal’s social media accounts, in the Dal News Weekly newsletter, and in the Today@Dal newsletter.

There are thousands more personal stories to be told across our community. If you have suggestions on who could be featured next on We Are Dal, email us at wearedal@dal.ca