Last week, Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor Mike Savage announced 10 new appointments to the Order of Nova Scotia. The province's highest honour, it recognizes individuals who’ve made significant contributions to Nova Scotia across a diverse range of fields.
Six of the 10 recipients from this year’s roster of honourees are Dalhousie alumni, and several have deep connections to the university.
They include Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch, faculty member in the School of Social Work. Renowned for her research examining the impact of structural, systemic and institutional racism on diverse populations — particularly people of African descent — her Dalhousie contributions are legion: co-founding the Imhotep’s Legacy Academy, co-chair of Promoting Leadership in Health for African Nova Scotians, former director of the Black Student Advising Centre, and much more. She is also said to be the first historical African Nova Scotian to graduate with a Dalhousie PhD, and most recently served as the university’s Assistant Vice-Provost of Equity and Inclusion.
“None of this would be possible without my family, community, friends, and working colleagues,” said Dr. Hamilton-Hinch, who is currently on sabbatical, on a post on LinkedIn. “I appreciate your ongoing support and working with me to continue to make a difference.”
Also being honoured Dr. Shelly Whitman of the Dalhousie-hosted Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security. Dr. Whitman has served as the institute’s executive director since 2010, helping it garner international acclaim for its work to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed combat. Prior to joining the institute, while based at UNICEF HQ, she worked on the inter-Congolese dialogue and the OAU Rwanda Genocide Report and was also previously a faculty member with Dalhousie’s Centre for Foreign Policy Studies.
“I am honoured the work of the Dallaire Institute is being recognized and hope it will help bring attention to the importance of protecting children around the world who continue to face human rights abuses daily,” said Dr. Whitman. “I am equally grateful to the province for this recognition and hope it helps demonstrate that Nova Scotia has much to contribute to addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges."
Alumni honourees
In addition to Dr. Hamilton-Hinch, a Dalhousie graduate three times over (BRec’91, MA’98, PhD’16), Dal alumni being appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia this year include:
- Wadih M. Fares (BEng’80), donor and former Board member recognized as a “businessman, engineer and philanthropist… for contributions to economic development, immigration, health care and community organizations.”
- Dr. John Hamm (BSc’58, MD’63), “physician and former premier,” honoured posthumously, “recognized for contributions to public service, health care, education, and Nova Scotia’s economic and fiscal development.”
- Dr. Leslie Jane McMillan (MA’97), “legal anthropologist and educator; recognized for advancing Indigenous rights, justice and reconciliation through research, education and community collaboration.”
- Lynn Murphy (MLS’71), “activist, community builder and historian; recognized for advancing human rights and preserving the history of Nova Scotia’s LGBTQ2+ communities.”
- Judge Corrine Sparks (LLB’79, LLM’01), “jurist, legal educator and community leader; recognized for advancing equity and human rights and for her ground-breaking contributions to Nova Scotia’s and Canada’s legal profession.”
In total, 146 members have been invested into the Order of Nova Scotia since it was established in June 2001. This year's new members will be celebrated at an investiture ceremony in this fall, where they will receive thier insignia and appointment scroll.