Ralph Medjuck (LLD 2006, LLB 1954), a distinguished lawyer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and proud Dalhousie alumnus, passed away on Sept. 26 at the age 94.
Born and raised in Halifax, Medjuck built a career that shaped the physical landscape through many of the city's best-known buildings, hotels, and residential developments. After graduating from Dalhousie's Faculty of Law (now the Schulich School of Law) in 1954, he went on to lead major development projects while establishing himself as one of Nova Scotia's most respected entrepreneurs and community leaders.
A lifelong connection to Dalhousie
An engaged student, Medjuck immersed himself in campus life at Dalhousie. He played multiple varsity sports, participated in the Law Students' Society, and developed a connection to the university that would endure throughout his life.
Both Ralph and his wife, Shirlee Medjuck (BSc'53), served on Dalhousie's Board of Governors, contributing their time and expertise to the university's growth and success for more than 60 years through leadership, volunteer service, and generous philanthropy.
The couple’s ties to the university extend across multiple generations, with numerous children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family members studying and graduating from Dalhousie over more than a century — as far back as 1918 — when Medjuck's uncle, Abraham Medjuck, entered Dalhousie's medical program.
A legacy of philanthropy
One of Medjuck’s most visible legacies on campus is the Ralph M. Medjuck Building, a prominent feature of Halifax’s Spring Garden Road and home to Dalhousie’s Faculty of Architecture and Planning. The building was named in 2005, in recognition of a landmark $1-million commitment to the Faculty’s Studio Campaign.
His support also extended to student success through scholarships in Architecture and Engineering and funding for graduate students through the Medjuck Scholarship in Energy Studies.
A lasting impact
While Dalhousie remained close to his heart, Medjuck's philanthropy extended far beyond the university. He supported health research, community organizations, arts and culture initiatives, educational institutions, and causes within the Jewish community. Together with Shirlee, he dedicated his time, resources, and leadership to strengthening the communities in which he lived and worked.
At Dalhousie, his legacy is woven into the physical spaces students learn in, the scholarships that help them pursue their ambitions, and the generations of alumni who have benefitted from his leadership and generosity.
Dalhousie extends its sincere condolences to Shirlee and the Medjuck family, and all those whose lives he touched. His extraordinary contributions to the university and the broader community will be remembered with gratitude for years to come.