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McCall MacBain Foundation Invests $3.5M to Expand Dalhousie Student Leadership Academy

HALIFAX, NS – Dalhousie University is proud to announce a $3.5-million investment from the McCall MacBain Foundation to expand the Dalhousie Student Leadership Academy, enhancing leadership development opportunities for students. Announced at the Dalhousie Student Leadership Conference on March 1, the gift will fund scholarships for students in the High-Performance Leadership program, scholarships for incoming first-year students, and a new living-learning community in residence launching in fall 2025.

Launched in 2024, the Dalhousie Student Leadership Academy is a three-tiered program that fosters lifelong leadership skills and inspires students to act, grow, and create positive change—locally and globally.

"Leadership is about inspiring others, driving meaningful change, and building a better future," said John and Marcy McCall MacBain, founders of the McCall MacBain Foundation. "The Dalhousie Student Leadership Academy provides students with the tools, experience, and motivation to ensure individual achievements have a positive impact within their communities. We are proud to continue our partnership with Dalhousie University and to support the next generation of change-makers through scholarships and applied learning opportunities."

The funding will enhance the Academy’s high-performance leadership tier, offering advanced training to students with exceptional potential. The new living-learning community will provide an immersive environment where students can collaborate, mentor one another, and develop leadership skills together.

Dalhousie President Kim Brooks expressed gratitude for the McCall MacBain Foundation’s ongoing generosity and its role in advancing leadership development at Dalhousie.

"At Dalhousie, we believe leadership is cultivated through experience, mentorship, and community," Brooks said. "This investment allows us to provide more opportunities for students to build their leadership capacity, develop their voices, and contribute meaningfully to their fields and communities."

Dr. Rick Ezekiel, vice-provost, student affairs, highlighted the transformative impact of this investment on student leadership at Dalhousie.

"A culture of excellent student leadership is at the core of a vibrant, engaged university community that models the kinds of innovation and change we want to see in our communities and world," Ezekiel said. "The high-performance tier of the Student Leadership Academy brings together an inspiring group of student leaders from diverse disciplinary and life backgrounds. We are grateful to the McCall MacBain Foundation, whose generous support continues to enrich the high-performance leadership program. These investments in our talented students will contribute to the transformational changes they lead in our communities during their time in the academy at Dalhousie and beyond."

For students, the Academy is a life-changing experience. Julia DuJohn, a Student Leadership Academy participant, says the program has helped her develop the skills and confidence to lead with impact.

"I’ve always gravitated toward leadership roles, but the Student Leadership Academy changed how I think about leadership—it’s not just a title, it’s a skill that can be developed, refined, and mastered," DuJohn said. "One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of collaboration—leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about bringing people together, listening, and learning from different perspectives. Through this program, I’ve built meaningful connections, discovered my strengths, and gained the confidence to lead with both intention and empathy."

The McCall MacBain Foundation has been a committed partner in developing the Dalhousie Student Leadership Academy since its inception. This latest investment ensures the program will continue to support, inspire, and equip Dalhousie students to lead with purpose—now and in the future.

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Media Contact:
Christena Copeland
Director of Communications, Principal Giving
Dalhousie University
christena.copeland@dal.ca
902-441-8362