Anne McLellan shares Dalhousie’s impact as honorary campaign co-chair

“This is such an important campaign for Dalhousie,” says McLellan, an Order of Canada appointee. “It is an opportunity for the university to play a lead role in finding solutions to major issues like climate change and food security. Given the potential impact Dal can have through this campaign, I’m happy to do whatever I can to help.”

A life shaped by Dalhousie

If anyone can speak to the impact of Dalhousie, it is McLellan. She has contributed to that over the years as a volunteer and donor, having served as a member and chair of the Dalhousie Advisory Council and as the university’s seventh chancellor. More importantly, she experienced it first-hand when she was a student in ways that proved to be profoundly transformative for her.

“It's important to help out where you can,” McLellan says. “That was the ethic with which I was raised. That’s what I saw in my community when I was growing up. I believe if you’re asked to contribute, you should seriously think about doing so.”

A legacy of giving back

When it comes to giving back to Dal, McLellan says she never needs to think twice. She has particularly fond memories of her time as the university’s chancellor—a role she held from 2015 until 2020. As fulfilling as it was to serve as an ambassador for the university and as an ex officio member of the Board of Governors, McLellan says it was the opportunity to preside at ceremonies such as convocation that she treasures most about the experience.

“The best part was shaking the hands of all the graduates and meeting their family and friends,” she says. “It’s a life-changing event for them, so being able to be part of that and share in their joy about their accomplishments was always humbling for me.”

McLellan’s commitment to Dal is also evident in her longstanding membership with the Dalhousie Advisory Council (DAC). Formed in 2011, its members—Dal alumni and friends—provided strategic counsel to the president on engaging new donors, fundraising, and trends that offered opportunities for growth.

“We provided an external perspective to help the university continue offering outstanding education, engaging in groundbreaking research, and contributing to wealth creation,” she says. “At the same time, it’s been a great opportunity for us to learn about the vital role that Dal plays in the province and beyond.”

An ambassador for transformative change

With the launch of Bringing Worlds Together, McLellan and the DAC have made the transition into serving as a campaign cabinet. Through their guidance and support, they are supporting the university’s efforts to meet its ambitious $750-million fundraising goal. McLellan sees her role as that of an ambassador: “I’m going to show up where I can and help make the case for why people should support Dal and what this campaign will mean,” she says.

For McLellan, a successful campaign will mean that Dalhousie is able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across the province and around the world, just as it did for her.  She believes the more people hear about Bringing Worlds Together and its goals, the more they will come together to support it, maximizing Dal’s impact. That, she adds, is why she and her fellow campaign cabinet members are delighted to be part of this effort.

“Everybody's here because we care about Dalhousie,” she says. “Through this campaign, we believe it will be able to deliver an enhanced educational experience and conduct more research that leads to discoveries that make the world a better place. I believe that message will resonate with people and help make this campaign a success.”