Inspiring our alumni and friends

October 6, 2004

Inspiring our alumni and friends

	Dal News online is pleased to present a personal conversation with this year's alumni award winners, including Professor Stephen Couglan. This video, which was first shown at the alumni dinner, was produced by Findlay Muir and was researched and written by Rosanne Cousins and Kim McDonald, of External Relations. The video is presented in QuickTime format.

Dalhousie must respond to the public expectation that all universities should provide a road to a better future for individuals and communities, said President Tom Traves, during a speech at the recent alumni dinner.

More than 500 alumni and friends gathered for the dinner and speech at the Westin Nova Scotia on Thursday, September 30.

The university's recent integrated brand marketing initiative enables us to clearly convey our vision to the general public. The new brand promise captures our unique role as Atlantic Canada's major comprehensive, research intensive, graduate and professional university.

"'Opportunities that inspire' is a very powerful idea. It cuts across all of our Faculties and all of our activities. It speaks to individual aspirations and our collective impact," said Traves. "Powerful ideas need effective communication to fulfill their potential."

During the dinner, Professor Stephen Coughlan was presented with the Alumni Award of Excellence for Teaching. A former Dal law student himself, he graduated in 1985 and began teaching in 1992. Over the past 12 years, he has made a lasting impact on many students.

He approaches teaching in three ways - he strives to ensure that learning is an active, enjoyable experience, he aims to give students the big picture, and he always treats students with respect. With goals as focused as these, it is not surprising that students find his classes comprehensive and fun.

	Peter Doig

The A. Gordon Archibald Awards for outstanding personal service, commitment and contribution to Dalhousie were presented to Peter Doig, Ron Gilkie, and the Women's Division of the Alumni Association.

Peter Doig served as Alumni Association President in 1984-85 and was a member of the Dalhousie Board of Governors for eight years. Ron Gilkie was recognized for over 35 years as a dedicated volunteer and staff member at the university, including his distinguished career at Tech/TUNS/Dalhousie. The Women's Division of the Alumni Association was recognized for 100 years of service to the university, including fundraising activities that have directly supported students.