Oceans of opportunity

Dr. Tom Traves poses with award winners recognized at the Dalhouse Annual Dinner — Sean Foreman, James Morrow, Peter O'Brien and Margaret Casey. (Danny Abriel photo)

Dalhousie's annual dinner is a chance to honor those who have given so much of themselves in service to their alma mater. This year, the Dalhousie Alumni Association honored four such giving individuals.

Dr. Margaret Casey (MD '68, LLD '04) was awarded the A. Gordon Archibald Alumna of the Year for outstanding personal service, commitment and contribution to Dalhousie University. Described as a caring, compassionate physician, Dr. Casey is a strong supporter of the Faculty of Medicine and currently serves as president of the Dalhousie Medical Association.

Sean Foreman (LLB '98) was named Outstanding Young Alumnus. A partner in the law firm Wickwire Holm, Mr. Foreman assisted in the constitutional challenge that led to the legalization of same-sex marriage in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

James Morrow wins the Alumnus Achievement Award. A proud Lunenburger, Dr. Morrow believes in service to his community and his profession. He is a past president of the Lunenburg Board of Trade and has a long involvement with the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia.

Also honored was Peter O'Brien, who was given the Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award recognizes professors who take teaching to an exceptional level. A Dal grad, Dr. O'Brien teaches in the Department of Classics.

The guest speaker at the dinner was biology professor Jeffrey Hutchings, who spoke about vulnerable marine species and how research conducted at Dalhousie is making a difference.

He says scientists have a societal responsibility, not only to discover new information and present solutions but to communicate their research to the wider world.