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Two researchers from Dalhousie’s Faculty of Science and Faculty of Medicine are being presented with a regal honour. Dr. Jeff Dahn of the Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science and Dr. Kenneth Wilson of the Division of Plastic Surgery have been appointed to the Order of Canada: Dr. Dahn as an Officer, Dr. Wilson as a Member. They were among the 114 new appointments to the Order announced in December by the Governor General of Canada. As well, Dal alum B. Denham Jolly (Diploma in Engineering’58 from Nova Scotia Agricultural College, now Dal’s Faculty of Agriculture), was appointed a Member “for his contributions to the promotion of equity and opportunity within the Greater Toronto Area’s Black community.” Two Dalhousie alumni also recently joined the ranks of the outstanding and dedicated individuals recognized with the Order of Nova Scotia: Shawna Y. Paris-Hoyte (BA’78, LLB’94, BSW’01, MSW’03) and the Honourable Dr. Donald Oliver (LLB’64, LLD’03) were announced as
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recipients of the Order of Nova Scotia in November. Dr. Oliver of Wolfville is a human rights activist, lawyer, and former Canadian senator. Born in New Glasgow and raised in Truro, ParisHoyte has made significant contributions to social justice and law, in addition to her efforts as a social worker and educator. —Michele Charlton and Sarah Sawler
New Dal Board chair Bob Hanf (LLB’89) is the new chair of Dalhousie’s Board of Governors. Hanf has served on Dal’s Board since 2013 and has chaired both the Academic & Student Affairs Committee and the Community Affairs Committee during that time. Most recently, he took over as interim chair. His new appointment makes him the Board’s permanent chair through to the end of June 2023. “It feels monumental to me, personally,” says Hanf of being asked to chair the Board of his alma mater. “I’m the first person in my family to go to university. I’ve benefitted a great deal from having graduated from Dal Law and this is another way I can give back to the university and the broader community. I’m truly quite humbled.”
An accomplished executive leader, Hanf retired last year from Emera after having spent nearly 20 years in senior roles in its group of companies, most recently as the company’s executive vice-president, stakeholder relations and regulatory affairs. Hanf, who lives in Halifax with his partner, also has a lengthy list of community roles that he’s partaken in, including work with St. Andrew’s United Church Council, the IWK Health Centre and the Hospice Society of Greater Halifax. “In my time working with Bob, his commitment to supporting Dal’s students and furthering the university’s impact in our local communities and around the world shine through,” said Dal President Deep Saini at the time of Hanf’s appointment. “I look forward to continuing our work together on many
exciting opportunities that lie ahead for Dalhousie University.” —Ryan McNutt
New federal funding for vaccine work In November, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced close to $28 million in research infrastructure support through the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) Exceptional Opportunities Fund. The funding, which covers the urgent need for equipment for ongoing research related to COVID-19, will support 79 projects at 52 universities and research hospitals, colleges, polytechnics and CÉGEPs across Canada. One of the funded projects is being led by researchers at Dal, the Bob Hanf (LLB’89), new chair of Dalhousie’s Board of Governors.
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