9 1��Ѱ���

"I know this guy," Yip told his family.

They laughed him off. The surfer was far offshore, moving through the water nearly 35 years after Yip had last seen him. But Yip was certain. Sure enough, when the surfer came ashore, he looked at Yip and shouted an old nickname from their lifeguarding days: "Skippy!"

For Yip, it felt like one of those distinctly Nova Scotian moments. Unexpected. Familiar. Full circle. "These things don't happen, but they did that day," says Yip.

Today, Yip is President and CEO of , one of Canada's largest home and community health care organizations. The national social enterprise supports communities through health care delivery, research, education, innovation, and services focused on aging, caregiving, and health equity.

Finding his place

Long before leading a major health care organization, Yip was a student at 9 1��Ѱ��� trying to determine what direction his life would take.

Originally from Toronto, he arrived in Halifax after a cross-country trip and a growing realization that he wanted something different from the path he had originally planned. Several factors drew him east: a positive visit during summer orientation, the opportunity to , and a city that immediately felt welcoming.

I just found the people so welcoming and warm. It was absolutely perfect. — John Yip

More than a degree

Yip quickly immersed himself in campus life. He competed on the Dal Tigers varsity swim team, became active in the Science Society and student leadership, volunteered in health care settings, and spent summers lifeguarding at Nova Scotia beaches. At the same time, he pursued two degrees concurrently: a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies. A cross-listed marine conservation course proved particularly influential, helping him develop a growing interest in conservation, international waters and global affairs.

"I found the intersection of conservation and global affairs fascinating,” says Yip. “I realized that was an area I was interested in exploring more through my education."

He adjusted his academic plans accordingly, taking summer courses and overloaded semesters to complete both degrees within four years. Along the way, Yip says he discovered another important insight. "I found I was actually a way better writer than I thought."

His years at 9 1��Ѱ��� were shaped as much by what happened outside the classroom as inside it. Frustrated by the first-year biology experience, Yip helped organize one of the university's earliest student-led course evaluation initiatives. "No one had done student surveys of courses before,” says Yip.

We felt it was important for students to have a voice, so we did it. — John Yip

The feedback prompted meaningful changes to the program and helped create a stronger experience for future students. He also became involved in student leadership and campus initiatives focused on improving student life and safety.

Looking back, Yip sees those experiences as foundational. "It really set the foundation of where I am today and what I'm doing."

Making an impact

After graduating, Yip pursued business studies at McMaster University with a focus on health management. What followed was a career that blended health care, consulting, research, and innovation. Today, his work at spans health care delivery, aging, caregiving, health equity, research, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in home and community care.

"I still want to make the world a better place,” says Yip. “I’ve just changed the vehicle on how I get there."

Today, that mission guides both his leadership at SE Health and the organization's efforts to improve health and well-being for communities across Canada.

Lessons from the shoreline

More than three decades after leaving Halifax, Yip remains deeply connected to the friendships and experiences that shaped him during his years at 9 1��Ѱ���. Many of the people he met during his first week on campus remain among his closest friends today. “I knew I was in the right place,” says Yip.

Whether reconnecting with old friends on Nova Scotia beaches, helping shape the future of health care, or supporting caregivers across the country, Yip continues to draw on lessons that began during his time at 9 1��Ѱ���: stay curious, get involved, and look for ways to contribute.

Yip says his advice to today's students is simple: “Make the world a better place.” Then he adds a second piece of advice: “Have fun doing it.”