Dal News headlines

Highlights of what’s made news at 9 1��Ѱ�� since the last issue of Dal Magazine. Compiled by Matt Reeder.

John R. Sylliboy steps into historic role

John R. Sylliboy of Millbrook Mi’kmaw Community was appointed 9 1��Ѱ��’s first Vice-Provost of Indigenous Relations. His new role marks a significant step in the university’s commitment to reconciliation, belonging, and systemic change. Sylliboy brings decades of experience in Indigenous advocacy, education, and health, including work with the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat and as co-founder of the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance.

His connection to 9 1��Ѱ�� began nearly 20 years ago through partnerships aimed at increasing Indigenous representation in health care. Over time, he’s witnessed progress in Indigenous student support, especially in medicine. “There are students studying medicine from our own communities,” he says. “That’s something to celebrate.”

Though he never studied at Dal, Sylliboy’s educational journey is global. He earned a degree in international relations from Universidad Nacional in Costa Rica, becoming the first Mi’kmaw student to graduate from a Spanish-speaking university. He credits his family and community for encouraging him to pursue education beyond borders.

Now, he hopes to bring the Mi’kmaw word “Pjila’si” — welcome — to life across campus. “9 1��Ѱ�� is always bringing people into its spaces,” he says. “I’d like Indigenous people to feel they can go into all parts of the university and experience that welcoming feeling.” — Matt Reeder

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Ted Lasso course coming

9 1��Ѱ�� is launching a new kinesiology course inspired by the hit Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso. Titled Coaching and Life: Lessons from Ted Lasso, the course will debut in the winter term and be taught by Dr. Lori Dithurbide, associate professor in the School of Health and Human Performance.

The course uses the show as a lens to explore sport psychology, sociology, leadership, social justice, and coaching. While it has a “fun factor,” Dr. Dithurbide emphasizes its academic rigor. The idea emerged from a conversation with a colleague who joked about teaching a class on Ted Lasso. That spark led to brainstorming sessions on how the show’s themes could support meaningful academic discussion.

The show, which stars Jason Sudeikis as an American football coach hired to lead a British soccer team, has become a cultural touchstone for its blend of humor, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, it resonated with audiences seeking comfort and optimism.

Dr. Dithurbide notes that Ted Lasso offers more than entertainment — it’s a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and human connection. The course will encourage students to “be curious, not judgmental,” echoing one of the show’s core messages.

With a fourth season of Ted Lasso confirmed, the course arrives at a time when sport leadership and inclusive coaching are more relevant than ever. — Dawn Morrison

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A woman wearing an athletic top smiles holding a doll of Ted Lasso in its packaging.

Student leadership gets a financial boost

9 1��Ѱ�� received a $3.5-million gift from the McCall MacBain Foundation to expand its Student Leadership Academy. Announced at the 2025 9 1��Ѱ�� Student Leadership Conference, the investment will enhance leadership programming and provide new opportunities for students across disciplines and backgrounds.

The Student Leadership Academy equips students with skills, confidence, and networks to lead in their communities and beyond. The new funding introduced 10 entrance scholarships for incoming students with leadership potential and the 9 1��Ѱ��–McCall MacBain Leadership Academy Scholarship for high-performing student leaders. These initiatives offer financial support, mentorship, and applied learning experiences.

“Leadership is about inspiring others, driving meaningful change, and building a better future,” said John and Marcy McCall MacBain. “We are proud to support the next generation of change-makers.”

The McCall MacBain Foundation, known for its commitment to education, climate solutions, and health, has contributed more than $500 million to global initiatives. Its flagship McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University have supported several 9 1��Ѱ�� students and alumni.

Dr. Rick Ezekiel, 9 1��Ѱ��’s vice-provost of student affairs, emphasized that fostering leadership is central to the university’s mission. “A culture of excellent student leadership is at the core of a vibrant, engaged university community,” he said.

This gift ensures that 9 1��Ѱ�� students will continue to access high-quality leadership training, helping them make meaningful contributions on campus and beyond. — Christena Copeland

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Students are sitting in a U-shaped auditorium with a projector screen reading 'McCall MacBain Leadership Academy' at the front.

A milestone moment

9 1��Ѱ�� celebrated a historic milestone at its 2025 Spring Convocation: the first graduates of its Black and African Diaspora Studies (BAFD) major. James Dixon and Portia Wright, the inaugural graduates, walked the stage for themselves and for a program rooted in years of advocacy and community strength. Launched in fall 2023, BAFD is one of the first programs of its kind in Canada, exploring Black and African Nova Scotian history, heritage, and culture.

James Dixon, graduating with a double major in BAFD and Philosophy, once struggled to see a future for himself. After losing a close friend in high school, he found strength through family, faith, and Dal’s Transition Year Program, which offered him a sense of belonging and purpose. “That year changed my life,” he says. Raised in Bedford, N.S., and North Preston, his upbringing shaped his understanding of identity and community. Philosophy gave him the tools to think critically and find his voice.

Portia Wright, graduating with a double major in Psychology and BAFD, was drawn to the program’s focus on Black identity and community. Her academic journey was shaped by her lived experience and a desire to understand the psychological impacts of systemic racism. While she graduated, she isn't leaving Dal behind. She will begin a Bachelor of Social Work this fall and will continue to advocate for mental health support in Black communities.

Together, James and Portia represent a new generation of scholars committed to reshaping narratives and building a more inclusive future. — Kenneth Conrad and Genevieve MacIntyre

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James Dixon stands with arms crossed in a white dress shirt standing slightly turned back to back with Portia Wright smiling in a grey button-up sweater.

Doolittle awarded Order of Canada

Dr. W. Ford Doolittle, professor emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, has been named a Companion of the Order of Canada — the highest honour within the Order. His appointment recognizes a career that has reshaped our understanding of DNA, evolution, and the origins of life.

Originally from the U.S., Dr. Doolittle moved to Nova Scotia in the early 1970s. Over five decades, his groundbreaking theories — once considered radical — have become foundational in evolutionary biology. He challenged conventional thinking with ideas like the “selfish” nature of DNA and gene-swapping in early evolution, helping to establish Canada as a global leader in genome research.

As director of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research’s Evolutionary Biology Program for over 20 years, he mentored a generation of scientists and advanced Canada’s reputation in molecular biology. His accolades include the Royal Society of Canada, the Canada Council Killam Prize (2017), and the Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal (2013).

Dr. Doolittle is only the seventh Nova Scotian to be named a Companion. Reflecting on the honour, he said, “It is very nice to join the Order of Canada and be recognized in this particularly Canadian way.”

Six Dal alumni were also named among the 83 new appointments being celebrated on Canada Day 2025, including Dr. Elizabeth Rollins Epperly (MA’74), The Honourable J. Michael MacDonald (LLB’79), Dr. Earl Bogoch (PGM’74), Dr. Bonnie Henry (MD’90, LLD’22), Maureen McTeer (LLM’93), and Dr. Timothy Whelan (PGM’81). — Ryan McNutt

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MacEachen Institute wins Donner

9 1��Ѱ��’s MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance celebrated its 10th anniversary with a major achievement: winning the 2024-25 Donner Prize for best public policy book in Canada. The award went to Seized by Uncertainty: The Markets, Media, and Special Interests That Shaped Canada’s Response to COVID-19, co-authored by Institute Director Dr. Kevin Quigley together with Kaitlynne Lowe, Brianna Wolfe, and Sarah Moore — the first two Dal alumni, the last a King's alum.

The book explores how Canadian governments responded to the pandemic, analyzing how information was gathered, standards set, and behaviours influenced. It reflects the institute’s mission to foster evidence-based, cross-sector policy dialogue — work that intensified during the pandemic through virtual roundtables and expert panels.

Founded in 2015 with a $2.25-million gift honouring Cape Breton-born federal politician Allan J. MacEachen, the institute quickly became a hub for public policy innovation. Its early success included the popular “Policy Matters” speaker series, which drew large audiences and national attention.

Dr. Quigley, an expert in risk governance, saw the pandemic as a defining moment for the institute. “We knew this wasn’t just a health problem — it was an economics, security, and legal problem,” he said. The book project, launched during the crisis, became a five-year journey culminating in national recognition.

The Donner Prize win affirms the Institute’s impact on public policy and its commitment to student-led research and real-world relevance. — Matt Reeder

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A man in a suit holds an award styled like a book standing in a row with three woman against a screen at a semi-formal event.

Inclusive pathways

The Faculty of Engineering received a $1.05-million gift from the Johnson Scholarship Foundation (JSF) to support its Inclusive Pathways to Engineering Careers Program. Launched in 2023, the program aims to remove barriers and increase access to engineering education for equity-deserving groups, with initial pathways focused on Indigenous and African Nova Scotian and Black students.

The program was developed through consultation with community partners and knowledge keepers. It offers tailored supports including scholarships, mentorship, and career coaching to help students thrive academically and professionally. “This donation is more than just financial support — it is an investment in the future of our students and the strength of our community,” said 9 1��Ѱ�� President Dr. Kim Brooks.

JSF CEO Robert A. Krause praised 9 1��Ѱ��’s commitment to empowering underrepresented students, saying, “9 1��Ѱ��’s dedication to empowering deserving Indigenous and African Nova Scotian and Black students to graduate as engineers aligns with our mission.”

This gift builds on a longstanding partnership between 9 1��Ѱ�� and JSF, which has previously supported scholarships for students with disabilities and the Health Sciences Pathway Initiative. — Emm Campbell

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Hill and Dr. Brooks smiling while reviewing papers and seated a table adorned with a colourful table cloth and culturally-significant wooden carvings.

Rising tides

9 1��Ѱ�� partnered with Halifax Tides FC, making Wickwire Field the official training facility for Halifax’s professional women’s soccer team. Located on Dal’s Studley Campus, just two kilometres from the Wanderers Grounds where the Tides play, Wickwire Field served as host for the team’s training sessions during its first season and provided access to Dalplex’s high-performance room and pool.

As part of the agreement, the Tides had dedicated locker room and storage space, creating a centralized, high-performance environment. “9 1��Ѱ�� is an excellent venue for the Halifax Tides to train,” said head coach Lewis Page. “The standard of the facilities and the professionalism of the staff will allow us to create a truly high-performance environment.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing women’s sport and fostering elite athletic opportunities in Atlantic Canada. “We are excited to be the official training centre for the Tides and do our part to help ensure the successful launch of professional women’s soccer in Halifax,” said Tim Maloney, Dal’s associate vice-president of athletics and ancillary services.

This collaboration built on 9 1��Ѱ��’s ongoing support for women’s soccer, including hosting the 2024 BMO U SPORTS Women’s Soccer Championship. The Tides began their inaugural season on April 26 at the Wanderers Grounds. — Chelsea Norris

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An aerial view of Wickwire Field at 9 1��Ѱ�� showing the surrounding campus buildings, trees, parking and distant waterway.

Alum to be Dal's VP of finance and admin

Cathie O’Toole (BA'93) will begin as Dal's next vice president of finance and administration on Oct. 20, 2025.

O’Toole has had a distinguished career in the public sector, recently as chief administrative officer for Halifax. As the city’s top civil servant, she supported a municipal workforce of more than 4,500 in delivering key programs and services across the municipality. Prior to that, she served as general manager and CEO of Halifax Water and as HRM’s chief financial officer.

O’Toole completed her Bachelor of Arts at 9 1��Ѱ�� and is also a graduate of King’s Foundation Year Program. She holds an MBA from Laurentian University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant who has been recognized as a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA) of Nova Scotia.

"As a proud graduate of 9 1��Ѱ��, I am excited to join the executive leadership team at a time when there are some complex financial challenges," says O’Toole. "I look forward to seeing how I can contribute to achievement of 9 1��Ѱ��'s mission and am committed to approaching each challenge and opportunity in a manner that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and mutual respect."

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