Getting engaged in student life is about so much more than a student's own experience. It's also about building community, supporting others and striving for change — qualities this year's 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ Board of Governors' Award winners illustrate so well.

Dozens of students and student groups were recognized over the past week as part of the 2021 IMPACT awards, lauded via video for their leadership on and off campus and their contributions to academic life, student life, residence life, and community service.

Chris Harvey-Clark, Dal's director of animal care, has been recognized for outstanding service to the Canadian Council on Animal Care, the national body responsible for setting, maintaining, and overseeing the implementation of high standards for animal ethics and care in science throughout Canada.

The College of Continuing Education has changed its name to the Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development, a shift reflecting a renewed and refreshed purpose to facilitate learning journeys that are easily accessible and transformative.

A group of forward-thinking Dal students started the Ecology Action Centre as a class project in 1971. Now, as the environmental advocacy organization celebrates its 50th anniversary starting today on Earth Day, it does so more influential than ever — a testament to the dedicated individuals, many with Dal connections, who stood by the group through good times and bad.