Notable alumni

Dalhousie's notable alumni

Dal’s notable alumni have achieved significant accomplishments and are well-known in their respective professional and personal lives. These esteemed individuals have distinguished themselves through their achievements, leadership and contributions to society. They are widely recognized and respected in their professions or through their endeavours. We are proud to showcase them here, and invite you to regularly check back to see new additions as they are added.

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A collage of portraits of notable alumni from Dalhousie.

Agriculture

Carl Duivenvoorden

Carl Duivenvoorden’s (Agriculture Class of 1986) diverse agricultural career eventually led him towards his true calling: environmental advocacy. He is a speaker, writer and consultant on the topic of environmental challenges, particularly climate change.��

Dale Ells

Dale Ells (BScAg’59, LLD’11) (1939–2025)��led a life of service, tirelessly supporting community and professional organizations. For 28 years he was a senior administrator at Nova Scotia Agricultural College as dean of vocational and technical education. He was also an associate professor of economics and business, and director of NSAC’s Centre for International Development. 

Sherry Porter

Raised on a dairy farm, Sherry Porter (DDip (Agriculture)’75) has had an extensive career in the agricultural sector. She is an influential community builder, supporting numerous cultural, educational and health care not-for-profits. Porter was on Dalhousie’s Board of Governors for 10 years, serving as vice chair on three occasions.

Arts and media

Nobu Adilman

Nobu Adilman (BA’95) is the co-founder of the Toronto-based drop-in choir event, Choir!Choir!Choir!, which has inspired thousands of people to sing and has hosted events at Massey Hall, Carnegie Hall and the Radio City Music Hall.

Rose Cousins

Born and raised on Prince Edward Island, songwriter and singer Rose Cousins (BScK’99) is a vital part of the thriving East Coast music scene.

Jeremy Dutcher

Jeremy Dutcher (BA’13)��is a musician and songwriter focused on ensuring the continued use of his Native language, Wolastoqiyik. He’s won Juno Awards and the Polaris Prize.

Ian Hanomansing

Ian Hanomansing (LLB’86)��is a Trinidadian Candian television journalist. He has won Gemini and Canadian Screen awards.

Brandeis Denham Jolly

A Jamaican-Canadian broadcaster, publisher, civil rights activist and philanthropist, Brandeis Denham Jolly (NSAC’58) launched Canada's first Black-owned radio station, FLOW 93.5.��

Sarah Levy

Sarah Levy (BA’08)��is��an actor best known for��Schitt's Creek (2015),��SurrealEstate (2021)��Ի��Larry Crowne (2011). She works in TV and film.

Robert MacNeil

Robert MacNeil��(LLD’00) (1931–2024)��was a Canadian-American journalist, writer and television news anchor. He partnered with Jim Lehrer to create the landmark public television news program The Robert MacNeil Report in 1975 which eventually became the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour and is today the PBS NewsHour.

Robert (Robin) MacNeil speaking at an event.

Candy Palmater

Candy Palmater (LLB’99) (1968–2021) was a queer Indigenous actress, comedian and broadcaster. She had her own show on APTN and CBC Radio and was a contributor/guest on many others.

Robin Sharma

Robin Sharma (BSc’85, LLB’88, LLM’90)��has been a leadership expert, a best-selling author, podcast host and a humanitarian who founded the Robin Sharma Foundation for Children.