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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. 

Six individuals were added in June 2025.  We are proud to introduce them here, and showcase the complete list o f notable alumni of Dalhousie.

Engineering, architecture and planning
 

Jen Powley (MPlan’09) (1978–2023) was an activist, writer and tireless champion for people living with disabilities. Through her activism and writing, she also helped advance local causes related to environmental sustainability and refugee and LGBTQIA+ rights. 

Health and medicine 
 

Dr. Joni Guptill (MD’81) is an internationally renowned humanitarian and global health practitioner who worked with Doctors Without Borders (DWB)/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) for 29+ years. 

Arts and media
 

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. 

Law and justice/social justice
 

Murray Fraser (BA’57, LLB’60, LLD’94) (1937–1997) was a notable figure in post-secondary and legal education in Canada. He was the founding dean of the University of Victoria’s law school and served as president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary from 1988 – 1996. 

Sports

Dave Andrews (BA’70) is the former president and CEO of the American Hockey League (AHL). Under his leadership, the AHL became the primary development league for the National Hockey League (NHL), ensuring that players, coaches and officials received the highest-quality training available. 

Public service
 

Henry Hicks (BSc’37, LLD’80) (1915–1990) was the 16th premier of Nova Scotia and served as president of Dalhousie from 1963–1980. In 1972, he was appointed to the Senate of Canada.

Notable alumni

Notable alumni from Dalhousie University have achieved significant accomplishments and are well-known, or even famous, for their achievements, leadership and contributions to society.

Browse more notable alumni