Countdown to Dal’s 200th
We’re less than a year away from marking Dal’s bicentennial.
Turning 200 is a rare and important milestone—how many organizations actually begin a third century? Like significant personal milestones, anniversaries are an opportunity to reflect and take stock, to connect or reconnect, to think about where we’ve come from and where we’re going. They are also about recognizing and thanking those who helped along the way.
We’re approaching Dal’s 200th in much the same way. What are the stories from the past that we should tell? What is driving us toward the future? How can we create opportunities for alumni to connect to each other and the university? What relationships are important to build or rebuild? How can we say an enthusiastic ‘thank you’ to all who contribute to Dal’s success?
Diverse and inspiring
From the moment we started researching and planning—with dozens of brainstorming sessions and more Post-its than you can imagine—the creative, thoughtful ideas just kept coming. A remarkable number of faculty, staff, students, alumni and retirees have shared ideas and enthusiasm. And the interest from our community to work with us on this event is equally exciting.
The bicentennial program is diverse, thoughtful, fun, robust and inspiring. There will be activities locally, nationally and internationally and wherever possible, they will be webcast. It includes nationally and internationally recognized speakers, legacy projects, conferences, partnerships with community organizations, original entertainment productions and the telling and sharing of so many Dal stories.
Lots to choose from
Many of the details are still being finalized, and some we want to keep under our hat a little longer, but here are a few details to whet your appetite.
Dal Originals: 52 stories and videos about Dal people who inspired, provoked and changed our world. Watch for a video teaser in December at dal200.ca.
New Year’s Day 2018: The 200th starts with a community-wide family skate and birthday cake with Dal Tigers at the Emera Oval.
Bicentennial address: On February 6, we’ll reflect on our first 200 years and look to the future. We’ll also unveil our new ceremonial object and 200th anniversary poem by Canada’s poet laureate and Dal grad George Elliot Clarke.
African Nova Scotia Music Association Awards: Coming to campus in February.
Frankenstein–1818 to today: The play edition, adapted by Dal grad Gillian Clark (BA’13) and performed by students at the Fountain School of Performing Arts, sees Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel reimagined for the stage.
Year of Belonging: A robust program exploring how we create a world where we all belong, concluding with the November launch of the Viola Desmond Legacy Lecture Series.
Great Debate: In April, experts challenge each other in response to the question ‘What is the next frontier—the ocean or outer space?’
Dal Bus: Travelling coast to coast throughout the year, stopping along the way for alumni receptions, school visits and more.
Plus alumni chapter events around the world, our biggest Homecoming ever in September and the launch of a new coffee-table pictorial celebration of Dalhousie.
Start at Dal200.ca
How can you get involved? Start by visiting Dal200.ca. It’s the best resource for all 200th information—and it’s also the place to post your Dal story: share your fondest memory, your favourite prof, lessons learned and more. Watch for 200th news from your faculty. And buy some swag—the Dal bookstore has a terrific selection of 200th branded gear dal.ca/bookstore.
Make plans to attend—and help us make plans for even more ways to celebrate! Ideas are still welcome, and you can share yours by emailing allison.auld@dal.ca.
Thank you for being part of the first 200 years. Here’s to 2018!
