Let us know your latest news by submitting a Class Connection online or e-mailing alumni@mta.ca and we will share it in a future edition of the Record.

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1950s

Hal (Harold) Giddens (’58) recently published a children’s book titled Charlie: The Little Bear that Did, about a bear cub growing up after it is rescued from the forest. Harold writes, “If anyone would like to buy a book, it's best to purchase directly from me, then $1 goes to the IWK Children's Hospital in Halifax. The IWK will benefit on every book sale in Atlantic Canada. All books I sell directly will be signed.”

1960s

Derek Anderson (’62) and his partner, Josie Ahls, stopped by campus recently to have dinner with student recipients of the Anderson Family Bursary. Derek has been a generous donor for 40 years, including supporting student financial aid. Thank You Derek! Pictured here with students Craig Musvasva (’26) and Esther Emmanuel (’25).

1970s

Congratulations to Wayne Vogan (’72), who was honoured with a 2023 Ruby Award, which celebrates excellence in Canadian Opera. A recently retired librarian from the Canadian Opera, Wayne has been a driving force behind the scenes since 1986. He safeguarded the COC's vast collection of scores, audio materials, and production books, while also ensuring musicians had precise and well-presented music. From acquiring to refining and adapting, Wayne's role was pivotal in providing legible music even in dim orchestra pits. Librarians like Wayne are the unsung heroes behind every performance.

Congratulations to Lydia Adams (’75, ’76, DMUS ’03) on her appointment to the Order of Canada for her outstanding contributions to Canadian music.

1980s

Congratulations to marathon runner John Savoie (’87) who was inducted into the Campbellton Sports Hall of Fame last summer.

Hugh Adsett (’87) was recently appointed Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons with Gobal Affairs Canada. Prior to this appointment, Adsett served as ambassador and permanent representative of Canada to the Organization of American States, in Washington, D.C.

Tracey Drummond, Arielle Asimakos, and Christina Nick (’89) enjoyed a hike up to Garibaldi Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park in July 2023.

1990s

Music alumna Jennifer Publicover (’90) was recently named Teacher of the Year by the Nova Scotia Registered Music Teachers' Association.

Fredericton poet Sue Sinclair (’95) has been shortlisted for the 2022 Derek Walcott Prize for Poetry. Sue's 2022 collection, Almost Beauty, is a captivating blend of new and selected poems from her illustrious career. This summer, the book clinched the New Brunswick Book Award for Poetry and secured an Alcuin Society Book Design third prize!

2000s

Constantine Christos Vassiliou (’02) recently co-edited a book entitled Liberal Education and Citizenship in a Free Society, published by the University of Missouri Press. Constantine is currently a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Houston.

John Main (’02), Minister of Health and Suicide Prevention in Nunavut, and Bruce Fitch (’80), Minister of Health in New Brunswick, crossed paths in Vancouver last October during the Federal Provincial Territorial Meetings of Ministers Health and bonded over their Mount Allison connection.

David Byrne (’04), professor of economics at the University of Melbourne, was recently named Young Economist of the Year by the Economic Society of Australia.

Congratulations to David MacDonald (’06) who received the 2023 Dr. Tom Marrie Award for leadership and excellence in anesthesia care by Nova Scotia Health. The award recognizes the individual who best exemplifies Dr. Marrie, Dalhousie University’s former dean of medicine’s leadership qualities of vision, integrity, patience, humility and compassion.

Congratulations to Erik Garf (’18) for his nominations in the Best Comedian and Best Comedy Show categories in the Coast’s 2023 Best of Halifax Readers' Choice Awards, alongside Sara Graham as “The Understudies.”

Please feel welcome to submit your own class connection online or by email to alumni@mta.ca and we will share it in a future edition of the Record.