A landmark $3.5-million investment in Dalhousie's Student Leadership Academy from the McCall MacBain Foundation promises to elevate student opportunities at the university and create lasting impacts for generations to come.
The gift, announced at the annual Dalhousie Student Leadership Conference on Saturday, will strengthen the academy, a program dedicated to equipping students with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to lead in their communities and beyond.
"Leadership is about inspiring others, driving meaningful change, and building a better future," said John and Marcy McCall MacBain, founders of the McCall MacBain Foundation. "The Dalhousie Student Leadership Academy provides students with the tools, experience, and motivation to ensure individual achievements have a positive impact within their communities. We are proud to continue our partnership with Dalhousie University and to support the next generation of change-makers through scholarships and applied learning opportunities."
This investment will expand the Student Leadership Academy by introducing ten entrance scholarships for incoming students with leadership potential and the Dalhousie-McCall MacBain Leadership Academy Scholarship for high-performance student leaders. These initiatives will provide financial support, mentorship, and new opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills and make a lasting impact.
The McCall MacBain Foundation is dedicated to advancing education, climate solutions, and health through strategic philanthropy. With a focus on leadership development, environmental sustainability, and youth well-being, the foundation has committed more than $500 million to initiatives that create lasting impact most notably, the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University, which supports future leaders dedicated to positive change. Several Dal students and alumni have received the scholarship.
A growing commitment to leadership excellence
Building a strong culture of leadership is central to Dalhousie's vision for student success. This investment will enable the university to expand its leadership programming, ensuring that students from all disciplines and backgrounds have access to high-quality leadership training.
"A culture of excellent student leadership is at the core of a vibrant, engaged university community that models the kinds of innovation and change we want to see in the world," said Dr. Rick Ezekiel, vice-provost of student affairs at Dalhousie.
"The high-performance tier of the Student Leadership Academy brings together an inspiring group of student leaders, as well as funding ten entrance scholarships; we are deeply grateful to the McCall MacBain Foundation for their generosity," he said. "These investments in our talented students will contribute to the transformational changes they lead both during their time at Dalhousie and beyond."
At Dalhousie, we believe leadership is learned through experience, mentorship, and a deep understanding of the world around us
Dalhousie President Kim Brooks echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how the McCall MacBain Foundation's support aligns with the university's commitment to fostering student success.
"At Dalhousie, we believe leadership is learned through experience, mentorship, and a deep understanding of the world around us," said President Brooks. "This generous gift allows us to expand opportunities for students helping them develop their leadership potential and empowering them to create positive change in their fields and communities."
Expanding opportunities for students
The SLA is designed to be accessible, engaging, and transformative. It provides hands-on learning experiences, mentorship from accomplished leaders, and opportunities to apply leadership skills in real-world settings. Students participate in workshops, coaching sessions, networking events, and the annual Student Leadership Conference, where they engage in thought-provoking discussions and hear from inspiring speakers.
The experience has been life-changing for SLA participant Julia DuJohn.
"I've always gravitated toward leadership roles, but the Student Leadership Academy changed how I think about leadership it's not just a title, it's a skill that can be developed, refined, and mastered," said DuJohn. "One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the power of collaboration. Leadership isn't about having all the answers, it's about bringing people together, listening, and learning from different perspectives. Through this program, I've built meaningful connections, discovered my strengths, and gained the confidence to lead with both intention and empathy."
Looking ahead
With the McCall MacBain Foundation's support, Dalhousie will expand and strengthen the Student Leadership Academy, ensuring more students can develop their leadership potential. This investment marks a pivotal moment one that will leave a lasting legacy for Dalhousie students for years to come.
"We want every Dalhousie student to see themselves as a leader," said Brooks. "This investment will help us open doors, inspire confidence, and equip students with the tools they need to lead with purpose and impact."
Applications for the Student Leadership Academy open on March 15th. Register now for a reminder and learn more about the program.
