From the Summer 2013 issue of Dal Magazine.

Incoming Dal Alumni Association president Barrie Black (BA’71, LLB’71) reflects on his connection to the university

My favourite moment at Dal: I was admitted into Dal’s School of Law School in September, 1968 and remember sitting in the classroom that first week, looking around at my classmates from so many different places and feeling honored and privileged to be among such an exceptional group of people.

The most important lesson I learned at Dal: In the academic, social and athletic areas that I involved myself in I came to understand the importance of a team environment in getting things done. People are far more engaged when they are feeling that they are an important part of something that is bigger than the individual.

Best alumni moment: The Alumni Association chose Andy McKay, Mr Dalhousie, to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award last year. He was the Dean of Law and my professor when I was a student, and I was on the Board of Governors when he was the president of the University in the mid-’80s. He always had time for you and when he spoke, it was well thought out and beneficial in resolving the issue at hand. Our University was, and is, a much better place because of him.

Why staying connected to Dal is important to me: My years at Dalhousie (1965-1971) were the cornerstone of who I became. I  an very proud of my school and look forward to doing what I can in the future to contribute to its ongoing growth. Recent studies have shown that a connected alumni is a key part in ensuring the higher ranking of the school will continue – something we all want.