Each year we recognize a group of outstanding Dalhousie alumni with an Aurum Award. The winners are recognized for their achievements in research and innovation, community engagement and leadership, and contributions to the social, cultural and economic well-being of society.

2020 Honourees

Watch a video of the recipients.

Dr. Sultan Darvesh (MD’88)

Dr. Sultan Darvesh (MD'88)

For 20 years, Dr. Darvesh has searched for a key to unlocking the mystery of Alzheimer’s disease. A neurologist and a chemist, Dr. Darvesh leads a team of researchers at Dalhousie in groundbreaking work that could be a gamechanger for millions of people living with the disease.

Denise Pothier (BEng’93)

Denise Pothier (BEng'93)

Denise’s background is in chemical engineering, but she has distinguished herself through her advocacy for inclusion and diversity. For 20 years, she has been advancing inclusivity in the engineering field, motivated as much by her own experiences in a male-dominated profession as it is by her Acadian and Mi’kmaq heritage.

Doug Reid (BComm’82)

Doug Reid (BComm'82)

For more than 35 years, Doug has been helping entrepreneurs future-proof their businesses. That experience has made him a vital ally in community building, not just raising funds for health care and culture, but also developing the next generation of leaders.

Robert Zed (MHSA’86)

Robert Zed (MHSA'86)

Health is the cornerstone of everything Robert does. As the chair and CEO of Triangle Strategies, he has helped connect companies that specialize in innovative health-care technologies with health industry decision-makers. As a community leader, he’s a passionate advocate for mental health and he is also a mentor to students in Dalhousie’s Faculty of Health.