The Dalhousie tradition runs deep in the Walker bloodlines, with no fewer than four generations counted among Dal alumni. Sisters Barbara and Joan are proud Dalhousie supporters and trailblazers in their own right.

While they may refer to themselves as “the ancient aunts” and joke that the only reason they play bridge is that it keeps them counting, Barbara and Joan Walker are far from the stereotypical image of retired spinsterhood that they laughingly project.

The truth is that Joan (BA ’48) and Barb (BA, BEd ’54) are both trail blazers in their own right (Joan as a social worker and Barb as a school administrator). Both women overcame significant hurdles in their professional careers and both are the very embodiment of a culture of service that straddles both their personal and professional lives.

That culture of service also extends to Dalhousie, with Barb serving on the Board of Governors and Joan’s support of the Dalhousie Art Gallery, just to mention two of the many ways they have given to Dal over the years. They are also the poster girls for the Annual Fund, which they have unstintingly supported for decades.

“I really enjoyed my years at Dalhousie,” says Joan, who helped create an endowment for the Dalhousie Art Gallery. “I spent eight years making asparagus sandwiches for the party after All that Jazz [the annual fundraiser].” “I think it’s worthwhile to support the institution that helped you make your living,” adds Barb, finishing her thought – something the sisters do a lot.