By Fallon Bourgeois
Photography: Danny Abriel
Alumna Pam Veinotte (BA’78) is steadfast in her support of Dal. This past year she was included in the cohort of donors inducted into the MacLennan Society, which celebrates alumni and friends who consistently give back to Dalhousie. 

Though it’s been 40 years since Pam Veinotte (BA’78) studied at Dalhousie, her connection to her alma mater remains strong. She credits her affinity to the university to the “life changing” four years she experienced there and for providing the foundation for a rewarding career with Parks Canada.

“For me, Dalhousie provided everything I was looking for in terms of a place to live, study, grow, have fun, and establish life-long friends. It’s a wonderful university and one which I’m proud to be associated,” she says.

That affinity has been instrumental in creating a legacy of giving back. As a loyal donor, who has generously supported the Department of English for the past four decades, her contributions are helping ensure that students have the same rich learning environment and opportunities that she says helped her grow both personally and academically.

Staying connected

A scholarship recipient herself, Pam has always believed in the value of supporting students – her motivation to give since the very beginning.

“Since I left Dal, I’ve directed my money toward the English department; it’s important to me to give back to the department that supported me for four years. I’m glad my gifts can help students in their endeavours, whatever they may be.”

In the early years of giving, Pam says because the department was so close-knit (during her time), she would often receive thank-you letters from former professors. “It was fun to receive those letters; it kept me in close contact not only with the department, but with people who were a part of my education.”

As the years have passed, while Pam has moved geographically further, her loyalty to Dal hasn’t wavered. She loves hearing from the department and never misses an opportunity to come to campus when visiting Halifax. She was especially thrilled when her daughter, Lynsey Balcom (BSc’12), moved into Shirreff Hall. “Oh, my goodness that took me right back,” she exclaims. “A lot of things have changed on campus, but not Shirreff Hall.”

Charting her path

A native of Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, Pam has had a rewarding and varied career with Parks Canada, which began when she was an undergrad student.

“I was very fortunate to get a position as a historic park guide at Port-Royal National Historic Site in Annapolis Royal during the summer of my third year. I felt very equipped to take it on because of my minor in History and love for Canadian History. After that first summer it became clear to me that I wanted a career with Parks Canada.”

That realization shifted her focus away from law school, which she had been considering, and toward communications.

Empowering others and giving back

“I’ve had a very rewarding career working with Parks Canada. It’s a wonderful organization that has given me an incredible variety of positions in the most beautiful places in the country. I’ve had the chance to collaborate with all levels of government and interact with wonderful stakeholders and residents.”

Over the years Pam has worked as an historic interpreter and head of visitor services. She’s held management roles in communications, marketing tourism in the Atlantic Region and the Mountain National Parks, and she has served as Field Unit Superintendent for Southern New Brunswick, Lake Louise/Yoho/Kooteany, and Banff. In 2012, she left Banff to take the helm at Rouge National Urban Park in Toronto – Canada’s first national urban park. Today, she’s serving as acting executive director responsible for Ontario and Waterways (Ontario and Quebec) for Parks Canada.

“My career has given me a lot of satisfaction. I love working with others to get things done, and I’ve met and worked with a lot of wonderful people throughout my years.”

And when Pam ponders what she would like her legacy to be, the answer comes quickly: “From a personal perspective, a good mother, spouse and friend. From a larger perspective, a person that has helped others be as successful as possible.

“We all hopefully give back in whatever way we can, and I’m happy that my gifts allow people to pursue their studies. I’m helping to continue a legacy that has been rooted for generations at Dal.”