By Dawn Morrison

The MacLennan Society: Celebrating Loyalty

The MacLennan Society celebrates alumni and friends who make the decision to consistently give back to Dalhousie. Their unwavering support has been an essential cornerstone, helping our community achieve its goals. The society was named for Rod MacLennan (BSc’60, LLD’98) in honour of his longstanding and far-reaching support.

Over the coming year, we are pleased to bring you profiles of MacLennan Society members. John Parker (BA’05) and Brandon Biluk (BComm’07) are two such members. They have each achieved bronze level status, recognizing a decade of giving.

Young alumni strengthen Dalhousie by giving back early in their careers.

Those who give consistently to Dalhousie play a critical role in advancing the university and its vision. It’s not just older alumni who are being recognized with membership in the MacLennan Society, however. Many younger alumni are starting a legacy of giving early on in their careers — in some cases, not long after graduation.

John Parker (BA’05) and Brandon Biluk (BComm’07) are two such alumni.

Making a difference

John Parker’s (BA’05) path has taken him from Dalhousie’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences where he graduated with a political science degree, to Labrador where he currently teaches grade three.

He says giving to Dalhousie over the past decade was a priority because he is a strong believer in making a difference. “I think it is important to give back, because we all have a responsibility to make our community better. Volunteering is one way, and donating is another,” he says.

Impactful and meaningful donations

John has directed his donations to areas of the university that were especially meaningful to him. He gave to the Theatre department in honour of Patrick Christopher, a professor in the department who passed away in 2005. He has also supported various political science initiatives at Dal and donated to the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative.

John says he never thought he’d be recognized in this way, as a member of the MacLennan society. “It’s a nice feeling. It demonstrates that regardless of the amount of your gift, if you’re consistent, the impact of your gift will grow with time,” he says.

“Giving back to Dalhousie in particular is important to me because it reminds me of where I’ve come from,” John says. “Regardless of how successful you might get, you have to remember your roots. Dal is now a part of my roots.”

Lifelong connections

Brandon Biluk’s (BComm’07) career path has taken him to Calgary, where he is an accountant at Tervita Corporation. He says he felt compelled to donate to Dalhousie soon after graduation.

“I wanted to give back whatever I could out of respect for the education and experience I received at Dalhousie,” he says. “I feel it’s important to recognize organizations and institutions that have made a difference in your life.”

Over the years, Brandon has designated funds to go towards the Faculty of Management. “Having graduated over ten years ago, I still feel a strong connection with the Faculty, the staff and the Commerce Program. They have been the foundation for my success as an accountant in corporate Calgary, and as a newly-designated CPA member.”

A commitment to Dalhousie’s future

Brandon says he feels honoured to be a bronze-level recipient in the MacLennan Society, along with other distinguished individuals. He feels that consistent giving is important in showing a personal commitment to a cause you believe in. He hopes more and more younger alumni decide to support the university in this way.

“New alumni who are just getting started in their careers may have limited finances. Regardless of the amount you can afford, continued support in numbers adds up. This support shows a strong connection with Dalhousie and the alumni who are committed to its future,” he says.

“I am hoping new alumni will take the opportunity to consider ongoing financial donations to support Dalhousie.”