The Alumni O n t h e I n s i d e DalhousieM a g a z i n e vol. vol.18 22 no. no. 11 spring 2001 spring 2005 Photo: Abriel Photo: 27 Our man in Africa Cover Story Features Departments 8 10 Following in their footsteps In the eye of the storm Canada’s top female university athlete grad- From twisters to nor’Easters, meteorolo- 2 Editor’s Message uates from Dalhousie’s Commerce Co-op gists are often in the eye of the storm. Tina program. Adrienne Power (BCom’05) is also Simpkin (BSc’94, DMet’95) kick-started 3 Your Letters the three-time winner of Dalhousie’s Class her career as a storm chaser in the mid- of ’55 award as Female Athlete of the Year. western United States, where tornadoes are 4 Upfront on Campus The fastest-moving student athlete we’ve reality television. She’s not in Kansas any- seen in ages has prompted thoughts about more, but she tells us about her current life in 20 Dalumni following in the footsteps of the greatest. ‘Tornado Alley.’ Halifax-based meteorologist by Joel Jacobson (BCom’63) Andy Firth (BSc’87, DEngr’87, DMet’88) 22 Class Notes explains the challenges of predicting weather in the Maritimes. 32 At Last Cover photo: By Dawn Morrison (BJ(K)’93) Adrienne Power was recently photographed at Wickwire Field by university photographer 14 Danny Abriel. From far and wide, O Canada Our ability to provide a welcoming home for newcomers may strengthen the future Photo: Abriel Photo: prosperity of the coun- try. The Province of Nova Scotia has set up a new Office of Immigration and we talk to Dalhousie, The Alumni Magazine alumna Elizabeth Mills (MPA’02) who is Dalhousie is the official periodical of the Dalhousie Alumni Association and appears three times a year. Editorial dead- leading this initiative. line for the next issue is August 2, 2005. by Cathy MacDonald s p r i n g 2 0 0 5 1 The Alumni F r o m t h e E d i t o r DalhousieM a g a z i n e vol. 22 no. 1 spring 2005 Heading from the university downtown recently, I was watching the Halifax commons slide by the taxi window. The EXECUTIVE EDITOR driver was tuned to a local commercial radio station, when the JUNE DAVIDSON Photo: Abriel Photo: DJ came on air to announce: “Congratulations to Dalhousie’s EDITOR Adrienne Power, who was just chosen as Canadian University AMANDA PELHAM Athlete of the Year!” E-MAIL: [email protected] The taxi driver was immediately interested, and asked me: “Now, where is she DESIGN AND PRODUCTION from?” and so I told him, East Jeddore. Jane Lombard, DALHOUSIE DESIGN SERVICES “Is she now?” He nodded at me in the mirror. “Good for her.” With this familiar YOUR REMARKS TO: reference point, he’d found a link with the home town star. Dalhousie Magazine Communications and Marketing Not long afterwards, back in the office, my phone rang. “This Adrienne Power – do 218 Hicks Building, Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia you think that she’d mind if I brought my grand-daughters to watch her at a track practice? I saw her on TV, she does some interesting drills. And, she works hard. I’d ADVERTISING like them to see that.” KERI IRWIN E-MAIL: [email protected] Thinking of the friendly, personable student who has contributed so much to TEL: (902) 494-6039 FAX: (902) 494-1472 campus life during the past five years, I imagined that she’d be willing to talk with PRODUCED BY younger athletes. DALHOUSIE ALUMNI RELATIONS ISSN 1185-4014 These were just a few of the reactions from the street, as word of her deserved recog- TEL: (902) 494-2071 1 (800) 565-9969 nition quickly spread beyond the campus. We’re delighted to have Adrienne on the FAX: [902] 494-1141 cover of Dalhousie, to recognize her accomplishments and the values she embodies. Inspired by Adrienne, writer Joel Jacobson reflects on some of Dalhousie’s greatest ADDRESS CHANGES athletes. TEL: (902) 494-6971 1 (800) 565-9969 E-MAIL: [email protected] This issue of the magazine also explores strengthening our province by attracting Alumni Records, Macdonald Bldg new immigrants to the community. As well, we take a closer look at a topic that Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia brings us closer together, sometimes by force of nature – the weather. Our ‘At Last’ returns to Adrienne, as we join her family and friends in offering our Our contributors best wishes on her graduation. As her name becomes known outside her home com- Joel Jacobson (BCom’63) is the author of the popular column ‘Bright Spot’ published in The Halifax Herald. He has many munity, beyond the world of runners, more broadly than the campus and university associations with the Dalhousie community and was recently athletics, she’ll take a lot of hearts and hopes along with her. chosen as a recipient of a 2005 A. Gordon Archibald Alumni of the Year Award. She’s strengthened our community by giving us all a reason to find a point of Cathy MacDonald writes the popular connection. ‘Because I Said So’ column appearing weekly in The Halifax Daily News. She is a regular con- Sincerely, tributor to Dalhousie, The Alumni Magazine, filing her stories from her home near Halifax. Dawn Morrison (BJ(K)’93) is a Communi- cations and Marketing Manager at Dalhousie who knows when to come in out of the rain. AMANDA PELHAM Even so, for this issue, she asked some of our Editor meteorology graduates about their careers predicting the ever changing weather. Make the connection SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK: www.dal.ca/insight BY E-MAIL: [email protected] 2 dalhousie alumni magazine Yo u r L e t t e r s Balance? Or not? financial experience, and community focus match both the vision and culture of our Congratulations on one of the best issues I am very disappointed with the focus of the organization,” said Bernie Miller, Chair of I have read in a long time: specifically, the article “A fine balance” by Dawn Morrison HIAA’s Board of Directors, in announcing articles on “Choosing a Maritime Lifestyle” in Dalhousie (Winter 2005). Eleanor the appointment. and “A Fine Balance.” (Winter 2005) Humphries is NOT living a balanced life! It would be hard to find these CEO Running on three hours sleep, lunch on the Scott Burke (BA’84) has won an award from qualities in a U.S. based corporate executive, run, dictating memos while driving. Theatre Nova Scotia for best play by a Nova due to the constant demands for growth and Yes, celebrate her business success, her Scotian for ‘Parrsboro Boxing Club,’ based profitability from shareholders, along with community work, and her love of family. on the novel by Bruce Graham. (‘Behind demands of increased productivity placed on Her life may be a fine could-fall-apart-at- the scenes action prompts theatrical success’ workers. anytime balance, but not in a healthy, sus- by Helen MacDonnell (BA(K)’86, LLB’89) Any employee who has the opportunity tainable, role-model-for-other-women way. in Dalhousie, Spring 2004). The acclaimed to work alongside the featured CEOs would Roberta Clark (MN’85) production was the first play produced in the be considered lucky and privileged as their Saint John, NB new Ship’s Company Theatre. career path progresses. Via e-mail Michael W. Sampson (BA’87) Clarification: The late Dr. Malcolm Ross, Amherst, NH Ed’s Notes: Professor Emeritus in the Department of Via e-mail Congratulations on reaching new heights! English, began the PhD program in English. Eleanor Humphries (BSc’80, MBA’99) has (“Award named for ‘Caretaker’ of CanLit, in just been named President and CEO of Dalhousie, Winter, 2005). the Halifax International Airport Authority. “Her combination of leadership skills, Rediscover Dalhousie this fall. Meet old friends and see what’s new. A special invitation for the Classes of 1955, 1950, 1945 and earlier. Reunion events in Halifax: SEPTEMBER 29-30, 2005 For information on planning or volunteering for any reunion, please call 902.494.8801 or 1.800.565.9969 [email protected] s p r i n g 2 0 0 5 3 U p f r o n t o n C a m p u s Canada Research From hurling to curling Chairs program Kinesiology student Tony Griffin, from teammates. Still, hard work and long-time grows Ballyea, Co. Clare, managed to find time relationships paid off for the team. “I’ve between studying and snow storms to prac- played with them so long that we know each Dalhousie’s newest Canada Research tice hurling, a fast paced sport unique to other so well,” says MacDiarmid, age 18. Chairs received special recognition Ireland. Played with sticks called hurleys, the Interestingly, they donned black and gold from the Prime Minister’s Office at a game is a cross between hockey, soccer and (signature colours of both the Dalhousie recent reception. lacrosse. Tony is a forward with the Clare hurl- Tigers and the New Brunswick team) while “The Canada Research Chairs pro- ing team, and hopes to lead them back to the paying their dues to the sport. gram has been extremely important Irish National Championships this fall. Closer to home, law student Kelly for Dalhousie. We’ve attracted truly First-year student Kristen MacDiarmid, Mittelstadt attended the Canadian men’s outstanding people,” says President of Miramichi, NB, and her Fredericton-based curling championship, the Tim Hortons Brier, Tom Traves.