Posted: November 22, 2024
How long have you volunteered at ϳԹand in what capacities?
Since mid 1980s, upon completion of my LLM in legal medicine and health law, I sat on the Board of the ϳԹAlumni Association. I volunteered for several years as Preceptor/lecturer of the first health law/legal medicine course at Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine and have given additional presentations to provincial, national and international forums attended by all health-care professionals, including physicians, nurses and hospital executives. I continue my longstanding volunteer efforts through the Weldon Mentorship Program and the Dal Insight Circle, in addition to the newer Dal Alumni Link mentorship program. My membership in the Heritage Society is also extremely cherished and important because of its marked philanthropic benefits to law students (in my case, with interests specializing in health law).
What inspired you to become a Dal volunteer?
The importance of the , represented by using one’s legal skills as a tool for positive social change, and making the world a better place. Whether in active legal practice or retired, the Dal Law alumni community provides a wealth of experience, wisdom, insight and knowledge to assist current Dal Law students as they are and will be the leaders of tomorrow.
What have you learned or gained from volunteering at Dalhousie?
My involvement as a mentor to law students engaged in the Weldon Mentorship Program (since its commencement close to a decade ago) continues to be a great honour and privilege, plus a most rewarding, invaluable and gratifying experience. It also provides a unique opportunity to fulfill the Weldon Tradition by assisting students who are pursuing a health law specialization. They are the leaders required to effectively address our nation’s health-care crisis.
What is the single best experience you’ve had as a Dal volunteer?
The immense gratitude expressed by law student mentees, witnessing them soar to great heights, and their requests to maintain contact plus communication—often for years beyond the six-month mandatory Weldon Mentorship Program period. Involvement in the Dal Insight Circle remains of great interest too and provides an opportunity to express one’s views regarding current university issues addressed in the monthly surveys.
What advice would you give someone considering volunteering for Dal?
I strongly suggest that Dal Law alumni, whether currently practising or retired, seriously consider the many opportunities available through boards, committees, the Weldon Mentorship Program or otherwise. Your experience, wisdom and insight align with the Weldon Tradition entrenched in our DNA. It also provides an outstanding opportunity to give back to Dal which has been responsible for our careers. Through bursaries or the gift of involvement, it will never be regretted.
Beyond being an alum and Dal volunteer, do you have other connections to Dalhousie?
My late Father, James Bell Ferguson (DEngr’33), attended ϳԹ, following which he attended McGill University where he undertook advanced degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
What’s your favourite memory of Dal?
I have many favourites—from first arriving at the Faculty of Law, to learning the importance of the Weldon Tradition—applicable to all law students and alumni—to the respect and camaraderie within each law class and among all law students. These memories are very important and deeply appreciated.
Have you made any professional connections through volunteering at Dal that have helped you advance your career?
I've made countless connections by volunteering at Dal. Maintaining longstanding communication with the law students who I have mentored has been a most invaluable, rewarding and honourable experience.
There are many places to volunteer. Why do you give your time and talent to Dal?
Notwithstanding my LLM in health law and legal medicine specialization in the U.S., I have always considered Dal’s Faculty of Law as responsible for my fulfilling career. I consider it incumbent upon alumni to assist the law students of today to be the leaders of tomorrow.