Dale Ells
Class of 1959
The 2005 Alumni Volunteer of the Year award is presented to Dale Ells, Class of 1959.
The Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award is a new award, instituted in honour of NSAC鈥檚 centennial. The award honours an alumnus, who has consistently and enthusiastically donated of their time and talents to advancing the objectives of the university and/or the Alumni Association and with whose support has significantly enhanced the success of various programs. It is only fitting that Dale be the first to receive this honour as his spirit of volunteerism has permeated his career and continues to blossom in retirement.
Alfred Dale Ells was born and raised in Sheffield Mills in the Annapolis Valley. He entered the NSAC in 1957 and received a degree diploma with high honours in 1959. In 1961, he received a B.Sc. (Agr.) degree with a major in Horticulture from Macdonald College of McGill University. He later earned his M.A. degree in Economics from Acadia University.
Dale Ells began his professional career with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Marketing as a marketing specialist. In 1966, he was appointed to the Faculty of NSAC as Associate Professor and Dean of Vocational and Technical Education. As Dean, he was instrumental in the development and management of the technician and technology diploma programs as well as a wide variety of certificate and short courses.
Dale played a lead role in the growth of physical facilities that took place on the campus during his tenure. The quality, standards and capacity of Cox Institute, Banting Building, Langille Athletic Centre, Jenkins Hall, MacRae Library and Haley Institute, reflects Dale鈥檚 vision and tenacity in seeking the best for NSAC.
Dale has had many notable accomplishments throughout his career but it is also what he has made happen behind the scenes that is noteworthy. His enthusiasm and meticulous attention to detail made him a passionate supporter of the NSAC Agricola Collection, not only by generously contributing to the Collection but by leading many special displays. Dale also took on the added role of promoting the university to various media outlets and was the man behind the original Agricola Newsletter which still continues today. Dale also spearheaded the development of the NSAC logo and more recently a proposed Coat of Arms.
Dale鈥檚 passion for preserving the past led him to write a comprehensive history of the university which has become, along with Dale himself, an indispensable resource to the institution. More recently, as an active member of the Colchester Historical Society, Dale was instrumental in launching an historical display on the NSAC in celebration of its centennial. The display was a wonderful depiction of the past 100 years of the university鈥檚 history and accomplishments and remained on display for several months. Dale also developed a Heritage Contest for the university which helped launch its centennial festivities in February.
For his unwavering support of the university, his passion for the historical and his generosity of spirit, Dale Ells is the ideal recipient of the Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award.
Presented by past Principal Dr. Les Haley
October 15th, 2005