Signs of HÂþ»â€™s forthcoming 200th anniversary are, literally, blowing in the wind. The Dal 200 banner series, which can be found on lamp posts across campus (and was recently featured on the MacDonald Bridge), profiles exceptional Dal students from all of the university’s Faculties. In the weeks leading up to 2018, we’ll be sharing short Q&As with some of the featured students.
Learn more:
Hasmeet Singh Chandok
Final year, Master of Computer Science
Tell us a bit about yourself
I founded the Sikh Student Association and Maritime Bhangra Group. I've worked with international students through DISA (HÂþ» International Students Association) and INDISA (HÂþ»Â Indian Students' Association) for help in settlement in Halifax. I've also organized fundraisers for Syrian refugees and local charities.
Career ambition?
I have been very fortunate to gain knowledge in many different domains while working at Dal. Most likely I will be opting to do some team management role in the IT industry.
What brought you to HÂþ»?
A great faculty and opportunities for having community involvement while being at school. I think it changes your whole perspective towards life.
What’s the best class you’ve taken at HÂþ» and why?
The best class i have taken on campus is Human Computer Interaction by Dr. Kirstie Hawkey as it broadened my view towards the domain of computer science. Its not always about coding and servers; it can be human experience and solving everyday problems like public safety through the use of mobile applications.Â
What do you think of your banner? Have you gotten any fun reactions to it?
It feels wonderful and I actually had a very funny experience with one of friends showing me the picture and telling me (jokingly) that Dal must have decided to use a sikh model and not one of their own students for the Dal 200 campaign. I would say the photographers have done a wonderful job.
What does it mean to you for HÂþ» to celebrate its 200th anniversary?
I believe it is a very important for us to appreciate the past 200 years of the growth of our university and people involved in making it possible. But, we also need to remember that not everything we pursued was perfect and we need to do a lot more to make it much better. Â
More about Hasmeet Bringing the joy of Bhangra to the world (Dal News, Oct 2016)
Michele Tchiakoua
Second-year Therapeutic Recreation
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am part of the HÂþ» Women Basketball team. I am very busy with school and basketball so when I have time I volunteer with Special Olympics Fundamentals.
Career ambition?
I have not yet decided what I have decided to do after graduation but I want to work with children with autism.
What brought you to HÂþ»?
I chose HÂþ» because it is one of the best schools in Canada and because I had a full athletic scholarship.
What’s the best class you’ve taken at HÂþ» and why?
The best class I have taken at HÂþ» is Introduction to Leisure. It is my favourite class because I got to learn more about the program, we went on a camping trip. The purpose of the camping was to get to know the students and teachers that are in program and I think that is really cool.
What do you think of your banner? Have you gotten any fun reactions to it?
I think the banner is really cool and I am happy and grateful. My friends were surprised to me on the posters and they were happy for me — they took pictures and sent them to me!
What does it mean to you for HÂþ» to celebrate its 200th anniversary?
I'm happy that I'll be helping celebrate HÂþ»'s 200th birthday.
More about Michele: Finding new perspectives on the court and in the classroom (Dal News, Sept 2017)
Learn more about Dal’s 200th anniversary at