All NSCAD campuses closed at noon, February 24, 2024 due to freezing rain. All campuses will reopen at 9 a.m. on February 25.

Alumni
Association

Alumni Association

Executive

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

President: Ashley Delaney (BDes 2006)
Vice-President: Rachel Castellano (BFA 2010)
Secretary/Treasurer: Bruce Sparks (BFA 1977)
Member-at-Large: Robin Jensen (BFA 1996)
Member-at-Large: Ken Rice (BFA 2005)
Member-at-Large: Akshay Tagyi (BFA 2008)
Member-at-Large: Ho Yung Wu (BFA 2007)
Member-at-Large: Dayna Sharkey (BDes 1996 / BFA 1996)
Member-at-Large: Rob Shaw (VAC 2015 / MDes 2016)

EX OFFICIO MEMBERS

NSCAD President: Dr. Peggy Shannon
SUNSCAD President: Currently vacant

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES TO NSCAD’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dayna Sharkey (BDes 1996 / BFA 1996)
Ken Rice (BFA 2005)

Meeting Schedule

March 9, 2021
May 11, 2021
July 13, 2021
September 14, 2021 (AGM)

Meet the President

Ashley Delaney (BDes 2006)

Thank you to those who made time to participate in this year’s NSCAD Alumni Association AGM. As I enter my second year on the Board, I am thrilled and honoured to be your newly elected President. 

In this new role, I am committed to representing our community alongside a passionate group of new and returning Board members. Together, we will look to continue to create strong connections, to seek out ways to support this community, and to celebrate our collective and proud NSCAD roots. 

I welcome you to connect, reach out, share your thoughts, accomplishments, questions. I’m looking forward to working with you, learning more about what you do, where you are in your journey, and how we can help. 

Meet the Board

Bruce Sparks
(BFA 1977)

When I was in high school, I couldn’t wait to get to university. And when I got to university, I couldn’t wait to get out. Lucky for me I ended up at NSCAD, and even though I graduated a very long time ago I don’t feel I’ve ever completely left. I’ve come back for lectures, extended studies, exhibitions, service on the Board of Governors and to the Alumni Association, and especially, for the library. And even though in the end I didn’t become an artist, I’m happy with the way it changed me, and sustained me.

Places like NSCAD aren’t only vital to the people who work or study here, there’re essential for the broader community they live in. Sadly though, right from the founding of our school, even before it opened its doors, it has struggled for space to work and learn in, and the money to pay for it. That often Herculean struggle doesn’t seem to ever go away, and it is upon us once again.

Lately I’ve been thinking and reading about one of the founders of NSCAD – the redoubtable Anna Leonowens. A recent biographer called her “mendacious to the bone”, but the serial reinventions of herself as circumstances changed, and her resolute stubbornness, are qualities that I think could inspire us.

I also keep returning to Keely Hopkins’ analogy of mycelia and the community of students/alumni: “Fungi are complex and metaphorically rich; they are resilient under unfavorable conditions, they can absorb toxins and regenerate their environments for new growth, they form symbiotic relationships with other species, and they tend to defy classifications.” (Curatorial Statement for the 2023 Graduation Exhibition)

The strength and achievements of NSCAD alumni are the best evidence and justification for its continued success. Thank you and keep up the good work.

 

Bruce Sparks (BFA 1977)
Secretary / Treasurer

Lives in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. He is an artist and art history educator at St. FX. Bruce studied photography at NSCAD. This is his first term on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. He is former NSCAD Board of Governors Alumni Association representative.

Robin Jensen (BFA 1996)
Member-at-Large

Lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Robin is serving her second term on the board. She is an art educator with HRCE and is currently working on her MAAE at NSCAD. Robin is passionate about making schools a better place and supporting her fellow alumni.

Ken Rice (BFA 2005)
Member-at-Large & NSCAD Board of Governors Alumni Representative

Lives in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Ken studied photography while at NSCAD. He is a dedicated academic administrator. He worked for many years at NSCAD and now works at Dal. Ken is currently serving his first term on the board. His goal is to spearhead the modernization of the Alumni Association by-laws.

Rachel Castellano (BFA 2010)
Vice-President

Lives in Toronto, Ontario. She took an interdisciplinary approach to her time at NSCAD. Currently working as Director, Global Alumni Strategy at Queen’s University. Her goals are to connect and support alumni around the world. She also attended Dawson College and OCAD. Rachel is a podcast producer.

Akshay Tyagi (BFA 2008)
Member-at-Large

Lives in Mumbai, India. Works as a costume designer, stylist and fashion designer. Previously served as member-at large in the early 2000s. They travel around the world for work and want to help support and inspire NSCAD students and alumni. You can find an Art Work: NSCAD Alumni Talk featuring them here.

Ho Yung Wu (BFA 2007)
Member-at-Large

Lives in Coquitlam, British Columbia. He has worked as an architectural designer, curatorial assistant and is currently a visual merchandiser with Ikea. Ho’s goal is to learn more about the board, find ways to pitch in and help support a more connected Alumni Association membership.

Dayna Sharkey (BFA & BDes 1996)
Member-at-Large & NSCAD Board of Governors Alumni Representative

Lives in San Francisco, USA. A Executive Creative Director who works in branding, she did a work placement through NSCAD and ended up working in Paris. She has worked with brands such as Publications du Moniteur, Kenneth Cole, Gap and Amazon. 

Rob Shaw (VAC 2015, MDes 2016)
Member-at-Large

Lives in Truro, Nova Scotia and Cable Head East, PEI. He is an artist and designer who works in digital mixed media and painting. He is looking forward to connecting with alumni and discussing his passion for art and design.

VISION

The NSCAD University Alumni Association is a dynamic, member-focused organization that aims to enrich the alumni experience and build the profile of its members and NSCAD University.

MISSION

By facilitating communication and sponsoring a variety of alumni programs, events and benefits the NSCAD University Alumni Association:

  1. promotes a strong mutually beneficial relationship between alumni, NSCAD University, and the community;
  2. fosters an inclusive environment based on cooperation and fellowship;
  3. assists and advances present and future alumni in the pursuit of excellence;
  4. exerts influence as a valued partner on matters relevant to present and future alumni

Read our bylaws.

Stay in touch

Haven’t heard from us in a while? Update your contact information to help us stay in touch with you!

A person standing amongst their artwork, which is in the form of sculptures and wall art around them.

Anna Lisa Shandro (BFA 2020)

Show your NSCAD pride

To draw attention to the entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity of art and design graduates, the NSCAD Alumni Association launched the I AM NSCAD campaign. Logos are provided in various sizes and types suitable for websites, social media (#IAMNSCAD), email signatures and more.

Benefits and Services

Health & Dental Insurance Offer
Thanks to the affinity program agreement between TD Insurance and NSCAD, you can benefit from a Heath Assist health & dental insurance plan from Green Shield Canada (GSC)1. For more information or to get a quote call 1-866-883-5647

1 Health Assist individual insurance plans are provided by Green Shield Canada (GSC). Some restrictions may apply. See Insurance Policy for coverage details, including limitations and exclusions.

TD Term Life Insurance Offer
Thanks to the affinity program agreement between TD Life Insurance and NSCAD alumni save 5% on a new TD 10-Year or 20-Year Term Life Insurance plan. Or you could save a total of 10% if you are a TD customer.1

For more information or to get a quote visit www.tdinsurance.com/nscadalumni
TD Term Life Insurance is an individual life insurance plan underwritten by TD Life Insurance Company. Some restrictions may apply. See Insurance Policy for coverage details, including limitations and exclusions.
1The 5% or 10% premium savings is available to eligible applicants who apply for a new TD 10-Year or 20-Year Term Life Insurance policy. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer and is subject to change or may be withdrawn at any time.

Take advantage of your alumni benefits
As a trusted partner, the TD Insurance Meloche Monnex Program is dedicated to helping NSCAD alumni get access to preferred insurance rates on car, home, condo and tenant coverage.
For more information or to get a quote visit www.tdinsurance.com/nscadalumni.

TD Insurance for Business
NSCAD alumni small business owners can save on insurance with TD Insurance for Business1. Discover how you could save on Commercial Liability Insurance, Commercial Auto Insurance, and Commercial Property Insurance.

Visit us at www.tdinsurance.com/NSCADalumni for more information or call us at 1-855-724-2883 to get a quote or to purchase insurance.
Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm
Saturday 9 am to 4 pm

1. TD Insurance business insurance policies are underwritten by Security National Insurance Company. They are distributed by Security National Insurance Company in Quebec and distributed by TD Insurance Direct Agency Inc. in the rest of Canada. This “Offer” is for new and existing TD Insurance customers who are eligible to purchase a business insurance policy and who are a sole proprietor, majority owner, majority partner, or signing officer of a corporation designated as a TD Insurance policy owner and are members of a group or an association that have a group marketing agreement with TD Insurance. This Offer provides a discount applicable to premiums charged for TD Insurance business insurance policies and their endorsements. The discount will continue to be applicable upon policy renewal. Eligibility to purchase a business insurance policy is subject to TD Insurance underwriting rules and standards. Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time, without notice.
® The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries.

NSCAD alumni can enjoy preferred rates on travel insurance with TD Insurance.
With the TD Insurance Multi-Trip All-Inclusive Plan, you have access to multi-trip medical and non-medical travel insurance bundled in one convenient annual plan. Visit us at www.tdinsurance.com/nscadalumni. for more information or call us at 1-833-962-1143 to get a quote or to purchase travel insurance.
Monday to Friday 8 am to 9 pm EST
Saturday 9 am to 5 pm EST

TD Insurance Travel Insurance is administered by Global Excel Management Inc. and its subsidiary, CanAm Insurance Services (2018) Ltd. TD Insurance Travel Insurance is underwritten by TD Life Insurance Company (medical covered causes) and TD Home and Auto Insurance Company (non-medical covered causes). Medical and claims assistance, claims payment and administrative services are provided by the administrator described in the insurance policies. Coverages and benefits are subject to eligibility conditions, limitations and exclusions, including pre-existing medical condition exclusions. Please refer to the policy for full details®The TD logo and other trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries

A transcript is a complete record of your academic history. It lists classes in progress, classes that have been completed, grades received and other information relating to your academic career. Transcripts are printed on security paper and bear the signature of the Registrar. Students can request either an official or unofficial copy of their transcript. Click here to learn more about how to request a transcript.

Shop

The NSCAD alumni ring celebrates a lifelong connection to your academic and creative achievements. Designed and produced by Karen Konzuk (BFA 97), this stainless-steel band incorporates the official NSCAD colour with a side incision of purple powder-coated finish. Inside the band is an engraved Latin inscription of NSCAD’s informal school motto nolo facere insipida, after John Baldessari’s lithograph I Will Not Make Any More Boring Art. To purchase, please select your ring size from the dropdown below and click “buy now”. Rings are $200 ($247.25 with tax and shipping within Canada).

 

Click here to buy a NSCAD ring

Custom-designed frames from Tempo Framing are available to all alumni. Present your degree alongside the NSCAD University colours in a slick matte-black metal frame with branded mat board cut specially for our square degrees. These frames are made in Canada and come pre-assembled. Frames are $70.00 ($103.50 with tax and shipping within Canada).

 

Click here to buy a NSCAD frame

Blue text on a white background that reads NSCAD Alumni Association - Nolo Facere Insipida