Alumni Association
After reviewing a group of exceptional nominees, the Nomination Committee has selected four potential Board candidates to advance to the voting process. The bios of the four finalists are below.
The Nomination Committee would like to thank everyone who took part in the nomination process. We will be reaching out to these individuals about other volunteer opportunities connected with the Alumni Association.
Members of NSCAD’s Alumni Association—those who have graduated from NSCAD, those who have received honorary degrees, and those who have completed 60 credits and are no longer in school—are invited to vote starting Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
Meet the Nominees
Read Full Bio
Paris, France
Why are you interested in serving on the NSCAD Alumni Association Board?
My NSCAD experience has propelled me toward mentoring and leadership, and has resonated throughout my international career. Importantly, it is the singular and overarching 'head-heart-hand' that has provided ballast, which I impart in every single aspect of my professional - and personal - life. In today's rapidly evolving world, the notion of analog intelligence is key; I wish to contribute and further impart the teachings that shaped me to NSCAD alumni and communities around the world.
Bio:
Louise Holloway is a Paris-based Canadian-Irish-French creative director and award-winning educator in the fields of communication design, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Drawing from her background in film, advertising, and publishing, she bridges industry, government, academia, and the public through her firm’s international projects. Louise emphasises how communication, technology, architecture, and entrepreneurship engage the smart citizen.
Drawing from 30+ years of professional practice and academic activity, with her background in film, advertising, and publishing, Ms. Holloway bridges industry, government, academia, and the public through her firm’s international projects.
As Co-Founder and Director of the Energy Endeavour Foundation—winner of Eurosolar’s European Solar Prize—she leads the governing body of Solar Decathlon Europe, the world’s premier university design-build competition for regenerative habitation. Louise has inspired students globally at institutions including Parsons School of Design, RWTH Aachen, the American University of Paris, and TU Delft. An inspiring Adjunct Professor at Tsinghua University’s Shenzhen International Graduate School, Louise provides systematic creative methodologies to empower leaders in the built environment, shaping actionablelegacies worldwide.
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Brooklyn, NY, USA
Why are you interested in serving on the NSCAD Alumni Association Board?
I've spent close to 17 years in the New York art world, coming at it from several directions — as an artist, writer, curator, and now Director of Graphic Design and Brand Creative at the Brooklyn Museum. I also run an independent design practice. That mix means I've hired NSCAD-shaped people, been one, and know what the degree does and doesn't prepare you for once you're out.
What I'd bring is a working knowledge of how alumni actually connect to opportunity outside Halifax, and a network in New York institutions I'd be glad to open up. I'm also interested in the harder question of what an art school alumni association is for right now, when the economics of studio practice and design work are shifting fast.
Bio:
Adam Taylor O'Reilly is Director of Graphic Design and Brand Creative at the Brooklyn Museum and runs an independent practice spanning creative direction, type design, writing, and software. A NSCAD graduate who has spent close to seventeen years in the New York art world — editor at Aperture Magazine and the Brooklyn Rail, Director of Development at Printed Matter, and curatorial projects at MoMA PS1, Storefront for Art and Architecture. He has written for Art in America, ArtNews, Aperture, Interview, and Canadian Art, and lectured at SVA, Pratt, the Jan van Eyck Academie, and Werkplaats Typografie. He lives in Brooklyn.
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Ottawa, Ontario
Why are you interested in serving on the NSCAD Alumni Association Board?
NSCAD has had a lasting influence on who I am as an artist, and I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the community that helped shape my creative life. Since graduating, I have built a sustained career as a practicing artist while also becoming an educator and researcher. I now teach emerging artists and am completing my PhD, which has given me the opportunity to understand arts education from both the perspective of a student and alumna and from the perspective of someone supporting the next generation.
I am interested in serving on the Alumni Association Board because I believe the relationship between an art school and its alumni should continue long after graduation. Alumni carry NSCAD’s influence into galleries, studios, classrooms, institutions, and communities across Canada and internationally, and I would like to help strengthen those connections.
I am particularly interested in creating opportunities for alumni to share knowledge, mentorship, and professional experience with one another and with current students and recent graduates. Having experienced the transition from art school into a professional creative practice myself, I understand the importance of community and connection throughout that process.
At this point in my career, serving on the Board feels like a meaningful opportunity to give back to NSCAD while contributing the perspective I have gained as an artist, educator, researcher, and alumna. I would be proud to help build a connected and engaged alumni community that supports artists throughout their careers.
Bio:
Eryn O’Neill is a Canadian artist, educator, and PhD researcher based in Ottawa. She graduated from NSCAD University with a BFA in 2008 and has maintained a professional studio practice for nearly two decades. Her paintings have been exhibited nationally and internationally, and her work is represented by Wall Space Gallery in Ottawa and held in public collections including the City of Ottawa Art Collection, the Senate of Canada Art & Heritage Collection, and Global Affairs Canada. O’Neill is a two-time recipient of the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Award and has participated in artist residencies including the Golden Foundation Residency in New York and the Vermont Studio Center. She currently teaches in the Diploma Program at the Ottawa School of Art and is completing a PhD in Cultural Mediations at Carleton University. Her doctoral research examines painting, urban transformation, and embodied experience. As an artist, educator, researcher, and longtime NSCAD alumna, O’Neill is committed to strengthening connections between artists, arts education, and the broader cultural community.
Read Full Bio
Vancouver, British Columbia (but moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia in Fall 2026)
Why are you interested in serving on the NSCAD Alumni Association Board?
Currently I am the president of CARFAC BC where I have focused on improved governance and strategic planning. I am also a graphic designer with many years of experience in marketing and communications.
I'm nearing the end of my tenure with CARFAC BC and am looking for another way to get involved and give back to my community. I'm also a vocal and proud alum of NSCAD, having thoroughly enjoyed my time there, both in spirit and in terms of knowledge and growth. I also never leave the house without wearing my grad ring! I have the skills to contribute, along with the passion and love for the University to push myself to do so.
Bio:
Trevor Van den Eijnden is a visual artist, designer and educator from Pictou, Nova Scotia, based in Vancouver. Working across photography, painting, sculpture, installation and text, he explores nature, time, memory and grief. He holds degrees from Dalhousie, NSCAD and Emily Carr, and serves as President of CARFAC BC.
The NSCAD Alumni Association Nomination Committee
Lynne Rennie (BFA 1992, BDes 1994)
Thierry Delva (BFA 1985, MFA 1993)
Akshay Tyagi (BFA 2008)
Holly Dunn, Lead, Philanthropy & Alumni
Our Vision | Where we’re going
To enrich the alumni experience – building lifelong relationships among NSCAD University’s global community and continuing our collective vision to make positive change.
Our Mission | How we get there
Together, we work to fulfill our vision by:
- fostering a strong relationship between alumni and NSCAD University
- assisting present and future alumni in their endeavours
- facilitating conversations among alumni and with the University
Board of Directors
Board members
President: Rachel Castellano (BFA 2010)
Vice President: Vacant
Treasurer: Julian Covey (BFA 2020)
Secretary: Lynne Rennie (BFA 1992, BDes 1994)
Member at Large: Dayna Sharkey (BDes 1996 / BFA 1996)
Member at Large: Thierry Delva (BFA 1985, MFA 1993)
Member at Large: Donn Sabean (BDes 1993, BFA 2016)
Member at Large: Randy Laybourne (BFA 1997, BDes 1999)
Member at Large: Toni Losey (BFA 2018)
Member at Large: Akshay Tagyi (BFA 2008)
Ex officio members
Immediate Past President: Ashley Delaney (BDes 2006)
NSCAD President (Interim): David B. Smith (BFA 1992)
NSCAD Philanthropy Team Representatives: Kara Holm & Holly Dunn
SUNSCAD President: Aaron Abogado
Representatives to NSCAD’s Board of Directors
Dayna Sharkey (BDes 1996 / BFA 1996)
Thierry Delva (BFA 1985, MFA 1993)
Meet the board
Rachel 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.
Julian lives in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia. He studied ceramics at NSCAD and is a self-employed potter operating out of his shared studio in Punamu’kwati’jk (Dartmouth). He is a former president of Visual Arts Nova Scotia and he has served on several arts committees. Julian is passionate about using ceramics to communicate complex ideas through material culture and is dedicated to fostering connections between craft and community.
Lynne lives in Calgary, Alberta. A designer, brand strategist, and educator, she brings decades of professional and teaching experience. Her work has spanned studios, classrooms, and creative teams, always with curiosity, collaboration, and care at the core. Lynne joined the Alumni Association to give back to the school that shaped her, helping foster connections, mentorship, and community so that alumni remain part of NSCAD’s story.
Dayna 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.
Akshay lives in Mumbai, India and 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.
Donn lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She first attended NSCAD in 1990 (ANSCAD Graphic Design) and returned in 2011 (BFA Textiles and Fashion). Currently working as a Textile Artist and Fashion Designer, both designations carry equal weight in her studio practice. In her first term on the board, she is interested in exploring/identifying ways for alumni to collectively sell their work.
Thierry lives in Prospect, Nova Scotia. He is an artist with an active national and international exhibition record. Earlier this year, he completed the performance component of his ongoing project Drawings from the Heart at the National Gallery of Canada. After a long career of teaching, Thierry retired from NSCAD in 2021.
Complex and highly saturated ceramic sculptures are what Toni is recognized for. She emphasizes texture and form while abstracting common plant life using uniquely articulated wheel-thrown and hand-built components. She is now an international educator.
Randy lives in Richmond, BC and works as a freelance graphic designer for a range of clients and companies. He spent close to two decades in Southern California working in action sports, publishing and branding. His personal practice in art is a daily endeavour.
Stay in touch
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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.
Anna Lisa Shandro (BFA 2020)
1. 20% off NSCAD Extended Studies Classes (online and in-person)
2. 10% off at the NSCAD Art Supply Store.
3. Preferred pricing on TD Insurance for Home, car, life and business.
4. $15 off vehicle undercoating with Krown Rust Control in Nova Scotia, email alumni@nscad.ca for details.
5. 50% off Young Drivers of Canada program OR Free Young Drivers of Canada program with purchase of a course on yd.com, email alumni@nscad.ca for details.
6. $5 off passport photos and 15% off headshots and graduation photos with Zuya Photo Studio – located in downtown Halifax.
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.
Make Your Mark – A new era of design and nostalgia.
The NSCAD alumni ring stands as a testament to the enduring bond formed through academic and creative pursuit, embodying the spirit of NSCAD University’s commitment to sustainability and personal expression. Designed by Erin Fleming, BFA in Jewellery and Metalsmithing ‘24, in close collaboration with Assistant Professor Greg Sims, these stunning works are made from FairminedTM certified precious metals, underscoring the institution’s dedication to responsible and ethical practices.
A core element of NSCAD University’s shared philosophy across creative disciplines is the act of mark-making. From study and into practice, the ability to make a statement through personal expression is a major binding force of life at NSCAD. Erin’s design invites and challenges each grad to make their original mark, that then becomes part of the ring. The unified style connects alumni while promoting the distinguishing features.
Alumni are rewarded with an extraordinary and meaningful object that carries the essence of their artistic journey – a personalized ring reflecting passion, individuality, and the transformative power of art.
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).
