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If there's one thing that unites the four alumni receiving Aurum Awards this week — besides their Dal connection, of course — it's their commitment to going above-and-beyond in their efforts to forge connections, improve lives and build a better tomorrow.

For Sagar Sahota, every minute of his time in the Bachelor of Management program was an opportunity: for friendship, for networking, for learning and building an exciting career.

New grad Tiger Li made the most of his time in the Bachelor of Commerce program, participating in several co-op work terms that prepared him well for the transition from student life to the workforce.

Each year, the Canadian Armed Forces recruits a handful of students from across Canada into the Royal Canadian Dental Corps. Ryan Tilley, Emily Burke and Dan Shirvani all applied for their own pragmatic reasons, learning along the way how proud they are to serve their country.

Neuroscience grad Mark Saldanha's studies and community involvement allowed him to marry business and science and approach poverty relief from an innovative perspective, leading to many accolades along the way.

Lindsay MacCormick began her Science degree at Dal with an eye on neuroscience, but soon found herself drawn to the world of mathematics and statistics — particularly, to newly launched courses in actuarial science that have given her an edge in the rapidly growing field.

For Sheila Blair-Reid, building community among Dal’s 135,000 alumni is work that reflects a career that’s been all about the power of making connections.

Two Dal coaches and four athletes are travelling to Napoli, Italy for the 2019 FISU Summer Universiade this July — the 30th World University Summer Games.

Katie Russell is graduating with a Bachelor of Health Science focused on Respiratory Therapy, a program that has given her plenty of volunteer and clinical experience and set her up for success.

Alison Bartlett is graduating from the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders this week, set to take on an opportunity that will empower her in her quest to provide audiological services to more rural communities.