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 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.

Edward Snowden’s leaking of U.S. surveillance activites made him a hero to some, a traitor to others, and a global fugitive. Now, as part of an Open Dialogue event during Dal Alumni Days, Snowden will speak to members of the HÂþ»­ community via livestream from Moscow, Russia about our rights and responsibilities as citizens when it comes to privacy.

A Dal Science alum is working with students in the Faculty of Engineering, as well as taking advantage the new Emera ideaHUB incubator space, to help people with colour vision deficiencies see the full spectrum of the rainbow.

Last week, students came out in droves to write thank-you notes to donors, celebrating the important role philanthropy plays in supporting HÂþ»­ students and researchers.