Hon. Alan Rockwell Abraham

Doctor of Civil Law

The Hon. Alan Abraham, the former Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia and proud Santamarian was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law for his dedication to Nova Scotia. Abraham, a life long Haligonian was educated at Saint Mary's High School and Saint Mary's where he studied engineering. He began his career in the City of Halifax's engineering department. Abraham later went on to become the president and CEO of Maritime Warehousing and Transfer Company. His other professional roles would include President of the Canadian Association of Movers, Chairman of the Board of Allied Van Lines and President of the Better Business Bureau of the Maritimes.

In 1983, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau appointed him Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia making him the youngest Lieutenant Governor in Nova Scotian history. Abraham has been committed to volunteerism and service throughout his professional life. He was president and life member of the Board of the Isaac Walton Killam Hospital for Children, chair of two telethons for the IWK Hospital, and Chair of the Board of Police Commissioners for the Halifax Regional Municipality. He currently serves as a member of the Saint Mary's Board of Governors.

Abraham was awarded the Canadian Fellowship Award of Honour from the YMCA Canada. In 1997, he became a member of the Order of Canada and was one of the first members inducted to the Order of Nova Scotia in September. Abraham was the chairperson of the very successful 2000 Tall Ships Festival. The week long international event injected almost $90 million into the local economy.