Source of inspiration
Grateful for his legal education, Ronald Stevenson has been loyally supporting Dal for 50 years
Ronald Stevenson (pictured with his granddaughter) has been loyally supporting Dalhousie for a half century.
Ronald Stevenson (LLB’53) can’t recall the specifics of his first gift to his alma mater. Not surprising as it was nearly 60 years ago. He does however remember what motivated him to do so. And it’s the same reason he’s been a loyal Dalhousie donor for a half century.
“I’ve always been grateful to Dalhousie for the grounding I got in legal education,” says Stevenson. “It contributed to the success I had practicing law and as a judge. To me giving back is a way to show my appreciation.”
In December, Stevenson will be recognized as the newest gold member of the MacLennan Society. Only the fourth living person to reach the milestone, gold members are recognized for 50 years of consistent giving (in a 60-year span). It’s an honour Stevenson appreciates.
Ronald Stevenson (second from left) during his law school days.
“The great thing about the MacLennan Society is that it celebrates people not for the amount they’ve donated, but for their consistent support over the years.”
Stevenson has loyally supported the law school and in recent years has been inspired by his youngest daughter, Sarah Stevenson (MLIS’01), associate university librarian at the Killam Memorial Library to expand his giving to Dal libraries.
Charting his course
A native of New Brunswick, where Stevenson has spent most of his life, he graduated from Dalhousie’s School of Law in 1953. That same year he was admitted to the New Brunswick bar and began his legal career.
Stevenson describes his early career working in a “small practice” where the most rewarding part of his work was helping people. “In those days we didn’t worry about billing hours, we were more concerned about finding the most inexpensive way to fix our client’s problems. That’s where I got the greatest satisfaction from my work.”
And just as Stevenson reached nearly 20 years practicing law, he was appointed to the Court of Queen’s Bench in New Brunswick in 1972. He welcomed the new challenge and savoured the opportunities that came with moving from a small practice to the court room.
“As a judge you face a new problem every day. Over the course of your career you face a variety of cases and each one brings a different challenge. You never stop learning as a lawyer—I’ve been a law student for 70 years now,” Stevenson says reflectively.
Staying connected
Stevenson remained a judge for 22 years before retiring at 65. A father of three daughters and several grandchildren and great grandchildren, Stevenson says he’s been fortunate to enjoy a long, healthy retirement. He’s displayed the Weldon Tradition of community service as an active and dedicated volunteer with the Anglican Church, including serving as the Chancellor of General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada.
Over the years he’s kept in touch with classmates and still recalls the camaraderie amongst the class of 39 students, likely the reason for the connection they’ve maintained, adding that survivors still get together from time to time.
“Last year we had a mini reunion and Dean [Camille] Cameron joined us. In fact, just yesterday I had a phone call from one of the fellows who attended.”
As for his loyal support of Dalhousie, Stevenson hopes the example set by those recognized by the MacLennan Society, at any level, may inspire younger alumni to support Dalhousie regularly however modestly or generous.
