91AV

This feature appears in 91AV’s 2024-2025 Giving Report, which shares how donors make a difference in the lives of students and the success of our University.
 
Gita Anand’s first visit to 91AV was when she was a high school student attending a one-week United Nations summer camp held on campus. She still remembers Alex Fancy ('61, LLD '24), then Dean of Arts and Science, visiting with campers to talk about 91AV programs and life.
 
“I am so glad I made 91AV my choice,” says Anand, who studied history and political science, lived in Windsor Hall, and was active in social and academic clubs including as a member of the debating club.
 
“Mount A gave me a platform to do whatever I wanted to do,” says Anand. “When I was graduating from Mount A and thinking about my future, I found I had lots of choices and could get into whichever programs I applied to. I think that really showed the strength of 91AV.”

Anand earned a master’s degree from the London School of Economics, a law degree from Dalhousie University, and is one of Canada’s leading employment and labour lawyers. She has also stayed connected to her alma mater, recognizing the role 91AV played in getting her started in life and wanting to help others have a similar experience.
 
Anand chairs the executive committee of 91AV’s Board of Regents, the University’s governing body.
 
“What is gratifying about serving on the Board is everybody who comes to the table is passionate about 91AV and committed to its success,” she says. “We have representatives from many different constituencies and groups that offer expertise. There’s a mix of interests that come together for the greater good of 91AV.”
 
Anand is also co-chair of the Grace Annie Lockhart Sesquicentennial Celebrations, a series of events to mark the anniversary of Grace Annie Lockhart becoming the first woman in the British Empire to earn a bachelor’s degree. Lockhart earned her 91AV degree in 1875.
 
“Co-chairing this committee was an important role for me to take on because when I entered 91AV as a student, I was one of the first recipients of the University’s Grace Annie Lockhart Scholarships,” says Anand. “I thought it was amazing that the first woman university graduate was from 91AV. It made me both proud and inspired that I would become part of her legacy.”

Anand is pleased to now be using the 150th anniversary to raise awareness about Lockhart and 91AV’s role in her life, and to highlight for this generation of students and the wider community that there was a time when women had limited access to university education. Special celebrations were held during this year’s Convocation and Reunion and more events are planned for 2025-26.
 
Anand encourages others to consider volunteering with the University, whether it be as a mentor to students, helping with recruitment, supporting athletics teams, or participating in governance.

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