In honour of the late Senator Don Oliver (1938–2025), his close friend Wade Dawe has established the Senator Don Oliver Scholarship at Dalhousie University. This builds upon Wade’s earlier 2020 gift to the Dalhousie Performing Arts Campaign, made to honour Senator Oliver’s deep ties to the university and his lifelong connection to the arts.
The scholarship continues Senator Oliver’s legacy by supporting African Nova Scotian students in the pursuit of graduate studies, reflecting his lifelong commitment to equity, education, and opportunity.
In 2006, Wade established the James R. Pearcey Scholarship in memory of James R. Pearcey. James was a MUN Civil Engineering graduate and president of the class of 1993. The award goes to a student who shows promise in entrepreneurship.
Jared Butt says receiving the James R. Pearcey Award for Entrepreneurship changed his life.
Wade is a founding supporter and donor of The Centre for Entrepreneurship. The Centre promotes entrepreneurship as a career path for students at MUN by exposing students to the experience of starting and operating a business.
The QEII Foundation contributes to life-changing experiences for patients and their loved ones by funding new technologies, medical research, innovation and professional education. Wade has been an ongoing donor and has served on the Board of Trustees since June 2015.
In 2016, Wade’s donation established the DC Makes program at the Discovery Centre in Halifax. DC Makes fosters an entrepreneurial mind-set in youth by providing a place to connect, plus the tools, resources, and mentors to support them. Wade also funds the Maker League Camps that run in conjunction with the DC Makes program.
Family SOS is a local, child-centred non-profit organization focused on building strong and healthy families. Their Courage to Give Back Awards recognize exceptional individuals in the community. Wade donates annually to support their efforts.
Wade supports and donates his time to Captains & Cooks, a unique fundraising event in Halifax. Local restaurants team up with the business community to host a day on the water with a gourmet lunch enjoyed on a beautiful boat. 100% of proceeds raised go to local charities.
Senator Don Oliver Scholarship at Dalhousie University
The Senator Don Oliver Scholarship was established at Dalhousie University with a lead gift from Wade Dawe, honouring his longtime friend, the late Senator Don Oliver (1938–2025). The scholarship builds on Wade’s earlier 2020 gift to the Dalhousie Performing Arts Campaign, which helped create the Senator Don Oliver Studio, a state-of-the-art space designed to inspire musical creativity and collaboration.
The scholarship supports African Nova Scotian students by providing financial assistance and mentorship, reflecting Senator Oliver’s lifelong commitment to education, equity, and opportunity. It continues his legacy by encouraging recipients to pursue graduate studies and research, helping foster future leaders and changemakers.
