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Dutta grew up in India and has lived in various parts of the world. He first arrived in Canada in 2002 and enrolled in the Master of Engineering program at Dalhousie in the winter of 2003.

“I knew that I had to get Canadian credentials to be more employable and get a head up in my career,” he says. “I landed in Toronto and applied to many universities across Canada and Dal was the first one to respond. That’s how my journey at Dal began.”

As he was completing his degree, a friend mentioned the university was looking for developers. Given that he had worked in IT while living overseas, Dutta applied and was soon hired on as a technologist with what is now known as Dalhousie’s Enterprise Application Services team.

During this time, he pursued his Master of Business Administration, then was promoted to systems analyst. He subsequently obtained certifications as a Certified Scrum Master, Project Management Professional, Certified General Accountant, and Chartered Professional Accountant. From there, it wasn’t long before he secured the role of manager of IT development, and later, associate director of business intelligence. For the last three years, he has served as Dalhousie’s director of financial systems and processes in Financial Services.

“It’s been quite a 21-year journey of rising through the ranks, if you will,” he reflects. “But as a new immigrant studying and then working here, I have always found Dal to be so welcoming, which made all the difference to me. I feel so much for this community, and I try my best to give back.”

Part of the family

In 2024, Dutta was welcomed into the MacLennan Society – the university’s loyal donor group – in recognition of 10 years of philanthropic contributions to areas such as the Faculty of Management, medical research, and international student support.

“I attribute a large portion of my success in Canada to Dalhousie,” he says. “I have been successful because of the support I’ve received here, so it’s only right that I should give back to the organization that has done so much for me. It’s allowed me to maintain my way of life and raise a family.”

In addition to his status as a two-time alum and staff member, Dutta will soon add another title: Dalhousie parent. His son, Shayan, will begin his studies at the Agricultural Truro campus in the fall. When asked about his philanthropic motivation, he says it’s all part of the circle of life.

“I think supporting Dal is being part of a continuum of making positive change,” he says.

“I think about my sons. If there was a student like them who needed support, why wouldn’t I want to help? It gives me a lot of pride that Shayan will be attending Dal. He will be part of the continuum.”

Finding other ways to give back

Another way in which Dutta contributes to the campus community is through his service to the Dalhousie Professional & Managerial Group (DPMG) – the association representing the university’s managerial and professional staff. He first served as the DPMG representative on the university’s Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee, then on its Conference Committee. Today, he leads the organization as interim president, with his term concluding after the upcoming DPMG Conference in June.

“The DPMG gives you an opportunity to meet colleagues that you may have never met as part of your work,” he says. “Sometimes you need a forum to discuss ideas, solutions, and problems with people from other areas of the university. It also helps to give our campuses a sense of family – knowing we are all in this together, and all doing what we can to advance the university’s mission. I think it’s great!”

So, what’s next for Dutta? Another degree? Another certification? Another promotion?

“You know, I always have a lot of projects on the go,” he says with a smile. “I guess we’ll see…”

Regardless of his next steps, Dutta says he is pleased they will happen on the Dalhousie campus, alongside the next generation of Dalhousians like Shayan.