The 64th Spring Graduation at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus, will be held on Friday, June 3, 2016.
Dr. Nancy Tout, now Head of Research and Development at Syngenta Canada will be returning to Ridgetown, her hometown, as the campus’ graduation guest speaker. Nancy has a passion for advancing science to help feed the world, and is also very committed to supporting various charity organizations.
Nancy is the daughter of Ridgetown Campus alumnus and retired Ridgetown Campus soils professor, Ken Stevenson. She also holds a Ph.D. from the University of Guelph.
Dr. Tout will address the 250 graduands who have completed diploma or certificate programs in agriculture, horticulture, environmental management, veterinary technology, performance horse handling, or veterinary office administration.
Families and friends will gather in the Rudy H. Brown Rural Development Centre, Pestell Auditorium, prior to the 1:50 p.m. graduation procession of faculty, staff and graduands.
Graduates finishing the Associate Diploma in Agriculture program, the largest academic program at the campus, have numerous career opportunities; many will go to work either in agribusiness or for their family farm business.
Students in several other programs finished their last academic semester with a four-week industry work placement, which often leads students to the beginning of a new career.
“It’s with great pleasure that I recognize the most recent cohort of graduating students from the Ridgetown Campus. I know they will go on to make significant contributions at their workplaces and in the communities in which they live,” says Dr. Wayne Caldwell, Interim Dean, Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). “They join a strong network of Ridgetown Campus, OAC, and University of Guelph alumni supporting the future of agriculture and food in Ontario and across the world.”
“Graduation day is a wonderful milestone celebration as these individuals move from students to alumni, and begin to make their mark in their chosen field of study,” states Ken McEwan, Campus Director.
The Class of 2016 has selected Brady Jones to deliver the valedictorian address. Brady is an agriculture diploma student from eastern Ontario, now working at Kawartha Lakes Farm Service. During his two years at Ridgetown, one of Brady’s favourite experiences was making new friends from across Ontario and Canada.
Prior to the student procession and graduation ceremony, a special Donor Appreciation Luncheon will be hosted to celebrate the on-going support of campus award donors. Awards for academic proficiency and student leadership will be presented to a number of graduates.
“We are very fortunate to have the financial support from our alumni, community friends and many local businesses,” says McEwan. “This year, approximately $33,000 will be awarded to many deserving students.”
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