Ontario Agricultural College 150th Events
Let's Celebrate!
Celebrate 150 years with us. Join us for a range of events and initiatives commemorating OAC's 150th anniversary from May to December 2024. Check back often for updates and be part of the excitement!
OAC 150th Celebration Dinner and Live Music
Date: June 22, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Johnston Green
A historic gathering to celebrate OAC's 150th anniversary, coinciding with Alumni Reunion Weekend. Join us on Johnston Green beside the iconic Johnston Hall for an unforgettable evening under the stars. Enjoy live music by Aldershot, a delectable buffet dinner by U of G's Hospitality Services, and the launch of our exclusive OAC 150 beer.
Details and registration for the OAC 150th Celebration Dinner here.
Deep Dish Dialogues: Local Food Production
Date: June 27, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. EST
Location: Virtual; Limited in-person capacity at the Anita Stewart Memorial Food Laboratory
OAC prof Dr. Sara Epp, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, will be joined by a local chef to explore local food production and procurement. Together they will discuss the benefits of sourcing local food and barriers to local food production in Ontario.
Details and registration for Deep Dish Dialogue: Local Food Production.
Key Dates and Events
Anniversary Date and Celebrations – May 1
Commencing our 150-year legacy with on-campus celebrations alongside faculty, staff, and students. Encouraging all community members to participate in the #OAC150 challenge by snapping a photo wearing OAC/U of G apparel and sharing on social media!
Provincial Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park – May 7
Honouring 150 years of impact at the University of Guelph advocacy day, which includes meetings, remarks and reception with key government stakeholders.
Deep Dish Dialogue Collaborations – May 16, June 27
Exploring impactful subjects in this online event series, while showcasing chefs and food experts. In collaboration with the Arrell Food Institute and the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management.
OAC 150th Celebration Dinner and Alumni Weekend – June 21-23
Welcoming 800 alumni and friends for a historic gathering on Johnston Green with a delectable dinner, vibrant music and the spirit of a family reunion. Please note, we anticipate a high demand for tickets and may reach capacity quickly. Reunion groups will receive early access to registration.
Food Day Canada Celebrations – July/August
Engaging and inspiring everyone to shop, cook & dine Canadian! Stay tuned for details on a special University of Guelph celebration.
History Tours of Campus – August
Offering a series of tours to provide visitors with a deep understanding of OAC’s evolution, architectural significance, and the stories woven into its foundation.
Arboretum Expo: Tree Day and Plant Sale – September 7
Celebrating trees and the many exciting things happening in the Arboretum lands with the OAC and Guelph communities.
OAC Welcome Back BBQ – September
Kicking off the 150th academic year with faculty, staff and students.
Future Thinkers Speaker Series – Fall 2024
Hosting a special lecture and event in partnership with OAC’59 and the OAC Alumni Foundation.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair – November 1-10
Exploring the future of food, while honouring OAC’s legacy at the largest indoor agricultural and equestrian event.
Host Your Own Event!
We encourage the OAC community to join us in celebrating by planning and hosting their own unique celebrations or reunions! Keep us updated on what you plan by emailing us at oac150@uoguelph.ca !
Relive the Events
OAC Alumni Association Bonspiel
OAC 150th Anniversary Ice Cream Social
Aggies Night Hockey Game
On Thursday Feb. 8, at the Gryphons Centre, the University of Guelph's men's hockey team saw their 2023-24 season come to an end with a 9-5 loss to the Western Mustangs in the 7th edition of the annual 'Aggies Night' game, proudly presented by Syngenta Canada Inc.
The ceremonial puck drop payed tribute to the proud Aggie legacy of the Dalton/Durnin family. Joining the ice were Mike Dalton (OAC '59A), his daughter Liz (OAC '92), and granddaughters Emma (OAC '22) and Maggie (OAC '24). Syngenta representatives Norm Sutherland (OAC '94) and Brian Wooley (OAC '88), along with Acting Dean John Cranfield (OAC '93 & '95), added to the honour.
The stands were full of aggie spirit at the Aggies Night record crowd of 1,250! See photos from the Aggies Night Hockey Game here.
College Royal 100th
College Royal, the largest university open house event in North America, celebrated its centennial anniversary at the University of Guelph on March 16 and 17. With over 20,000 annual visitors, the event featured a diverse array of activities including livestock shows, family-friendly experiences at Old MacDonald’s New Farm, a new plant-based ice cream developed by students, and more. The 2024 theme, "A Century of College Royalty," highlighted the event’s rich history and evolution from its agricultural roots.
To commemorate the milestone, a new mural by artist Shelby Bohn was unveiled, alongside a history book chronicling College Royal's journey. The celebration also included student, alumni, and faculty events leading up to the open house weekend. Visit the College Royal Society's Facebook page to explore photos from the events.
The OAC 150th anniversary celebrations are made possible by the generous support of Joe & Barbara Maxwell, the OAC Alumni Association, and the OAC Alumni Foundation.
About Us
The Ontario Agricultural College is a global leader of scientific knowledge and applied learning that aims to tackle complex challenges facing our world.
We are founded in agriculture and connected to all things related to food, animals, communities and the environment.