OAC's Alumni Association

Honorary President Dean Rene Van Acker B.Sc. (Agr.) ’90, Ph.D ‘92
President Melanie Curtis, B.Sc. (Agr.) ’08
Past President  Donald Skinner, B.Sc. (Agr.) '10, M.Sc. '13
1st Vice-President Megan Van Schaik, B.Sc. (Agr.) '08
2nd Vice-President Caleigh Slits, B.Sc. (Agr.) '18
Secretary Lance Schultz, B.Sc. ’10, M.Sc. ‘15
Treasurer Carson Burtwistle, B.Comm. '18
General Executive Julia Romangnoli, B.Sc. (Agr.) '16
General Executive Carissa White, B.B.R.M. '15

4th Year

• Caiden Fairbairn, B.Comm. '09
• Tammy Fischer, B.Comm. '10
• Laura Langford, B.Comm. '06

3rd Year

• Greg de Vos, B.Comm. '97

2nd Year

• Gillian Greaves, B.Sc. '16
• Emma Richards, B.Comm. '21
• Laura Bodini, B.Sc. (Agr.) '19
• Logan Vroegh, B.Comm. '21

1st Year

• Kyle Farquashan, OAC 2022
• Erica Sayles, B.Sc. (Agr.) '19
• Phil Emmott, B.Sc. (Agr.) '04
• Hannah Sweett, B.Sc. '17
• Adam Smith, B.Comm. '20

Ex-Officio Directors

• OAC Alumni Foundation Chair – Dwight Greer
• Joint Investment Committee Chair – Robert Hall
• Student Federation of OAC – Stephanie Fletcher

The Past Presidents of the OAC Alumni Association are among the most distinguished names in Ontario's agri-food system:

Years    Name
1935 - 1936    Mr. L.W. Pearsall, '22
1944 - 1945    Mr. E.H. Stoltz, '33
1946 - 1947    Mr. W.T. Ziegler, '22
1947 - 1948    Mr. F.W. Presant, '23
1949 - 1950    Mr. J.M. Appleton, '35
1951 - 1952    Mr. G.H. Dickson, '38
1952 - 1953    Mr. E. Culp, '16
1953 - 1954    Mr. A.C. McTaggart, '35
1954 - 1955    Mr. G.T. Jackson, '25
1955 - 1956    Mr. T.H. Shield, '22
1956 - 1957    Mr. A.D. Hales, '34
1957 - 1958    Mr. C.G. Pilkey, '23
1958 - 1959    Mr. R.W. Pawley, '39
1959 - 1960    Mr. J.E. Moles, '36
1960 - 1961    Mr. W.M. Cockburn, '23
1961 - 1962    Mr. C.E. Mighton, '31
1962 - 1963    Mr. P.W. Couse, '46
1963 - 1964    Mr. R.A. Stewart, '33
1964 - 1965    Mr. G.L.E. Nixon, '37
1965 - 1966    Mr. D.M. Adams, '49
1966 - 1967    Dr. J.H. Hare, '43
1967 - 1968    Mr. G.W. McNern, '51
1968 - 1969    Mr. B.B. Hodgins, '38
1969 - 1970    Dr. W.H. Minshall, '33
1970 - 1971    Mr. M.G. Greer, '41
1971 - 1972    Mr. R.G. Bennett, '43
1972 - 1973    Mr. G.R. Greenlees, '62
1973 - 1974    Mr. F.T. Cowan, '65
1974 - 1975    Mr. J.A. Eccles, '40
1975 - 1976    Mr. L.J. Ross, '54
1976 - 1977    Mr. T.G. Sawyer, '59A, '64
1977 - 1978    Mr. E.F. Carberry, '44
1978 - 1979    Mrs. P.L. Mighton, '64, '93
1979 - 1980    Mr. G.B. Powell, '62
1980 - 1981    Dr. J.C. Rennie, '47
1981 - 1982    Mr. L.W. Argue, '58
1982 - 1983    Mr. H.J. Stanley, '55
1983 - 1984    Mr. D.B. Risebrough, '77
1984 - 1985    Mr. G.F. Jocius, '70
1985 - 1986    Mr. D.W. Barrie, '53A
1986 - 1987    Mr. N.E. McCollum, '66A
1987 - 1988    Mr. W.G. Lane, '71
1988 - 1989    Miss C.E. Lowry, '78
1989 - 1990    Professor P.L. Seyfried, '57
1990 - 1991    Mr. A.G. Bennett, '51
1991 - 1992    Mr. P.E. Larmer, '81
1992 - 1993    Mr. E.M. Biggs, '48
1993 - 1994    Mr. R.M. Murray, '49
1994 - 1995    Mr. D.A. Wagner, '74A
1995 - 1996    Mrs. M.D. Jenkins, '79
1996 - 1997    Mrs. M.L. McPherson, ' 80
1997 - 1998    Mr. W.H. Bearss, '71,'74
1998 - 1999    Mr. B.E. Christie, '58A
1999 - 2000    Miss C.A. Mackay, '92
2000 - 2001    Mrs. L.M. Hruska, '85, '88
2001 - 2002    Dr. D. Yungblut, '72, PhD '79
2002 - 2003    Mrs. Anna DeMarchi-Meyers, '88
2003 - 2004    Mr. D.E. Greer, '72
2004 - 2005    Mr. D.E. Young, '65A
2005 - 2006    Mr. J.S. Hyde,'71
2006 - 2007    Mr. G.W. Robinson, '65A, '93
2007-2008    Mr. D. Gosnell, '94
2008-2009    Mr. M. Ostrowski, '79
2009-2010    Ian Rumbles, '79
2010-2011    Andrew Bowman, '07
2011-2012    Rob Hall, '84
2012-2013    Peter Warmels, '79
2013-2014    Angela Tellez Garay, '09

2014-2015    Peter Ilnyckyj, ’78
2015-2016    Mattew Cole

This annual award recognizes effective extension efforts used outside the classroom by OAC faculty members. Recipients have demonstrated accomplishments in extension with emphasis on relevance to Ontario or Canadian agriculture.

Recipients

2022: Dr. Maria Corradini, Department of Food Science
2020: Ivan O'Halloran, School of Environmental Sciences, Ridgetown Campus
2019: Vern Osborne, Department of Animal Biosciences
2018: Brady Deaton, Department of Food, Agriculture, and Resource Economics
2017: Tina Widowski, Department of Animal Biosciences
2016: Al Lauzon, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
2015: Dave Hooker, Department of Plant Agriculture
2014: Jay Subramanian, Department of Plant Agriculture
2013: Kees de Lange, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
2012: Mary Ruth McDonald, Department of Plant Agriculture
2011: Laura Van Eerd, School of Environmental Sciences
2010: John Lauzon, School of Environmental Sciences
2009: Ernesto Guzman, School of Environmental Sciences
2006: Helen Fisher, Department of Plant Agriculture
2005: Massimo Marcone, Department of Food Science
2004: Richard D. Moccia, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
2003: Doug Powell, Department of Plant Agriculture
2002: Roger Hacker, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
2001: Michael Goss, Department of Land Resource Science
2000: Arthur R. Hill, Department of Food Science
1999: Kees de Lange, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1998: Richard Upfold, Department of Plant Agriculture
1997: H. Douglas Goff, Department of Food Science
1996: Frank Hurnik, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1995: Tom Funk, Department of Agricultural Economics & Business
1994: Brian Kennedy, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1993: Stewart Hilts, Department of Land Resource Science
1992: Gary Kachanoski, Department of Land Resource Science
1991: G.L. Brinkman, Department of Agricultural Economics & Business
1990: G.H. Bowman, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1989: E.B. Burnside, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1988: W.S. Young, OAC Dean's Office
1987: D.J. Hume, Department of Crop Science
1986: H. Tiessen, Department of Horticultural Science
1985: T. Lane Land, Department of Resource Science
1984: R.W. Irwin, School of Engineering
1983: R.S. Fulkerson, Department of Crop Science

This annual award recognizes outstanding research accomplishments by OAC faculty members. Recipients have demonstrated accomplishments in innovative research with emphasis on relevance to Ontario or Canadian agriculture.

Recipients

2022: Dr. Jay Subramanian, Department of Plant Agriculture
2020: Youbin Zheng, School of Environmental Sciences
2019: Amar Mohanty, Department of Plant Agriculture
2018: Flavio Schenkel, Department of Animal Biosciences
2017: Kari Dunfield, School of Environmental Sciences  
2016: Mansel Griffiths, Department of Food Science
2015: Paul Sibley, School of Environmental Sciences
2014: Claudia Wagner-Riddle, School of Environmental Sciences
2013: John Cranfield, Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics
2012: Hung Lee, School of Environmental Sciences
2011: Gopi Paliyath, Department of Plant Agriculture
2010: Elizabeth Lee, Department of Plant Agriculture
2009: Milena Corredig, Department of Food Science
2008: Istvan Rajcan, Department of Plant Agriculture
2007: Praveen Saxena, Department of Plant Agriculture
2006: Alfons Weersink, Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics
2005: Kees de Lange, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
2004: K. Peter Pauls, Department of Plant Agriculture
2003: Chris Hall, Department of Environmental Biology
2002: Rickey Yada, Department of Food Science
2001: Glenn Fox, Department of Agricultural Economics and Business
2000: Beverley D. Kay, Department of Land Resource Science
1999: Brian W. McBride, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1998: Karl D. Meilke, Department of Agricultural Economics and Business
1997: Ronald O. Ball, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1996: Clarence Swanton, Department of Crop Science
1995: John Proctor, Department of Horticultural Science
1994: Matthys Tollenaar, Department of Crop Science
1993: Rob Etches, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1992: L.J. Martin, George Morris Centre
1991: B.W. Kennedy, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1990: B.D. McKersie, Department of Crop Science
1989: S. Leeson, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1987: W.D. Beversdorf, Department of Crop Science
1986: G.W. Thurtell, Department of Land Resource Science
1985: D.P. Ormrod, Department of Horticultural Science
1984: K.J. Kasha, Department of Horticultural Science
1983: J.D. Summers, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1982: E. Reinbergs, Department of Crop Science

This annual award recognizes the importance of effective teaching in the education of OAC students. Recipients have demonstrated competence in teaching as well as enthusiasm, interest and the ability to stimulate and guide students in the organization, preparation and presentation of material.

Recipients

2022: Dr. John Lauzon, School of Enironmental Sciences
2020: Wayne Caldwell, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
2019: Lisa Duizer, Department of Food Science
2018: Helen Hambly-Odame, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
2017: Stephen Bowley, Department of Plant Agriculture 
2016: Alfons Weersink, Department of Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics
2015: Nate Perkins, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
2014: Andy Robinson, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
2013: John FitzGibbons, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
2012: Sean Kelly, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
2011: Paul Sibley, School of Environmental Sciences
2010: Gary Parkin, School of Environmental Sciences
2009: Alan Sullivan, Department of Plant Agriculture
2008: John Walton, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
2007: Manish Raizada, Department of Plant Agriculture
2006: Massimo Marcone, Department of Food Science
2005: Robert D. Brown, School of Environmental Design & Rural Development
2004: H. Douglas Goff, Department of Food Science
2003: Ian Duncan, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
2002: Gard Otis, Department of Environmental Biology
2000: Mary M. Buhr, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1999: Tom Funk, Department of Agricultural Economics & Business
1998: Maurice Nelischer, Landscape Architecture
1997: Tom Michaels, Department of Crop Science
1996: Jane Funk, Department of Agricultural Economics & Business
1995: Leslie Evans, Department of Land Resource Science
1994: Ron Stoltz, Landscape Architecture
1993: Ward Chesworth, Department of Land Resource Science
1992: J. Prokipcak, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
1991: G.P. Lumis, Department of Horticultural Science
1990: J.L. Atkinson, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1989: G.A. Surgeoner, Department of Environmental Biology
1988: T.K. Warley, Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension Education
1987: R.L. Thomas, Department of Land Resource Science
1986: T.J. Gillespie, Department of Land Resource Science
1985: W.M. Braithwaite, Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension Education
1984: J. Eggens, Department of Horticultural Science
1983: J.E. Winch, Department of Crop Science
1982: R.B. Hunter, Department of Crop Science
1981: H.J. Swatland, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1980: R.S. Fulkerson, Department of Crop Science
1979: R. Forshaw, Department of Animal & Poultry Science
1978: D.H. Pengelly, Department of Environmental Biology
1977: D.R. Arnott, Department of Food Science
1976: A.M. Pearson, Department of Dairy Science
1975: B.R. Christie, Department of Crop Science
1974: J.W. Tanner, Department of Crop Science
1973: J.C. Taylor, Department of Horticultural Science

Article I — Name
The name of the organization (hereinafter called the Association) shall be the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) Alumni Association.

Article II - Mission and Objectives
The mission of the Association is to:

• promote lifelong professional and social relationships among the alumni of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC, or the College);
• sustain and strengthen the programs of the OAC and its position within the University of Guelph;
• strengthen the ability of the OAC family - faculty, staff, present and future students and alumni - to contribute to the economic viability of the global agrifood sector and the economic, environmental and social health of rural communities.

To these ends, the Association shall:

• communicate with and foster communications among alumni, the OAC and other university communities, and the public;
• offer advice informed by experience to the OAC and the University on developments that will support high standards and social relevance in teaching, research and extension programs;
• promote and facilitate an active and expanding participation of alumni in the affairs and activities of the College and the University;
• foster partnerships between the OAC and public and industry groups, rural leaders and government.

In pursuit of these objectives, the Association will

• encourage young people to seek post-secondary education at the University of Guelph and particularly within academic programs for which the OAC is responsible;
• interact with in-course students - from admission to convocation - in order to provide support to them in their academic programs and in their extra-curricular activities, and help them prepare to enter the workplace;
• actively encourage eligible graduates to become members of the Association;
• provide qualified persons to serve on College and university planning, administration and operating committees and agencies;
• collaborate with the OAC and the University in the design and delivery of lifelong learning opportunities;
• in cooperation with the OAC Alumni Foundation, Association members, and the Alma Mater Fund, raise funds to support valuable developments and projects in the College and the University;
• keep members informed of developments in the College and University through a newsletter and in other ways;
• maintain and promote social and professional contacts among alumni through regular communications and by arranging social, sporting and other events.
   

Article III - Head Office
The head office of the Association shall be situated in Alumni House at the University of Guelph, in the City of Guelph, in the Province of Ontario, or at such place as the Directors from time to time determine.

Article IV - Emblem
The crest of the OAC the design whereof is shown in the margin hereof, when used in conjunction with the name of the Association shall be the emblem of the Association. The signature and/or crest of the University of Guelph, whereof is/are shown in the margin hereof, may be used in conjunction with the name of the Association in keeping with the policies concerning such use by the University.

Article V - Colours of the Association
The OAC colours of red and blue shall be the colours of the Association.

Article VI - Membership

• The membership of the Association shall be open to:
• all graduates of the academic programs for which the OAC (now the University of Guelph) and faculty thereof;
• all students who have attended two or more semesters in a program of the OAC;
• those persons who have received a diploma through correspondence or Independent Study through the OAC;
• any individual who acts as an Ex-Officio Director of the Association;
• such other persons as the Association may determine by By-law.

Membership shall be granted to all graduates of the academic programs centred on the Ontario Agricultural College, including those who have graduated from the regional campuses of the University of Guelph in and since 1997.

Article VII- Management
The affairs of the Association shall be managed by a Board of Directors. While the actions of the Board shall be subject to review by the members at the annual meeting, the Directors may amend the By-law and administer the affairs of the Association, and in its name enter into any contract which the Association may lawfully enter into, and save as hereinafter provided, generally may exercise all such powers and all such other acts as the Association is by its constitution, or otherwise, authorized to exercise and do. The size and makeup of the Board shall be determined by By-law.

Article VIII - Financial Operations
The Association shall be carried on without purpose of direct individual financial gain for its members. Any operating surplus arising from any Association activity, or any other financial gain to the Association, shall be used in promoting its objectives.

Article IX - Financial Year
Unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors, the fiscal year of the Association shall terminate on the thirty-first day of January in each year.

Article X - Amendments to the Constitution
This constitution may be amended, or a new constitution adopted in its place, by a two-thirds vote of the members in good standing who are present at an annual meeting or regularly scheduled meeting of the Association members provided that the substance of the proposed or new constitution has been circulated to the members with one of the notices of the meeting 21 days or more before the time fixed for the holding of such a meeting.

Revisions to the constitution shall be in effect from the date of the meeting at which they are approved.
 

Article XI - Interpretation
In this constitution, and in all By-laws of the Association hereinafter passed, unless the context otherwise requires, words importing the singular number or masculine gender shall include the plural number or the female gender, as the case may be, and vice versa.

Approved by the members of the Association at the annual general meeting of the Association on June 1999.

By-law
A By-law consolidating all previous By-laws and relating to the transaction of the business and affairs of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) Alumni Association.