Features | Ontario Agricultural College

Features

Cara McCreary cheerfully smiles while standing in a greenhouse.

Protecting Ontario’s Food: Ridgetown Alumna Leads Innovation in Greenhouse Pest Management

Having robust and comprehensive integrated pest management (IPM) is essential to protecting crops and supporting a strong, sustainable food system in Ontario. U of G Ridgetown Campus alumna Cara McCreary is at the forefront of protecting Ontario’s food supply and has dedicated her career to advancing pest control strategies in controlled environments.

A group of students stand in a greenhouse research facility surrounded by tomato plants.

Sustainable Agriculture Program Launches with Hands-On Summer Experiences at Ridgetown Campus

The Ontario Agricultural College’s new Master’s in Sustainable Agriculture (MSAg) program launched this summer at the Ridgetown Campus, welcoming its first cohort of students from across the globe. They began their studies with a practical, hands-on semester in southwestern Ontario, engaging directly with the region’s dynamic agri-food sector.

a photo of oac alumni outside smiling for camera

OAC Alumni Rally Across Generations in the Decade Challenge 

OAC alumni from the 1970s won the OAC Alumni Decade Challenge, a friendly competition pitting decades of graduates against one another. Held as part of OAC’s 150th anniversary celebrations, the challenge highlighted both OAC pride and the enduring tradition of giving back that has shaped the College since its earliest days. 

At the heart of the friendly competition was a shared commitment: supporting students — today and tomorrow — as they learn, lead and make an impact in agriculture, food, communities and the environment. 

Jane and Tom Funk stand behind a sunset smiling while holding up their Distinguished Teaching Awards (from the OAC)).

The Legacy of Tom and Jane Funk: Shaping Leaders in Agri-Marketing

For more than three decades, retired OAC professors Tom and Jane Funk played an instrumental role in shaping the future of agricultural business education at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). As dedicated educators, mentors, and innovators, their careers were defined by a shared passion for student success and a tireless commitment to bridging the gap between learning and real-world applications.

Now, with a generous gift of $50,000, Tom and Jane are continuing their legacy by establishing the Tom & Jane Funk Agri-Marketing Bursary to support OAC students in the Bachelor of Commerce (Food and Agricultural Business) program, awarded based on financial need.

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