The Faculty of Agriculture recently celebrated the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025 during its annual Graduation Banquet鈥攁 tradition that celebrates not only academic excellence, but community, leadership, and lasting impact of its students on campus life.
"The Graduation Banquet is a meaningful occasion to recognize the hard work, leadership, and impact of our students," said the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Heather Bruce. "The Class of 2025 has demonstrated exceptional commitment both in their academic pursuits and in shaping the life of our campus. We are proud to celebrate their achievements."
Organized by co-chairs Abigail Moir and Jessica Larsen, the banquet honours the contributions of graduating students and provides an opportunity for members of the graduating class to be recognized with a variety of honours and awards including Distinguished Graduate awards.
Distinguished Graduate awards were presented to Jessica Larsen, Taylar Austin and Tyler Schmidt-Schaun. Distinguished Graduate awards are designed to express the Faculty鈥檚 acknowledgment and appreciation to graduating students, who have, through their time, energy, talent and leadership, enriched the campus community during their studies without neglecting academic pursuits. Recipients are recognized for contributions made through their involvement over time in multiple activities, including, but not limited to, student government, campus activities, community service, sport and recreation, internationalization, or other campus programs.
The Noel Enman Memorial Award, instituted in 1984, is presented annually to a technician or technology graduate whose personality and fellowship has contributed to student life and activities thereby gaining the respect of students and faculty. This award was presented to Akshit Bhalla.
Every year, the 麻豆社 Agricultural Students鈥� Association, along with the graduating class, selects a faculty or staff member to receive its Student Appreciation Award. The 2025 recipient was Assistant Professor Tracey MacKenzie in the Department of Plant, Food and Environmental Science.
Chances are you have seen Tracey with a class of students climbing, planting, or trimming trees on campus. He has a true passion for his students, the AC and his areas of expertise. These passions shine through in his teaching and actions in and out of the classroom.
鈥淭he passion, care, expertise, practicality and challenges put into your lessons in and out of the classroom, are reflected in your student鈥檚 educational success, passions and careers,鈥� said graduate Ian Logan. 鈥淔or each and every thing you have done for all of us we will be forever grateful.鈥�
Tracey makes hands-on learning in his classroom a priority, often bringing in or showing off equipment, he passionately advocates for students during the development of new curriculum and volunteers his time to helping students organize tree planting events.
鈥淚t has been an honour and a pleasure for me to work with students in many different programs on campus and to bring them a bit closer to industry and nature through hands-on learning,鈥� he said.
The Class of 2025 also presented their gift to the Faculty of Agriculture in appreciation of their time spent on campus. This year, the class contributed an LED sign to be displayed in The Barn. The sign reads 'Aggies Once, Aggies Twice,'
鈥淭his phrase captures the spirit, pride and lifelong connections students share as Aggies," explained Jessica Larsen. 鈥淲e hope it serves as a lasting symbol of our gratitude and the strong sense of community that defined our time here.鈥�
The Life Executive of the Class of 2025 were also recognized including Life President Abigail Moir, Life Secretary Taylar Austin and Valedictorian Jessica Larsen. The Life President is the main representative of the Class while the Life Secretary provides the link between the Class and the Faculty of Agriculture Alumni Association. The valedictorian is given the honor of representing the Class during convocation ceremonies through the delivery of an address.
Other awards presented include:
Dr. Gerry Friars Undergraduate Research Award - this award is presented to the student who is judged to have completed the best written research report as part of the fourth-year project requirements. The 2025 recipient was Jonah Rathgeber.
Klaus de Geus Memorial Award for Plant Science聽- in memory of the late Klaus de Geus, this prize is awarded to a technical graduate. Selection is based on high standing in course work. The 2025 recipient was Suzy MacLean.
Ketchum Manufacturing Company Limited Prize聽- presented for academic achievement by a student graduating from the Animal Science program. The 2025 recipient was Jacob Cleal.
Canadian Agricultural Economics Society Book Prize聽- presented to a graduating student from the Agricultural Business or Agricultural Economics option based on academic performance. The 2025 recipient was Jessica Larsen.
The Governor General鈥檚 Bronze Medal is awarded to the technology graduate who has achieved the highest academic standing among graduates in the program. The 2025 recipient was Suzy MacLean.
University medals were also awarded to those students with the highest grade-point average in their program:
University Medal in Agricultural Business 鈥� Maryn McCoombs
University Medal in Animal Science 鈥� Tyson Burris
University Medal in Bioveterinary Science - Tyler Schmidt-Schaun
University Medal in Engineering 鈥� Akshit Bhalla
University Medal in Environmental Sciences 鈥� Ben Fraser
University Medal in Landscape Architecture 鈥� Ian Logan
University Medal in Plant Science 鈥� Devasena Mahesh
