Academic Leadership Messages
Dr. Charlotte A. B. YatesPresident and Vice Chancellor University of Guelph
Throughout your time at the University of Guelph – and especially over the course of the past two years year – you have each met the challenges and opportunities you faced with bravery, creativity and compassion. I encourage you to rely on these same strengths and on those who have propelled you on your journey as you begin the next chapter of your lives.
As graduates of Ridgetown and of the Ontario Agricultural College, your knowledge of agriculture, the environment, equine, horticulture, and veterinary care combined with your Gryphon spirit will allow you to make a meaningful difference in our world.
However you choose to make that difference – and wherever your journey takes you next – I encourage you to stay connected with the University. We look forward to hearing about your next accomplishments, adventures and discoveries.
I am incredibly proud of you, and I wish you the very best for continued success in the months and years ahead.
Dr. Rene Van AckerDean, Ontario Agricultural College
Today is a special day of celebration and reflection. As you toast your accomplishments, take time to reflect on your experiences. Yes, you earned a certificate or diploma, but you have accomplished many things beyond this.
You are leaving campus today with new friends, a stronger resume, a better understanding of yourself and the world around you. I hope you also learned the importance of being open to new experiences. That striving for balance between hard work and self-care is vital. That fostering an inquisitive nature in yourself and those around you creates solutions to complex problems.
Lastly, I hope you have come to see how you are part of a global network of OAC alumni that Improve Life. I look forward to hearing about your future contributions to our world; I know they will be countless.
Congratulations on your graduation!
Brett ShepherdDirector, Ridgetown Campus
I have always believed that post-secondary education is as much about the qualities you develop as a person, as what you learn in the classroom. These many qualities will serve you well throughout your professional and personal journey.
By graduating in 2022, after enduring two years of a global pandemic, you have shown us how determined and resilient you are. You persevered and completed all the requirements of your diploma, certificate, or apprenticeship program. You demonstrated resilience by adapting to the uncertainties of Covid including a need to excel in both online and in-person learning. Moreover, your courage led you to accept new challenges, overcome barriers and succeed in and out of the classroom. You are truly a remarkable cohort of students!
Although graduation is the end of your time at Ridgetown Campus, you are now beginning the best years of your life. I sincerely hope you will remember Ridgetown Campus fondly and consider it your second home. Keep in touch in the years to come and let us know about all of your wonderful accomplishments as you continue to Improve Life, by improving the world growing around you in your own special ways!
Dr. Simon LachanceAssistant Dean, Academic, Ridgetown Campus
Congratulations to all of our graduates who have completed their programs! This important milestone in your life is something to celebrate with pride.
I hope you had the opportunity to make lasting friendships, create happy memories, and achieve your personal goals during the time you spent with us learning both online and in-person.
I had the privilege to watch you, the Class of 2022, complete your entire program during a time of uncertainty and challenge. I want to commend each of you for making it across the finish line. I have also observed many of you help your classmates throughout this time and I want to thank you for your peer support of classmates and friends. Remember to value both the classroom and life lessons learned at Ridgetown.
As you move forward on your personal journey, I encourage you to continue to seek out opportunities to further your knowledge and learn new skills.
Congratulations on your academic success and my sincerest best wishes in your future endeavours.
