Home - Ridgetown Campus Graduation

INSTRUCTOR & STAFF messages

Congratulations! You have worked so hard to achieve your goals and should be very proud of your dedication and perseverance in the completion of your studies. Your academic success in the face of adversity is a great accomplishment worthy of celebration. Best of luck in your future careers!

Ms. Flanigan

Congratulations seniors!!! You did it! I hope you have a great experience on your externships and continue to keep in touch! Good luck with all of your future life and career choices - and remember to follow your heart! We wish you the best and will miss you all!! Have a great summer! :)

Jennifer Campbell

Congratulations to the class of 2021. It has been a pleasure to teach you. Best wishes for a wonderful future.

Dr. Sue

Congratulations graduates, so very proud to welcome veterinary technician and office administration graduates to the industry as colleagues. Please be sure to come back and visit us and update us on all of your achievements. Your efforts in your schooling will pay off in your career success!! Kudos

Dr. VH

Congratulations class of 2021! Let's celebrate your success and dedication. Best wishes as you embark on new challenges and opportunities in life.

Amy Wszol

Congratulations graduates! Your ability to adapt to on-line schooling will pay dividends as you embark on your new careers. Change is the only constant. Good luck in your future endeavours.

Bill Litwin

Congratulations to the class of 2021 and best wishes on your next adventure! I am sure graduating will be only the first on many proud, successful moments for you.

Shelley Dougherty

Cheers to the successful completion of your diploma program!! I would like to wish you all the best in your future endeavours. CONGRATS CLASS OF 2021!!!!!!

Sandra Carther

I hope that your experiences at Ridgetown last a lifetime, be it through the connections you've made, the knowledge you've sought, or the spark to remain open and inquisitive as you continue to guide your own learning. Congratulations on finishing this chapter!

Kristyn Englert

You did it! YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS. Remember what helped and what hindered you during this time. As you take on leadership roles, remember that what you do or don't do during a crisis makes a difference in the lives of those you lead. Finally, please drop by for a f2f visit when the time comes!

Cheryl Trueman

Congratulations on the successful completion of your studies at the University of Guelph - Ridgetown Campus. As you leave our campus and continue with your life journey, I hope the knowledge gained, skills developed, and friendships made will serve you well in whatever path you choose.

Ken McEwan

Congratulations 2021 grads! Your determination and adaptability did not go unnoticed. These skills and the knowledge you have developed during your time at Ridgetown will serve you well as you enter the next stage of your careers. It was a pleasure to have been part of your education.

Elaine Roddy

Congratulations graduates! You should be very proud of yourselves! I hope that you stay in touch and that you remember Ridgetown with a smile as you begin the next part of your journey. Be well, be safe and I hope that you find happiness wherever life may take you.

Heather Warwick

Happy Graduation Day! You did it! Congratulations! If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done -T. Jefferson. Live outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself to change your world. Wishing you all the best, I will miss you. Sincerely, Lezlie

Lezlie Cunningham

Your university experience began as normal as any semester in Ridgetown. Then BAM! A rogue wave swept across the world called Covid-19. Did you quit? No! You found away to survive and succeed! Remember that! You have what it takes to succeed in all your future endeavors. Congratulations!

Chaplain Doug Rowley

To all University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus graduates of this past year, I extend my CONGRATULATIONS and hope that the education that you have gained through your studies serves you well throughout your life. All the best to you in your future endeavours!

Barb O'Neill

Congratulations graduates! You did it! What a wild 2 years you had. You completed it with excellence! I enjoyed working with you in first year, seeing you grow your skills and gain confidence with the horses! 2nd year teaching you was a blast! Thank you for that! Enjoy your next adventure! - Ms. V

Kendra Vanden Ouweland

Congratulations to the Class of 2021!! They call it a review mirror for a reason. Look back periodically, but keep your eyes forward. The pandemic may have stolen parts of your final year, but it cannot steal your future!! To say we are PROUD of you is an understatement. Go be Your best You!

Vicki King

Congratulations everyone. It has been two long, and challenging years since you started at Ridgetown Campus. Now you are ready to venture out into new careers or to continue your education in specialized areas. Believe in yourself, be proud of what you have accomplished and the best of luck.

Deborah Hills, College Professor Environmental Management Program

Congratulations on your graduation. This is one of life's great milestones and I would like to express how proud I am of all you! I'm sure today will be only the first of many successful moments for you. Wishing you all the best in the next chapter of your life!

Marlene Morris

Congratulations on the successful completion of your program! We wish you all the best. Welcome to the WestAg Alumni family!

Kim Sonneveld

Congratulations to each of you! May you use what you have gained to be a blessing to those around you.

Paul Luimes

Congratulations everyone, It was a real pleasure getting to meet you - when we had the chance - and I enjoyed teaching you. I hope to be able to meet you again in some forum - a grower meeting, workshop or conference. I wish you all the best for the future. Sincerely, Darren Robinson.

Darren Robinson

Congratulations to the Horticulture class of 2021 upon graduating this spring. It's been a pleasure to get to know you. As you enter the industry you become my instructor and I look forward to learning from you. I wish you convexity, optionality and success. Farewell and stay in touch!

Mike Gladstone

Congratulations to all students on the successful completion of your program and for your graduation.

Veluchamy

Congratulations on your graduation! This is a very special moment in your lives and in your careers, so be sure to enjoy it! We know we'll be hearing wonderful things about you in the future!

Dr. Irene Moore

Congratulations to the classes of 2021 Veterinary Technology Students! There have been may challenges and changes throughout your time at Ridgetown Campus and I have been proud of how you have overcome the obstacles. Congratulations on your graduation and good luck on your next adventure!

Devon Core

Campus SWAG

Ridgetown Campus Web Store

Graduation Awards

Class of 2021 Award Donors

Our Student Awards Program is made possible through the generous support of our donors. We extend a heartfelt thank you to each donor for continuing to support our Graduates!

Bayer Crop Science Canada
C & L Seed Production
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission
Clinton Raceway
ConAgra Foods Canada Inc.
Corteva Agriscience
Elanco Animal Health Canada
Equine Care & Management Program
Estate of Samuel Leister Carr
Farm Credit Canada
Green & Clean Lawncare
Heartland Farm Mutual
J. Harold Willson Scholarship Fund
James & Shirley MacDonald
Jean & Phyllis Parsons Memorial Fund
Lower Thames Valley Conversation Authority
Middlesex Soil & Crop Improvement Association
Ontario Agri Business Association
Ontario Parks Association
Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers
Ontario Veterinary Medical Association
Ridgetown & District Horticultural Society
Ridgetown Campus Veterinary Technology Staff
Royal Bank of Canada
South Kent Wind
South West Agricultural Professionals
The Ablett Family
The Andersons Canada
The Bertens Family
The Conlin Family
The Dr. J.R. Morris Family
The Late Robert O'Brien
The Ouellette Family
Veterinary Office Administration Program
Veterinary Technology Alternative Program
Weather INnovations Consulting LP
Westag Alumni Association
William & Shannon Olson

Best All-Round Student

Donor:

The Andersons Canada

Recipient:

Sarah Kiar

This award is presented to any Associate Diploma student who best combines excellence in the areas of academics, athletics, extra-curricular activities, and good citizenship. The recipient must have an overall minimum cumulative average of 80%.

These awards are presented to the top two students in their respective programs, with a minimum cumulative average of 80% at the time of program completion.

Academic Proficiency, Agriculture

Donor:

ConAgra Foods Canada Inc.

Recipient:

Ahmed Atteya

Academic Proficiency, Runner-Up, Agriculture

Donor:

Corteva Agriscience™

Recipient:

Emma Francis

Academic Proficiency, Environmental Management

Donor:

Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority

Recipient:

Ethan Musclow

Academic Proficiency Runner-Up, Environmental Management

Donor:

Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission

Recipient:

Jordan Ferris

Clinton Raceway Prize

Donor:

Clinton Raceway

Recipient:

Wendy Rudkin

Academic Proficiency Runner-Up, Equine Care & Management Diploma

Donor:

Equine Care & Management Program

Recipient:

Emily Sill

Academic Proficiency, Horticulture

Donor:

Jean and Phyllis Parsons Memorial Fund

Recipient:

Gabrielle Binkley

Academic Proficiency, Runner-Up, Horticulture

Donor:

The J. Murray Neilson Family

Recipient:

Jared Foster

Academic Proficiency, Veterinary Technology

Donor:

Ridgetown Campus

Recipients:

Meaghan Plestid, Katherine Klarer

Academic Proficiency, Runner-Up, Veterinary Technology

Donor:

Ridgetown Campus

Recipients:

Deirdre Hughes, Sasha Samarelli

Academic Proficiency, Veterinary Technology (Alternative)

Donor:

Ridgetown Campus

Recipient:

Jill Baker

Academic Proficiency Runner-Up, Veterinary Technology (Alternative)

Donor:

Ridgetown Campus

Recipient:

Alex Stark

Academic Proficiency, Veterinary Office Administration

Donor:

Ridgetown Campus

Recipient:

Chelsey Lesage

Academic Proficiency, Runner-Up, Veterinary Office Administration

Donor:

Ridgetown Campus

Recipient:

Kayla Krahn

Ed Bertens Memorial Award

Donor:

The Bertens Family

Recipient:

Ahmed Atteya

This award was first established in 1983/84 by family and friends in memory of Ed Bertens, who passed away in 1983. The award is to stimulate academic excellence and is offered to the student graduating with the highest cumulative average in the Agriculture program.

Dr. Gary Ablett Memorial Prize

Donor:

The Ablett Family

Recipient:

Sarah Kiar

This award is established in memory of the late Dr. Gary Ablett, former Director, Ridgetown Campus. The award is given to an Associate Diploma in Agriculture student who has a minimum cumulative average of 70%, and has demonstrated leadership abilities while attending Ridgetown Campus.

Leonard R. Giffin Outstanding College Citizen Memorial Award

Donor:

C & L Seed Production

Recipient:

Matthew Roszell

This award is given to a student who has been active in extracurricular activities, clubs, and intramural sports. This individual has the ability to get along with others and fosters other students to work together in the spirit of collaboration. A minimum cumulative average of 70% is required.

Westag Alumni Resilience Award

Donor:

Westag Alumni Association

Recipients:

Grace Kalbfleisch, Dwayne Riberdy

This award is given to two graduating students from any Ridgetown Campus program who have overcome (or are overcoming) challenges and adversity in their lives.

Francis and Anne Ouellette Scholarships

Donor:

The Ouellette Family

Academic / Leadership Awards

Recipients:

Ahmed Atteya, Ethan Musclow

These awards are given to students graduating from an Associate Diploma program at Ridgetown Campus with a minimum cumulative average of 80%, and who have participated in extracurricular activities. Selection is based on demonstrated leadership skills as evidenced by involvement in organizations, clubs, and campus athletics.

Production Agriculture Award

Recipient:

Clayton Dietz

This award is given to a student in the Associate Diploma in Agriculture or Associate Diploma in Horticulture programs with a minimum cumulative average of 80%, with a career plan in production agriculture.

Agri-Food Industry Award

Recipient:

Emma Francis

This award is given to a student in the Associate Diploma in Agriculture or Horticulture programs with a minimum cumulative average of 80%, with a career plan in the agri-food industry.

Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers – R. H. Brown Memorial Award

Donor:

Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers

Recipient:

Emma Francis

This award is given to an Associate Diploma in Agriculture student who has the highest final grade in the Vegetable Production course.

Stan Olson Young Agriculturalist Award

Donor:

William & Shannon Olson

Recipient:

Laura Benedict

This award was established in honour of the late Stan Olson. This award is given to an Associate Diploma in Agriculture student with a minimum cumulative average of 70% and who plans to work in primary crop production, crop inputs/agribusiness, or crops research.

Robert O’Brien Memorial Award

Donor:

The Late Robert O’Brien

Recipient:

Chelsea Weiler

This award was established in memory of Robert O’Brien who enjoyed his career in agri-food. It is given to an Associate Diploma in Agriculture student who intends to own and operate a farm enterprise.

Excellence in Farm Project, Peter Conlin Memorial Award

Donor:

The Conlin Family

Recipient:

Kiel Coleman

This award is given to a student who has excelled in the Farm Project course, in which the student has completed an extensive financial and production review of their, or a selected, farm operation.

Dr. Ron Pitblado Memorial Scholarship

Donor:

Weather INnovations Consulting

Recipient:

Chelsea Weiler

This award is given to any Associate Diploma student who is further pursuing an undergraduate degree. Preference is given to students with a demonstrated interest in vegetable and/or cash crop production, and/or interest in plant pathology.

Excellence in Conduct and Character, J. Harold Willson Memorial Awards

Donor:

J. Harold Willson Scholarship Fund

Recipients:

Gabrielle Binkley, Alexander von Westerholt

Awarded to two students in the Class of 2021 who best exemplify excellence of conduct and character and have obtained a minimum cumulative average of 70%.

Pat Unger Memorial Prize

Donor:

Heartland Farm Mutual

Recipient:

Andrea Dohner

This prize is awarded to a student who is graduating from the Associate Diploma in Agriculture program and has a minimum cumulative average of 70%. Selection is based on leadership abilities and extra-curricular activities as demonstrated through involvement in 4-H, Junior Farmers, and college activities.

Gray Ridge Egg Farms Prize

Donor:

Gray Ridge Egg Farms

Recipient:

Laura Benedict

This prize was established by LH Gray & Son Limited and is awarded to a graduating student of the Associate Diploma in Agriculture program who has a minimum 70% cumulative average. Selection is based on the demonstration of a strong preference/direction to engaging in egg production. Preference given to students who have been directly involved in egg production at the farm level.

James and Shirley MacDonald Prize

Donor:

James and Shirley MacDonald

Recipient:

Ahmed Atteya

This award is given in recognition of academic excellence in the Associate Diploma in Agriculture program who has completed a minimum of 9.0 credits and has the highest cumulative average in non-elective courses.

Ontario Parks Association Award

Donor:

Ontario Parks Association

Recipient:

Emily Kirkpatrick

An Ontario Parks Association Membership is awarded to a student who has shown a commitment to the environment, and has also demonstrated their dedication to their profession by their respect for green space and our natural heritage.

William Park Carr Scholarship

Donor:

Estate of Samuel Leister Carr

Recipient:

Lauren Miller

This award is given to an Associate Diploma in Agriculture student who has demonstrated a willingness to assume responsibility and leadership in college and community activities. Preference will be given to candidates, who upon graduation, take an active part in the operation of a farm, both with the management of day-to-day operation and have a capital investment.

Chatham-Kent Community Foundation Scholarship

Donor:

South Kent Wind

Recipient:

Ethan Musclow

This scholarship is established by the Chatham-Kent Community Foundation and is awarded to a student who is graduating from the Associate Diploma in Environmental Management program and has the highest cumulative average.

These awards are presented to students with the highest cumulative average in these following courses. A student may receive a maximum of two course awards.

Insect and Disease Management

Donor:

Green and Clean Lawncare

Recipient:

Kiel Coleman

Certification and Safety

Donor:

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

Recipient:

Laurie Alford

Soil Principles

Donor:

Ontario Agri Business Association

Recipient:

Clayton Dietz

Business Marketing Prize

Donor:

South West Agricultural Professionals

Recipient:

Mavis Goertz

Keith Dixon Memorial Prize, Agricultural Economics

Donor:

Farm Credit Canada

Recipient:

Ahmed Atteya

Human Resource Management

Donor:

Royal Bank of Canada

Recipient:

Ahmed Atteya

Corn and Oilseed Management

Donor:

Bayer Crop Science Canada

Recipient:

Emma Francis

R. A. Forsyth Memorial Prize, Crop Diagnostics

Donor:

Middlesex Soil and Crop Improvement Association

Recipient:

Alexandre Wicki

Ornamental Plant Protection

Donor:

Ridgetown and District Horticultural Society

Recipient:

Gabrielle Binkley

Swine Management

Donor:

The Dr. J. R. Morris Family

Recipient:

Tyler McCartney

Environmental Project

Donor:

Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission

Recipient:

Ethan Musclow

Clinical Areas

Donor:

Ridgetown Campus Veterinary Technology Staff

Recipients:

Deirdre Hughes, Jill Baker, Sasha Samarelli

Anaesthesia

Donor:

Benson Medical Industries

Recipients:

Meaghan Plestid, Sasha Samarelli

Animal Nursing

Donor:

Ontario Veterinary Medical Association

Recipients:

Meaghan Plestid, Katherine Klarer

Anatomy

Donor:

Elanco Animal Health Canada

Recipient:

Chelsey Lesage

Veterinary Front Office Management

Donor:

Veterinary Office Administration Program

Recipient:

Chelsey Lesage

Hospital Management (Alternative)

Donor:

Veterinary Technology Alternative Program

Recipient:

Jill Baker

Graduation Program

Graduates will be sent 2 copies of the Graduation Program when the 'Graduation in a Box' packages are couriered out. We are also pleased to offer a PDF version of our Graduation Program for you to download, which will be posted closer to our Virtual Graduation event date. Congratulations to all of our graduates!