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Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture Class of ’18 graduates can turn to their next chapter knowing the interests of the Class are in good hands.

Each spring the graduating class elects two individuals to represent the entire class within the Agricultural Campus Alumni Association. Dal AC is pleased to announce that Mollie Pickard, Life President and Cora Sharp, Life Secretary, will form the Class of ’18 Life Executive.

As Life President, Mollie Pickard will act as the main representative between the Class of ’18, the Agricultural Campus Alumni Association, and the Alumni Relations office. She will ensure the interests of the Class are being observed in the matters of finance, publicity, reunions, and funding.

“It is an honor to be selected as Class Life Executive alongside Cora Sharp,” Mollie exclaims. “I am thrilled to continue to be involved with Dal AC as an alumni and represent the 2018 graduating class.”

Originally from Piercemont, NB, Mollie always had a keen interest in agriculture. Growing up in a strong farming community, her involvement in 4-H and ties to farming in her family instilled strong agricultural values in her from a very young age. Hearing stories of Dal AC from her father, also a proud Aggie, Mollie toured the campus and instantly fell in love.

“I knew I wanted a career in agriculture and Dal AC allowed me the opportunity to pursue that goal,” Mollie explains. “I was looking at taking a business degree and Dal AC presented the perfect opportunity for me to combine my two interests.”

Making the most of her time at Dal AC, Mollie was actively involved in student council, acting as Third Year Rep and VP of External Affairs for Dalhousie Agricultural Students’ Assocation (DASA). She was Residence Assistant of Fraser House for two years and played a year of varsity soccer and varsity rugby.

A graduate of Dal AC’s Agricultural Business program, Mollie looks forward to beginning an internship with McCain’s Field Department in Florenceville-Bristol, NB.

Alongside Mollie, Cora Sharp will act as Life Secretary for the Class of ’18. As Life Secretary, Cora will act as the link between the Class and the Agricultural Campus Alumni Association. She will handle correspondence within the Class Executive. She will also coordinate the mechanics of the Class mailing list for special class events and other alumni gatherings.

“I feel so honored that my fellow grads thought that I was right for the position!” Cora smiles. “I’m excited to be able to keep in contact with all the grads of 2018 and bring them back together sometime to reminisce on the good old days!”

From Sussex, NB, Cora grew up on the family dairy farm. Having worked on several other farms over the years, Cora developed a keen interest for not only milking cows, but learning about breeding genetics, showing, feeding, and all aspects of dairy farming. With her agricultural background through dairy farming and 4-H, Cora set her sights on Dal AC.

“I have always been interested in agriculture and I had the opportunity to play soccer,” Cora explains. “My older sister went to Dal AC before me and she had nothing but good reviews. I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else!”

During her time at Dal AC, Cora studied Environmental Sciences. She began her journey with little knowledge of the program. Over time, her interest for environmental science developed into a passion which she is planning to turn into a career.

“I had always had summer jobs that were based around agriculture and as the years went by, I started to learn more and pay more attention to the environmental impacts of everything,” Cora explains of the program she took at Dal AC.

After graduation, Cora plans to diversify her education even more.

“I want to learn all I can about the agricultural industry and someday use my knowledge to own my own dairy farm,” Cora explains. “This could be a long way off, but that is the end goal!”

Along with her studies, Cora was committed to getting involved on campus. From sports to student governance, on-campus events and publications, Cora was presented with numerous opportunities to explore all aspects of Dal AC. Her passion for being involved was her reason for running for a spot on the Life Executive. Not only that, she follows in the footsteps of her older sister.

“My older sister, Ellen, is the Life President for the Class of 2017 so it means a lot that I could be voted onto the Life Executive as well,” Cora explains proudly. “My younger brother, Sam, is starting his degree next year and I’m so excited for him to be able to have as awesome of an experience as I did!”

For both Mollie and Cora, the urge to stay involved with the campus they call home has led them to proudly represent the Class of ’18 as Life Executive. As they move away from the Ag Campus, both are reminded of why they accepted the lifelong commitment.  

“Once you choose to become an Aggie, you are forever a part of the AC family,” Mollie smiles.

Congratulations to the Class of 2018 Life Executive!