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When Lauren Peters (Class of ’19) wasn’t studying, you could find her at any and all student events that took place on Dalhousie’s Agricultural Campus.

“Over my four years here, I tried to be involved and get to know as many people on campus as I possibly could,” Lauren explains.

Her campus involvement has certainly paid off. As Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture Class of ’19 graduates turn to their next chapter, they can move forward knowing the interests of their Class are in good hands with Lauren representing the Class of ’19 as Life President.

“It is an absolute honour to be chosen as Life President of the Class of 2019,” Lauren says. “I am happy to have made those connections and cannot wait to continue building them. I am overjoyed to get to work with the Alumni office along with Hannah Gerard to ensure the Class of ‘19 stays connected to Dal AC.”

As Life President, Lauren will act as the main representative between the Class of ’19, 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. Each spring the graduating class elects two individuals to represent the entire class within the Agricultural Campus Alumni Association. Hannah Gerard, Life Secretary, will join Lauren in making up the Class of 2019 Life Executive.

Born and raised in St. Andrews, Antigonish, NS, Lauren was always interested in food and agriculture. Although she did not come directly from a farm, Lauren has always been interested in the manner in which food is produced. Living beside a dairy farm and working on an egg farm for over five years, Lauren developed a passion for learning about agriculture. Following her passion, Lauren was a member of her local 4-H club for nearly 10 years. It was this discovered passion that drew Lauren to Dal AC and the International Food Business (IFB) program, despite her intent to attend culinary school.

“After touring the Dal AC through attending 4-H events and coming as a class trip, I had the opportunity to learn about the amazing campus and what it had to offer,” Lauren explains. “This is where I began to learn about what International Food Business was. I then came back to the campus for both Discovery Day and a Preview Day where I learned more about the program. It was the perfect combination of food and agriculture along with learning about the business side of the agri-food sector.”

From her first few days on campus, Lauren has always tried to stay involved in student life. She attended as many student events as she could, volunteered, and even secured a job on campus. She has participated in house challenges, volunteered at Discovery Days and Preview Days, was an Orientation Leader for two years, was the IFB Club Co-President and co-managed the student bar on campus, The Barn, for two years.

“I would have to say my absolute favourite thing about Dal AC is the Aggie Pride,” Lauren says of her alma mater. “From your first day of Orientation to Graduation day to Alumni Events, all students have the Aggie pride within them. It is something we feel because of how strong our love is for this campus and community. We are a family. I am so proud to be an Aggie and I am so happy to be part of this family.”

On May 10, Lauren will graduate from the IFB program, a four-year dual degree program. IFB students complete a year of international study in the Netherlands as well as two work terms- one in Europe and one in North America.

“I love how the IFB program is one-of-a kind worldwide,” Lauren says. “I will be graduating with two degrees in only four years. Two degrees within an industry I fell in love with. I had the opportunity to travel to 11 different countries while studying. These included Iceland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Scotland and France to name a few. During my four years I also had the opportunity to take part in a European work placement and a North American work placement. It was an incredible opportunity to build my resume while attending school.”

Lauren will receive a dual degree with both a Bachelor of Agriculture from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Aeres University, the partner university in the Netherlands. Upon graduation, Lauren has secured as position as Marketing Coordinator for the Masstown Market in Masstown, NS.

Alongside Lauren, Hannah Gerard will act as Life Secretary for the Class of ’19. As Life Secretary, Hannah 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.

During convocation on May 10, Jack Lynds will address the Class of ’19 as valedictorian.

For Lauren, the urge to stay involved with the campus she calls home has led her to proudly represent the Class of ’19 as Life President. As she moves away from the Ag Campus, she will certainly cherish the fond memories she has made by being actively involved with student life at Dal AC.

“Aggies once, Aggies twice!” Lauren smiles.

Congratulations to the Class of 2019 Life Executive!

Check out this video of Lauren!