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10 Years and counting. Faculty of Agriculture celebrates anniversary of Barley ring

Posted by stephanie rogers on March 26, 2020 in News
Celebrating 10 years!
Celebrating 10 years!

A lot can happen in ten short years including the introduction of a new symbol of agriculture in the form of a Barley ring, a merger with Dalhousie University and the first Dean of Dalhousie University’s newest Faculty – the Faculty of Agriculture.    

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Barley ring it is only fitting that the celebration be as unique as our students and alumni themselves.  In light of the current global pandemic, we will be hosting a virtual Barley party on Friday, April 3rd 6:00 p.m.  on Facebook (@dalagriculture) Videos, testimonials from our honourary ring recipients and some special contesting will make this our most unique event yet!

“The goal of this official ring is to create a symbol, second only to the degree or diploma, that will immediately identify individuals as a graduate of the AC community,” said Alumni Manager Alisha Johnson.

Unveiled 10-years-ago, the Barley ring is the official graduation ring of the Faculty of Agriculture.  Since its launch in 2010, it has become a highly recognized symbol for the Faculty.  As of February 2020, there are 1225 rings worn by alumni around the world!

The textured design features a pattern of barley around the band of the ring, handmade by jeweler, Donna Hiebert. She came up with the initial concept while walking her dog from her studio in Halifax, NS. Donna continues to make every Barley Ring,

Thanks to the Barley Ring, barley has quickly become an unofficial symbol on the Agricultural Campus. Alumni, staff and students are now wearing barley belt buckles, pendants and tie clips and a larger than life Barley arch was isntalled in the Alumni Gardens inspired by an arch at a public garden near the FAFU campus, in China.

A special display in the Student Learning Commons is also being curated by Library staff in honour of the 10th anniversary and will be available for viewing at a later date.

The Barley Party marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Please join us Friday, April 3 at 6:00 p.m as we honour and pay tribute to our latest recipients.