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Graduating students were honoured this past Friday night, March 31 at the annual #Barley party with 81 rings presented to Faculty of Agriculture students.

Established in 2010, the Barley Party is the annual celebration for students who have purchased a Barley Ring- the Faculty of Agriculture’s widely recognized graduation ring. Held in Jenkins Hall on campus, students and their supporters enjoy a delicious meal, and one-by-one are called to the front of the room to accept their Barley Ring.

Students are also welcomed to the Agricultural Campus Alumni Association by Dr. Robyn McCallum, chair of the Alumni Association and are presented their rings by Dean Dr. David Gray.

“This ring means so much to me,” said Dr. Robyn McCallum, Class of ’13 and ’17.  “It reminds me of my time at the AC, how agriculture has shaped me, and how I'm part of the AC community. I wear my Barley ring with great pride,” she added.

Coming back to the Barley Party as the Alumni Association chair is special for Dr. McCallum as 2023 marks ten years since she first graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture.

“Seeing the Barley Party grow to this level-filling Jenkins Hall, watching families receive the ring together- is truly special. I am honored to still be involved with the AC in this way,” she said.

One such family is the Briggs family from Plaster Rock, New Brunswick.  Allyson is the current president of the Dalhousie Agricultural Students’ Association and is graduating with a degree in agricultural business.   Her dad, Derek graduated in 1998.

“It’s special to be receiving a ring with dad,” said Allyson.  “He’s been a major role model for me throughout my life, and I can attribute a lot of my love for the AC and the agriculture industry to him,” she added.   “I vividly remember growing up and hearing him speak fondly of his memories at the AC, and I'm happy to now have my own memories to share with him. I’m so excited to be joining him as an alumn!”

Allyson is attending the University of New Brunswick in the fall to study Law. Her dad Derek is Vice President Business Banking, BMO Financial Group in Plaster Rock.

Brother and sister duo Gabby and Hans Schenkels also received their rings, following in their father John’s footsteps (Class of ’91). Growing up on the Schenkels Farm in Miramichi, NB, influenced both Gabby and her brother. Gabby hopes to contribute to the fight against climate change and will be joining the New Brunswick Soil and Crop Association as their Northshore Agro-Environmental coordinator in May while Hans will receive his Diploma in Dairy Business Management.

“It was really fun to receive my ring with Hans, we've both made great friends here and have learned a lot,” shared Gabby.  “It was great to be able to have my family always with me. Hans will be going out west to work before graduation, so I was happy to be able to share this experience with him before he goes.” 

In addition to the rings presented to students, a special ring was also presented to a deserving individual who wouldn’t ordinarily be eligible to receive one.

Honorary rings are awarded to those who do not meet the criteria to be eligible for a Faculty of Agriculture ring but who are extremely deserving of the honour. These individuals are ambassadors and supporters of the institution and have made outstanding contributions to the Faculty of Agriculture community.

This year’s honorary ring recipient is an institution on campus. Dr. Peter Havard is the longest-serving faculty member on campus (although not the oldest, which is an important distinction).

Over the past 46 years, Peter has served multiple stints as chair of the Department of Engineering. Taking this role on more than once speaks to the kind of person he is – diligent, patient, and more than anything, committed. Peter is a Professional Engineer and a lifetime member of Engineers Nova Scotia because of his long-standing service to the profession. He has a deep appreciation for the agriculture industry, agricultural engineering, and specifically, apple orchards. 

There has been much change at the AC since Peter first started, but at least one thing remains the same: Peter’s care for his students. He is approachable and kind. He is always excited to answer their questions, and his interest in student learning goes beyond the classroom.

Many students can tell you no real due date exists with Peter. If they are willing to put the time and the work into an assignment, he is willing to make the time to ensure they receive credit for it. He is less concerned about grades and far more concerned about his students’ ability to understand a concept.

It is not uncommon for students to approach Peter for help with classes he does not even teach, as he is willing to go out of his way to explain a concept. Peter is one of the first professors that engineering students encounter in their first year, and it does not take long for students to begin viewing him as a fatherly figure. Students will strive for high grades, not only for their personal success, but to make Peter proud.

Peter shares with students the best advice he was given as an engineering student: “just give it your best shot.”  This advice is accompanied by his unwavering care and support.  

Dr. Havard was presented his ring earlier in the day by DASA Executive Georgie Gunn, Allyson Briggs, Tim Ching and Isaac Ayer.

Other past honorary ring recipients were also in attendance to celebrate the Class of 2023 - linking the past with the present, a common passion for agriculture and education and a ring that connects them all.