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The Faculty of Agriculture recently celebrated the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2026 during its annual Graduation Gala—a tradition that celebrates not only academic excellence, but community, leadership, and the lasting impact of students on campus life.

This year instead of the traditional banquet, students organized a Gala event to encourage more community and socializing amongst guests.

"The Graduation Gala was a highlight of our celebrations and was a reflection of the camaraderie and sprit of the Class of 2026,” said Dean Dr. Heather Bruce. “It was wonderful to see such engagement from friends and family celebrating the accomplishments of our students.  Their hard work, leadership and impact on our campus will be felt for years to come.  Congratulations to all.”

Organized by co-chairs Jill Lockerby, Madison Hayward, and Emily Smith, the Gala honours the contributions of graduating students and provides an opportunity for members of the graduating class to be recognized with a variety of honours and awards including distinguished graduate awards.

Distinguished Graduate awards were presented Jenna Bevacqua, Alexandra Carkner and Sophia Ghinzel. Distinguished Graduate awards are designed to express the faculty’s acknowledgment and appreciation to graduating students, who have, through their time, energy, talent and leadership, enriched the campus community during their studies without neglecting academic pursuits. Recipients are recognized for contributions made through their involvement over time in multiple activities, including, but not limited to, student government, campus activities, community service, sport and recreation, internationalization, or other campus programs.

The Noel Enman Memorial Award, instituted in 1984, is presented annually to a technician or technology graduate whose personality and fellowship has contributed to student life and activities thereby gaining the respect of students and faculty. This award was presented to Olivia Caissie 

Every year, the Dalhousie Agricultural Students’ Association, along with the graduating class, selects a faculty or staff member to receive its Student Appreciation Award. The 2026 recipient was Assistant Dean, Students and Assistant Professor Dr. Nancy McLean in the Department of Plant, Food and Environmental Science.

Dr. McLean has been a pivotal part of campus for many years. As a professor, she brings in real world examples and pulls from her own experiences to help increase student understanding. She is the type of professor who teaches with a passion and dedication her students can feel. You can always find her in her office or staying after class to chat with and support students. Beyond academics, she is a “Jill of all trades”.

One of her graduate students said, “when it comes to her, it would be quicker to list the things she isn’t good at rather than the ones she is,” they continued.  

Annually, the graduating class presents a gift to the Faculty of Agriculture in appreciation of their time spent on campus.  This year, The Class of 2026 has committed to contributing outdoor furniture to the Horseshoe revitalization project.

“I was surprised and thrilled to receive this award,” said Dr. McLean.  “Teaching is very difficult because we are always trying to improve and update what we have done in the past while making the material accessible and relevant to students,” she added.  “For those of you hoping to have honoured a different teacher, please reach out to them and let them know the positive impact they have had on you.”

The Life Executive of the Class of 2026 were also recognized including Life President Emily Smith, Life Secretary, Madison Hayward and co valedictorians Jenna Bevacqua and Meghan Lawrence.  The Life President is the main representative of the Class. The Life Secretary will provide the link between the Class of 2026 and the Faculty of Agriculture Alumni Association. The valedictorians were given the honor of representing all graduating students during the convocation ceremony through the delivery of an address.

The Class of 2026 also presented their gift to the Faculty of Agriculture in appreciation of their time spent on campus. This year, the class made a contribution to the Horseshoe Community Development project - an initiative to revitalize the green space within the three residences on campus. 

Other awards presented include:

Dr. Gerry Friars Undergraduate Research Award - this award is presented to the student who is judged to have completed the best written research report as part of the fourth-year project requirements. The 2026 recipient was Alexandra Carkner

Klaus de Geus Memorial Award for Plant Science - in memory of the late Klaus de Geus, this prize is awarded to a technical graduate. Selection is based on high standing in course work. The 2026 recipient was Jocelyn Inward.

Ketchum Manufacturing Company Limited Prize - presented for academic achievement by a student graduating from the Animal Science program. The 2026 recipient was Clare Glover

Canadian Agricultural Economics Society Book Prize - presented to a graduating student from the Agricultural Business or Agricultural Economics option based on academic performance – The 2026 recipient was Daniel Pettipas.

Canadian Society of Animal Science Academic Achievement Award -presented to a graduating student in recognition of superior academic achievement in an animal science-related program. The 2026 recipient was Meghan Lawrence

Graduate Level Best Thesis Award (PhD)-Nivethika Ajeethan

Graduate Level Best Thesis Award (MSc) -Dinushi Kaushalya Kilittuwa Gamage

The Governor General’s Bronze Medal is awarded to the technology graduate who has achieved the highest academic standing among graduates in the program.  The 2026 recipient is Jennifer Read, a Veterinary Technology graduate from Nova Scotia. 
 
University medals were also awarded to students with the highest grade-point average in their program:

University Medal in Agricultural Business –Abby Fisher 
University Medal in Aquaculture Alexander Hudder 
University Medal in Animal Science – Clare Glover 
University Medal in Bioveterinary Science - Valentino Di Tomaso 
University Medal in Engineering – Ian Redden 
University Medal in Environmental Sciences –Emma Crossan 
University Medal in Landscape Architecture – Hayden Poehl 
University Medal in Plant Science – Jenna Bevacqua 
University Medal in Integrated Environmental Management -Shuting Huang 
University Medal in International Food Business  Yiru Wei