NSAC Honours Dr. Robert Gordon and other Exceptional Alumni

The NSAC Blue and Gold Awards Gala was held in Jenkins Hall on Nov. 14, 2008. Dr. Rob Gordon (class '85) was named Distinguished Alumnus of 2008, Sarah Turner (class '98) received the Young Alumnus Achievement Award, and the Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award went to Phil Stead (class '65).

Deputy Minister Paul LaFleche brought greetings from the Province of Nova Scotia on behalf the Honourable Brooke Taylor, Minister of Agriculture. The award nominees were joined by friends and family and surrounded by NSAC senior management, alumni, faculty and staff and other distinguished guests.

“These three individuals have achieved great distinction and success in their professional endeavours, and have made extraordinary contributions through their work and volunteer efforts. They are true ambassadors for NSAC,” said NSAC Co-President and Vice President Academic, Dr. Leslie MacLaren

"I am honoured to receive this prestigious award from NSAC," said Dr. Gordon. "I will forever feel a special connection to NSAC and am proud of my involvement with this institution that has a global reputation in both exceptional quality research and education."

Rob Gordon is the youngest recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award in that Award’s long history. He has dedicated his career to the public service of Nova Scotia, the Atlantic region and now Ontario by implementing creative and innovative solutions to problems in agriculture and the environment. Rob has made numerous contributions to applied research and outreach programs, environmental training and education.

Phil Stead has devoted his professional and personal life to the advancement of Maritime agriculture. Born in Princeport, Nova Scotia Phil grew up on a farm which inspired an acute interest in farming and agriculture that has lasted a lifetime. An truly deserving recipient of the 2008 Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award, Phil is well know for his passion for volunteering and his many years of serving the Maritime agricultural community.

It was the energy and excitement which Sarah Turner discovered in the NSAC Swine Unit that inspired her to choose a career in the pork industry, and where her dedication to the survival and sustainability of that industry was inspired. In her brief career, Sarah has already made many contributions to Alberta agriculture. Sarah is head of a cutting-edge program which has received international acclaim as a model of health surveillance as well as being considered for adoption in other Canadian provinces.

The Young Alumnus Award was presented by Arnold Hagen, Chair of the NSAC Alumni Association board of directors. Dick Huggard, past Chair of the NSAC Foundation presented the Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award. Jim Goit, executive director Development and External Relations presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

The Blue and Gold Awards recognize NSAC alumni for their exceptional achievements in the areas of volunteerism and contribution to the agricultural industry in Nova Scotia and beyond. The Awards honours the recipients’ achievements and demonstrates pride in these accomplishments.

Congratulations to the nominees!

Know a NSAC alumnus who’s making their mark by volunteering or exceptional service in their field? It’s not too early to nominate alumni for 2009!