NSAC Alumni Honoured for Outstanding Achievements

NSAC alumni have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their alma mater, their communities, the Province of Nova Scotia and beyond. They were honoured last week during NSAC’s Blue & Gold Awards Gala on campus.

The Blue and Gold Awards program demonstrates NSAC’s pride in the accomplishments of its deserving alumni and honoured Pugwash, N.S.’s, Kara Irving (Class of ’95). Mark and Sally Bernard (Class of ’05 & ’06) of Freetown, P.E.I and Arch Cook (Class of ’60) of Hampton, N.B. were also recognized.   

“At NSAC we believe one person can make a difference in the world and we are continually challenging our students to lead by example; to contribute to making something extraordinary happen in the world around them and to embrace this challenge in their own unique way. You have done just that,” said NSAC’s Co-President, Dr. Leslie MacLaren during her address to the award recipients.

Alumni Volunteer of the Year recipient, Kara Irving’s passion for agriculture steeps so deep that it has always filled her spare time, it was the focus of her education and it’s her career. Described as an “amazing leader and tremendous volunteer”, Kara has been involved with nearly every agricultural organization or club in her community. Most remarkably, she gives every initiative she undertakes 100 per cent. Somewhere in between 4-H, Ag Awareness, the Central Nova Holstein Club and Open Farm Day, to name a few, Kara helps run the family farm, Straitside Holsteins.

Mark and Sally Bernard, partners both in business and at home, were presented NSAC’s Young Alumni Achievement Award. Mark and Sally are one of P.E.I.’s youngest farming couple, operating one of the largest organic farms, Barnyard Organics. Gradually the fourth-generation farmers converted the 500-plus-acre Bernard property to100 per cent organic. Between all of their accomplishments and hard work on the farm, the young couple is also an asset to their community, volunteering for numerous organizations.  Mark and Sally are real leaders and ambassadors for agriculture in the Maritimes

Arch Cook, who was named NSAC’s Distinguished Alumnus, has truly distinguished himself in his area of expertise, bringing honour to NSAC and the Alumni Association. Arch’s successful career in the dairy industry began with Farmers Dairy in N.S. where he played a leadership role with the development of Farmers’ Cheese Division in Salmon River. The largest part of Arch’s career was spent with Baxter’s Dairy in leadership roles, furthering their portfolio and eventually earning the title, vice president, operations. Arch’s sense of responsibility, business instincts and capacity for hard work are qualities which Arch has retained and reinforced throughout his career. To those he has added strong management skills, which he has used effectively both at work and in the community at large.

“You are setting incredible examples for future alumni,” said Dr. MacLaren.