The Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association is pleased to host the Kemptville College Alumni at this year’s Ottawa Valley Farm Show (OVFS). Kemptville College played a significant role in the lives of many farmers and agribusinesses across Eastern Ontario and beyond. It’s wonderful to see alumni continuing to connect through their involvement in the agriculture industry and community.
Alumni are invited to share stories, memories, and a few laughs while gathering at North Gower Grains Dining Hall A on Wednesday, March 12th, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Enjoy a cup of coffee during your visit and reconnect with fellow alumni!
Mark your calendars!
The 2025 Kemptville College Reunion will be held on August 16, 2025.
The 2026 Kemptville College Reunion will take place on June 13, 2026.
Recently, Pat Wilson ’66 grad, was awarded a certificate for 35 years leading 4-H clubs. Valerie Allen (left) is presenting the certificate and gift to Pat (right).
Pat leads life-skills clubs in sewing and food preparation. She will still continue to help with clubs in Prescott County. Pat is also a judge for homecraft and culinary competitions at annual agricultural fairs throughout Eastern Ontario. She has been doing this for 45 years. The Wilson family has Kemptville connections as well as 4-H leadership skills. Pat’s late husband, Murray graduated in ’66 and lead 4-H maple syrup clubs. Their son Gordon and his wife Inge ( Bauer ) graduated in ’95 and have both been involved in 4-H. A true community leader and family!
Gordon French, the Kemptville College Alumni President, presented the Kemptville College Alumni Champion Intermediate Showmanship Award to Adelia Bretzler. Her sister Myla came in second.
Adelia went on to become Honourable Mention Grand Champion Showperson.
Both girls have a proud Kemptville College connection with mom, Harrietta graduating in 2003 and dad Frank, graduating in 1995. The Bretzler family live in Crysler, Stormont County.
Pictures below show many grads visiting the Historical Building and catching up with fellow grads.
The annual meeting was well attended. Ron Burgess and Kim Link were presented with the Big Cookie Award by Ken Witt. This was for all their outstanding work on the historical building and registration.
The lunch was well attended. Hugh Sharpe ’49 grad, attended with his daughter and son-in-law. He was awarded a dinner ticket prize for being the oldest grad at lunch.
The evening dinner had beautiful table décor to mark their year. These were designed by board member, Cindy Dawson. They had the Kemptville crest on back and front and Class of on the front.
Mel and Joce Shannon were the ticket takers and 67 deposited tickets for lunch and 144 dropped in their dinner tickets. The delicious meals were served by the Lombardy Agricultural Fair Board volunteers.
Our dinner had some two new events.
1. We honoured the grad who had travelled the farthest to attend the reunion. It was Ken Witt ’64 grad and his wife Mandy who travelled from Chilliwack BC. They were also celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Congratulations!
2. Our Reunion had a 50/50 draw this year to help raise money for the event. Cindy, David and Rachael are shown hard at work in the picture below. The draw raised $910 and $455 was won by Joe Allison , who graciously donated the money back to the alumni. Thank you.
A silent and live auction also took place after dinner. If you check out Kemptville College Alumni Facebook, you will see the pictures of the generous donations. The money from the silent auction of $848 and from the live auction of $1561.50 will benefit our Scholarship Fund. The Spirit Award was won by ’69 – they usually win every 5 years! Our President, Gordon French was MC and Greg Foster said the blessing.
Thank you to those who attended this year and we hope to see grads next year. Stay tuned for news at a later date.
The date for our 2025 reunion will be August 16th, 2025.
