The Kemptville College Alumni recognizes two students who are in their second year at an accredited college and are taking an Agricultural or food-related program.
Kemptville College Alumni Association Scholarship Application Form
TWO SCHOLARSHIPS, EACH WITH A VALUE OF $1,500.00 WILL BE AWARDED:
ONE SCHOLARSHIP TO A STUDENT IN THE AGRICULTURE RELATED PROGRAM in their second year at an accredited college.
ONE SCHOLARSHIP TO A STUDENT IN THE FOOD-RELATED PROGRAM in their second year at an accredited college.
A wonderful day for laughter, memories, excellent food and warm weather. Honour year grads, grads, family and guests enjoyed visiting while enjoying a lunch prepared by the Lombardy Fair Board. Gordon French, our President welcomed everyone to lunch and addressed year ’55 who were celebrating their 70th graduation anniversary. Joining their table were grads from ’51 and ’52. John Wright ’51 grad was honoured for being the oldest grad present.
Once again, the table décor for lunch and dinner was designed by Board Member Cindy Dawson. Our ticket takers for the meal were Mel and Joyce Shannon. Over 150 enjoyed the dinner of Roast ham, scalloped potatoes, home baked beans, buns, salads and home-made desserts. The Alumni appreciate the cooking talents of the Lombardy Fair Board women and men. Thank you very much.
Special recognition was given to Susan Dunphy ’70 and Alfred Dunphy ’71 who travelled from PEI to attend the reunion.
People attending dinner responded very positively to the 50/50 draw. Money raised helps support the reunion activities. The draw raised $1240.00 and the winner of the $620.00 had fun spending the money on auction items. Thank you to all who bought tickets.
The silent and live auction raises money for our scholarships, which have been raised to $1500.00 presented to two college students in their second year in a Food or Agriculture college program. The application will be on the web in September www.kcalumni.ca
The silent auction raised $753.00.
Our auctioneer, John Joynt ’63 grad, made sure people spent their money on the live auction items and $1255.00 was raised.
The Spirit Award was won by year ’85. Pictured below is Earl Stanley( left) accepting the award from Board Member David Bobier. The year members shared healthy fruit snacks donated by a board member!
Our president Gordon was MC for the event and Audrey Baker said the blessing. Thank you, Cindy, for your part in the organizing the reunion and keeping the board members, grads and all helpers busy on Friday and Saturday!
Please mark your calendar for next year. The date is set for June 13th, 2026. We are trying this date since it does not conflict with fair dates when grads are showing cattle.
Margaret Link Photography has provided the class pictures below. Thank you.
When you are a dairy farmer and go on a holiday you certainly want to try something different! Ken Wilkes ’82 grad and his wife Peggy recently experienced a Sahara Desert tour. The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world and the third largest desert overall. Ken is used to tractors and trucks for transportation on Wilkridge Farm in Fourier ON. In the Sahara Desert he opted to go by camel. Camel trekking through the Sahara was an experience of a like time for Ken but he has returned home to his pure-bred Holstein herd and decided he really enjoys milking and farming. There is no career change in the foreseeable future.
The Kemptville College Alumni is pleased to announce our two scholarship recipients for 2025.
Ethan Ringelberg from Troy, Ontario is completing his diploma in the Farm Equipment/Heavy Equipment Technician program at Conestoga College in Guelph. Upon graduation, he will return to the 4th generation farm that has been in their family since 1955. The knowledge and skills Ethan has learned will be transferable enabling him to repair not only tractors and field equipment but also milking and other barn equipment. He chores ever day at Fennema Holsteins before leaving for class at Conestoga College.
Ethan has been very involved in community activities. Some of these are: Rockton Agricultural Society, Zion United Reformed Church and advertising campaigns with 4-H, Dairy Farmers of Ontario and Farm Safety. Ethan has also completed over 65 4-H clubs, including dairy, fishing, judging, baking, vet and STEM (covers fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math ). He is actively involved in farm work and his own small business of welding, clipper sharpening and as a Drone Pilot.
In five years, we know he will have his farm equipment “red seal”, be farming on the family farm and have his own farm repair business.
Katelyn Jackson from Gananoque, Ontario is completing her second year at Lakeland College, Vermilion, Alberta in Animal Science Technology with a Dairy Major. She plans to return to Evenstar Holsteins, the family farm. Also, in her plans are travelling and working on a farm in another country to deepen her understanding of the dairy industry. She has had many responsibilities on the family farm. Her favourite is managing calf care, so these calves will be healthy, productive, replacement animals in their herd.
4-H has been a large part of community activities. She attended the 4-H event “Future Leaders in Action” and now has the privilege to share that knowledge with younger 4-H members. Katelyn was proud to be in the Lakeland College’s Student Managed Farm (SMF) as the Herd Health Coordinator for the Dairy Unit. Lakeland is the only post-secondary institution in Canada to have a SMF.
In five years, she hopes to be working with family members making management decisions at their family farm and someday managing her own dairy farm.
Congratulations Ethan and Katelyn! Both recipients have a connection to Kemptville College and will each receive $1,000.00. The Kemptville College Alumni wishes you both continued success in the future.
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!
