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The annual Blue & Gold awards banquet was held on campus November 3, 2016 honouring those alumni who have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their alma mater, their communities, Atlantic Canada and beyond.

For Greg Coldwell, the Alumni Volunteer of the Year award recipient, the moment may have been foreshadowed nearly 47 years ago.

Greg Coldwell displayed commitment to his community early on earning a Silver Medal for leadership upon graduating from NSAC in 1970. After receiving his diploma, he returned to the family farm, Riverbrook Farms Ltd in Port Williams, NS and his commitment didn’t waiver.

“Not only did we make life long friends at the AC, which was in part because we were exposed to a social life many of us had not experienced before, it also gave us something far more important and powerful -  to face the challenges in the years ahead of us,” said Greg.   “It was a time when agriculture went through major changes,” he added.  “It was an excellent education by a dedicated faculty.” 

Alumni Association President Audrie-Jo McConkey, Greg Coldwell and Dean David Gray

Farming vegetables for over 30 years afforded Greg the opportunity to serve the industry as president of Kings County Federation of Agriculture as well as the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. He served as chairperson of the Pea & Bean Marketing Board, Potato Marketing Board and completed a two-year term as chair of the Canadian Vegetable Processing Growers Commission. For three different terms, Greg was appointed as a board member of the Nova Scotia Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission, a commitment totaling approximately 12 years.

Greg’s interest in volunteering and being involved extends beyond the agricultural industry. In 2001 he became a charter member of New Minas Sunrise Rotary Club, bringing a whole new and invigorating dimension to his life.  Since joining, Greg has served on many of the club’s committees and has even filled the role of president. Greg has been afforded the privilege of being named assistant district governor for Western Nova Scotia Region and nominated as District Governor Nominee for District 7820, a two-year commitment.

More recently, Greg became the District Governor in 2013-14. That same year, he helped lead his district and fellow Rotarians to raise $1.7 million dollars during the Million Dollar Dinner for Rotary District 7820. He presently serves as the Rotary Foundation chairman for District 7820.

Greg is always giving of his time and humble about volunteering in his community. That’s why he is a founding member of 100 Men Who Give a Damn, helping to make a huge impact to local charities. He has taken leading roles as Village Commissioner in Port Williams for over 10 years and served his church as senior warden and chairperson of the Parrish Council for the last 19 years.

“It was an extreme honor to be recognized as Volunteer of the Year by an institution that had such a profound effect on my life and holds a special place in my heart,” said Greg.

Amidst his volunteer work, Greg and wife Claudia, own and manage rental properties and self-storage facilities. Greg and Claudia have been married for 37 years. They have two sons, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. When time permits Greg likes to indulge his passion for reading, golf, good food and wine and travelling with his fifth wheel trailer.