News

The Blue & Gold awards were back in person on Friday, October 15^th for the first time since 2019 and guests were thrilled to celebrate distinguished alumnae Niki Jabbour, volunteer award winner Geneve Newcombe and young alumnus achievement award recipient TJ Harvey.

While guests and staff alike were thrilled to be celebrating in person, Covid restrictions were still present.  All guests were masked, vaccination records checked and TJ Harvey, a New Brunswick resident, was unable to attend due to regulations in that province at this time.

Young Alumni Achievement Award
TJ Harvey (Class of ’02)

Coming from an agricultural background, it was an easy decision for T.J. Harvey to attend the Faculty of Agriculture and earn his diploma in Agricultural Business in 2002. He returned to NB where he worked at what he knew – farming 1500 acres of potatoes, small grain, and corn. On the side, he started a trucking company, with his brother and eventually became the new entrant in the egg layer program for NB, divesting from large scale agriculture.

TJ is passionate about public service, politics and agriculture and the three have shaped who he is as a person along with his goals and aspirations.  He believes everyone has something to offer – and everyone who can, should.

View T.J's video citation

Alumni Volunteer of the Year
Geneve Newcombe (Class of ’86)

Geneve (Gardner) Newcombe may have married into the Faculty of Agriculture’s strongest connected alumni family. The Newcombe family of Cornwallis, NS has been apart of the Agricultural Campus nearly since it’s inception in 1905. But Geneve has humbly made a name for herself in the provincial agriculture community, and beyond.

When she’s not dealing with paperwork and logistics for Cornwallis Farms Ltd, a poultry and dairy operation, now run by the ninth and tenth generation, Geneve doesn’t sit idle. She’s busy giving back to her community.

Geneve has three words that motivate her and keep her focussed – farm, family and faith.  She is passionate about volunteering and agricultural awareness, but above all she is a proud mom to her three grown children and a very proud grandmother.    

View Geneve's video citation

Distinguished alumnus 2021
Niki Jabbour (Class of ’96)

Since 1990 the Faculty of Agriculture has been annually honouring a graduate with the Distinguished Alumnus award. During this 20-year history, our most prestigious award has never been presented to a female. Until now.

Award winning author, radio host, social media influencer and in-demand speaker, Niki Jabbour (Class of ’96) is the 2021 Distinguished Alumnus for the Faculty of Agriculture. Niki has guided many levels of gardeners across North America, to successfully grow in small spaces and through four seasons.

View Niki's video citation

To nominate a fellow alumnus for any of these three awards please contact agalumni@dal.ca