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The Blue and Gold Awards program honours alumni who have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to the Faculty of Agriculture, their communities, Atlantic Canada and beyond. Three deserving individuals were celebrated during Homecoming Weekend this fall.

“Our alumni are such wonderful ambassadors for our students, our faculty and the university as a whole,” said dean and campus principal Dr. Heather Bruce.  “Their success speaks volumes as to their character, their passion and their dedication to the industry.  We could not be prouder!”

The Alum Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Tracy Kittilsen (Class of '96). This award honours a volunteer who has consistently and enthusiastically donated their time and talents to advancing the objectives of the faculty or the Alumni Association.

Tracy Kittilsen knows how important it is to give back to your community. Provincial boards, community development associations, community health boards and her local community hall have all benefited from her time and expertise, but no organization has been quite as fortunate to have her support as the 4-H program.

In 1998, not long after graduating from NSAC, Tracy, with no previous 4-H experience, and a few friends from the Tatamagouche area started the North Shore 4-H Club. Since then, Tracy has served as a general leader for two clubs, as a project leader for several projects, and has organized public speaking rallies, judged public speaking, chaperoned tours and more.

Tracy is passionate about rural communities, and it’s clear she plays a pivotal role in supporting her own.

The Young Alum Achievement Award was presented to Carolyn Van Den Heuvel (Class of '10). The Young Alumni Achievement Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of Faculty of Agriculture alumni aged 40 and younger.

Carolyn Van Den Heuvel grew up on a farm in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and graduated from NSAC with a degree in animal science in 2010. While she was a student she knew one thing – she wanted to work in the agriculture industry, at the producer level, in a capacity that helped the industry progress.

For most of the time since graduating, Carolyn has worked for the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, and in 2021, she became its first female Executive Director and quite possibly, its youngest. In this role, Carolyn supports producers in the way she always hoped she would – and her focus on collaboration is leading the industry through the challenges of our current time.

The Distinguished Alum Award was presented to Carl Duivenvoorden (Class of '83/’86). This award is the Faculty of Agriculture’s most prestigious award, recognizing truly outstanding service and commitment to Faculty of Agriculture, industry, and the Alumni Association.

Carl Duivenvoorden was raised on a dairy farm in northern New Brunswick. He graduated from NSAC with a diploma in farming technology in 1983, followed by a degree in plant science in 1986. His diverse agricultural career, spanning two decades and over 25 countries, eventually led him toward his true calling: environmental advocacy.

In 2007, Carl took a leap of faith. He attended a training session led by former US Vice President Al Gore, then left his government job to pursue what he considered to be the most important work he could ever do: raising awareness of environmental challenges, particularly climate change. Since that time, he has dedicated himself to this cause, working as a speaker, writer and consultant.

He has presented localized versions of Mr. Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” slideshow to over 400 audiences across the region and wrote a column for NB newspapers for 10 years.  Between his passion for the environment and the changes he’s made in his own life, Carl provides inspiration and hope for the future of our planet.  

(L to R, Dr. Heather Bruce, Tracy Kittilsen, Carl Duivenvoorden, Carolyn VanDen Heuvel and outgoing Alumni Chair, Dr. Robyn MaCallum

Congratulations are extended to Tracy, Carolyn and Carl, along with appreciation for the important contributions they make to their communities.

Know an alum who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them.