2006 Recipients
The Macdonald Branch of the McGill Alumni Association (MAA) honoured five of its alumni at Homecoming in October 2006 with the first Distinguished Alumni Awards. The presentations took place at the Sir William Macdonald Luncheon.
J. William (Bill) Ritchie, BSc (Agr)’51
A consummate volunteer, Bill Ritchie has been President of the Macdonald and Halifax branches of the McGill Alumni Association, a regional vice-president of the Atlantic region for the MAA Board of Directors, and has been the chief player in organizing reunions of the Class of ’51 at locations across North America every two years. He received the Alumni Association’s highest accolade, the Award of Merit, in 2000.
Roland (Roly) Greenbank, BSc (Agr)’47
A former high school teacher and principal, and Mayor of Huntington, Roly Greenbank is constantly creating opportunities to build links between Macdonald and the larger community. A recipient of the 2005 Distinguished Service Award, Roly Greenbank’s passion, determination and contributions to the community embody what our Founder meant by “Mastery for Service.”
Robert (Bobby) Ness, C. M. Diploma (Agr)’46
For over 33 years, Bobby Ness provided a base for the 4-H Club of Howick helping to develop confidence, organization skills and leadership among young farmers. He followed the success of club members at fairs and regularly attended the Macdonald College Royal where on several occasions he was a judge or guest speaker. He has been honoured with many awards and was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1997.
Dr. John E. Moxley, BSc (Agr)’47, MSc (Agr)’52
John Moxley single-handedly led the development of one of the most successful and effective dairy herd improvement programs in existence — the Dairy Herd Analysis Service. He carried a normal load of traditional academic activities of teaching, advising graduate students and research from 1947 to 1987, participated in countless workshops, visited labs around the world and chaired several committees. Dr. Moxley was the first animal scientist to receive the Grindley Award, the highest award from the Agricultural Institute of Canada in 1979.
Anna Hobbs, BSc (Home Ec)’58
A devoted Class volunteer, Anna Hobbs credits the broad-based training at Macdonald for the exceptional career she has enjoyed as a freelance journalist, including a 25-year career with Telemedia Publishing Inc. and Canadian Living Magazine. She began her writing career providing editorial and marketing material to Canadian General Electric, Simpson’s, Vogue Patterns, and Maclean Hunter. Anna Hobbs also was a researcher and on-air contributor for CBC TV’s well known “Marketplace.”