GABRIELLE FERGUSON, Leadership Programs Director
GUELPH, Ontario: Founders and Builders of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) have kicked off fundraising with $37,200 towards the total goal of $110,000, including matching funding by the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) Alumni Foundation. Money raised will be used to help make leadership development, in the ag-sector, accessible to worthy recipients.
All donations, up to a collective total of $55,000, will be matched by the OAC Alumni Foundation and go towards securing ongoing Rob McLaughlin Leadership Awards for AALP participants.
“Agriculture has always been dynamic, full of creative people wanting to make a positive difference,” said Rob McLaughlin, past Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College, “I’m pleased, nineteen awards have been granted to deserving AALP participants since 2004. It is gratifying to see their desire to become top ag-sector leaders. I’m grateful to the OAC Alumni Foundation for matching donations so this fund can continue for the future.”
Annually, the OAC Alumni Foundation provides up to $4,000 in grants to AALP participants, in recognition of OAC Dean (1990 – 2000) Rob McLaughlin’s contribution to the program during his tenure on the Board (1990 – 2001) and as its Chair (1999 – 2001).
“These tuition awards have been, and continue to be critically important to some participants in many Classes,” said Gabrielle Ferguson, Leadership Programs Director. “Thank you, to AALP’s founders and builders for spearheading this opportunity for future AALP participants from all parts of the ag-sector and province. This helps to ensure all voices in the agricultural value chain are part of building Ontario’s capacity to grow.”
“I was a part of 7 AALP classes, during my time with The Centre for Rural Leadership/ Rural Ontario Institute,” said the Honourable Rob Black during a presentation to AALP, in July 2021. “Through AALP, I have had many tremendous opportunities to engage with current and emerging leaders here in Ontario…folks like you, who put their ‘lives on hold’ to gain valuable leadership experiences. I’ve had the opportunity to engage with leaders from beyond our provincial borders and build valuable personal and professional networks which are still supporting me to this day.”
Over the next year, the Rural Ontario Institute is inviting AALP alumni and those wishing to support the development of agricultural leaders to help top up the fund, to secure grants for the future. Donations can be made by cheque to Rural Ontario Institute or by e-transfer to:
hbogl@ruralontarioinstutute.ca. ROI will provide a charitable tax receipt for your donation.
The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) is an 18-month experiential executive leadership program, for those who want to shape the future of the agriculture and food industry and make a positive difference in rural communities across Ontario. AALP has graduated more than 500 agriculture leaders. Each AALP Class is created with attention to the diversity of participants and the development of peer-to-peer mentorship, inter-relationships, and a broad network are developed.