AALP Founders and Builders support the development of ag-sector leaders by donating to the Dean Rob McLaughlin Leadership Awards

Oct 14, 2022

GUELPH, ON, - 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”, says Rob McLaughlin, past Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College, “I’m pleased that 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 that 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," says 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 that all voices in the agricultural value chain are part of building Ontario’s capacity to grow.”

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