���⴫ý

Alum Volunteer of the Year:
Carol Versteeg (Class of 1975)

Carol Versteeg’s life is a testament to the quiet strength of volunteerism. From her early days on a dairy farm in North Grand Pre, NS, to her tireless work with 4-H and countless community initiatives, Carol has consistently led by example.

For more than 25 years, Carol was a cornerstone of the Hardwoodlands 4-H Club, taking on leadership roles and continuing to support youth even after officially stepping back. Her efforts have extended into education, where she has volunteered as head librarian at Maple Ridge Elementary for over a decade, fostering a love of books and inclusion among students.

Carol's leadership has also shaped agricultural policy and advocacy in Nova Scotia. She held positions on the Farm Loan Board, the Natural Products Marketing Council, and co-founded the Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Through it all, she balanced family, community, and industry involvement with grace and determination.

Read Carol’s complete citation.

Young Alum Achievement Award:
Dr. Ernest Asante Korankye (Class of 2013/2018)

Ernest Asante Korankye arrived from Ghana with plans to study, teach, and return home — but his journey quickly grew into something much bigger. While completing his MSc and PhD in plant science, Ernest co-founded Asante Logistics Group, a logistics and export business that has since evolved into a multi-million-dollar operation and major employer in Truro, NS.

What started with shipping cars became a global supply chain company, complete with a 370,000 sq ft warehouse — the largest of its kind in the province. Ernest later launched Akwaaba Developments (housing solutions) and VerFa Agrifood Innovations, an indoor farming company pioneering zero-touch vertical farming technology aimed at addressing food security and sustainability.

Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, Ernest remains deeply involved in community service and youth mentorship. His efforts were recently recognized by My East Coast Experience, which named him one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants of 2025.

Read Ernest’s complete citation.

Distinguished Alum Award:
Jeannie Van Dyk (Class of 1978)

A true pioneer in the agricultural sector, Jeannie Van Dyk became the first female livestock specialist in Nova Scotia's Department of Agriculture. Her passion for working with animals — particularly pigs — led her to break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Since transitioning full-time to farming in 1985, Jeannie has helped transform Lellavan Farms into a thriving dairy and cropping operation while maintaining a deep connection to her family’s wild blueberry business. Her influence also extends into agricultural governance — she has served in key leadership roles on dairy co-operative boards, including Farmers Dairy and Agropur, advocating for Atlantic Canadian producers on the national stage.

Jeannie is also a dedicated community volunteer and mentor. Her belief in the importance of connecting youth to agriculture has driven her work in schools, 4-H, and mentorship programs. She is especially known for empowering young women in farming.

Read Jeannie’s complete citation.

The Blue and Gold Awards not only honour past contributions, they also serve as an inspiration for the future of agriculture in Atlantic Canada and beyond. — Dean Bruce.

"Congratulations to Carol Versteeg, Dr. Ernest Korankye, and Jeannie Van Dyk on this well-deserved recognition,” added Dean Bruce.