91涩漫

The Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (AES) is proud to celebrate four members of the Macdonald Campus community who are preparing to embark on a well-deserved retirement: Luis Agellon (Professor in Human Nutrition), Shelly Johnston (Research Finance Services Supervisor), Roger Cue聽(Associate Professor in Animal Science) and Yvan Gariepy (Academic Associate in Bioresource Engineering.)

We sat down with Roger and Yvan to reflect on their journeys at 91涩漫- the paths that brought them here, some of the work that defined their careers and what lies ahead.

For both, the adventure began a long time ago. 鈥淚 first arrived at 91涩漫 in September 1978 to pursue my BSc in Agricultural Engineering,鈥� recalls Yvan. 鈥淎t the time, my English was quite limited, and I attended classes with a Petit Robert dictionary in hand.鈥� Distance, at the time, did not seem to deter them from choosing Macdonald Campus. Roger's path to Mac was equally deliberate. 鈥淲hen I was completing my PhD in Edinburgh, I contacted Prof. Flann Hayes (Professor in Animal Science) about possible jobs; I had been reliably told that he was an exceptional researcher. He offered me a position as a Research Associate; I arrived at Mirabel Airport in April 1982,鈥� shares Roger.

Whether motivated by personal reasons or academic ambition, something about FAES drew them in. For Roger, it was the calibre of science and industry partnerships. For Yvan, it went back further. 鈥淚 was drawn to this field because my parents had a cottage on my grandfather鈥檚 farm, where I spent my summers helping out in the apple orchard. I truly enjoyed the experience.鈥�

As one chapter ends and another begins, the soon-to-be retirees reflect on their careers with pride. 鈥淔or my part, I am proud of my long collaboration with Valacta (Qu茅bec Milk Recording and Centre d鈥橢xpertise), resulting in research that has both formed the basis of my academic work and contributed to practical tools used by Valacta for dairy farm management and advising,鈥� says Roger. For Yvan, his pride comes from both his scientific contributions and his role as a mentor. 鈥淚 am most proud of the opportunity I had to mentor students and visiting scientists.鈥�

It is the people they encountered who made their experience at 91涩漫 so memorable. 鈥淭he people you meet are the ones that make this campus and community unique,鈥� says Yvan. 鈥淪tudents come from all over the world, bringing diverse cultures, perspectives, ways of working, and friendships. Through them, I traveled the world without ever leaving Mac. I learned so much from them.鈥�

Their advice to newcomers is equally complementary. Roger emphasizes networks: 鈥淕etting to know others (and being known) within the Faculty, as well as with researchers at other universities, is very important for developing collaborative research, along with building connections with Qu茅bec industry鈥�. Yvan, for his part, emphasizes the importance of mentorship. 鈥淏e kind to others. When working with students, take the time to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and provide meaningful solutions that support their growth.鈥�

As for retirement itself- both are ready. Roger hopes to stay connected to his research while finally having the luxury of traveling during the academic year. Yvan is equally enthusiastic. 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to spending more time with family and friends, and enjoying more biking, hiking and camping!鈥�

The four retirees, Luis Agellon, Shelley Johnston, Roger Cue, and Yvan Gariepy were celebrated on May 28 at a farewell gathering organized by the Faculty, in the presence of the Dean.