Honourary Doctorate to be presented at NSAC Convocation May 7, 2010

Mr. Charles Embree, NSAC Class of 1961, will be awarded an Honourary Doctorate by Nova Scotia Agricultural College during its 105th Convocation ceremony, Friday, May 7th, 2010.

NSAC’s honourary doctorate is designed to recognize extraordinary contributions to society or exceptional intellectual or community achievement. The awarding of honourary doctorates, an important feature of NSAC's convocation, serves to celebrate both the individual and the university as well as to inspire our graduates, their families and guests.

The Honourable John MacDonell, Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture is pleased that Mr. Embree has been chosen by NSAC for this prestigious award.

"Research and innovation are essential components of a sustainable and profitable agriculture sector," said John MacDonell, Minister of Agriculture. "I thank Mr. Embree for the lifetime of work he has done over the years. The Nova Scotia agricultural community will continue to benefit from his many contributions."

For more than 40 years Charles Embree has worked for the improvement of agriculture in Nova Scotia, particularly in the tree fruit sector. He is recognized as a leader and educator to several generations of fruit growers for his work to improve the tree fruit industry while he sharpens the science of fruit growing as a professional.

“We are so pleased and proud to be able to honour one of our alumni in this way,” said NSAC Co-President and Vice President Dr. Leslie MacLaren. “Mr. Embree represents everything our university stands for – passionate, innovative and unique.”

Mr. Embree has worked in a number of capacities throughout his career including as an extension specialist in the tree fruit sector, an administrator in horticulture and biology services of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and as a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in tree fruit physiology.

Mr. Embree moved to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to become a research scientist in the area of tree fruit physiology, where he continues his work for the betterment of the tree fruit industry, not only in the Atlantic region but the rest of Canada. He has been the lead author or co-author of 60 peer-reviewed scientific papers and 125 technical bulletins and fact sheets. He presently is involved with a number of projects to improve apple quality and annual yields.

Mr. Embree is also involved in international efforts in agriculture, relating to tree fruit. He has a medal of recognition from the International Society for Horticultural Science for organizing the first Symposium on Organic Apples and Pears. He is the reference coordinator for the US regional research committee, known as North Central Regional Research.

Charlie, as he is known to his friends, has always maintained his ties to NSAC and has been an adjunct professor since 1988, giving lectures on propagation and apple production technologies. He has also mentored many NSAC students and a number of grad students. Not only have apple growers in Nova Scotia benefitted from Charlie’s work but growers in NB, PEI, Maine and other areas have been educated through talks on fruit production at their annual producer meetings.

Charlie has been active in a number of professional and industry organizations and has been recognized for his efforts in the tree fruit industry including as a Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists Distinguished Life Member and the NS Fruit Growers Association’s Golden Apple Award.

Most recently Charlie has been appointed to the NS Food Council - a committee to develop policy on food issues which encompasses production, health, security, research, environment and international employees, as well as other issues.

NSAC is a specialized university that cultivates learning and research, focusing on improving and sustaining our environment for the health and well-being of society.

Convocation Schedule of Events:

Thursday, May 6th, 2010
5:00 p.m Tree Planting Ceremony NSAC Rock Garden, near main arched entrance.
5:30 p.m. NSAC Class of 2010 Baccalaureate Service NSAC Alumni Theatre
6:00 p.m. NSAC Class of 2010 Graduation Banquet Jenkins Hall
9:00 p.m. NSAC Class of 2010 Graduation Social – Upstairs Jenkins Hall


Friday, May 7, 2010

9:00 am Rehearsal for Convocation Langille Athletic Centre
1:00 pm Graduation procession forms at Jenkins Hall
2:00 pm Convocation Langille Athletic Centre
4:00 pm Reception Jenkins Hall