Students

Convocation ‘25: Amanda Hardman, BSc in Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture Systems major

Donna McKinnon - 12 June 2025

 

Well-rounded is an understatement when it comes to Amanda Hardman. Throughout her undergraduate degree, she looked for ways to augment her studies, including taking on various leadership roles in student groups and in her fraternity, and going abroad for a term with the Wageningen University & Research Exchange, which she had received funding for through the ALES Centennial Dutch Endowment Travel and Experiential Learning Award. 

Amanda still made time for fun, however, noting her first , which she had learned about through the many tall tales the aggies who came before her would tell. 

Calling herself an ‘ag-vocate’, Amanda is a champion for sustainability in her academic studies and in the community. She was one of just two Canadians who were selected to participate in the 2021 Bayer’s Youth Ag Summit (YAS), whose theme that year was Feeding a Hungry Planet. Her project, finding an alternative to plastic clamshell packaging, was in an Edmonton Journal article. 

Now working as an agriculture field inspector for Parkland County, Amanda is considering a master’s degree in rural sociology offered through ALES.

Congratulations Amanda!

 

What program are you graduating from?

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Sustainable Agriculture Systems.

What led you to choose your current area of study, and why the U of A for your studies?

I am not from a farm, but my parents are heavily involved in the agriculture industry. Growing up, I didn’t see myself following in their footsteps. However, my time in 4-H showed me that there is so much more to agriculture than just farming. Being from Stony Plain, I also wanted to stay close to my family and friends. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do post-graduation, so I felt the sustainable agriculture systems stream was the best way to determine what careers would align best with my interests. 

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at the U of A?

My very first ! I started university during COVID-19, so I didn’t get to experience the famous Bar None until the spring of my second year. All the aggies would tell stories and share pictures of previous years, including the fun events hosted in the lead-up to the Saturday night. I was so excited for my first Bar None, and it did not disappoint! The Monday parade felt like a homecoming! Aggies new and old celebrated the return of our beloved fundraiser. It truly felt like we were a big family. Bar None week definitely lived up to the hype! 

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

How do I choose just one? I was lucky enough to have for his last year of teaching (Introduction to Animal Health Science). He truly is a gem and the work he has done to promote experiential learning has been incredibly beneficial to ALES students. Throughout my degree, I was able to spend time with in his rangelands classes. Similar to professor Robinson, he was able to incorporate hands-on learning and problem-solving exercises into the coursework. The experience I gained from both of these professors is invaluable. 

Did you take on any leadership roles while you were a student? 

During my undergrad, I took on roles with both the and . In the Agriculture Club, I acted as secretary and vice president external. As VP external, I coordinated sponsorship for Bar None and helped lead a team of volunteers on the night of the event. In the Kore ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Women’s Fraternity, I was philanthropy officer, secretary and president. In my role as president, I was responsible for transitioning our chapter from, as we were previously known, Ceres. Within three months, our chapter was able to establish new branding, bylaws and guiding principles. 

Did you face any significant obstacles or challenges during your program?

Throughout my undergrad, I took on increasingly involved roles in student groups. Although I hold these experiences dear, they resulted in burnout during the last years of my degree. Once my volunteer terms were completed, I decided to step back and enter my ‘retirement era’. This allowed me to recharge and focus on my schoolwork, since that’s supposedly why we’re here in the first place! Prioritizing my well-being even motivated me to apply for my semester abroad at Wageningen University & Research Exchange. Although it seems counter-productive, as moving abroad is not an easy task, it was exactly what the doctor ordered! 

What advice do you have for current and future students?

For future students, join a club! I would not have had the same experience without joining clubs and meeting like-minded students. They are a wonderful way to make new friends! For current students, go abroad. My exchange taught me so much about myself and made me realize how little I know about the world. There’s plenty of bursaries to help offset some of the costs, so if you have the means, apply! 

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

I don’t think ‘getting hammered’ is an appropriate response, so my PG answer is celebrating with my family and friends. I have some family coming out from Manitoba, and since I didn’t get a high school graduation due to COVID-19, I’m excited to have a make-up grad party! 

What's next after graduation?

Getting a ‘big girl’ job (as I like to call it). I want to pursue a course-based MSc program, potentially the rural sociology program offered through ALES. However, I need to save some money to afford going back to school, so I plan on working in the interim.