Harper Life Magazine 2020

—Harper Life Nov 2020 18 Annual Harper Ireland Club Dinner Harper Adams ties, bow ties, cufflinks, pendants and more are now available to purchase online! Visit: store.harper-adams.ac.uk ALUMNI BUSINESSES SPOTLIGHT— Harper Adams University students from the island of Ireland were treated to some timely career advice and words of wisdom from their guest speaker at the annual Harper Ireland Club dinner. Pat O’ Keeffe, Corporate Affairs Director with Glanbia Ireland, shared experiences and lessons from his own personal journey since graduating from University College Dublin in 1996. He recalled conversation with a careers guidance teacher in the early 1990s, who tried to dissuade him from pursuing a degree in agricultural science, being told “it’s a sunset industry”. His advice to the Harper Adams students was: “Seek lots of advice, but ultimately follow your own instincts and do what is right for you.” Over the course of 17 very enjoyable years with the Irish Farmers Journal, Pat O’ Keeffe visited dairy farms in 19 different countries. He said: “When the opportunity arose in 2015 to join Glanbia, I felt I had achieved all that I could achieve in the role and the time was right for a new challenge.” Pat O’ Keeffe also encouraged the students to consider involvement in organisations linked to their profession. He enjoyed five years with the Agricultural Science Association, including a term as President. The dinner also saw MEng Agricultural Engineering student Lewis Hamilton, 23, from Armagh, County Armagh, presented with the President’s Prize. This prize seeks to recognise students that have given their all to Harper Adams, Harper Ireland and the student community. The Vice President’s Cup, which is passed annually from chairman to chairman, was presented by Chris Scurfield (outgoing), 19, from Downpatrick, County Down, to Chris Balfour, 19, from Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, the new Harper Ireland Chairman for 2020/2021. Gleneely Foods www.gleneelyfoods.com You can also use the store to make donations and re-order certificates – just visit the “alumni” section. Left to right: Chris Balfour, Pat O’Keeffe, Chris Scurfield and Dr David Llewellyn. FromGrace Ryan (nee Covitz) who, alongside her brother and fellow alumni, Michael Covitz, has diversified their family business. What we’ve done: Pivoted from supplying 100% to foodservice and hospitality to delivering gifts direct to consumers at home. Who we are: We are a 30-year-old Irish second generation family-owned and run food business employing 15 people. Our business had been 100% reliant on supplying produce to foodservice and hospitality. Covid-19 had the potential to severely impact us. However, inspired by our parents Percy and Anne, who built the business from scratch, my brother Michael and I have endeavoured to remain positive and have recently launched an ecommerce business selling our delicious food produce direct to consumers nationwide by our own fleet of dedicated drivers. Customers can order delicious, Irish produce, direct from us to gift to loved ones, or to reward hard-working employees. In turn we are also supporting some great contemporary as well as traditional luxury Irish food brands such as delicious Irish farmhouse cheeses, Bean and Goose Chocolate from Co. Wexford, On the Pigs Back Pates and Terrines from Cork, wine from Mitchell & Son Wine Merchants and a choice of handmade Cocktails from Bar 1661. Cheese, Chocolate and Cocktails have never tasted so good! (Minimum order for delivery = €40). www.harper-adams.ac.uk