CALGARY – An entrepreneur hailed as an “agricultural innovator” in the province will be presented with an honorary degree from the University of Lethbridge on Saturday.
Cor Van Raay hails from Holland but started farming in Iron Springs, Alta. 50 years ago, according to a release from the university. He started with a half-section of cropland and a small herd of cattle, and has since built one of Canada’s largest, most successful cattle production and feedlot operations. He co-founded a grain company in the 1980s and is a majority owner of a John Deere dealership.
Van Raay will be presented with the degree of Doctor of Laws at the fall 2015 convocation ceremony on Saturday, recognizing his impact on farming, ranching and livestock production in Alberta.
“Cor Van Raay has meant so much to agriculture and the world of agribusiness in southern Alberta, and we are thrilled to highlight his contributions to the region with an honorary degree,” said University of Lethbridge chancellor Janice Varzari in a statement. “His entrepreneurial spirit is truly unique and has established his operations as an industry leader. Beyond that, Cor Van Raay has always been committed to bettering his community through charity, philanthropy and the furthering of education.”
Van Raay contributed $5 million to establish a Southern Alberta Agribusiness Program to the university and Lethbridge College in 2015 as well as a number of scholarships at the university; he has also made donations to Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, the Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge and the YMCA.
The presentation will take place Saturday at 10 a.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.
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