February 14, 2005 Ottawa -- One of the oldest centres for agricultural education and research in Canada will be honoured on a new Canadian postage stamp that will be issued on February 14, 2005. The Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) is celebrating its 100th anniversary and Canada Post will honour the institution and the occasion, with a 50ยข stamp to be issued on the anniversary of the day the university first opened its doors. The stamp will be unveiled at a campus ceremony on February 14th at 10:00 a.m. in the NSAC Alumni Theatre. As one of the most research intensive universities in Canada, it is hard to imagine the NSAC 100 years ago. Genomics, proteomics and other advanced sciences colour the landscape at NSAC today, in sharp relief to its beginnings at the farm gate. However, as advanced as its science and research is today, NSAC remains true to its beginnings as a place for agricultural advancements and education. NSAC is the third oldest center for agricultural education and research in Canada, with roots stretching back to 1885 when the School of Agriculture was established. Combined with The Provincial Normal School, the Provincial Farm (established in 1889 at Bible Hill) and the School of Horticulture (established in 1894 at Wolfville, N.S), the three agencies were later merged to form a new College of Agriculture which officially opened on February 14, 1905. The main building, which is shown on the stamp, was named Cumming Hall in honour of Melville Cumming, the first Principal of NSAC. Recently renovated and restored with its distinctive cupola, Cumming Hall continues to be a distinctive campus landmark. Situated on 265 hectares along the Salmon River in Bible Hill, the university's facilities have expanded rapidly in recent years and improvements to the farm complex and research facilities now make it one of the most modern, best equipped colleges in the Atlantic region. NSAC stands at the edge of its second 100 years, poised to break new ground in applied science in agriculture. The future holds some exciting prospects: internationalization of its programs and campus, an even stronger drive to lead research in agriculture and a renewed dedication to creating the leaders of a globalized food system. Yet, held to the light, these goals are not far removed from its early days. NSAC remains inextricably linked to agriculture for the next 100 years and beyond. The stamp features a photo of Cumming Hall with the university's heraldic coat of arms against a background that display's the school's colours in a billowing style of a flag flying or academic robes in motion. The stamp's design is by Denis L'Allier using photography by Guy Lavigueur. Available for sale at post offices across the country on February 14, 2005, the stamp measures 36 mm x 45 mm, and will be sold in a booklet of 8 stamps. Lowe-Martin printed 3 million of the stamps, using 6-colour lithography on Fasson paper. The stamp is general tagged on all four sides. The Official First Day Cover will read TRURO, NOVA SCOTIA. Additional information about Canadian stamps can be found in the Newsroom section of Canada Post's website, and a downloadable high-resolution photo of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College stamp is in the Newsroom's Photo Centre. Stamps and Official First Day covers will be available at participating post offices, can be ordered online by following the links at Canada Post's website www.canadapost.ca, or by mail order from the National Philatelic Centre. From Canada and the USA call toll-free: 1-800-565-4362 and from other countries call: (902) 863-6550. - 30 - For further information, contact: Cindy Daoust, Ottawa, Ontario (613) 734-4278
