Feedlot owner and entrepreneur Cor Van Raay was scheduled to receive an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of Lethbridge Oct. 17 at fall convocation ceremonies.
The honour is designed to recognize the significant impact he has made on farming, ranching and livestock production in southern Alberta, said a U of L news release announcing its pending presentation.
Van Raay came to Canada from Holland in the 1960s and began farming near Iron Springs, Alta., on a half-section of land and some Holstein cattle.
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He expanded that into a large cattle production and feedlot enterprise, while also co-founding a grain company and becoming majority owner in a John Deere dealership.
“His entrepreneurial spirit is truly unique and has established his operations as an industry leader,” said U of L chancellor Janice Varzari in the news release.
“Beyond that, Cor Van Raay has always been committed to bettering his community through charity, philanthropy and the furthering of education.”
Van Raay donated $5 million earlier this year to the U of L and Lethbridge College to jointly establish programs in agri-business that focus on economics, entrepreneurship and innovation.
He has also made numerous other financial gifts over the years to the regional hospital, a Lethbridge nature centre, the food bank and the YMCA, and has funded several U of L scholarships.
