ACES across continents: Former Dean reunites with old friends, Kiwi alumni
When graduates leave the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, they enter a global network of alumni and friends making a difference in their fields. Even in the very farthest corners of the world, ACES alumni can be found leading industries and making progress toward the college’s mission to build robust food systems, nurture thriving families and communities, and steward a healthy planet.
To celebrate World Tourism Day, we hear from former ACES Dean Robert Hauser and his wife Kendra Courson, director of special events at ACES, during their three-week visit to the South Island of New Zealand earlier this year.
“The South Island is about the same size as Illinois, yet three weeks is not nearly enough time to enjoy everything it has to offer along the coasts, in the mountains, and in the plains — but there is absolutely no doubt that the highlight of our trip was the time we spent with ACES alumni,” Hauser said.
Near the beginning and end of their trip, Hauser and Courson visited with Hamish Gow, a former faculty member in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, and Gow’s partner, Julia, a U. of I. graduate and a native of Urbana.
Gow, a native New Zealander — also known as a Kiwi — first met Hauser, Department Head at the time, when being recruited as an assistant professor at Illinois. While at the university, Gow and Hauser created the International Business Immersion Program (IBIP), a study abroad program where students travel to other countries to learn more about their agricultural production, marketing, agribusiness, and public policies and regulations. For those who know Gow, Hauser is pleased to report that he is doing great things at Lincoln University, a proud father of two teenage girls, and that “Hamish is still Hamish.”
Hauser and Courson met with Mark and Joanne Stevenson on their farm north of Christchurch. Mark graduated with a master’s degree in agricultural and consumer economics, and Joanne secured her bachelor’s degree in natural resources and environmental sciences, both part of ACES. They now own and operate a 920-hectare (2,270-acre) sheep and beef farm together.
“The education we received at U. of I. was really important for getting us to where we are now,” Joanne said. “Mark learned so much about the commercial side of the products we sell, including the significance of connection to the brand, which is important in our wool business. We also both gained a rigor of thought and analysis that we apply every day in our complex and changing industry.”
Mark and Joanne also enjoy their connection to ACES on the island, where they maintain a friendship with the Gows and host Hamish’s large groups of ACES students studying abroad for IBIP.
“For Joanne, meeting alumni is nice because she gets a little dose of home in the Chicago area— and we love engaging with people who are keen to explore and learn,” Mark said.
Hauser and Courson’s third visit was with Jack and Kate Cocks, who co-manage nearly 100,000 acres alongside a 30,000-head sheep and cow-calf operation with another couple. They also operate an event center and develop Merino wool products.
“New Zealand is home, where I grew up and where my family all live, so it was where I would likely always live long-term. Kate and I both had corporate careers in New Zealand agriculture, but an opportunity came up for us to move to and manage Kate’s family farm in 2009,” Jack said. “ACES gave me a great overview and understanding of international agribusiness and value chains, but also a sense of community across such large distances. It’s always great connecting with ACES alumni.”
During each visit, the ACES Kiwis welcomed Hauser and Courson into their homes, toured them around their properties, and reminisced about life in Illinois. For the alumni, it was a chance to stay connected, but for Hauser and Courson, the visits reminded them of the value of an ACES education and inspired an appreciation for their network of international alumni.
“The department and college should be very, very proud of Hamish, Mark, Jack, and their families,” Hauser said. “International activities and relationships have been an important strength of ACES for over 100 years. Whether academic programs, research, or alumni relations, it’s reassuring that our faculty, staff, administration, and alumni association continue to recognize the value of serving not just Illinois and our country but the world.