Graduate Profile- Tom Clancy ’61

Have you often wondered where graduates end up after they finish at the School of Horticulture? Or curious what career options are available in the industry? In our monthly series we’ll highlight a different graduate every month to showcase the diversity. We’ll be sharing the full inside look here on our website!

Say Hello to Tom Clancy, Class of 1961!

Tom retired in 1999 after 38 years working in Parks and Horticulture. He currently writes
articles and volunteers with his church, the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC), and the Ontario
Parks Association (OPA).

Q: How would you describe your experience entering the industry after graduation?

A: I was a tree climber for NPC for one year and moved on to become Arborist at the University
of Guelph. Then I went on to Cornell University for a Bachelor of Science. I became Director of
Parks in Kitchener for 25 years, and retired as General Manager of Community Services for 6.

Q: What challenges have you faced and overcome in your career since graduation?

A: Being allowed to develop/teach a tree course at the University of Guelph. They wouldn’t
acknowledge me because I had a diploma rather than a degree, [which should have been] good
enough, so put my boss’s name in the curriculum. He couldn’t teach the course. That inspired me
to go to Cornell to get a degree. The degree opened the door at Kitchener but my NPC Diploma
experience got me the job.

Q: What is fond memory from your days at the gardens?

A: Hoeing in the Rose Garden with all the colour and fragrances. This helped me win the Practical Work Award.

Thank you Tom for sharing a little about your journey in the industry and what you are currently up to!

Tom is a member of the Waterloo Hall of Fame and the Over 89+ Hockey Hall of Fame. He is
also a Life Member of the Ontario Parks Association and the NPC Alumni Association.

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