Graduate Profiles- Buddy Andres ’67

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 Buddy Andres, Class of 1967!

Q: Where do you currently work and what position do you hold?
A: [I] retired in 2004 from the National Parks Department (Parks Canada).
[I] enjoyed being responsible for our National Historic Sites in the Niagara Region and the Golden Horseshoe as a General Works Manager, and at Bruce Peninsula National Park for one season – one of our most scenic National Parks in Ontario! 

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

A: Right after graduation I worked as a supervisor in a local landscape company, but realized very quickly that my work destiny was not in the private  sector! 

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

A: My biggest challenge was to finally realize that I was destined to work in the public sector! 

Q: What was your favorite plant on the Botanical Grounds while you were at school?

A: My fondest and most hilarious memory at the school, was that of Dennis (Joe) McQuestion, who was tasked with wandering the school grounds with a tank of chemical herbicide. The only problem was the fact that the tank was leaking, and Joe was totally unaware of this! Needless to say, the canvas he painted on the school property was certainly unique, and caused a real uproar with staff and students alike. Sadly, Joe died in 2008.

Thank you Buddy for sharing your journey with us! It is great to hear from alumni from all stages in their careers!

If you would like to be featured here and inspire the next generation make sure to complete our graduate survey here: https://forms.gle/pt2MPgJsALYdf1b3A.