Take a Hike: The Power of Volunteers with a Vision

Apr 26, 2017

Rich Moccia

Professor Moccia has held both faculty and senior executive cross-appointments at the University of Guelph, where he has been employed since 1987. Recently completing a 10 year term as the Associate Vice-President, Research for the Strategic Partnerships portfolio, he oversaw a number of partnership files, including the landmark agrifood agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

As a professor in the Department of Animal Biosciences, Professor Moccia engages in teaching, research, graduate training, and community outreach, and he has always had a strong commitment to supporting the agriculture industry.

Prior to joining the UG, Rich was self-employed, having established 2 small, start-up companies specializing in ag-based technologies in the aquatic food production sector.

With a life-long commitment to research, education, knowledge translation, and volunteerism, Rich holds national and regional awards of excellence in all four activities.

Of significance to Rotarians, Rich is a very strong believer in the importance of volunteerism in making communities strong and vibrant. He is a member of various community groups such as the United Way, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Speed River Track and Field, and the Bruce Trail Conservancy, and was a long time baseball and hockey coach and sports administrator in the region.

In his spare time, Rich is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys family, scuba diving, boating, motorcycling, trekking, hockey and cutting down trees on the Bruce Trail, among other pursuits!