Benjamin Hayes

Benjamin has always had a love for horticulture and design growing up, which brought him to the University of Guelph to study Landscape Architecture. Having first planned to attend college, his parents wanted to show him the Guelph campus, and after that visit one October afternoon, he fell in love with the Guelph, and knew it was the exact place he wanted to be for his post secondary education. Graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor Degree in Landscape Architecture, it was the best decision he could have made.

While at U of G, Benjamin was an active student volunteer serving three years on Interhall Council; Vice President of Prairie Hall, President of Prairie Hall, and Vice President of Communication for the Interhall Council Central Executive. He was involved with various student organizations on campus including an Active board member of the CSA, conference advisor for ORHA - Ontario Residence Hall Association, participated and organizing multiple campus wide events & conferences. Having worked alongside Student Life in planning & executing Orientation week and being an active orientation volunteer for the past 10 years. As well as being an active volunteer across many groups on and off campus & serving on the Landscape Architecture student Council, gave him an opportunity to show new Guelph Gryphons everything Guelph had to offer while in your undergraduate degree. One of his biggest academic highlights being able to complete a thesis on storm water management & the rising effects of sea levels on coastal cities are some of Benjamin’s proudest achievements while a University of Guelph student.

Coming from a high school environment where Ben was highly involved and engaged in the community, the University of Guelph was the perfect fit for these passions to continue to evolve and grow as a Guelph Gryphon. Having finished his degree part time to work in the horticultural industry, Benjamin has over 10 years experience with horticulture, landscape design, guest experience, and retail store merchandising with Sheridan Nurseries.

Living in Mississauga and being able to apply his education & leadership skills honed at the University of Guelph is something Benjamin brings every day to his work values, and home life. Encouraging others to design sustainably in the landscape, practise environmental design & lifestyle, encourage others love for horticulture, and continuing to be a community leader. He looks forward to his time on the University of Guelph Alumni Board of Directors, to be able to bring his passion and love for Guelph back to the university to hopefully, inspire future gryphons to fall in love with the University of Guelph in more ways then one.