The legacy of Mathew Hartman, a U of G student who unexpectedly passed away in 2023, will live on through a $1-million gift from his parents to support an OAC field course in Costa Rica.
Mathew Hartman, a former University of Guelph agricultural science student, was the “glue” that held his friends and family together. Renowned for his humour, ambition, and passion for plants and science, Mathew was an adventurous yet humble student who fostered community wherever he went. Nearly a year after his unexpected passing on Dec 22, 2023, his parents, Sandra and Steve Hartman, endowed a $1-million gift to U of G to support an experiential learning course that profoundly impacted Mathew.
The Ontario Agricultural College’s (OAC) AGR2500 Field Course to Costa Rica is a 10-day immersive experience in Costa Rica that introduces students to tropical and subtropical agricultural systems. Students gain first-hand insight into global agricultural practices and the interconnected nature of the agri-food sector.
Mathew participated in the course during his studies and returned inspired by the diversity of agricultural practices he observed.
“He absolutely loved every minute of the course,” says Mathew’s parents “He found so much joy and purpose in agriculture and the opportunities he had to learn from hands-on experiences. We hope this gift reflects his adventurous spirit and helps others embrace the same excitement for learning and discovery that he carried with him every day.”
The generous gift will ensure that students in the course share the same experiences that shaped Mathew’s life.
“Our son accomplished incredible things in his life. We want to create a legacy that enables students to achieve incredible things with their life, in his honour,” added the Hartmans.
The Hartmans’ gift will support student travel costs and other expenditures from the trip.
“Learning about agriculture on a global scale broadens horizons, deepens understanding and fosters the kind of transformative learning that shapes future leaders,” said Dr. John Cranfield, interim dean of the Ontario Agricultural College. “The Hartmans' inspiring gift will ensure that students, regardless of their financial circumstances, can have the same experiences that impacted Mathew.”
A Legacy of Adventure and Growth
Mathew’s enthusiasm for life extended far beyond his academic pursuits. He was a competitive mogul skier, an avid canoe tripper who once spent two months exploring the Arctic, and a lover of nature in all its forms. Whether skiing through the trees at Big White, scuba diving on family trips, or winter camping with friends, Mathew approached every adventure with joy and determination.
For the Hartman family, this gift represents not just a way to honour Mathew’s memory, but also an opportunity to encourage others to embrace life and learning with the same zeal.
“We want students to follow in Mathew’s footsteps – to explore, to grow, and to find their own place in the world of agriculture,” Sandra and Steve said. “He would have loved knowing that his legacy is helping others discover their passions.”
By participating in the AGR2500 Field Course, students who may have never traveled internationally will have the chance to see diverse cultures and unique agricultural systems.
“The field course offers an opportunity to learn about sustainable crop production and the global nature of the agri-food system,” says professor Dr. Max Jones, faculty lead for the field course. “It is so important for students to get their hands dirty, apply their skills and step out of their comfort zone.”
The Hartmans believe this experience will broaden students' perspectives, inspire new pathways for their future and help them forge lasting connections, just as Mathew did.
Finding “His People”
Jones was so impressed with Mathew’s leadership and excitement for plant science that he invited him to work in his research lab – an opportunity typically reserved for more senior students. There, he found a space where his passion for plants and science truly came alive.
Jones recalls a time when Mathew stayed late in the lab to clean up a mess, allowing his teammates to go home early. “Mathew was always such a positive presence in the lab,” says Jones. “He was a team-first person, always focused on improving the lab and supporting those around him.”
Working in Jones’s lab, Mathew not only found a place to grow his skills but also discovered a community of like-minded people who shared his passion for science and agriculture.
“Whenever Mathew spoke about the lab, his excitement was unmistakable—his eyes would light up as he shared stories about his work,” says the Hartmans.