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Alumni Blog
As a student of the College of Agricultural Sciences, you were part of a special family of students, faculty, and staff. That family helped you enjoy a successful college career. As an alum of the College of Agricultural Sciences, you belong to a special group of more than 26,000.
Now It’s Your Time To Join Us! Become a member of the Ag Alumni Society.By noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on October 29, 2009.  Our award-winning constituent group of the Penn State Alumni Association has something for everyone. With more than 7,600 members and 11 affiliate program groups, you’re sure to find your niche. Connect with alumni who share your academic and professional interests and receive members’ only benefits from the Penn State Alumni Association.Don’t forget – $50 of your lifetime membership dues can be donated to the Ag Alumni Society. Here’s how you can help: 1. Go to the Penn State Alumni Association Membership Application. 2. Under the Choose Membership Type, select Life. 3. Under the new options select Alumni Society. 4. From the drop down menu, choose the "College of Agricultural Sciences AAA" tab. By using this designation, the Alumni Association will donate $50 to the Ag Alumni Society. College Affiliate Program Groups (APGs) also have designation codes in the membership application. Select “Affiliate Program Group” to view a complete list and designate $50 to your favorite APG.  Ag Live 09' Alumni TailgateBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on October 29, 2009.  Share the excitement with hundreds of Ag Alumni and friends at the Ag Live '09 Tailgate prior to the November 14th Penn State vs. Indiana football game. Enjoy a hearty lunch buffet with Berkey Creamery ice cream for dessert as well as entertainment from the Penn State Cheerleaders and pep band. Live auction and raffle will showcase football weekend packages, condo vacations, Penn State memorabilia, collectibles, gift baskets, and more.For more information and to register please visit http://agsci.psu.edu/ag-live-tailgate.  Student InternBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on October 29, 2009.  I’m thrilled to announce that Lisa Rankin has started with our office as the Alumni Relations Intern. Lisa is a senior in Agribusiness Management with a minor in International Agriculture and is a member of the Ag Advocates, Alpha Zeta Fraternity, NAMA and the Collegiate Farm Bureau. She is a past recipient of the Ag Alumni Society Internship Award and was selected to give a presentation of her internship at the Armsby Honor Society dinner. Lisa’s internship responsibilities will focus on student engagement and social networking. She will be working with the Student Engagement committee on restructuring, designing, and implementing the new mentoring workshop. Additionally, she will be collaborating with the College’s communication unit on developing and enhancing the alumni website and blog. You will have an opportunity to meet Lisa at some of our upcoming alumni events. Deans TourBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on October 29, 2009.  Our new Dean, Bruce A. McPheron, visited the southeast PA region to tour various agricultural industries and speak with alumni and industry representatives. It was a day filled with information on current and future activities of the college while welcoming questions, ideas and suggestions in an open discussion format. The Dean’s tour and college reception was organized by the PA Landscape & Nursery Association, the American Mushroom Institute, and the Pa Wine Association, working through the Penn State Ag Council.For more information please visit http://agsci.psu.edu/dean/blog/2009/research-on-tour  Research TourBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on October 29, 2009. The Penn State Agricultural Council's annual College of Agricultural Sciences Tour at the University Park campus took place on September 24th. The half-day event brought together alumni, legislators, business and community leaders, and many others for tours and presentations from Penn State research and extension faculty on challenging topics facing the state. These topics included theH1N1 influenza, Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction, innovative harvesting equipment and nutrient management.For more information please visit http://agsci.psu.edu/dean/photos/2009/research-tours  Affiliate Program Group (APG) Competitive Grant ProgramBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on October 29, 2009.  The College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society (CAAS) has budgeted $1,500 for a Competitive Grant Program focusing on innovative alumni and student engagement projects. The goal of this program is to increase alumni and student interaction by encouraging our APGs to include students, both graduate and undergraduate, in their program planning and annual activities. Student engagement is the Society’s top priority program area, and we know our APGs provide an important means to connect alumni and students who share common academic, professional, and social interests. The proposal deadline is November 30.For more information please contact Naomi Knaub at nmk107@psu.edu or 814-867-1819.  Task Force created to enhance alumni groupsBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on October 29, 2009. The Ag Alumni Society President, Carrie Bomgardner, formed an Affiliate Program Group (APG) Task Force for the purpose of providing leadership and strategic direction to the Ag Alumni Society board of directors on enhancing and strengthening support to the APG's. The taskforce is comprised of APG representatives, department staff and board members.For more information on Affiliate Program Groups please visit http://agsci.psu.edu/alumni/groups.  Alumni Engage Students at TailgatesBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on October 29, 2009.  Every Penn State student knows that a football game is not complete without food, friends and tailgating. The College of Agriculture Sciences Associate Dean, Marcos Fernandez and his wife Sheila have been hosting a tailgate at the Snider Ag arena before every home game. Not only do the Fernandez’s make a mean jambalaya; it’s a great opportunity to meet and interact with fellow students, alumni and faculty members.Thank you, Marcos and Sheila!     College of Ag Sciences alum honored with University AwardBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on October 29, 2009.  The Alumni Fellow Award is the most prestigious award presented by the Penn State Alumni Association. This program is designed to invite outstanding alumni and leaders to the University to share their special expertise in informal contacts with students and members of the faculty and administration. This year the award is being presented to John D. Gearhart on October 21st and 22nd. Gearhart is a leader in the field of stem cell research. His work is considered to be one of the most significant advances in human biology. Gearhart’s research focuses on the role of genes in regulating the formation of human tissues, especially as it relates to mental retardation, Down’s syndrome, and other congenital birth defects. Gearhart led one of the two research teams that first identified and isolated human pluripotent stem cells in 1998. Gearhart is a 1964 Penn State graduate in Agricultural Sciences and Industry. Endowment Campaign CommitteeBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on October 29, 2009.  The Endowment Campaign Committee was formed in the fall of 2008 to raise $200,000 to supplement the Society's Scholarship and Internship Endowment funds. By enlarging the endowment funds, the Society will be better able to offer financial support to students that is proportionate with current educational expenses.More than 70 alumni and friends donated to the Endowment Campaign when they registered for the Tuesday alumni lunch and/or the Wednesday Government/Industry lunch at Ag Progress Days. Each donor was acknowledged with a thank you card and special ag alumni pin at check-in for their continued support of the Ag Alumni Society Scholarships and Internship Awards.  Alumni Pavilion Popular at Ag Progress DaysBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on August 24, 2009. A dozen alumni volunteers manned the Ag Alumni Society kiosk at the Alumni Pavilion located near the special events building. They engaged hundreds of alumni, friends of the college, local community members and visitors talking about society programming and activities. The pavilion also had a surprise visitor in the shape of a giant blimp. During a brief downpour, the Pennsylvania Beef Council protected the blimp under the alumni canapy.   Alumni Luncheon and Annual Meeting at Ag Progress DaysBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on August 24, 2009.  On Tuesday August 18, hundreds of Ag Alumni and friends attended the Ag Alumni Society Luncheon and Annual Meeting held at the Special Events building during Ag Progress Days. Carrie Bomgardner, Ag Alumni Society President, recognized board members completing their terms (Paul Hann, Bob Stahl and Laurie Williams) and welcomed the newly elected board members (Dave Dell, Mike Kowalewski, Jody Kull, Lowell Underhill, and Jim Valent.) The College of Agricultural Sciences Dean, Bruce McPheron, closed the meeting with a State of the College report.  Development Staff ProfileBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on August 26, 2009.  Steve Logue, summer intern in the college's development office, is no stranger to hard work. Since taking his first job as a paper carrier in second grade, he has always held a job. The lessons he has learned from each experience have been invaluable, but none more than his work at Lion Line. The Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania, native has raised over $25,000 for Penn State programs after a year at the call center. His work at Lion Line motivated the rising senior to apply to the Division of Development and Alumni Relations internship. He plans to pursue a career in university development or become a college professor (or maybe both at some point). Majoring in Communications Arts and Sciences with a minor in Psychology, Steve brings great communication skills and an important student persepecitve to the office. He is visiting alumni with directors - experienceing the travel aspect of the job and meeting our loyal alumni. By learning about the endowments, he's also learning about the importance of stewardship. As a student, Steve brings experience in reaching our young alumni and students by encouraging them to designate their senior class gift to the college. Of course, with our crew, he's also getting an education in teamwork, the importance of humor in the workplace, and coffee-runs to the Berkey Creamery. "I really appreciate the enthusiasm of our development staff," said Steve. "All of this is new to me, and it's great to know that there are people in each college working so hard to raise money for students."  Upcoming Alumni Events - Mark Your Calendars!By noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on August 24, 2009. October 1-4, 2009 - Alumni bus trip to the Penn State vs. Illinois football game. Join us for a fun-filled, four-day trip and enjoy the company of fellow Penn Staters, tours of the Illinois campus, an alumni tailgate, and cheer for Penn State at the football game. For additional information and to register, go to http://www.agalumni.cas.psu.edu/.November 14, 2009 - Ag Live '09 Alumni Tailgate prior to the Penn State Nittany Lion's taking on Indiana. Join us for a live auction and raffle, proceeds benefit the Ag Alumni Society's scholarships, internship awards, adn other student and alumni programs. Registration coming soon.  More than 30 years of Outstanding Service to the College - Thank you, Kathy!By noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on August 24, 2009.  Kathy McCartney retired on June 30, 2009 from the Alumni Relations office with more than 30 years of service to the College of Agricultural Sciences. Kathy has had such a wonderful and positive working relationship with alumni, students, deans, administrators, staff and local community members. Her tireless energy and enthusiasm will be missed. Please join me in thanking Kathy by sending cards or notes to the Alumni Relations Office.Alumni Relations Office, College of Agricultural Sciences The Pennsylvania State Univesity 229 Agricultural Adminstration Building Univeristy Park, PA 16802 Picture caption: Dr. John Zeigler, Kathy McCartney, Dan McCartney  Wildlife and Fisheries Science Alum part of “Lions and Tigers and Penn Staters, Oh My!”By noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on August 24, 2009.  .jpg) Rebecca Miller ’05 W F S, a zoo keeper with the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. was the featured speaker at a family City Lights event sponsored by the Penn State Alumni Association on June 27, 2009. Miller gave a special presentation on Seal and Sea Lion training followed by a “Behind the Scenes at the Zoo” talk.  In your own words....By noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on August 24, 2009. Tell us what it means to you to be a College of Agricultural Sciences alumni. We want to hear from you!Email agalumni@psu.edu or comment below.  Stay Informed!By noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on August 24, 2009.  Sign up for news releases, listen to Penn State Ag Sciences Radio and podcasts, subscribe to Penn State Agriculture magazine, and more on the College news homepage: Agsci.psu.edu/news.  Ag Alumni Society seeking Donations for Ag Live '09 Alumni TailgateBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on June 09, 2009.  The Ag Alumni Society is seeking live auction and raffle donations for the Ag Live '09 Alumni Tailgate to be held on November 14, 2009. Proceeds from the live auction and raffle benefit the Ag Alumni Society's scholarships, internship awards, and other student and alumni programs.If you or someone you know would like to contribute to the live auction or raffle, please contact Naomi Knaub in the Ag Alumni Relations Office at 814-867-1819 for more information. Photo: Ag Alumni Society Board Members, Ron Johnson '65 Ag Ed and Les Firth '58, '61g Ag Econ  Wildlife and Fisheries Science Alumni part of "Lions, Tigers and Penn Staters, Oh My!" event in Washington, D.C.By noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on June 09, 2009.  Rebecca Miller '05 W F S, a zoo keeper with the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. will be the featured speaker at a family City Lights event sponsored by the Penn State Alumni Association on June 27, 2009. Miller will give a special presentation on Seal and Sea Lion training followed by a "Behind the Scenes at the Zoo" talk.To register or get more information please click here or call 800-548-LION (5466).  Congratulations and Welcome New Alumni!By noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on June 09, 2009.  On May 16, 272 College of Agricultural Sciences students graduated at Eisenhower Auditorium and were welcomed into the alumni family by Ag Alumni Society President, Nelson Loftus ’58, ‘62g For, ‘66g Agron.Almost 800 family and friends attended the Spring ’09 Graduation Brunch sponsored by the Ag Alumni Society to celebrate with the graduates, alumni, and college faculty and staff. The Ag Alumni Society pays for a brunch ticket for each graduate and two guests, presents the new graduate with a College of Agricultural Sciences license plate holder, and pins the graduate with a traditional blue/white boutonniere. Photo: Ag Alumni Society board member Lori Connelly '03 An Sci, '05g Ag & Ext Ed and Chad Pelensky '09 An Bio  Ag Alumni Society helps students get through finals weekBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on June 02, 2009.  We remember what finals week was like with no time for sleep or food. This spring the Ag Alumni Society once again provided almost 100 student leaders and society award winners with gift bags to help them get through finals week. Now in its ninth year, the society works with Ag Alumni and businesses to donate their products to the Student Gift Bag Project. “Thank you for the goody bag, I never expected so many great things! It definitely brightened my day and will be very useful next week when I’m studying. I really appreciate the gesture and effort that went into the student gift bags!” Emily Thomas, Ag Alumni Society 2008 Scholarship Recipient  Upcoming Alumni Events - Mark Your Calendars!By noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on June 09, 2009. August 18, 2009 – Ag Alumni Society’s annual meeting and Alumni Luncheon held during Ag Progress DaysOctober 1-4, 2009 – Alumni bus trip to the Penn State vs. Illinois football game. Join us for a fun-filled, four-day trip and enjoy the company of fellow Penn Staters, tours of the Illinois campus, an alumni tailgate, and cheer for Penn State at the football game. November 14, 2009 – Ag Live ’09 Alumni Tailgate including a live auction and raffle prior to Penn State taking on Indiana. Live auction and raffle proceeds benefit the Ag Alumni Society’s scholarships, internship awards, and other student and alumni programs. For registration and additional information please visit http://www.agalumni.cas.psu.edu/.  Alumni in Iraq working to improve local AgricultureBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on June 02, 2009. Sam Hayes, III ’90 Ag Sci, ’97g Tr Dev, is currently serving in the Army and is working with the Dean of Agriculture at the University of Baghdad to expand extension service capacity. Hayes hopes to improve local agriculture in order to move it from essential subsistence farming to larger commercial operations, and to establish partnerships between the College, the Government of Iraq, and the Abu Ghraib community.  Photo: Dr. Hamza Zubady, Dean of Agriculture (third from left), Sam Hayes, III '90 Ag Sci, '97 Tr Dev(second from right)  Tragedy for one Ag Family creates opportunities for future Ag StudentsBy noreply@blogger.com (Naomi Knaub, Director Alumni Relations) from Penn State Ag Alumni Society News. Published on June 09, 2009.  The Development office would like to announce the creation of the Sarah Christine Donaldson Memorial Trustee Scholarship.Sarah received her B.S. in Animal BioScience from the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State in 2003 and her M.S. in Pathobiology, also from Penn State, in 2006. Sarah was employed by the College of Agricultural Sciences after graduation and was conducting research in the field of molecular epidemiology at the time of her tragic death in June 2008. Major Gifts Officer, Mark Theiss, has been working closely with the family, including Sarah’s fiancé, and has enjoyed learning about her and her work while at Penn State. “After getting to know the family and learning more and more about Sarah, you just know she was an incredible person. What she accomplished in her life, most people couldn’t accomplish in 3 lifetimes. It’s amazing to learn about the impact her research has had, and will continue to have, on the field,” said Theiss. Keep an eye on other college publications for more stories about Sarah in the future. In the meantime, if you wish to contribute to the Sarah Christine Donaldson Memorial Trustee Scholarship, contact Mark Theiss at mjt118@psu.edu, or 814-863-1373.  |
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