• TABLE OF CONTENTS
HIDE
 Front Cover
 School of Natural Resources becomes...
 Letter from the dean
 TailGATOR 2004
 Symposium offers teaching...
 CALS student helps develop organic...
 Graduate students share resear...
 CALS student BBQ and Gator...
 UF hosts Southern Region Teaching...
 Dean Luzar awarded for service...
 The girl behind the gator
 New nonprofit minor meets growing...
 Awards
 IFAS internships prepare students...
 Four CALS students named Reitz...
 Batson family supports horticulture...
 SNRE student awarded environmental...
 Group offers minorities networking...
 Jim Davidson travel & Davis nutritional...
 Forestry internships enhance combined...
 Students study forested watersheds...
 Sigma Phi Alpha joins national...
 Request for contact informatio...






Title: CALS connection
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Permanent Link: http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00076210/00004
 Material Information
Title: CALS connection
Series Title: CALS connection
Physical Description: Serial
Creator: College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida
Publisher: College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida
Publication Date: June 2004
 Subjects
Subject: University of Florida.   ( lcsh )
Spatial Coverage: North America -- United States of America -- Florida
 Record Information
Bibliographic ID: UF00076210
Volume ID: VID00004
Source Institution: University of Florida
Holding Location: University of Florida
Rights Management: All rights reserved, Board of Trustees of the University of Florida

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Table of Contents
    Front Cover
        Front Cover
    School of Natural Resources becomes part of CALS
        Page 1
    Letter from the dean
        Page 2
    TailGATOR 2004
        Page 3
    Symposium offers teaching advice
        Page 3
    CALS student helps develop organic businesses
        Page 3
    Graduate students share research
        Page 4
    CALS student BBQ and Gator Encounter
        Page 4
    UF hosts Southern Region Teaching Symposium
        Page 4
    Dean Luzar awarded for service to students
        Page 5
    The girl behind the gator
        Page 5
    New nonprofit minor meets growing need
        Page 5
    Awards
        Page 6
        Page 7
    IFAS internships prepare students for the future
        Page 8
    Four CALS students named Reitz Scholars
        Page 8
    Batson family supports horticulture students
        Page 9
    SNRE student awarded environmental scholarship
        Page 9
    Group offers minorities networking opportunities
        Page 9
    Jim Davidson travel & Davis nutritional grants
        Page 10
    Forestry internships enhance combined degree program
        Page 10
    Students study forested watersheds in Prague
        Page 11
    Sigma Phi Alpha joins national sorority
        Page 11
    Request for contact information
        Page 12
Full Text

















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School of Natural Resources


Becomes Part of CALS
by Emily Rhoades, Master's student in Agricultural Education and Communication


With an eye toward better serving
the University of Florida and its stu-
dents, the School of Natural Re-
sources and Environment (SNRE)
has joined the College of Agricul-
tural and Life Sciences (CALS).
"This is an opportunity for CALS
to further serve students at the Uni-
versity of Florida with very high
quality programs and is also indica-
tive of CALS' interest in continuing
to change and innovate to be a more
modern and comprehensive college
of agriculture and life sciences,"
CALS Dean Jimmy Cheek said.
The College of Natural Resources
and Environment (CNRE) was es-
tablished about 10 years ago to offer
students a more interdisciplinary
program in ecology, environment
and environmental sciences, Dr.
Stephen Humphrey, director of aca-
demic programs for SNRE, said. The
program was developed as a "vir-
tual college" that used the existing
courses of other colleges for the
coursework needed for the degree,
Humphrey said.
In 2002, the strategic plan for the
university called for CNRE to move
into an existing college and become
a school of natural resources and en-
vironment in order to gain adminis-
trative efficiency and serve the uni-
versity and its students better, Cheek
said.
"We think this is a very positive
development for the university and
students who study in SNRE and the
faculty who participate in research
and outreach functions," Cheek said.
"It will maintain the interdiscipli-
nary aspect of the undergraduate
and graduate programs."
A new administrative structure has
been set up for the program in order


to capitalize on its initial success and
take it to a new level, Humphrey
said. The new administrative board
for SNRE consists of the vice presi-
dent of agriculture and natural re-
sources, the dean of the College of
Engineering, the dean of the College
of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the
dean of CALS, the provost, and the
vice president of research. A senior
associate dean for SNRE manages


the day-to-day operations, Cheek
said.
"I believe that the main benefit is
that we now have access to re-
sources financial and otherwise -
that are available to other CALS stu-
dents," Jeff Luzar, a doctoral student
in tropical conservation and devel-
opment, said. "It is also my hope
that the incorporation into CALS
will heighten the program's profile


on campus and will ensure that this
valuable program continues to de-
velop and grow."
SNRE now houses 91 undergradu-
ate and 87 graduate students who
participate in courses in the colleges
of agricultural and life sciences,
business administration, design,
construction and planning, engineer-
ing, health and human performance,
liberal arts and sciences, journalism
and communications, law, medicine,
veterinary medicine and the Florida
Museum of Natural History. The
graduate program continues to grow
and is the second biggest in CALS,
Humphrey said.
"This is a modern, interdiscipli-
nary degree," CALS Associate Dean
Jane Luzar said. "A one-discipline
perspective can be limited when ad-
dressing increasingly complex prob-
lems in the resources and environ-
mental area. As a result, today's
students need more than one per-
spective. SNRE students can craft
programs uniquely appropriate for
their interests."
Students graduating from the pro-
gram have a deep mastery of the
topic as well as a wide breadth of
understanding of the theory and are
able to communicate with other dis-
ciplines, Humphrey said.
"It helped me be a more holistic
thinker, a better problem solver and
has provided the perfect combina-
tion of disciplines to shape my vi-
sion as a photographer," Carlton
Ward, a master's student in environ-
mental photojournalism, ecology
and anthropology, said. "The cur-
riculum allows for highly motivated
students to create their own paths."


CALS Administration and Staff


Dean
limmv G. Cheek
E-mail: igcheek,,'ull edui
152- 2-1901


Student and Alumni Services
Paul W\illis.
E-m ail: p\X illi,'''ifl.eClti
??2-?)2-19o3


Associate Dean
E lane Luzar
E-mail: elluzarlluill edu
352-?92-2 ?1

Computer Support
loe Spooner
E-mail: ,poonerl 'i fl.ediLl
352-S46-1 loS


Student Recruitment
Emily Sperling
E-mail: sperling L' lt. edlu
3X2-392-2251


AS






a Letter From The Dean


CALS has completed another outstand-
ing year of accomplishments. Our faculty,
students, alumni and staff have worked
diligently to further the college's mission
and strategic goals, enhancing educational
quality and opportunity. I appreciate this
opportunity to report to you about CALS'
performance during the past year and
about significant actions we have taken to
strengthen CALS to better serve the future
educational needs of our students.
A college is measured by the success of
its students, faculty and alumni. They
continue to win prestigious awards and
recognition. Dr. Wendy Graham, chair of
agricultural and biological engineering,
received the UF Doctoral Mentoring and
Advising Award from the graduate
school, one of five UF faculty so recognized. James Argento was recognized
as a UF Outstanding Male Leader and Marshall Baker was recognized as a
UF Four-Year Scholar. Both were also named to the UF Hall of Fame along
with Kelly Connaughton. The UF Outstanding Female Athlete, Benevia
Jenkins, is a family, youth, and community sciences major in CALS. The
Honorable Bill Gunter, CALS Class of 1956, received the UF Stephen C.
O'Connell Distinguished Achievement Award. Six CALS alumni received
the UF Distinguished Alumnus Awards during the past five years. These
are but a few examples.
Our educational enterprise exposes our students to state-of-the-art educa-
tion, instills in them life-long learning abilities and gets them involved in
cutting-edge research and experiential learning. Their education provides
the foundation to become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, able to
grow and adapt as science and technology change. Because of the creativity
of our faculty, staff and students, CALS continues to provide exceptionally
high quality educational experiences.
At the undergraduate level we continue to maintain a large student body
of approximately 3,100. The quality of the students enrolled in our pro-
grams is impressive by any measure. Students enroll in 23 different majors


and can select from 26 undergraduate minors. With partial support from
CALS Student Enrichment Endowments, we continue to emphasize five ar-
eas of enhancement for our undergraduates: study abroad, volunteer ser-
vice, leadership opportunities, internships and research with faculty. CALS
undergraduates also participate actively in the University Scholars Program
and in IFAS Research and Extension internships.
The college is fully participating in UF's goal to emphasize and expand
graduate education. This year CALS' graduate enrollment in the 19 gradu-
ate programs grew by 15 percent to 934 students. CALS generated signifi-
cantly more graduate student credit hours and exceeded our growth goal.
Enhancing graduate education and further expanding graduate enrollment
are continuing priorities in CALS.
We maintain leadership on campus in the interdisciplinary areas of genet-
ics and biotechnology. At the graduate level, the interdisciplinary plant mo-
lecular and cellular biology major attracts stellar students to its program.
Faculty are currently planning the movement of our current interdepart-
mental, multi-college animal molecular and cellular biology graduate con-
centration to master's and Ph.D. degree programs. Our undergraduate mi-
nor in plant molecular and cellular biology continues its state-of-the-art
status, drawing students from numerous majors seeking exposure to theory,
techniques, and applications.
During the past year, we successfully integrated the School of Natural Re-
sources and Environment (SNRE) into CALS and IFAS. SNRE will continue
to provide a university-wide interdisciplinary approach to education and
research in ecology and the environment for UF.
I am enormously proud of what our faculty, students, alumni and staff
continue to accomplish. Our vision is to be the best college of our kind in
the world. We are well on our way to accomplishing that goal. As you read
this issue of "CALS Connection," I am sure that you will share my excite-
ment and enthusiasm about the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.


i j

Jimmy G. Cheek
Dean


Student Profile 2004


19

249


2149


2003 Fall Undergraduate Enrollment


Bachelor Master DocrIal


2003 Fall Graduate
Enrollment by Gender


SMen
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*Arkan American
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Student Credit Hours Taught


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Enrollment by Gender


N"






On Campus


TailGATOR 2004
by Dallas Farrell, Senior in Agricultural Education and Communication


Birthday celebrations were in or-
der as nearly 700 alumni and stu-
dents from the College of Agricul-
tural and Life Sciences (CALS) came
together for the seventh annual IFAS
TailGATOR September 20th. The
event celebrated the 150th birthday of
the University of Florida and hon-
ored the 100th birthday of W. Travis
Loften, influential alumnus of the
college. Loften passed away in No-
vember 2003.
Loften graduated from CALS in
1931 with a degree in agricultural
education. After graduation, he
taught high school agriculture,
worked for the Florida Department
of Education as the assistant state
supervisor over vocational pro-
grams, and eventually became head
of UF's department of agriculture
and extension education. After re-
tirement, Loften remained active in
community organizations, and in
1988 a Gainesville high school was
named after him. Despite his grow-
ing age and the changing times,
Loften remained involved in the
community and UF.
"Things sure were different when I
was here," Loften said. "There was


not but about 1,700 or 1,800 students
and parking was not a problem."
In addition to celebrating mile-
stones, TailGATOR recognized both
alumni and students for their out-
standing achievements in the field of
agriculture.
Neal Palmer "Pal" Brooks and
Gale A. Buchanan received 2003
Alumni of Distinction Awards. This
award recognizes recipients for their
success in the field of agriculture
and their continued support and
commitment to CALS.
Brooks is president of Brooks
Tropicals, Inc., a fresh tropical fruit
and vegetable provider. He gradu-
ated from UF with a bachelor's de-
gree in agricultural economics in
1961. Brooks was the first to recog-
nize the marketability of star fruit
and was responsible for the discov-
ery of a lower-fat and lower-calorie
avocado.
"This is the first time I have been
on campus in 26 years," Brooks said.
"I am amazed at the number of stu-
dents and the size and enthusiasm of
the College of Agriculture."
Buchanan is the dean of the Col-
lege of Agricultural and Environ-


mental Sciences at the University of
Georgia. He graduated from UF
with his bachelor's degree in agri-
culture in 1959 and completed his
master's degree in 1962. He later
earned his Ph.D. from Iowa State
University. Among his accomplish-
ments since receiving his doctorate
are becoming a full professor, pub-
lishing over 250 scholarly publica-
tions and serving as a colonel in the
U.S. Army Reserve.
This year CALS presented its first
Horizon Award. This award is pre-
sented to an alumnus from the past
10 years who has demonstrated out-
standing leadership and accomplish-
ments. This year's award was pre-
sented to Adam Putnam, congress-
man from Florida's 12th district.
Putnam, 27, is the youngest member
of the United States House of Repre-
sentatives. He graduated from UF
with a bachelor's degree in food and
resource economics in 1995.
"It is an honor to be recognized by
a college that has a lot of high caliber
alumni that are above me," Putnam
said. "In addition to an education,
CALS prepares you for success in
life."


Associate Dean Jane Luzar and honored
alumnus Travis Loften enjoy the event.

The CALS Alumni and Friends
awarded a $1,000 scholarship to
Elizabeth Raburn for her outstand-
ing leadership skills and involve-
ment in CALS. Raburn is pursuing a
bachelor's degree in agricultural
leadership.
TailGATOR participants had the
opportunity to see the many aspects
of the College of Agricultural and
Life Sciences as they walked through
42 displays of departments, clubs
and organizations associated with
CALS.


Symposium Offers Teaching Advice
by Lisa Lundy Ph.D. student in Agricultural Education and Communication


Associate Professor Rick Rudd, speaker G(
Nosich and CALS Associate Dean Jane Luza
Nosich's luncheon presentation.

Seasoned educators provided the
voice of experience for the Teaching
enhancement symposium, which
was presented to College of Agricul-
tural and Life Sciences (CALS) fac-
ulty and graduate students August
19, 2003. The symposium drew 263
faculty and graduate students from
across the college.


The symposium in-
c luded sessions on a vari-
ety of topics concerning
faculty, such as teaching
methods, advising gradu-
ate students, department
leadership, international-
izing curriculums and
critical thinking.
Several retiring CALS
professors, including Dr.
Bill Zettler, Dr. Ron
erald Labisky, and Dr. Pete
ar after Hildebrand, shared their
teaching experiences in a
session entitled "Message
from the 'Masters.'" These distin-
guished educators shared stories,
ideas and teaching advice with fac-
ulty and graduate students.
"As a graduate student learning to
teach, it was interesting to hear the
perspectives these professors of-
fered," Amanda Ruth, a graduate


teaching assistant in agricultural
education and communication, said.
"They have dealt with many of the
challenges I face today in the class-
room. They also reminded me to
learn from my experiences and
laugh along the way."
CALS faculty teamed up with rep-
resentatives of the UF Dean of Stu-
dents Office to present a session on
academic integrity. Attendees were
introduced to a tool new to the Uni-
versity of Florida, known as
Turnitin. Turnitin is a Web-based ser-
vice which helps instructors identify
and proactively prevent instances of
plagiarism.
One popular session was "Beyond
PowerPoint: Low-Technology Tech-
niques for Effective Teaching." This
session focused on using a variety of
"low-technology" teaching tech-
niques to effectively present infor-
mation to students.


According to Dr. Shannon
Washburn, assistant professor of ag-
ricultural education and communi-
cation, the purpose of this session
was to offer instructors an assort-
ment of teaching methods to make
their lives easier and to enhance stu-
dent interest in their courses.
"We wanted instructors to realize
there are other effective methods to
use beyond PowerPoint," Dr.
Washburn said. "I think it is won-
derful that CALS emphasizes effec-
tive instruction because it is not
something you see at every institu-
tion. It is a strong statement for UF
faculty that they place a high value
on improving their own instruc-
tion."


CALS Student Helps Develop Organic Business
by Matt Thompson, Junior in Agricultural Education and Communication


Not many 21-year-olds have
played an integral role in the devel-
opment of an agricultural business,
but Amy Van Scoik is not your typi-
cal University of Florida student.
Van Scoik, a May 2004 plant sci-
ence graduate specializing in agri-
cultural ecosystems management, is
the vice president of Organic Pros-
pects, a company she helped to
build. The company specializes in
organic certification, consulting ser-
vices and organic fertilizer sales.


The agricultural lifestyle is what
attracted her to the field.
"Agriculture is meaningful," Van
Scoik said. "The lifestyle appealed to
me. It is hands-on, and I wanted to
make a difference."
She is also driven to help farmers
and is interested in agricultural
policy.
"I am interested in agriculture de-
velopment work for nonprofit orga-
nizations," Van Scoik said. "I want


to help farmers and promote sus-
tainable agriculture."
Van Scoik is already helping farm-
ers. Organic Prospects is informing
farmers of the benefits of organic
farming.
"Organic farming is the fastest-
growing sector of agriculture over
the past decade," she said. "We try
to show farmers how to incorporate
organic and conventional farming
methods."


SJune 2004 3






On Campus


TailGATOR 2004
by Dallas Farrell, Senior in Agricultural Education and Communication


Birthday celebrations were in or-
der as nearly 700 alumni and stu-
dents from the College of Agricul-
tural and Life Sciences (CALS) came
together for the seventh annual IFAS
TailGATOR September 20th. The
event celebrated the 150th birthday of
the University of Florida and hon-
ored the 100th birthday of W. Travis
Loften, influential alumnus of the
college. Loften passed away in No-
vember 2003.
Loften graduated from CALS in
1931 with a degree in agricultural
education. After graduation, he
taught high school agriculture,
worked for the Florida Department
of Education as the assistant state
supervisor over vocational pro-
grams, and eventually became head
of UF's department of agriculture
and extension education. After re-
tirement, Loften remained active in
community organizations, and in
1988 a Gainesville high school was
named after him. Despite his grow-
ing age and the changing times,
Loften remained involved in the
community and UF.
"Things sure were different when I
was here," Loften said. "There was


not but about 1,700 or 1,800 students
and parking was not a problem."
In addition to celebrating mile-
stones, TailGATOR recognized both
alumni and students for their out-
standing achievements in the field of
agriculture.
Neal Palmer "Pal" Brooks and
Gale A. Buchanan received 2003
Alumni of Distinction Awards. This
award recognizes recipients for their
success in the field of agriculture
and their continued support and
commitment to CALS.
Brooks is president of Brooks
Tropicals, Inc., a fresh tropical fruit
and vegetable provider. He gradu-
ated from UF with a bachelor's de-
gree in agricultural economics in
1961. Brooks was the first to recog-
nize the marketability of star fruit
and was responsible for the discov-
ery of a lower-fat and lower-calorie
avocado.
"This is the first time I have been
on campus in 26 years," Brooks said.
"I am amazed at the number of stu-
dents and the size and enthusiasm of
the College of Agriculture."
Buchanan is the dean of the Col-
lege of Agricultural and Environ-


mental Sciences at the University of
Georgia. He graduated from UF
with his bachelor's degree in agri-
culture in 1959 and completed his
master's degree in 1962. He later
earned his Ph.D. from Iowa State
University. Among his accomplish-
ments since receiving his doctorate
are becoming a full professor, pub-
lishing over 250 scholarly publica-
tions and serving as a colonel in the
U.S. Army Reserve.
This year CALS presented its first
Horizon Award. This award is pre-
sented to an alumnus from the past
10 years who has demonstrated out-
standing leadership and accomplish-
ments. This year's award was pre-
sented to Adam Putnam, congress-
man from Florida's 12th district.
Putnam, 27, is the youngest member
of the United States House of Repre-
sentatives. He graduated from UF
with a bachelor's degree in food and
resource economics in 1995.
"It is an honor to be recognized by
a college that has a lot of high caliber
alumni that are above me," Putnam
said. "In addition to an education,
CALS prepares you for success in
life."


Associate Dean Jane Luzar and honored
alumnus Travis Loften enjoy the event.

The CALS Alumni and Friends
awarded a $1,000 scholarship to
Elizabeth Raburn for her outstand-
ing leadership skills and involve-
ment in CALS. Raburn is pursuing a
bachelor's degree in agricultural
leadership.
TailGATOR participants had the
opportunity to see the many aspects
of the College of Agricultural and
Life Sciences as they walked through
42 displays of departments, clubs
and organizations associated with
CALS.


Symposium Offers Teaching Advice
by Lisa Lundy Ph.D. student in Agricultural Education and Communication


Associate Professor Rick Rudd, speaker G(
Nosich and CALS Associate Dean Jane Luza
Nosich's luncheon presentation.

Seasoned educators provided the
voice of experience for the Teaching
enhancement symposium, which
was presented to College of Agricul-
tural and Life Sciences (CALS) fac-
ulty and graduate students August
19, 2003. The symposium drew 263
faculty and graduate students from
across the college.


The symposium in-
c luded sessions on a vari-
ety of topics concerning
faculty, such as teaching
methods, advising gradu-
ate students, department
leadership, international-
izing curriculums and
critical thinking.
Several retiring CALS
professors, including Dr.
Bill Zettler, Dr. Ron
erald Labisky, and Dr. Pete
ar after Hildebrand, shared their
teaching experiences in a
session entitled "Message
from the 'Masters.'" These distin-
guished educators shared stories,
ideas and teaching advice with fac-
ulty and graduate students.
"As a graduate student learning to
teach, it was interesting to hear the
perspectives these professors of-
fered," Amanda Ruth, a graduate


teaching assistant in agricultural
education and communication, said.
"They have dealt with many of the
challenges I face today in the class-
room. They also reminded me to
learn from my experiences and
laugh along the way."
CALS faculty teamed up with rep-
resentatives of the UF Dean of Stu-
dents Office to present a session on
academic integrity. Attendees were
introduced to a tool new to the Uni-
versity of Florida, known as
Turnitin. Turnitin is a Web-based ser-
vice which helps instructors identify
and proactively prevent instances of
plagiarism.
One popular session was "Beyond
PowerPoint: Low-Technology Tech-
niques for Effective Teaching." This
session focused on using a variety of
"low-technology" teaching tech-
niques to effectively present infor-
mation to students.


According to Dr. Shannon
Washburn, assistant professor of ag-
ricultural education and communi-
cation, the purpose of this session
was to offer instructors an assort-
ment of teaching methods to make
their lives easier and to enhance stu-
dent interest in their courses.
"We wanted instructors to realize
there are other effective methods to
use beyond PowerPoint," Dr.
Washburn said. "I think it is won-
derful that CALS emphasizes effec-
tive instruction because it is not
something you see at every institu-
tion. It is a strong statement for UF
faculty that they place a high value
on improving their own instruc-
tion."


CALS Student Helps Develop Organic Business
by Matt Thompson, Junior in Agricultural Education and Communication


Not many 21-year-olds have
played an integral role in the devel-
opment of an agricultural business,
but Amy Van Scoik is not your typi-
cal University of Florida student.
Van Scoik, a May 2004 plant sci-
ence graduate specializing in agri-
cultural ecosystems management, is
the vice president of Organic Pros-
pects, a company she helped to
build. The company specializes in
organic certification, consulting ser-
vices and organic fertilizer sales.


The agricultural lifestyle is what
attracted her to the field.
"Agriculture is meaningful," Van
Scoik said. "The lifestyle appealed to
me. It is hands-on, and I wanted to
make a difference."
She is also driven to help farmers
and is interested in agricultural
policy.
"I am interested in agriculture de-
velopment work for nonprofit orga-
nizations," Van Scoik said. "I want


to help farmers and promote sus-
tainable agriculture."
Van Scoik is already helping farm-
ers. Organic Prospects is informing
farmers of the benefits of organic
farming.
"Organic farming is the fastest-
growing sector of agriculture over
the past decade," she said. "We try
to show farmers how to incorporate
organic and conventional farming
methods."


SJune 2004 3






On Campus


TailGATOR 2004
by Dallas Farrell, Senior in Agricultural Education and Communication


Birthday celebrations were in or-
der as nearly 700 alumni and stu-
dents from the College of Agricul-
tural and Life Sciences (CALS) came
together for the seventh annual IFAS
TailGATOR September 20th. The
event celebrated the 150th birthday of
the University of Florida and hon-
ored the 100th birthday of W. Travis
Loften, influential alumnus of the
college. Loften passed away in No-
vember 2003.
Loften graduated from CALS in
1931 with a degree in agricultural
education. After graduation, he
taught high school agriculture,
worked for the Florida Department
of Education as the assistant state
supervisor over vocational pro-
grams, and eventually became head
of UF's department of agriculture
and extension education. After re-
tirement, Loften remained active in
community organizations, and in
1988 a Gainesville high school was
named after him. Despite his grow-
ing age and the changing times,
Loften remained involved in the
community and UF.
"Things sure were different when I
was here," Loften said. "There was


not but about 1,700 or 1,800 students
and parking was not a problem."
In addition to celebrating mile-
stones, TailGATOR recognized both
alumni and students for their out-
standing achievements in the field of
agriculture.
Neal Palmer "Pal" Brooks and
Gale A. Buchanan received 2003
Alumni of Distinction Awards. This
award recognizes recipients for their
success in the field of agriculture
and their continued support and
commitment to CALS.
Brooks is president of Brooks
Tropicals, Inc., a fresh tropical fruit
and vegetable provider. He gradu-
ated from UF with a bachelor's de-
gree in agricultural economics in
1961. Brooks was the first to recog-
nize the marketability of star fruit
and was responsible for the discov-
ery of a lower-fat and lower-calorie
avocado.
"This is the first time I have been
on campus in 26 years," Brooks said.
"I am amazed at the number of stu-
dents and the size and enthusiasm of
the College of Agriculture."
Buchanan is the dean of the Col-
lege of Agricultural and Environ-


mental Sciences at the University of
Georgia. He graduated from UF
with his bachelor's degree in agri-
culture in 1959 and completed his
master's degree in 1962. He later
earned his Ph.D. from Iowa State
University. Among his accomplish-
ments since receiving his doctorate
are becoming a full professor, pub-
lishing over 250 scholarly publica-
tions and serving as a colonel in the
U.S. Army Reserve.
This year CALS presented its first
Horizon Award. This award is pre-
sented to an alumnus from the past
10 years who has demonstrated out-
standing leadership and accomplish-
ments. This year's award was pre-
sented to Adam Putnam, congress-
man from Florida's 12th district.
Putnam, 27, is the youngest member
of the United States House of Repre-
sentatives. He graduated from UF
with a bachelor's degree in food and
resource economics in 1995.
"It is an honor to be recognized by
a college that has a lot of high caliber
alumni that are above me," Putnam
said. "In addition to an education,
CALS prepares you for success in
life."


Associate Dean Jane Luzar and honored
alumnus Travis Loften enjoy the event.

The CALS Alumni and Friends
awarded a $1,000 scholarship to
Elizabeth Raburn for her outstand-
ing leadership skills and involve-
ment in CALS. Raburn is pursuing a
bachelor's degree in agricultural
leadership.
TailGATOR participants had the
opportunity to see the many aspects
of the College of Agricultural and
Life Sciences as they walked through
42 displays of departments, clubs
and organizations associated with
CALS.


Symposium Offers Teaching Advice
by Lisa Lundy Ph.D. student in Agricultural Education and Communication


Associate Professor Rick Rudd, speaker G(
Nosich and CALS Associate Dean Jane Luza
Nosich's luncheon presentation.

Seasoned educators provided the
voice of experience for the Teaching
enhancement symposium, which
was presented to College of Agricul-
tural and Life Sciences (CALS) fac-
ulty and graduate students August
19, 2003. The symposium drew 263
faculty and graduate students from
across the college.


The symposium in-
c luded sessions on a vari-
ety of topics concerning
faculty, such as teaching
methods, advising gradu-
ate students, department
leadership, international-
izing curriculums and
critical thinking.
Several retiring CALS
professors, including Dr.
Bill Zettler, Dr. Ron
erald Labisky, and Dr. Pete
ar after Hildebrand, shared their
teaching experiences in a
session entitled "Message
from the 'Masters.'" These distin-
guished educators shared stories,
ideas and teaching advice with fac-
ulty and graduate students.
"As a graduate student learning to
teach, it was interesting to hear the
perspectives these professors of-
fered," Amanda Ruth, a graduate


teaching assistant in agricultural
education and communication, said.
"They have dealt with many of the
challenges I face today in the class-
room. They also reminded me to
learn from my experiences and
laugh along the way."
CALS faculty teamed up with rep-
resentatives of the UF Dean of Stu-
dents Office to present a session on
academic integrity. Attendees were
introduced to a tool new to the Uni-
versity of Florida, known as
Turnitin. Turnitin is a Web-based ser-
vice which helps instructors identify
and proactively prevent instances of
plagiarism.
One popular session was "Beyond
PowerPoint: Low-Technology Tech-
niques for Effective Teaching." This
session focused on using a variety of
"low-technology" teaching tech-
niques to effectively present infor-
mation to students.


According to Dr. Shannon
Washburn, assistant professor of ag-
ricultural education and communi-
cation, the purpose of this session
was to offer instructors an assort-
ment of teaching methods to make
their lives easier and to enhance stu-
dent interest in their courses.
"We wanted instructors to realize
there are other effective methods to
use beyond PowerPoint," Dr.
Washburn said. "I think it is won-
derful that CALS emphasizes effec-
tive instruction because it is not
something you see at every institu-
tion. It is a strong statement for UF
faculty that they place a high value
on improving their own instruc-
tion."


CALS Student Helps Develop Organic Business
by Matt Thompson, Junior in Agricultural Education and Communication


Not many 21-year-olds have
played an integral role in the devel-
opment of an agricultural business,
but Amy Van Scoik is not your typi-
cal University of Florida student.
Van Scoik, a May 2004 plant sci-
ence graduate specializing in agri-
cultural ecosystems management, is
the vice president of Organic Pros-
pects, a company she helped to
build. The company specializes in
organic certification, consulting ser-
vices and organic fertilizer sales.


The agricultural lifestyle is what
attracted her to the field.
"Agriculture is meaningful," Van
Scoik said. "The lifestyle appealed to
me. It is hands-on, and I wanted to
make a difference."
She is also driven to help farmers
and is interested in agricultural
policy.
"I am interested in agriculture de-
velopment work for nonprofit orga-
nizations," Van Scoik said. "I want


to help farmers and promote sus-
tainable agriculture."
Van Scoik is already helping farm-
ers. Organic Prospects is informing
farmers of the benefits of organic
farming.
"Organic farming is the fastest-
growing sector of agriculture over
the past decade," she said. "We try
to show farmers how to incorporate
organic and conventional farming
methods."


SJune 2004 3






On Campus


Graduate Students Share Research
by Amanda Ruth, Ph.D student in Agricultural Education and Communication


The fourth annual IFAS Graduate
Research Symposium provided
graduate students in the College of
Agricultural and Life Sciences
(CALS) the opportunity to share
their research with peers and faculty
across agricultural curriculums.
"The symposium is a venue for
CALS graduate students and faculty
to showcase the many areas of re-
search they participate in," Paul
Willis, CALS director of student and
alumni services and member of the
symposium committee, said. "It also
provides a unique opportunity for
graduate students to network with
each other and faculty across the
college."
The event included research and
poster presentations on issues rang-
ing from Bermuda grass turf in
south Florida to gender roles in agri-
cultural media.
"I gained confidence in my work
and oral skills," Emilio Hernandez, a
graduate student in food and re-
source economics, said. "I really en-
joyed responding to the questions of
the attendants. It allowed me to con-


sider the perspectives of people with
different backgrounds in order to
present my research in a clearer
way."
The oral presentation and poster
sessions were divided by a general
session that included lunch as well
as a thesis and dissertation awards
ceremony.
During lunch, Dr. Peter Hansen,
the keynote speaker and a professor
in the department of animal sci-
ences, spoke about "Practical Tips
for Success in Science."
Food science and human nutrition
doctoral student Roger Darros
Barbosa received the outstanding
Ph.D. research award, and Benjamin
Ray Warren, a master's student in
food science and human nutrition,
received the outstanding master's
research award.
After the general session, graduate
students participating in the poster
session were available to answer
questions about their research. The
poster session provided an informal
environment where students could
showcase their work and interact


with students and faculty from vari-
ous backgrounds and interests.
"I would encourage students to
participate in either the oral presen-
tation or poster sessions because it is
a very good way to gain exposure to
the techniques of professional pre-


sentations," Hernandez said. "This
experience is indispensable for
graduate students and future pro-
fessionals."


UF Hosts Southern Region Teaching Symposium
by Emily Rhoades, Master's student in Agricultural Education and Communication


Participants enjoy an evening at Silver


Nearly 50 faculty and administra-
tors from 14 states met at the Univer-
sity of Florida last September for the
Southern Region Teaching Sympo-
sium. The topic was "Reaching Out


to New Student Audi-
ences."
Funded through a
small USDA grant,
this event returned to
Florida after 14 years
of rotating through
other institutions,
Rick Rudd, associate
professor in agricul-
tural education and
communication and
planning committee
Springs. member, said.
"I am always inter-
ested in learning new ideas or im-
proved ways of teaching," Donna
Graham, a participant from the Uni-
versity of Arkansas, said. "The
theme of the symposium was in-


triguing in that we are all under
pressure to keep student numbers
increasing. I wanted to see what
could be learned from another insti-
tution in this regard."
Faculty and administration from
the College of Agricultural and Life
Sciences (CALS) presented sessions
on "Reaching Students Through
Technology," "Reaching Students
with New and Revised Academic
Programs," "Reaching Pre-Profes-
sional Students" and "Reaching Stu-
dents Using Minors and Certifi-
cates." Breakout sessions followed
each presentation, allowing partici-
pants to openly discuss the topics of
the presentation and to share ideas
from their institutions.
Over the last decade, UF has em-


played some of the most innovative
methods for reaching out to new
students by offering new curricu-
lums and adapting to change, CALS
Dean Jimmy Cheek said. Using ex-
amples from professors at UF, the
symposium gave participants ideas
on how to better reach out to stu-
dents.
Guest speaker Gail Kauwell, asso-
ciate professor in human nutrition,
gave five tips on engaging new stu-
dents. According to Kauwell, stu-
dents are looking for personalized
attention, high quality instruction,
value-added enrichment opportuni-
ties, a sense of belonging, and a
reputation of excellence.


CALS Student BBQ and Gator Encounter
by Ashley Craft, Master's student in Agricultural Education and Communication


It was an afternoon of food, con-
versation and fun when over 300
students and over 60 faculty mem-
bers attended the College of Agricul-
tural and Life Sciences' (CALS) an-
nual barbecue on April 9th. Over 800
students attended Gator Encounter,
CALS' annual open house, the fol-
lowing day at the O'Connell Center.
This year's barbecue featured stu-
dents competing in the CALS Clash,
a UF/CALS version of Family Feud.
Students tried to guess how 100 ran-
dom people would respond to sur-
vey questions about UF and CALS.
Cash prizes went to the top three
teams.


"The barbecue is a great place to
socialize," said Alison Schwein, a
junior majoring in microbiology.
"We also get to see all of the depart-
mental and club displays that will be
used the next day during Gator En-
counter."
CALS Associate Dean Jane Luzar
said that students really enjoy the
barbecue and that it is a way to
thank students for working the next
day at Gator Encounter.
Graduating seniors were also rec-
ognized at the barbecue and the
2004-2005 CALS Ambassadors were
introduced.


Gator Encounter of-
fered high school stu-
dents and students
coming out of com-
munity colleges an
opportunity to ex-
plore the options
available to them in
CALS.


Encounter participants visit the
family, youth and community sciences booth.


4 June 2004 *


Steve Rocca presents his research during a session at the symposium.






On Campus


Graduate Students Share Research
by Amanda Ruth, Ph.D student in Agricultural Education and Communication


The fourth annual IFAS Graduate
Research Symposium provided
graduate students in the College of
Agricultural and Life Sciences
(CALS) the opportunity to share
their research with peers and faculty
across agricultural curriculums.
"The symposium is a venue for
CALS graduate students and faculty
to showcase the many areas of re-
search they participate in," Paul
Willis, CALS director of student and
alumni services and member of the
symposium committee, said. "It also
provides a unique opportunity for
graduate students to network with
each other and faculty across the
college."
The event included research and
poster presentations on issues rang-
ing from Bermuda grass turf in
south Florida to gender roles in agri-
cultural media.
"I gained confidence in my work
and oral skills," Emilio Hernandez, a
graduate student in food and re-
source economics, said. "I really en-
joyed responding to the questions of
the attendants. It allowed me to con-


sider the perspectives of people with
different backgrounds in order to
present my research in a clearer
way."
The oral presentation and poster
sessions were divided by a general
session that included lunch as well
as a thesis and dissertation awards
ceremony.
During lunch, Dr. Peter Hansen,
the keynote speaker and a professor
in the department of animal sci-
ences, spoke about "Practical Tips
for Success in Science."
Food science and human nutrition
doctoral student Roger Darros
Barbosa received the outstanding
Ph.D. research award, and Benjamin
Ray Warren, a master's student in
food science and human nutrition,
received the outstanding master's
research award.
After the general session, graduate
students participating in the poster
session were available to answer
questions about their research. The
poster session provided an informal
environment where students could
showcase their work and interact


with students and faculty from vari-
ous backgrounds and interests.
"I would encourage students to
participate in either the oral presen-
tation or poster sessions because it is
a very good way to gain exposure to
the techniques of professional pre-


sentations," Hernandez said. "This
experience is indispensable for
graduate students and future pro-
fessionals."


UF Hosts Southern Region Teaching Symposium
by Emily Rhoades, Master's student in Agricultural Education and Communication


Participants enjoy an evening at Silver


Nearly 50 faculty and administra-
tors from 14 states met at the Univer-
sity of Florida last September for the
Southern Region Teaching Sympo-
sium. The topic was "Reaching Out


to New Student Audi-
ences."
Funded through a
small USDA grant,
this event returned to
Florida after 14 years
of rotating through
other institutions,
Rick Rudd, associate
professor in agricul-
tural education and
communication and
planning committee
Springs. member, said.
"I am always inter-
ested in learning new ideas or im-
proved ways of teaching," Donna
Graham, a participant from the Uni-
versity of Arkansas, said. "The
theme of the symposium was in-


triguing in that we are all under
pressure to keep student numbers
increasing. I wanted to see what
could be learned from another insti-
tution in this regard."
Faculty and administration from
the College of Agricultural and Life
Sciences (CALS) presented sessions
on "Reaching Students Through
Technology," "Reaching Students
with New and Revised Academic
Programs," "Reaching Pre-Profes-
sional Students" and "Reaching Stu-
dents Using Minors and Certifi-
cates." Breakout sessions followed
each presentation, allowing partici-
pants to openly discuss the topics of
the presentation and to share ideas
from their institutions.
Over the last decade, UF has em-


played some of the most innovative
methods for reaching out to new
students by offering new curricu-
lums and adapting to change, CALS
Dean Jimmy Cheek said. Using ex-
amples from professors at UF, the
symposium gave participants ideas
on how to better reach out to stu-
dents.
Guest speaker Gail Kauwell, asso-
ciate professor in human nutrition,
gave five tips on engaging new stu-
dents. According to Kauwell, stu-
dents are looking for personalized
attention, high quality instruction,
value-added enrichment opportuni-
ties, a sense of belonging, and a
reputation of excellence.


CALS Student BBQ and Gator Encounter
by Ashley Craft, Master's student in Agricultural Education and Communication


It was an afternoon of food, con-
versation and fun when over 300
students and over 60 faculty mem-
bers attended the College of Agricul-
tural and Life Sciences' (CALS) an-
nual barbecue on April 9th. Over 800
students attended Gator Encounter,
CALS' annual open house, the fol-
lowing day at the O'Connell Center.
This year's barbecue featured stu-
dents competing in the CALS Clash,
a UF/CALS version of Family Feud.
Students tried to guess how 100 ran-
dom people would respond to sur-
vey questions about UF and CALS.
Cash prizes went to the top three
teams.


"The barbecue is a great place to
socialize," said Alison Schwein, a
junior majoring in microbiology.
"We also get to see all of the depart-
mental and club displays that will be
used the next day during Gator En-
counter."
CALS Associate Dean Jane Luzar
said that students really enjoy the
barbecue and that it is a way to
thank students for working the next
day at Gator Encounter.
Graduating seniors were also rec-
ognized at the barbecue and the
2004-2005 CALS Ambassadors were
introduced.


Gator Encounter of-
fered high school stu-
dents and students
coming out of com-
munity colleges an
opportunity to ex-
plore the options
available to them in
CALS.


Encounter participants visit the
family, youth and community sciences booth.


4 June 2004 *


Steve Rocca presents his research during a session at the symposium.






On Campus


Graduate Students Share Research
by Amanda Ruth, Ph.D student in Agricultural Education and Communication


The fourth annual IFAS Graduate
Research Symposium provided
graduate students in the College of
Agricultural and Life Sciences
(CALS) the opportunity to share
their research with peers and faculty
across agricultural curriculums.
"The symposium is a venue for
CALS graduate students and faculty
to showcase the many areas of re-
search they participate in," Paul
Willis, CALS director of student and
alumni services and member of the
symposium committee, said. "It also
provides a unique opportunity for
graduate students to network with
each other and faculty across the
college."
The event included research and
poster presentations on issues rang-
ing from Bermuda grass turf in
south Florida to gender roles in agri-
cultural media.
"I gained confidence in my work
and oral skills," Emilio Hernandez, a
graduate student in food and re-
source economics, said. "I really en-
joyed responding to the questions of
the attendants. It allowed me to con-


sider the perspectives of people with
different backgrounds in order to
present my research in a clearer
way."
The oral presentation and poster
sessions were divided by a general
session that included lunch as well
as a thesis and dissertation awards
ceremony.
During lunch, Dr. Peter Hansen,
the keynote speaker and a professor
in the department of animal sci-
ences, spoke about "Practical Tips
for Success in Science."
Food science and human nutrition
doctoral student Roger Darros
Barbosa received the outstanding
Ph.D. research award, and Benjamin
Ray Warren, a master's student in
food science and human nutrition,
received the outstanding master's
research award.
After the general session, graduate
students participating in the poster
session were available to answer
questions about their research. The
poster session provided an informal
environment where students could
showcase their work and interact


with students and faculty from vari-
ous backgrounds and interests.
"I would encourage students to
participate in either the oral presen-
tation or poster sessions because it is
a very good way to gain exposure to
the techniques of professional pre-


sentations," Hernandez said. "This
experience is indispensable for
graduate students and future pro-
fessionals."


UF Hosts Southern Region Teaching Symposium
by Emily Rhoades, Master's student in Agricultural Education and Communication


Participants enjoy an evening at Silver


Nearly 50 faculty and administra-
tors from 14 states met at the Univer-
sity of Florida last September for the
Southern Region Teaching Sympo-
sium. The topic was "Reaching Out


to New Student Audi-
ences."
Funded through a
small USDA grant,
this event returned to
Florida after 14 years
of rotating through
other institutions,
Rick Rudd, associate
professor in agricul-
tural education and
communication and
planning committee
Springs. member, said.
"I am always inter-
ested in learning new ideas or im-
proved ways of teaching," Donna
Graham, a participant from the Uni-
versity of Arkansas, said. "The
theme of the symposium was in-


triguing in that we are all under
pressure to keep student numbers
increasing. I wanted to see what
could be learned from another insti-
tution in this regard."
Faculty and administration from
the College of Agricultural and Life
Sciences (CALS) presented sessions
on "Reaching Students Through
Technology," "Reaching Students
with New and Revised Academic
Programs," "Reaching Pre-Profes-
sional Students" and "Reaching Stu-
dents Using Minors and Certifi-
cates." Breakout sessions followed
each presentation, allowing partici-
pants to openly discuss the topics of
the presentation and to share ideas
from their institutions.
Over the last decade, UF has em-


played some of the most innovative
methods for reaching out to new
students by offering new curricu-
lums and adapting to change, CALS
Dean Jimmy Cheek said. Using ex-
amples from professors at UF, the
symposium gave participants ideas
on how to better reach out to stu-
dents.
Guest speaker Gail Kauwell, asso-
ciate professor in human nutrition,
gave five tips on engaging new stu-
dents. According to Kauwell, stu-
dents are looking for personalized
attention, high quality instruction,
value-added enrichment opportuni-
ties, a sense of belonging, and a
reputation of excellence.


CALS Student BBQ and Gator Encounter
by Ashley Craft, Master's student in Agricultural Education and Communication


It was an afternoon of food, con-
versation and fun when over 300
students and over 60 faculty mem-
bers attended the College of Agricul-
tural and Life Sciences' (CALS) an-
nual barbecue on April 9th. Over 800
students attended Gator Encounter,
CALS' annual open house, the fol-
lowing day at the O'Connell Center.
This year's barbecue featured stu-
dents competing in the CALS Clash,
a UF/CALS version of Family Feud.
Students tried to guess how 100 ran-
dom people would respond to sur-
vey questions about UF and CALS.
Cash prizes went to the top three
teams.


"The barbecue is a great place to
socialize," said Alison Schwein, a
junior majoring in microbiology.
"We also get to see all of the depart-
mental and club displays that will be
used the next day during Gator En-
counter."
CALS Associate Dean Jane Luzar
said that students really enjoy the
barbecue and that it is a way to
thank students for working the next
day at Gator Encounter.
Graduating seniors were also rec-
ognized at the barbecue and the
2004-2005 CALS Ambassadors were
introduced.


Gator Encounter of-
fered high school stu-
dents and students
coming out of com-
munity colleges an
opportunity to ex-
plore the options
available to them in
CALS.


Encounter participants visit the
family, youth and community sciences booth.


4 June 2004 *


Steve Rocca presents his research during a session at the symposium.






On Campus


A


Dean Luzar Awarded for Service to Students
by Chuck Woods, IFAS Communication Services


Dr. Jane Luzar, associate dean of
the University of Florida's College of
Agricultural and Life Sciences
(CALS), is the 2003 recipient of the
Morton Wolfson Faculty Award for
outstanding service to students.
The award was presented to Luzar
by Michael Rollo, UF interim vice
president for student affairs, during
the 31st annual Student Affairs
"Kick-Off" in the Reitz Union.
"Nominations come from within
UF's Division of Student Affairs to
recognize one faculty member each
year who works with students to im-
prove their educational experience
and quality of life at the University
of Florida," Rollo said.
He said the division depends on
the daily contribution of faculty
members who serve as advisors to
more than 600 registered student or-
ganizations and who provide assis-
tance to individual students on a va-
riety of personal problems.


"In September 1983, the division
established the award to recognize
those who follow in the footsteps of
the person for whom the award is
named," Rollo said. "Professor
Morton Wolfson of the College of
Liberal Arts and Sciences, a faculty
member at UF for some 17 years,
epitomized the qualities this award
is designed to recognize."
Luzar joined the faculty of UF's In-
stitute of Food and Agricultural Sci-
ences (IFAS) in 1999 as associate
dean for academic programs after
serving as professor of agricultural
economics for 12 years at Louisiana
State University.
At UF, Luzar administers under-
graduate and graduate programs in
more than 25 academic majors in the
college, which has nearly 4,000 stu-
dents. She serves as a mentor to
Reitz and Lombardi Scholars and is
actively involved in efforts to im-
prove advising for UF's students.


Luzar also
administers
the college's
distance edu-
cation and
off-campus r
programs.
She is a
strong sup- i
porter of
more than 30
student orga-
nizations in
the college.
She com-
pleted her
bachelor's
degree in an- Dr. Jane Luzar, associate dean for the
thropology at College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
the Univer-
sity of Oregon, her master's degree receiving her bachelor's and
in agricultural economics at the Uni- master's degrees, Luzar served as a
versity of Kentucky and her doc- Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia,
toral degree in agricultural econom- West Africa.
ics at Virginia Tech. In between


The Girl Behind the Gator
b Giin r I iaron Ilu ni, r in .\ inli ; lturall I iLuIatioi I Ind l ti lllmlnlli.tl I 'II


Evvrv Gator f an Iovv, hurl. Chil-
drunn squVL7 ILIn CIdIght \l h In sh I
appears. ALILult--, want thIir pic-
Mlrai tLIKUn '.1 ith h Ik-. Shu is thII
ino-;t PO)P~lIaIpl' n on c0wnpi011
1c0t no1 nV k1 Ilk s h Ir n nlam.
ARbcIitd, thu ULni\-L r,;it\ -o Floriida
alligator mlasco 4. '1 in th: Ikd ot f
tOI CI-r0% d It' cr'\-\ -fUnction Th1
pirsOn insiSdU thih su it, though.1, iS
Orl4 Kn KIVll v Co1nndltlghton. I dfood
5iic1l~CL ~ii~ l; ll 3nu1dLltlritioln mI-
jor. Hui goal I-; to gu.t (iiiators to
grin on and off thI Ci ld.
-\lblrtaU Sgit' hiin ldrdS 1d dnd hu1n-
druds Of cIInh I~,LIgIhS Liand huLgS.'
CoInniughtton said. "It'slILkU I'MlI
III OX- iv 4r slglli llgn 1LIn It( PIIS 11d
ta~king pidlirCS. It";s LiIO Ik Lx
IitifV I 11 \- I'
11 1nn, L Uh t- %n is n i \1 tik M I'l


plai ing the role of Alberta ThIL-
share threL'e AlbeLrta suits and a vari-
Ct\' of Cstllnum.s bCt\\Lcvn thllin The
cO-stumi. bLagf tills thil' trunkI of
ConnLiughtbn's ifaSr alnd traielsl
\\ hirr\-cLr shel goes.
Albertai is in slrious i demand. \\ ith
7 full cilcndaLr t L kppL-IraIncLs to b--
ImldL- ait LIni\ -irit\ gatll'rings and
aithll-tii L'V'nts-. plu- c)mmiunit\-
tfinLtinh ns sclih as birthdav- palrtiLs-
aInd \\-udding-. The most hl-ctic \\ -L.k
is homLLcoming, though. \ ith a con-
stantllt stlreamll Ofl Cti\'ltlic.
"\\'hl1n I gt out of the Ilit it's lhke1
I'\V tLaken a sho\-er." said
C0 nnauighti ln. \ I h sX\ IcIt' off fiV\
pounds during the bu'V \% eek. "- I\
hair i- soaking \-1ct. and m\- taicL is
bright ird '"
Connaugh t on pla\'s other ro hlis to hr
LiF besidC s mascot. ShI' is -alsc a rsi-


iiiiit LiStdfl
fo~r tH1 Srii
Coin plv\. aLi
Offi'ial Stl~dclt
aInibissdor to
thu 1-1111Vc~rsitv
of Floridai Lind

o rr thi CO.IL-,L-

and LiWu Sd-
LAWS". 1-0110
V\-Cr. Ilhcr fix-kw-I.
Ittv acttlvitv~ is
SL1r'ing Las
Alburta.
"It gi\Vs Y'OUi a IN hcou diffrurnt
VL'IN OfL UF,' C 01111LJght ln Slid.
"Nu g t to -k-LLdahlot o4 spirit E c-rU -
oniL- l s Al-\Ibirt anid AILbt1 "


New Nonprofit Minor Meets Growing Need
by Cindy Hemdon, Junior in Agricultural Education and Communication


A new academic minor and club are prepar-
ing University of Florida students for careers in
the fastest-growing business area in America:
the nonprofit sector.
Organizational leadership for nonprofits, of-
fered through the College of Agricultural and
Life Sciences (CALS), is the first minor at UF fo-
cusing solely on nonprofits.
The minor is an important addition to UF's
curriculum, Elizabeth Bolton, a professor in the
department of family, youth and community
sciences, said.
"The nonprofit sector is the fastest-growing
business sector in America," Bolton said. "It is
growing faster than for-profit businesses and
faster than government jobs."
Courses in the minor teach students market-
ing, fundraising and public relations skills, and
prepare students to work with volunteers and a
board of directors.


Megan Hoot, president of the Gator Humanics Student
Association, looks over materialfor the next GHSA meeting.


Megan Hoot, a junior in the program, began
the Gator Humanics Student Association
(GHSA) to supplement UF's new minor by add-
ing real-world job experience to what students
are learning in the classroom. GHSA invites pro-
fessionals in the nonprofit field to give on-cam-
pus seminars and helps its members obtain their
American Humanics certification, which is simi-
lar to a "seal of approval" for working with
nonprofits, Hoot said.
Graduates with an American Humanics certifi-
cation receive priority access to competitive em-
ployment opportunities.
To receive certification, students must com-
plete the minor and a 300-hour internship, at-
tend the Annual American Humanics Manage-
ment Institute and be involved in GHSA.


June 2004 5


- F &l


k- Ol 7) 11111 "'/1 tL'Il '11S Of
L VS tL'
k datoi L'i IIIS 111 /1") IL'/-- 'I; All'Ci t.7
Ot.., LIF f-."11.71C 111INLOt






On Campus


A


Dean Luzar Awarded for Service to Students
by Chuck Woods, IFAS Communication Services


Dr. Jane Luzar, associate dean of
the University of Florida's College of
Agricultural and Life Sciences
(CALS), is the 2003 recipient of the
Morton Wolfson Faculty Award for
outstanding service to students.
The award was presented to Luzar
by Michael Rollo, UF interim vice
president for student affairs, during
the 31st annual Student Affairs
"Kick-Off" in the Reitz Union.
"Nominations come from within
UF's Division of Student Affairs to
recognize one faculty member each
year who works with students to im-
prove their educational experience
and quality of life at the University
of Florida," Rollo said.
He said the division depends on
the daily contribution of faculty
members who serve as advisors to
more than 600 registered student or-
ganizations and who provide assis-
tance to individual students on a va-
riety of personal problems.


"In September 1983, the division
established the award to recognize
those who follow in the footsteps of
the person for whom the award is
named," Rollo said. "Professor
Morton Wolfson of the College of
Liberal Arts and Sciences, a faculty
member at UF for some 17 years,
epitomized the qualities this award
is designed to recognize."
Luzar joined the faculty of UF's In-
stitute of Food and Agricultural Sci-
ences (IFAS) in 1999 as associate
dean for academic programs after
serving as professor of agricultural
economics for 12 years at Louisiana
State University.
At UF, Luzar administers under-
graduate and graduate programs in
more than 25 academic majors in the
college, which has nearly 4,000 stu-
dents. She serves as a mentor to
Reitz and Lombardi Scholars and is
actively involved in efforts to im-
prove advising for UF's students.


Luzar also
administers
the college's
distance edu-
cation and
off-campus r
programs.
She is a
strong sup- i
porter of
more than 30
student orga-
nizations in
the college.
She com-
pleted her
bachelor's
degree in an- Dr. Jane Luzar, associate dean for the
thropology at College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
the Univer-
sity of Oregon, her master's degree receiving her bachelor's and
in agricultural economics at the Uni- master's degrees, Luzar served as a
versity of Kentucky and her doc- Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia,
toral degree in agricultural econom- West Africa.
ics at Virginia Tech. In between


The Girl Behind the Gator
b Giin r I iaron Ilu ni, r in .\ inli ; lturall I iLuIatioi I Ind l ti lllmlnlli.tl I 'II


Evvrv Gator f an Iovv, hurl. Chil-
drunn squVL7 ILIn CIdIght \l h In sh I
appears. ALILult--, want thIir pic-
Mlrai tLIKUn '.1 ith h Ik-. Shu is thII
ino-;t PO)P~lIaIpl' n on c0wnpi011
1c0t no1 nV k1 Ilk s h Ir n nlam.
ARbcIitd, thu ULni\-L r,;it\ -o Floriida
alligator mlasco 4. '1 in th: Ikd ot f
tOI CI-r0% d It' cr'\-\ -fUnction Th1
pirsOn insiSdU thih su it, though.1, iS
Orl4 Kn KIVll v Co1nndltlghton. I dfood
5iic1l~CL ~ii~ l; ll 3nu1dLltlritioln mI-
jor. Hui goal I-; to gu.t (iiiators to
grin on and off thI Ci ld.
-\lblrtaU Sgit' hiin ldrdS 1d dnd hu1n-
druds Of cIInh I~,LIgIhS Liand huLgS.'
CoInniughtton said. "It'slILkU I'MlI
III OX- iv 4r slglli llgn 1LIn It( PIIS 11d
ta~king pidlirCS. It";s LiIO Ik Lx
IitifV I 11 \- I'
11 1nn, L Uh t- %n is n i \1 tik M I'l


plai ing the role of Alberta ThIL-
share threL'e AlbeLrta suits and a vari-
Ct\' of Cstllnum.s bCt\\Lcvn thllin The
cO-stumi. bLagf tills thil' trunkI of
ConnLiughtbn's ifaSr alnd traielsl
\\ hirr\-cLr shel goes.
Albertai is in slrious i demand. \\ ith
7 full cilcndaLr t L kppL-IraIncLs to b--
ImldL- ait LIni\ -irit\ gatll'rings and
aithll-tii L'V'nts-. plu- c)mmiunit\-
tfinLtinh ns sclih as birthdav- palrtiLs-
aInd \\-udding-. The most hl-ctic \\ -L.k
is homLLcoming, though. \ ith a con-
stantllt stlreamll Ofl Cti\'ltlic.
"\\'hl1n I gt out of the Ilit it's lhke1
I'\V tLaken a sho\-er." said
C0 nnauighti ln. \ I h sX\ IcIt' off fiV\
pounds during the bu'V \% eek. "- I\
hair i- soaking \-1ct. and m\- taicL is
bright ird '"
Connaugh t on pla\'s other ro hlis to hr
LiF besidC s mascot. ShI' is -alsc a rsi-


iiiiit LiStdfl
fo~r tH1 Srii
Coin plv\. aLi
Offi'ial Stl~dclt
aInibissdor to
thu 1-1111Vc~rsitv
of Floridai Lind

o rr thi CO.IL-,L-

and LiWu Sd-
LAWS". 1-0110
V\-Cr. Ilhcr fix-kw-I.
Ittv acttlvitv~ is
SL1r'ing Las
Alburta.
"It gi\Vs Y'OUi a IN hcou diffrurnt
VL'IN OfL UF,' C 01111LJght ln Slid.
"Nu g t to -k-LLdahlot o4 spirit E c-rU -
oniL- l s Al-\Ibirt anid AILbt1 "


New Nonprofit Minor Meets Growing Need
by Cindy Hemdon, Junior in Agricultural Education and Communication


A new academic minor and club are prepar-
ing University of Florida students for careers in
the fastest-growing business area in America:
the nonprofit sector.
Organizational leadership for nonprofits, of-
fered through the College of Agricultural and
Life Sciences (CALS), is the first minor at UF fo-
cusing solely on nonprofits.
The minor is an important addition to UF's
curriculum, Elizabeth Bolton, a professor in the
department of family, youth and community
sciences, said.
"The nonprofit sector is the fastest-growing
business sector in America," Bolton said. "It is
growing faster than for-profit businesses and
faster than government jobs."
Courses in the minor teach students market-
ing, fundraising and public relations skills, and
prepare students to work with volunteers and a
board of directors.


Megan Hoot, president of the Gator Humanics Student
Association, looks over materialfor the next GHSA meeting.


Megan Hoot, a junior in the program, began
the Gator Humanics Student Association
(GHSA) to supplement UF's new minor by add-
ing real-world job experience to what students
are learning in the classroom. GHSA invites pro-
fessionals in the nonprofit field to give on-cam-
pus seminars and helps its members obtain their
American Humanics certification, which is simi-
lar to a "seal of approval" for working with
nonprofits, Hoot said.
Graduates with an American Humanics certifi-
cation receive priority access to competitive em-
ployment opportunities.
To receive certification, students must com-
plete the minor and a 300-hour internship, at-
tend the Annual American Humanics Manage-
ment Institute and be involved in GHSA.


June 2004 5


- F &l


k- Ol 7) 11111 "'/1 tL'Il '11S Of
L VS tL'
k datoi L'i IIIS 111 /1") IL'/-- 'I; All'Ci t.7
Ot.., LIF f-."11.71C 111INLOt






On Campus


A


Dean Luzar Awarded for Service to Students
by Chuck Woods, IFAS Communication Services


Dr. Jane Luzar, associate dean of
the University of Florida's College of
Agricultural and Life Sciences
(CALS), is the 2003 recipient of the
Morton Wolfson Faculty Award for
outstanding service to students.
The award was presented to Luzar
by Michael Rollo, UF interim vice
president for student affairs, during
the 31st annual Student Affairs
"Kick-Off" in the Reitz Union.
"Nominations come from within
UF's Division of Student Affairs to
recognize one faculty member each
year who works with students to im-
prove their educational experience
and quality of life at the University
of Florida," Rollo said.
He said the division depends on
the daily contribution of faculty
members who serve as advisors to
more than 600 registered student or-
ganizations and who provide assis-
tance to individual students on a va-
riety of personal problems.


"In September 1983, the division
established the award to recognize
those who follow in the footsteps of
the person for whom the award is
named," Rollo said. "Professor
Morton Wolfson of the College of
Liberal Arts and Sciences, a faculty
member at UF for some 17 years,
epitomized the qualities this award
is designed to recognize."
Luzar joined the faculty of UF's In-
stitute of Food and Agricultural Sci-
ences (IFAS) in 1999 as associate
dean for academic programs after
serving as professor of agricultural
economics for 12 years at Louisiana
State University.
At UF, Luzar administers under-
graduate and graduate programs in
more than 25 academic majors in the
college, which has nearly 4,000 stu-
dents. She serves as a mentor to
Reitz and Lombardi Scholars and is
actively involved in efforts to im-
prove advising for UF's students.


Luzar also
administers
the college's
distance edu-
cation and
off-campus r
programs.
She is a
strong sup- i
porter of
more than 30
student orga-
nizations in
the college.
She com-
pleted her
bachelor's
degree in an- Dr. Jane Luzar, associate dean for the
thropology at College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
the Univer-
sity of Oregon, her master's degree receiving her bachelor's and
in agricultural economics at the Uni- master's degrees, Luzar served as a
versity of Kentucky and her doc- Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia,
toral degree in agricultural econom- West Africa.
ics at Virginia Tech. In between


The Girl Behind the Gator
b Giin r I iaron Ilu ni, r in .\ inli ; lturall I iLuIatioi I Ind l ti lllmlnlli.tl I 'II


Evvrv Gator f an Iovv, hurl. Chil-
drunn squVL7 ILIn CIdIght \l h In sh I
appears. ALILult--, want thIir pic-
Mlrai tLIKUn '.1 ith h Ik-. Shu is thII
ino-;t PO)P~lIaIpl' n on c0wnpi011
1c0t no1 nV k1 Ilk s h Ir n nlam.
ARbcIitd, thu ULni\-L r,;it\ -o Floriida
alligator mlasco 4. '1 in th: Ikd ot f
tOI CI-r0% d It' cr'\-\ -fUnction Th1
pirsOn insiSdU thih su it, though.1, iS
Orl4 Kn KIVll v Co1nndltlghton. I dfood
5iic1l~CL ~ii~ l; ll 3nu1dLltlritioln mI-
jor. Hui goal I-; to gu.t (iiiators to
grin on and off thI Ci ld.
-\lblrtaU Sgit' hiin ldrdS 1d dnd hu1n-
druds Of cIInh I~,LIgIhS Liand huLgS.'
CoInniughtton said. "It'slILkU I'MlI
III OX- iv 4r slglli llgn 1LIn It( PIIS 11d
ta~king pidlirCS. It";s LiIO Ik Lx
IitifV I 11 \- I'
11 1nn, L Uh t- %n is n i \1 tik M I'l


plai ing the role of Alberta ThIL-
share threL'e AlbeLrta suits and a vari-
Ct\' of Cstllnum.s bCt\\Lcvn thllin The
cO-stumi. bLagf tills thil' trunkI of
ConnLiughtbn's ifaSr alnd traielsl
\\ hirr\-cLr shel goes.
Albertai is in slrious i demand. \\ ith
7 full cilcndaLr t L kppL-IraIncLs to b--
ImldL- ait LIni\ -irit\ gatll'rings and
aithll-tii L'V'nts-. plu- c)mmiunit\-
tfinLtinh ns sclih as birthdav- palrtiLs-
aInd \\-udding-. The most hl-ctic \\ -L.k
is homLLcoming, though. \ ith a con-
stantllt stlreamll Ofl Cti\'ltlic.
"\\'hl1n I gt out of the Ilit it's lhke1
I'\V tLaken a sho\-er." said
C0 nnauighti ln. \ I h sX\ IcIt' off fiV\
pounds during the bu'V \% eek. "- I\
hair i- soaking \-1ct. and m\- taicL is
bright ird '"
Connaugh t on pla\'s other ro hlis to hr
LiF besidC s mascot. ShI' is -alsc a rsi-


iiiiit LiStdfl
fo~r tH1 Srii
Coin plv\. aLi
Offi'ial Stl~dclt
aInibissdor to
thu 1-1111Vc~rsitv
of Floridai Lind

o rr thi CO.IL-,L-

and LiWu Sd-
LAWS". 1-0110
V\-Cr. Ilhcr fix-kw-I.
Ittv acttlvitv~ is
SL1r'ing Las
Alburta.
"It gi\Vs Y'OUi a IN hcou diffrurnt
VL'IN OfL UF,' C 01111LJght ln Slid.
"Nu g t to -k-LLdahlot o4 spirit E c-rU -
oniL- l s Al-\Ibirt anid AILbt1 "


New Nonprofit Minor Meets Growing Need
by Cindy Hemdon, Junior in Agricultural Education and Communication


A new academic minor and club are prepar-
ing University of Florida students for careers in
the fastest-growing business area in America:
the nonprofit sector.
Organizational leadership for nonprofits, of-
fered through the College of Agricultural and
Life Sciences (CALS), is the first minor at UF fo-
cusing solely on nonprofits.
The minor is an important addition to UF's
curriculum, Elizabeth Bolton, a professor in the
department of family, youth and community
sciences, said.
"The nonprofit sector is the fastest-growing
business sector in America," Bolton said. "It is
growing faster than for-profit businesses and
faster than government jobs."
Courses in the minor teach students market-
ing, fundraising and public relations skills, and
prepare students to work with volunteers and a
board of directors.


Megan Hoot, president of the Gator Humanics Student
Association, looks over materialfor the next GHSA meeting.


Megan Hoot, a junior in the program, began
the Gator Humanics Student Association
(GHSA) to supplement UF's new minor by add-
ing real-world job experience to what students
are learning in the classroom. GHSA invites pro-
fessionals in the nonprofit field to give on-cam-
pus seminars and helps its members obtain their
American Humanics certification, which is simi-
lar to a "seal of approval" for working with
nonprofits, Hoot said.
Graduates with an American Humanics certifi-
cation receive priority access to competitive em-
ployment opportunities.
To receive certification, students must com-
plete the minor and a 300-hour internship, at-
tend the Annual American Humanics Manage-
ment Institute and be involved in GHSA.


June 2004 5


- F &l


k- Ol 7) 11111 "'/1 tL'Il '11S Of
L VS tL'
k datoi L'i IIIS 111 /1") IL'/-- 'I; All'Ci t.7
Ot.., LIF f-."11.71C 111INLOt






Awards


J. Wayne Reitz Medal of Excellence
Kelli Notestine
Kelli Notestine is a senior majoring in food science and
human nutrition with a specialization in dietetics. Kelli is
a member of Gamma Sigma Delta, Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha
Chi Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society, and
the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Honors Pro-
gram. Kelli has volunteered with Nutritional and Dietary
Counseling Practices, creating informational pamphlets
for clients. She is an undergraduate representative to the
UF Dietetics Program Advisory Board. She has worked
at the Omni Review, Inc. as a tutor to undergraduate students in physics
and chemistry. As a student intern with the "Nufit" Program, Kelli devel-
oped educational materials and taught obese children about healthy eating
habits and exercise.







Alumni and Friends Leadership Award
2004 UF Four-Year Scholar
Marshall Baker
Marshall Baker is a senior pursuing a bachelor's degree
in agricultural education and agricultural leadership. He
served as the western region vice president of the Na-
tional FFA Organization in 1999-2000. Marshall has been
a CALS Ambassador for three years and is currently the
director of the ambassadors' "Food for Thought" pro-
gram. Marshall is a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho
fraternity, the Agricultural Education and Communica-
tion Society, Alpha Tau Alpha Professional Society, and Florida Blue Key. He
is also a student representative for the IFAS External Relations Committee.
Marshall is a Reitz Scholar and has also participated in the CALS Upper Di-
vision Honors Program and the University Scholars Program.







Undergraduate Teacher of the Year
Dr. Bruce Welt
Dr. Bruce Welt joined the faculty of the University of
Florida's agricultural and biological engineering depart-
ment in 2000 as an assistant professor in order to help
build a new undergraduate degree program in packag-
ing science.
The packaging science program was officially launched
as an undergraduate major in the fall of 2001. By the fall
of 2003, the packaging science program was one of the
fastest growing majors at the University of Florida and
claims about 20 undergraduate majors and about 10 minors.
Dr. Welt maintains an active research program in areas of smart packag-
ing, modified atmosphere packaging and computer modeling.







Jack L. Fry Graduate Teaching Award
Christy Bratcher
Christy Bratcher is pursuing a master's degree in meat
science. She is involved in the American Meat Science
Association, the American Society of Animal Science,
and is a member of Alpha Zeta fraternity. During
Christy's first year of her master's program, she had full
responsibility for teaching ANS 2002, an elective course
taught both fall and spring semester with an enrollment
of approximately 150 students per semester.
Student evaluations of Christy's class revealed that she
scored higher ratings than both the department and the college.


Undergraduate Advisor of the Year
2004 UF University Advising Award
Ms. Janna Underhill
Janna Underhill is the food science and human nutri-
tion (FSHN) department coordinator of Academic Sup-
l port Services and has been an advisor for nine years.
Janna has a master's degree in forest resources and con-
Sservation as well as a master's in education.
She has developed a listserv for the nutritional science
and food science specializations to keep students up to
date with information on registration, job, and internship
opportunities and scholarships. She also develops and writes an under-
graduate newsletter each semester to keep students informed about upcom-
ing events. Janna has authored an undergraduate handbook for student use
that explains basic FSHN, CALS and UF policies, explains each curriculum,
and provides information on general resources available to students.






Alumni and Friends Leadership Award
Megan Hoot
Megan Hoot is a junior majoring in family, youth, and
community sciences (FYCS). She is one of the founders
and board members of the FYCS Club, and is pioneering
the Gator Humanics program as its president. Megan is
the community outreach director in the Office of Com-
munity Service. She is also the associate chairman for
Blue Key Divisions and serves as a CALS Ambassador
and an Honors Ambassador. Megan is involved in
Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and is a member of the
Greek Judicial Board. Megan also was named the Panhellenic Council Out-
standing Director of the Year in 2002. She is a Reitz Scholar and an Anderson
Scholar.








E. T. York, Jr. Award of Merit
Emily DeVane
Emily DeVane is a junior majoring in agricultural edu-
cation and communication. Emily is the president of the
Gator Citrus Club, member of the Fellowship of Chris-
Stian Athletes, member of the Gator Wake and Ski Club,
and a mentor for Collegiates Helping as Mentors in Pub-
S lic Schools. Emily also serves as secretary and
fundraising committee co-chair for the Food and Re-
source Economics National AgriMarketing Association.
She is a member of the National Society of Collegiate
Scholars and the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society. Emily is a
member of the Gainesville Assembly of God Church and the Gators for
Christ Christian College Fellowship.







Larry J. Connor Medal of Excellence
David Susa-Salazar
David Susa-Salazar is a junior majoring in agricultural
operations management with a specialization in manu-
facturing and processing of production. He is also the
first student in the master of agribusiness combined de-
gree program.
David is currently a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fra-
ternity, president of the Agricultural Operations Manage-
ment Club, and the vice president of membership of the
FRE-NAMA club. He is also part of the Greek Judicial
Board, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Honors program,
Golden Key Honor Society, and serves as chronicler for the Alpha Zeta fra-
ternity. He is the Gator Citrus Club representative to the Agricultural and
Life Sciences College Council. David is a CALS Ambassador and a Univer-
sity Scholar.


6 June 2004 *


N"






Awards


Graduate Teacher/ Advisor of the Year
Dr. Janaki Alavalapati
Dr. Janaki R.R. Alavalapati is an associate professor
and an advisor in the School of Forest Resources and
Conservation (SFRC). Dr. Alavalapati also serves as the
current chair of the CALS Teaching Technology Commit-
tee, is a member of the Graduate Programs Committee
in the SFRC and the School of Natural Resources and
Environment, and is a member of the Tropical Conserva-
tion and Development Curriculum Committee in the
Center for Latin American Studies.
Dr. Alavalapati perceives that mutual respect, two-way communication,
and an understanding of and an appreciation for diverse cultures are the
key components of graduate advisement. His advisement is based on the
philosophy of guiding students to explore new potentials, adopt new goals,
and to realize their intellectual potential.






Undergraduate Teacher of the Year
Dr. Lisa House
Dr. Lisa House is an associate professor in the de-
partment of food and resource economics in the Col-
lege of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Dr. House has
taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in
agribusiness management, strategic management and
marketing management. Dr. House served as a men-
tor for the University Scholars program and is cur-
rently the senior advisor for the Alpha Zeta fraternity.
She also participates in the American Agricultural
Economics Association.
Dr. House has taken an active part in revising the food and resource
economics curriculum, both at the undergraduate and master's of
agribusiness level. Dr. House's teaching philosophy is centered on two
themes: students learn better when they participate in the learning pro-
cess, and keeping student interest and motivating students is a part of
teaching.




Tracy Caulkins Award
Benavia Jenkins
Benavia Jenkins is a senior majoring in family, youth
and community sciences. Jenkins served as co-captain
... of the 2003 UF volleyball team, which competed for the
national championship in Dallas. Jenkins is a four-time
selection to the Florida Volleyball Conference Challenge
All-Tournament Team. In 2003, Jenkins set the school
record for career blocks with 601, becoming the first
player in school history to record 1,000 kills for her
career. She was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association
second team All-American.
Jenkins has served as a counselor for children 6 -13 years of age at the
Girls Club of Alachua County, a participant in Goodwill Gators and a
motivational speaker at Alachua County elementary schools.


2004 UF Student Volunteer of the Year
Dannielle Brown
Dannielle Brown, a graduating microbiology and cell
science student in the College of Agricultural and Life
Sciences, is co-director of the American Medical Student
Association's Arts in Medicine program. She helped to
organize more than 100 UF student volunteers to de-
velop art activities for patients at AGH. She also serves
as the president of Students in the Healing Arts, which
was nominated for the UF Student Volunteer Organiza-
tion of the Year.


Sigma Alpha
CALS
Dean's Leadership Award
Sigma Phi Alpha is an agri-
Scultural organization for
P women at the University of
Florida that has worked to
SL support the agriculture in-
dustry since 1991. Last May,
Sigma Phi Alpha became a
chapter of the national profes-
sional agricultural organiza-
tion, Sigma Alpha.
To receive a charter at the University of Florida, Sigma Phi Alpha had to
complete many requirements, including preparation of five bound reports
for the national office, extra service projects, guest speakers at meetings, tests
and quizzes about Sigma Alpha, social events, and hosting a national repre-
sentative for a weekend.




2004 UF Outstanding Male Leader
James Argento
James Argento is an environmental science senior in
the School of Natural Resources and Environment
(SNRE), with minors in agricultural law and agricul-
tural ethics and certificates in public affairs and interna-
tional relations. He intends to pursue a law degree at
Florida State University, where he will focus on envi-
ronmental and land use issues. He hopes to enter a ca-
reer in politics.
Argento has been involved extensively in student gov-
ernment, serving as senator for SNRE and the School of Forest Resources
and Conservation, as vice chair for the Senate Rules and Ethics Committee,
and as the Senate Minority Party Whip. He also represented the student
body to professors and administrators as the nonvoting student delegate to
the Faculty Senate.






2004 UF Faculty/Staff Volunteer of the Year
Dr. Ken Buhr
For over 20 years, Dr. Ken Buhr has been the advisor of
the Agronomy and Soils Club, working to make it a more
successful and productive club. The club now has five
members involved as national officers or committee
chairs, has represented UF and won national contests,
and this year was named the College of Agricultural and
Life Sciences Club of the Year. This summer Dr. Buhr will
teach his last class before retiring from UF and his role as
club advisor.



CALS Mission
To provide a high-quality education to studentss statew\\ide re-
sulting in society-ready graduates in the areas of food, agricul-
ture, natural resources, human and life sciences.

CALS Core Values
To meet its requirements to the people of Florida and to serve its
mission, CALS advances its core values:
Excellence is the standard for all CALS academic programs.
Through diversity, CALS can ensure gender, racial and social
balance.
As part of a land grant university, CALS is responsive and ac-
countable to Florida's citizens.
CALS is global in its perspective and develops world-class pro-
grams on behalf of all its students.
CALS accepts responsibility to expand the public's awareness of
its programs and benefits.


SJune 2004 7


1%






Students


IFAS Internships Prepare Students for the Future


Sue-Ellen
Anderson, a food
science and hu-
man nutrition
major with a spe-
cialization in di-
etetics in the Col-
i lege ofAgri-
cultural and Life
Sciences (CALS)
at the University of Florida, in-
terned with the St. Lucie County
Cooperative Extension Service. She
helped to develop a program that
identifies chefs who want locally
grown and specialty produce and
growers who are willing to sell to
these chefs. At the end of the


project, a directory will be cre-
ated to help the chefs and grow-
ers find matches for their needs,
Edward Skvarch, commercial
horticulture agent for St. Lucie
County, said.
Anderson was responsible for
contacting and visiting chefs and
growers, determining their
needs and developing a critique
of the program. She traveled
throughout Palm Beach, Jupiter,
Fort Pierce, Stuart and Port St.
Lucie, paying visits to chefs and
growers alike.
- by Allison Eckhardt, Junior in Agri-
cultural Education and Communication


Tyrell Kahan,
Sa junior in the
College of Agri-
cultural and
Life Sciences
(CALS) at the
University of
Florida, in-
terned at the
Range Cattle
Research and Education Center
(RCREC) in Ona, Fla., during the
summer of 2003. Kahan assisted
Martin Adjei, forage extension
specialist, in a study of how dif-
ferent types of grass affect a cow's
digestive system. He also spent
time assisting the other research-
ers with a variety of experiments.


Kahan's internship was part of
the IFAS Research Internship Pro-
gram, a cooperative effort be-
tween the Florida Agricultural Ex-
periment Station and CALS. The
program offers UF juniors and se-
niors the opportunity to work
alongside faculty on an IFAS re-
search project for a span of six
weeks during the summer.
The RCREC is one of IFAS' larg-
est research centers in terms of
land area, with more than 3,000
acres, Adjei said. Research there
focuses on agronomy, animal nu-
trition and soil science as related
to the cattle industry.
- by Cindy Herndon, Junior in Agricul-
tural Education and Communication


Chelsey Meeks, a summer 2003 graduate of the family, youth and
community sciences department, was chosen to participate in the Uni-
versity Scholars Program after she submitted a proposal on her re-
search regarding the adoption of children over the age of eight. During
the year she spent researching, Meeks reviewed studies on the subject
of adoption and worked with the Department of Children and Fami-
lies, interviewing caseworkers and collecting data from the
department's files.
The University Scholars Program offers undergraduate students the
opportunity to explore the world of academic research. In the program,


students are chosen to work one on one with UF faculty on selected re-
search projects. The program is designed to help students gain an un-
derstanding of and appreciation for the scholarly method.
Meeks' research is still influencing her life and future. Meeks is pur-
suing her master's degree in social work at the University of Georgia.
After graduation she plans to work for the Peace Corps before going to
work for a child advocacy agency.
- by Tamara Cooper, Junior in Agricultural Education and Communication


Four CALS Students Named Reitz Scholars
by Rebecca L. McGovney, Master's student in Agricultural Education and Communication


Top Left: Andrew Lisi, Elizabeth Braddock,
Marshall Baker; Inset: Megan Hoot

One hundred and forty applicants
from every college in the university
... only 20 positions available. The
odds were not good. But in the end,
four College of Agricultural and Life
Sciences (CALS) students the largest
number of CALS students yet were
accepted into the University of
Florida's J. Wayne Reitz Scholars pro-
gram.
The CALS winners were Megan
Hoot, a junior majoring in family,
youth and community sciences; Eliza-
beth Braddock, a junior majoring in
food science and human nutrition;


Andrew Lisi, a senior major-
ing in family, youth and com-
munity sciences; and
Marshall Baker, a senior ma-
j ring in agricultural educa-
tion.
Candidates who
apply for the pro-
gram are judged on
leadership, aca-
demics, and service
by a committee
composed of UF
faculty and staff.
Recipients are
S awarded a $2,500
scholarship for the
school year, partici-
pate in community
s,;.-lict activities with the
S ,thur scholars and are paired
with a faculty or staff mentor
to encourage their develop-
ment in leadership, academ-
ics and service. Most of the stu-
dents are already leaders on
campus, but according to Dr. J.
Michael Rollo, associate vice presi-
dent for student affairs, the pro-
gram endeavors to move students
to a level where they will be am-
bassadors for UF throughout their
lives.
"I think the values that are es-
poused by a college of agriculture,
that of service to a community,
scholarship and leadership in the
state, are consistent with the mis-
sion of agriculture as a profession,"


Rollo said. "And as an important
piece of all our lives, this fits very
well with the expectations and
guidelines for selecting Reitz
Scholars."
The program is named after Dr. J.
Wayne Reitz, the university's fifth
president and the first to be elected
from the faculty, thanks to his com-
mitment to community service and
academic excellence. Reitz served
during the 1950s and 1960s.
Reitz was and still is considered to
be a great friend to the students and
to education. During his time as
president, the student population
doubled, and over 300 buildings
were added to the campus. His close
relationship with the students was
key to the peaceful integration of UF
in 1958, making UF the first state
university to complete racial integra-
tion. He was so well loved by the
students that when the current Reitz
Union was completed in 1967, the
student body secretly went against
his wishes to have the building
named in his honor.
Scholarship recipient Andrew Lisi
is an officer of Beta Theta Pi frater-
nity, president of the campus Lions
Club, co-training director for
Gatorship 2004, budget committee
chairman for the board of directors
for recreational sports and a member
of Campus Crusade for Christ.
Megan Hoot is vice president of
Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, of-
fice manager for the Office of Com-


munity Service on campus, a CALS
Ambassador and founder of Gator
Humanics.
Elizabeth Braddock is a volunteer
at the Women's Resource Center, a
Bible study leader and member of
Campus Crusade for Christ and a
member of the Junior Honors Medi-
cal Program.
The students can renew their
scholarship throughout their under-
graduate years as long as they main-
tain the levels of leadership, aca-
demics and service to which the
program aspires. Marshall Baker re-
ceived a renewal on his Reitz schol-
arship for this school year.
"I applied for this scholarship be-
cause it was a unique opportunity to
be surrounded by successful stu-
dents that were practicing servant
leadership by focusing on service to
others," Baker said. "I renewed be-
cause the experience exceeded my
original expectations and, to be quite
honest, the financial support makes
a college education feasible."
Baker is a CALS/IFAS Ambassa-
dor, a member and officer in Alpha
Gamma Rho fraternity, Student Gov-
ernment Cabinet Director for Satel-
lite Campuses, a member of Florida
Blue Key, a student representative
on the IFAS External Relations Com-
mittee, an intern and member of
Gators for Christ and a member of
the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.


8 June 2004 *






Students


IFAS Internships Prepare Students for the Future


Sue-Ellen
Anderson, a food
science and hu-
man nutrition
major with a spe-
cialization in di-
etetics in the Col-
i lege ofAgri-
cultural and Life
Sciences (CALS)
at the University of Florida, in-
terned with the St. Lucie County
Cooperative Extension Service. She
helped to develop a program that
identifies chefs who want locally
grown and specialty produce and
growers who are willing to sell to
these chefs. At the end of the


project, a directory will be cre-
ated to help the chefs and grow-
ers find matches for their needs,
Edward Skvarch, commercial
horticulture agent for St. Lucie
County, said.
Anderson was responsible for
contacting and visiting chefs and
growers, determining their
needs and developing a critique
of the program. She traveled
throughout Palm Beach, Jupiter,
Fort Pierce, Stuart and Port St.
Lucie, paying visits to chefs and
growers alike.
- by Allison Eckhardt, Junior in Agri-
cultural Education and Communication


Tyrell Kahan,
Sa junior in the
College of Agri-
cultural and
Life Sciences
(CALS) at the
University of
Florida, in-
terned at the
Range Cattle
Research and Education Center
(RCREC) in Ona, Fla., during the
summer of 2003. Kahan assisted
Martin Adjei, forage extension
specialist, in a study of how dif-
ferent types of grass affect a cow's
digestive system. He also spent
time assisting the other research-
ers with a variety of experiments.


Kahan's internship was part of
the IFAS Research Internship Pro-
gram, a cooperative effort be-
tween the Florida Agricultural Ex-
periment Station and CALS. The
program offers UF juniors and se-
niors the opportunity to work
alongside faculty on an IFAS re-
search project for a span of six
weeks during the summer.
The RCREC is one of IFAS' larg-
est research centers in terms of
land area, with more than 3,000
acres, Adjei said. Research there
focuses on agronomy, animal nu-
trition and soil science as related
to the cattle industry.
- by Cindy Herndon, Junior in Agricul-
tural Education and Communication


Chelsey Meeks, a summer 2003 graduate of the family, youth and
community sciences department, was chosen to participate in the Uni-
versity Scholars Program after she submitted a proposal on her re-
search regarding the adoption of children over the age of eight. During
the year she spent researching, Meeks reviewed studies on the subject
of adoption and worked with the Department of Children and Fami-
lies, interviewing caseworkers and collecting data from the
department's files.
The University Scholars Program offers undergraduate students the
opportunity to explore the world of academic research. In the program,


students are chosen to work one on one with UF faculty on selected re-
search projects. The program is designed to help students gain an un-
derstanding of and appreciation for the scholarly method.
Meeks' research is still influencing her life and future. Meeks is pur-
suing her master's degree in social work at the University of Georgia.
After graduation she plans to work for the Peace Corps before going to
work for a child advocacy agency.
- by Tamara Cooper, Junior in Agricultural Education and Communication


Four CALS Students Named Reitz Scholars
by Rebecca L. McGovney, Master's student in Agricultural Education and Communication


Top Left: Andrew Lisi, Elizabeth Braddock,
Marshall Baker; Inset: Megan Hoot

One hundred and forty applicants
from every college in the university
... only 20 positions available. The
odds were not good. But in the end,
four College of Agricultural and Life
Sciences (CALS) students the largest
number of CALS students yet were
accepted into the University of
Florida's J. Wayne Reitz Scholars pro-
gram.
The CALS winners were Megan
Hoot, a junior majoring in family,
youth and community sciences; Eliza-
beth Braddock, a junior majoring in
food science and human nutrition;


Andrew Lisi, a senior major-
ing in family, youth and com-
munity sciences; and
Marshall Baker, a senior ma-
j ring in agricultural educa-
tion.
Candidates who
apply for the pro-
gram are judged on
leadership, aca-
demics, and service
by a committee
composed of UF
faculty and staff.
Recipients are
S awarded a $2,500
scholarship for the
school year, partici-
pate in community
s,;.-lict activities with the
S ,thur scholars and are paired
with a faculty or staff mentor
to encourage their develop-
ment in leadership, academ-
ics and service. Most of the stu-
dents are already leaders on
campus, but according to Dr. J.
Michael Rollo, associate vice presi-
dent for student affairs, the pro-
gram endeavors to move students
to a level where they will be am-
bassadors for UF throughout their
lives.
"I think the values that are es-
poused by a college of agriculture,
that of service to a community,
scholarship and leadership in the
state, are consistent with the mis-
sion of agriculture as a profession,"


Rollo said. "And as an important
piece of all our lives, this fits very
well with the expectations and
guidelines for selecting Reitz
Scholars."
The program is named after Dr. J.
Wayne Reitz, the university's fifth
president and the first to be elected
from the faculty, thanks to his com-
mitment to community service and
academic excellence. Reitz served
during the 1950s and 1960s.
Reitz was and still is considered to
be a great friend to the students and
to education. During his time as
president, the student population
doubled, and over 300 buildings
were added to the campus. His close
relationship with the students was
key to the peaceful integration of UF
in 1958, making UF the first state
university to complete racial integra-
tion. He was so well loved by the
students that when the current Reitz
Union was completed in 1967, the
student body secretly went against
his wishes to have the building
named in his honor.
Scholarship recipient Andrew Lisi
is an officer of Beta Theta Pi frater-
nity, president of the campus Lions
Club, co-training director for
Gatorship 2004, budget committee
chairman for the board of directors
for recreational sports and a member
of Campus Crusade for Christ.
Megan Hoot is vice president of
Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, of-
fice manager for the Office of Com-


munity Service on campus, a CALS
Ambassador and founder of Gator
Humanics.
Elizabeth Braddock is a volunteer
at the Women's Resource Center, a
Bible study leader and member of
Campus Crusade for Christ and a
member of the Junior Honors Medi-
cal Program.
The students can renew their
scholarship throughout their under-
graduate years as long as they main-
tain the levels of leadership, aca-
demics and service to which the
program aspires. Marshall Baker re-
ceived a renewal on his Reitz schol-
arship for this school year.
"I applied for this scholarship be-
cause it was a unique opportunity to
be surrounded by successful stu-
dents that were practicing servant
leadership by focusing on service to
others," Baker said. "I renewed be-
cause the experience exceeded my
original expectations and, to be quite
honest, the financial support makes
a college education feasible."
Baker is a CALS/IFAS Ambassa-
dor, a member and officer in Alpha
Gamma Rho fraternity, Student Gov-
ernment Cabinet Director for Satel-
lite Campuses, a member of Florida
Blue Key, a student representative
on the IFAS External Relations Com-
mittee, an intern and member of
Gators for Christ and a member of
the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.


8 June 2004 *






Students


A


Batson Family Supports Horticulture Students
by Emily Eubanks, Master's student in Agricultural Education and Communication


Erin Eckhardt working in a garden as part
of the Batson Internship Program.

Since 1999, Gene and Barbara
Batson have provided scholarships
to a total of 48 environmental
horticulture students completing
internships in the industry. Known
as the Batson Internship Program,
this opportunity is available to
students specializing in landscape
nursery management or public
garden management, and promotes


careers in the environmental
horticulture industry.
"The Batson Internship Program
has a very positive impact on our
students," Lisa Hall, environmental
horticulture academic program
coordinator, said. "Many internships
end with a job offer. Last year two
students were offered management
training positions after completing
their program."
In addition to the learning and
career opportunities the program
offers students, it also benefits the
horticulture industry as a whole.
The industry looks for students
with a good educational back-
ground as well as practical ex-
perience; this program accomplishes
both needs.
"I appreciate the Batson Scholar-
ship because it has helped so many
of our students. Almost every
student who does an internship gets
the Batson," Erin Eckhardt, environ-
mental horticulture senior and
current intern, said. "You will not
find many donors with that kind of
generosity and eagerness for helping
students. I also appreciate the


Batsons themselves. Their hard work
has helped several growers and
nurserymen in the industry and thus
makes the horticulture industry
stronger."
Bill Simeral is the Longwood
Gardens student programs coor-
dinator for internships. He looks for
interns who are self-motivated,
eager to succeed and hard working.
He also looks for leadership
potential and the desire to make a
difference.
"I think internships are incredibly
important," Simeral said. "Doing an
internship gives a student a chance
to find out what work in their field
of study is really all about. Some-
times this means a student deter-
mines what they do not want to do
just as readily as they determine
what they like doing."
Simeral said that once interns are
finished with their internships, they
should be much better horti-
culturalists, able to take on a heavy
work load and feel confident they
will succeed, capable of finding top
shelf employment anywhere in the
United States, and ready to speak


and act confidently about their skills
in their chosen field.
Although botanic gardens are a
popular internship site, students
also seek other work experiences
that better complement their career
goals, Hall said. Many students opt
to work in large-scale nursery pro-
duction operations both in Florida
and outside the state where they see
first-hand how successful nurseries
operate. At these sites they par-
ticipate in state-of-the-art growing
practices and learn sales, marketing
and management skills.
Students interested in landscape
installation and management get
first-hand experience at nationally
known firms Valley Crest
Companies, One Source, and Post
Properties. Ball Horticultural in the
Chicago area offers students diverse
experiences in research, sales, de-
sign, growing and trailing, Hall said.
The goal of the program is to
match students with internships that
best fit what they want in their
careers and then help them obtain
slots in those student programs,
Hall said.


SNRE Student Awarded Environmental Scholarship
by Kyle Shaw, Senior in Agricultural Education and Communication


Getting more recycling bins on the University of Florida campus earned
James Argento, a College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) senior in
environmental policy, a national scholarship.
"I thought that a university the size of UF needed adequate recycling
bins," Argento said. "It literally took us years, but we finally got the money
allocated last year from student government."
Argento received an annual scholarship from the Morris K. Udall Founda-
tion. The foundation rewards people who help educate a new generation of
Americans about environmental awareness.
UF Associate Provost Sheila Dickison said Argento was recommended by
the university for the scholarship because of his dedication to the environ-
ment of UF and Gainesville.
"James was a natural choice for the scholarship," Dickison said. "The
Udall scholarship is for individuals who have more than ideas; it's for stu-
dents who are environmental leaders, like James."
In the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE), Argento has
held leadership positions as president of the school's student-run council
and as the school's representative to UF's student government senate.


Off campus, Argento serves on the
Gainesville Beautification Board and
the Nature Center Commission.
Argento plans to continue his envi-
ronmental studies as a law student
next year. While he has always
dreamed of being an environmental
lawyer, he now wants to take his law
school education and apply it to
writing laws as a state representa-
tive.
"I want to make the biggest impact
possible," Argento said. "I think that
helping shape future environmental
policy would be an awesome
experience."


Group Offers Minorities Networking Opportunities
I, \dlim I1.-i ,rd l .- r -fud.'iIt in .\ n.-: l ril I d 'i II I o n'i 'C i'i li.'lnt.i 'i


A- a ftrcshman, Timia Thom linps~on
just \\ antedl t tLf find a place toll mcet
inL'\\ people and Intiract \% ith
other students in her college.
\\'hen she joilnd M inlorities in .Ag-
riculturec. Natural Resoumirc4es and


RCIddkd SCiCnicV'
(NI -\NRIZRS.
Thonmpson fOund that
,11d i nI ri'.
NI ANRRS is n oIrga-
nizllatollu thaLt rPl'(lllt~tLc-;
IC,1dLIIniC alld nIIt-

fel IIn -mb-Iis ,It titC 10o-
c,1. stcti111nd n1itiOndll
Ii-V li ItS OffiCiai pill'
posu is to Ic stu2i and


,1i1d ind'IICLc0On f 111 PI~C IIIn HI gig-
riculturail and inatura~l w rscumrsci-
cViUS and rdtLtkt d ci-ciVicC iM'..ic
ThIIv x'LUr Litrtir joining
NIANRRS. Thompson is nm% pii-Si-
dint Of thi. LIF chLiptcr. ShI sC that


thecrgLanization has LI-Is bin Cry LbIn-1-
fiCiiII In h1 lping tIc guidglldV hu. and
OHITiS k11C hI~r.
".-\ I f t o V t IN L' .o.n. i (Inoritks-;)
don't know X% 1ht tY PL-SOf a~NVIw'.
dIIV L-aLilabk- to LS L11d X%-L- i dLnt
knoi% OtOIiS Ii e LS in 0111' I'Lc ti\ u
fiddS." Thompso nsaid "5 N IAN RS
pro~idU Is link butl\ ifll til0 -S in thi
kitlllllll~lllit\. 111d manv ag r~~icullt urt:c
111df nIt II I.IliSOLIuic. bLs.ud fidld
and slitudn.tS."
FiCullt\- L vid'cor NlMaita HLartmLmnn
agi-vu. 'NI ANRRS fdCii1ItL-t- nI t-
X%. 0ciing at dahlocal. ivLgional and n,-
tiOn1,1 iXL k1 %k'ith profCSSIO1nalS
th incLIL, h dl tl iCS. Shi s idg(ALmmunta
;I~c~ii c L~nl~i~ d~lniS." C St Llid


This link betX\\ en N IANRRS and
the profks'ional worldd is pro-
moltd tlrolugh thl'll annual career
fair and training lfLnk'inL'lCC'. At
this cl nirLc nLV mnlbmKl- aiv iin-
\ oli--d in clnti.sts-, \(workshopps
and CuIltural atiktiCs Prospiitiv'u
CInploYci.-s tm u 111ound thc1 it.dlun-
tr'\ also pro\-idic oln-sitc- intilr\-i cV\\ s
and iniuorn participants about
their iL-spectiveL compailie..
Th1 LiF chapltcr sent nine Inllm-
bcrs to the last conference, held in
Des N loinisc. S,h a. SCv.ral inllm-
bUrs placed highl- in cIllntests aind
thIe chaptCr \% as nmlned OutstLand-
ing Chlapter of Regicln II.


June 2004 9






Students


A


Batson Family Supports Horticulture Students
by Emily Eubanks, Master's student in Agricultural Education and Communication


Erin Eckhardt working in a garden as part
of the Batson Internship Program.

Since 1999, Gene and Barbara
Batson have provided scholarships
to a total of 48 environmental
horticulture students completing
internships in the industry. Known
as the Batson Internship Program,
this opportunity is available to
students specializing in landscape
nursery management or public
garden management, and promotes


careers in the environmental
horticulture industry.
"The Batson Internship Program
has a very positive impact on our
students," Lisa Hall, environmental
horticulture academic program
coordinator, said. "Many internships
end with a job offer. Last year two
students were offered management
training positions after completing
their program."
In addition to the learning and
career opportunities the program
offers students, it also benefits the
horticulture industry as a whole.
The industry looks for students
with a good educational back-
ground as well as practical ex-
perience; this program accomplishes
both needs.
"I appreciate the Batson Scholar-
ship because it has helped so many
of our students. Almost every
student who does an internship gets
the Batson," Erin Eckhardt, environ-
mental horticulture senior and
current intern, said. "You will not
find many donors with that kind of
generosity and eagerness for helping
students. I also appreciate the


Batsons themselves. Their hard work
has helped several growers and
nurserymen in the industry and thus
makes the horticulture industry
stronger."
Bill Simeral is the Longwood
Gardens student programs coor-
dinator for internships. He looks for
interns who are self-motivated,
eager to succeed and hard working.
He also looks for leadership
potential and the desire to make a
difference.
"I think internships are incredibly
important," Simeral said. "Doing an
internship gives a student a chance
to find out what work in their field
of study is really all about. Some-
times this means a student deter-
mines what they do not want to do
just as readily as they determine
what they like doing."
Simeral said that once interns are
finished with their internships, they
should be much better horti-
culturalists, able to take on a heavy
work load and feel confident they
will succeed, capable of finding top
shelf employment anywhere in the
United States, and ready to speak


and act confidently about their skills
in their chosen field.
Although botanic gardens are a
popular internship site, students
also seek other work experiences
that better complement their career
goals, Hall said. Many students opt
to work in large-scale nursery pro-
duction operations both in Florida
and outside the state where they see
first-hand how successful nurseries
operate. At these sites they par-
ticipate in state-of-the-art growing
practices and learn sales, marketing
and management skills.
Students interested in landscape
installation and management get
first-hand experience at nationally
known firms Valley Crest
Companies, One Source, and Post
Properties. Ball Horticultural in the
Chicago area offers students diverse
experiences in research, sales, de-
sign, growing and trailing, Hall said.
The goal of the program is to
match students with internships that
best fit what they want in their
careers and then help them obtain
slots in those student programs,
Hall said.


SNRE Student Awarded Environmental Scholarship
by Kyle Shaw, Senior in Agricultural Education and Communication


Getting more recycling bins on the University of Florida campus earned
James Argento, a College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) senior in
environmental policy, a national scholarship.
"I thought that a university the size of UF needed adequate recycling
bins," Argento said. "It literally took us years, but we finally got the money
allocated last year from student government."
Argento received an annual scholarship from the Morris K. Udall Founda-
tion. The foundation rewards people who help educate a new generation of
Americans about environmental awareness.
UF Associate Provost Sheila Dickison said Argento was recommended by
the university for the scholarship because of his dedication to the environ-
ment of UF and Gainesville.
"James was a natural choice for the scholarship," Dickison said. "The
Udall scholarship is for individuals who have more than ideas; it's for stu-
dents who are environmental leaders, like James."
In the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE), Argento has
held leadership positions as president of the school's student-run council
and as the school's representative to UF's student government senate.


Off campus, Argento serves on the
Gainesville Beautification Board and
the Nature Center Commission.
Argento plans to continue his envi-
ronmental studies as a law student
next year. While he has always
dreamed of being an environmental
lawyer, he now wants to take his law
school education and apply it to
writing laws as a state representa-
tive.
"I want to make the biggest impact
possible," Argento said. "I think that
helping shape future environmental
policy would be an awesome
experience."


Group Offers Minorities Networking Opportunities
I, \dlim I1.-i ,rd l .- r -fud.'iIt in .\ n.-: l ril I d 'i II I o n'i 'C i'i li.'lnt.i 'i


A- a ftrcshman, Timia Thom linps~on
just \\ antedl t tLf find a place toll mcet
inL'\\ people and Intiract \% ith
other students in her college.
\\'hen she joilnd M inlorities in .Ag-
riculturec. Natural Resoumirc4es and


RCIddkd SCiCnicV'
(NI -\NRIZRS.
Thonmpson fOund that
,11d i nI ri'.
NI ANRRS is n oIrga-
nizllatollu thaLt rPl'(lllt~tLc-;
IC,1dLIIniC alld nIIt-

fel IIn -mb-Iis ,It titC 10o-
c,1. stcti111nd n1itiOndll
Ii-V li ItS OffiCiai pill'
posu is to Ic stu2i and


,1i1d ind'IICLc0On f 111 PI~C IIIn HI gig-
riculturail and inatura~l w rscumrsci-
cViUS and rdtLtkt d ci-ciVicC iM'..ic
ThIIv x'LUr Litrtir joining
NIANRRS. Thompson is nm% pii-Si-
dint Of thi. LIF chLiptcr. ShI sC that


thecrgLanization has LI-Is bin Cry LbIn-1-
fiCiiII In h1 lping tIc guidglldV hu. and
OHITiS k11C hI~r.
".-\ I f t o V t IN L' .o.n. i (Inoritks-;)
don't know X% 1ht tY PL-SOf a~NVIw'.
dIIV L-aLilabk- to LS L11d X%-L- i dLnt
knoi% OtOIiS Ii e LS in 0111' I'Lc ti\ u
fiddS." Thompso nsaid "5 N IAN RS
pro~idU Is link butl\ ifll til0 -S in thi
kitlllllll~lllit\. 111d manv ag r~~icullt urt:c
111df nIt II I.IliSOLIuic. bLs.ud fidld
and slitudn.tS."
FiCullt\- L vid'cor NlMaita HLartmLmnn
agi-vu. 'NI ANRRS fdCii1ItL-t- nI t-
X%. 0ciing at dahlocal. ivLgional and n,-
tiOn1,1 iXL k1 %k'ith profCSSIO1nalS
th incLIL, h dl tl iCS. Shi s idg(ALmmunta
;I~c~ii c L~nl~i~ d~lniS." C St Llid


This link betX\\ en N IANRRS and
the profks'ional worldd is pro-
moltd tlrolugh thl'll annual career
fair and training lfLnk'inL'lCC'. At
this cl nirLc nLV mnlbmKl- aiv iin-
\ oli--d in clnti.sts-, \(workshopps
and CuIltural atiktiCs Prospiitiv'u
CInploYci.-s tm u 111ound thc1 it.dlun-
tr'\ also pro\-idic oln-sitc- intilr\-i cV\\ s
and iniuorn participants about
their iL-spectiveL compailie..
Th1 LiF chapltcr sent nine Inllm-
bcrs to the last conference, held in
Des N loinisc. S,h a. SCv.ral inllm-
bUrs placed highl- in cIllntests aind
thIe chaptCr \% as nmlned OutstLand-
ing Chlapter of Regicln II.


June 2004 9






Students


A


Batson Family Supports Horticulture Students
by Emily Eubanks, Master's student in Agricultural Education and Communication


Erin Eckhardt working in a garden as part
of the Batson Internship Program.

Since 1999, Gene and Barbara
Batson have provided scholarships
to a total of 48 environmental
horticulture students completing
internships in the industry. Known
as the Batson Internship Program,
this opportunity is available to
students specializing in landscape
nursery management or public
garden management, and promotes


careers in the environmental
horticulture industry.
"The Batson Internship Program
has a very positive impact on our
students," Lisa Hall, environmental
horticulture academic program
coordinator, said. "Many internships
end with a job offer. Last year two
students were offered management
training positions after completing
their program."
In addition to the learning and
career opportunities the program
offers students, it also benefits the
horticulture industry as a whole.
The industry looks for students
with a good educational back-
ground as well as practical ex-
perience; this program accomplishes
both needs.
"I appreciate the Batson Scholar-
ship because it has helped so many
of our students. Almost every
student who does an internship gets
the Batson," Erin Eckhardt, environ-
mental horticulture senior and
current intern, said. "You will not
find many donors with that kind of
generosity and eagerness for helping
students. I also appreciate the


Batsons themselves. Their hard work
has helped several growers and
nurserymen in the industry and thus
makes the horticulture industry
stronger."
Bill Simeral is the Longwood
Gardens student programs coor-
dinator for internships. He looks for
interns who are self-motivated,
eager to succeed and hard working.
He also looks for leadership
potential and the desire to make a
difference.
"I think internships are incredibly
important," Simeral said. "Doing an
internship gives a student a chance
to find out what work in their field
of study is really all about. Some-
times this means a student deter-
mines what they do not want to do
just as readily as they determine
what they like doing."
Simeral said that once interns are
finished with their internships, they
should be much better horti-
culturalists, able to take on a heavy
work load and feel confident they
will succeed, capable of finding top
shelf employment anywhere in the
United States, and ready to speak


and act confidently about their skills
in their chosen field.
Although botanic gardens are a
popular internship site, students
also seek other work experiences
that better complement their career
goals, Hall said. Many students opt
to work in large-scale nursery pro-
duction operations both in Florida
and outside the state where they see
first-hand how successful nurseries
operate. At these sites they par-
ticipate in state-of-the-art growing
practices and learn sales, marketing
and management skills.
Students interested in landscape
installation and management get
first-hand experience at nationally
known firms Valley Crest
Companies, One Source, and Post
Properties. Ball Horticultural in the
Chicago area offers students diverse
experiences in research, sales, de-
sign, growing and trailing, Hall said.
The goal of the program is to
match students with internships that
best fit what they want in their
careers and then help them obtain
slots in those student programs,
Hall said.


SNRE Student Awarded Environmental Scholarship
by Kyle Shaw, Senior in Agricultural Education and Communication


Getting more recycling bins on the University of Florida campus earned
James Argento, a College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) senior in
environmental policy, a national scholarship.
"I thought that a university the size of UF needed adequate recycling
bins," Argento said. "It literally took us years, but we finally got the money
allocated last year from student government."
Argento received an annual scholarship from the Morris K. Udall Founda-
tion. The foundation rewards people who help educate a new generation of
Americans about environmental awareness.
UF Associate Provost Sheila Dickison said Argento was recommended by
the university for the scholarship because of his dedication to the environ-
ment of UF and Gainesville.
"James was a natural choice for the scholarship," Dickison said. "The
Udall scholarship is for individuals who have more than ideas; it's for stu-
dents who are environmental leaders, like James."
In the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE), Argento has
held leadership positions as president of the school's student-run council
and as the school's representative to UF's student government senate.


Off campus, Argento serves on the
Gainesville Beautification Board and
the Nature Center Commission.
Argento plans to continue his envi-
ronmental studies as a law student
next year. While he has always
dreamed of being an environmental
lawyer, he now wants to take his law
school education and apply it to
writing laws as a state representa-
tive.
"I want to make the biggest impact
possible," Argento said. "I think that
helping shape future environmental
policy would be an awesome
experience."


Group Offers Minorities Networking Opportunities
I, \dlim I1.-i ,rd l .- r -fud.'iIt in .\ n.-: l ril I d 'i II I o n'i 'C i'i li.'lnt.i 'i


A- a ftrcshman, Timia Thom linps~on
just \\ antedl t tLf find a place toll mcet
inL'\\ people and Intiract \% ith
other students in her college.
\\'hen she joilnd M inlorities in .Ag-
riculturec. Natural Resoumirc4es and


RCIddkd SCiCnicV'
(NI -\NRIZRS.
Thonmpson fOund that
,11d i nI ri'.
NI ANRRS is n oIrga-
nizllatollu thaLt rPl'(lllt~tLc-;
IC,1dLIIniC alld nIIt-

fel IIn -mb-Iis ,It titC 10o-
c,1. stcti111nd n1itiOndll
Ii-V li ItS OffiCiai pill'
posu is to Ic stu2i and


,1i1d ind'IICLc0On f 111 PI~C IIIn HI gig-
riculturail and inatura~l w rscumrsci-
cViUS and rdtLtkt d ci-ciVicC iM'..ic
ThIIv x'LUr Litrtir joining
NIANRRS. Thompson is nm% pii-Si-
dint Of thi. LIF chLiptcr. ShI sC that


thecrgLanization has LI-Is bin Cry LbIn-1-
fiCiiII In h1 lping tIc guidglldV hu. and
OHITiS k11C hI~r.
".-\ I f t o V t IN L' .o.n. i (Inoritks-;)
don't know X% 1ht tY PL-SOf a~NVIw'.
dIIV L-aLilabk- to LS L11d X%-L- i dLnt
knoi% OtOIiS Ii e LS in 0111' I'Lc ti\ u
fiddS." Thompso nsaid "5 N IAN RS
pro~idU Is link butl\ ifll til0 -S in thi
kitlllllll~lllit\. 111d manv ag r~~icullt urt:c
111df nIt II I.IliSOLIuic. bLs.ud fidld
and slitudn.tS."
FiCullt\- L vid'cor NlMaita HLartmLmnn
agi-vu. 'NI ANRRS fdCii1ItL-t- nI t-
X%. 0ciing at dahlocal. ivLgional and n,-
tiOn1,1 iXL k1 %k'ith profCSSIO1nalS
th incLIL, h dl tl iCS. Shi s idg(ALmmunta
;I~c~ii c L~nl~i~ d~lniS." C St Llid


This link betX\\ en N IANRRS and
the profks'ional worldd is pro-
moltd tlrolugh thl'll annual career
fair and training lfLnk'inL'lCC'. At
this cl nirLc nLV mnlbmKl- aiv iin-
\ oli--d in clnti.sts-, \(workshopps
and CuIltural atiktiCs Prospiitiv'u
CInploYci.-s tm u 111ound thc1 it.dlun-
tr'\ also pro\-idic oln-sitc- intilr\-i cV\\ s
and iniuorn participants about
their iL-spectiveL compailie..
Th1 LiF chapltcr sent nine Inllm-
bcrs to the last conference, held in
Des N loinisc. S,h a. SCv.ral inllm-
bUrs placed highl- in cIllntests aind
thIe chaptCr \% as nmlned OutstLand-
ing Chlapter of Regicln II.


June 2004 9






On Campus


Jim Davidson Travel & Davis Nutritional Grants
by Rebecca McGovney, Master's student in Agricultural Education and Communication


As part of one of the top eight public research universities in the nation,
the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)
and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) look to their fac-
ulty and graduate students to showcase their research. Research and re-
searchers within IFAS and CALS have long been supported by generous do-
nations from former students, staff and faculty who wish to continue the
tradition of research excellence for years to come.

Davidson Graduate Travel
Scholarship:
Interested in a cheap trip to Eu-
rope? With a little help from the
Davidson Graduate Travel Scholar-
S -ship, CALS graduate students have
that opportunity.
In 1998, the vice president for agri-
culture and natural resources for
IFAS, Dr. James M. Davidson, estab-
lished this travel scholarship with
funds left over from his retirement
party.
"Graduate students have a difficult
time finding the resources to get
them to meetings, or international
meetings for that matter," Davidson
said. "I've always felt graduate stu-
dents could use some help."
Dr. Jmes M Didon The scholarship is open to any
graduate student within CALS who wishes to attend a national or interna-
tional meeting to present research. Both posters and oral presentations
qualify.
"Travel to professional meetings is an important part of a graduate
student's education," Dr. Jane Luzar, associate dean for CALS, said. "We
know that when our students are presenting their research before interna-
tional and national audiences, it is also the best possible recruitment effort
for our programs. Dr. Davidson's generous gift makes this possible for both
our students and our programs."
Although the scholarship cannot fully fund trips, the money defrays a
large portion of the cost. Students applying for spring 2004 travel could
qualify for four domestic travel scholarships worth $350 each and three in-
ternational travel scholarships worth $650 each. Davidson and others con-
tinue to contribute money to the scholarship fund each year.
For more information on the Davidson Graduate Student Travel Scholarship, or to
donate, please contact Dean Luzar's office at 352.392.2251 or ejluzar@ufl.edu.


George K. and Ruthanna W.
Davis Graduate Nutrition
Enhancement Award:
After the celebration of being ...
accepted to graduate school
wears off, many students be-
come concerned about their fi-
nancial situations. Thanks to
former animal science professor
Dr. George Davis and his wife
Ruthanna, qualified graduate
students studying animal nutri-
tion can receive $5,000 a year
for up to four years of study, in
addition to their assistantships.
"I feel I owe a great deal to the t
University of Florida for the
support they gave me for my
research in trace elements...
Much of the research that is Dr. George Davis and Ruthanna Davis
done is stimulated by graduate
students," Davis said. "We would like to see to it through our gift that the
University of Florida gets the best graduate students possible." -quote cour-
tesy of SHARE, Special Help for Agricultural Research and Education.
To qualify, students must be incoming doctoral students studying animal
nutrition through the animal science department or nutritional sciences
through the department of food science and human nutrition. The award is
fully funded by Dr. Davis and his wife, and is available to students entering
in either fall or spring semesters.
According to Dr. Sue Percival, professor in nutritional sciences and chair-
man of the Davis Fellowship Committee, the award can act as an enticement
to attract top graduate students in the field.
"We can tell someone that not only they will receive an assistantship, but
they will receive this supplement as well to entice them to come here,"
Percival said.
Students are nominated by current faculty members, who pass their rec-
ommendations on to the Davis Fellowship Committee. The committee then
ranks the students, and, depending on available funds, offers two to four
awards each year.
For more information on the George K. and Ruthanna W. Davis Graduate Nutri-
tion Enhancement Award, or to donate, please contact Dr. Percival's office at
352.392.1991 or ssp@ifas.ufl.edu.


Forestry Internships Enhance

Combined Degree Program
by Tamara Cooper, Junior in Agricultural Education and Communication


o .. University of Florida senior Terry
r s Baker is a hotshot.
W1 e. During the 2001 spring semester,
.. Baker, a forest resources and conser-
vation major, took part in a special
S internship, training and working
with the Southern Interagency
Hotshot Crew based in Asheville,
N.C. The hotshot crew is one of only
three hotshot training programs in
the United States, providing a na-
.- tional resource for fire suppression,
fuels management projects and all-
risk incidents.
Baker came to UF as part of a com-
bined degree program sponsored by
the School of Forest Resources and
Conservation (SFRC), Florida A&M
(FAMU) and the USDA Forest Ser-
Forest resources and conservation senior, vice. The program allows students to
Terry Baker, takes a soil sample from the complete two years of foundation
Austin Cary Memorial Forest. coursework at FAMU before trans-
ferring to UF to major in one of the
SFRC's two programs: forest resources and conservation or natural resource
conservation.
Since transferring to UF, Baker has tried to make the most of the opportu-
nities offered to him.


"Terry has been tremendously active," said Scott Sager, SFRC student ser-
vices coordinator. "His academics are excellent and he's been a real asset for
the program, a real strong representative of the combined degree program."
Aside from his work with the hotshot crew, Baker has also participated in
forest service-sponsored internships during the past five years at the
Apalachicola National Forest.
Baker said that the internships, along with his time at FAMU and UF and
his involvement with the forest service, have prepared him for his future.
After graduation he plans to work for two years at the Apalachicola Na-
tional Forest as a forester trainee, then attend graduate school before return-
ing to the forest service.



SNRE Student

Receives Award

School of Natural Resourcesi and En\ironinmnt Ph.D student. A-\m
Sullivan. Ireceived the Spirit of Susan rB. Anthom Award at the 2004
\\'omen's HistorI hloonth_\ Awards Reception held at thie Uni\ersit\ of
Florida. This ax ard or f intle graduate and undergraduate students
hc oncrs those \ ho lllake a contribution n to the co(mmunlllitv. Sullivan
servedL\ in th1e Peac C ops in \\lest Africa and is active in thle commu-
nit' teaching children to plaI softball and teaching nei sltudnts to
find there \\a- through ULF.


10 June 2004 *






On Campus


Jim Davidson Travel & Davis Nutritional Grants
by Rebecca McGovney, Master's student in Agricultural Education and Communication


As part of one of the top eight public research universities in the nation,
the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)
and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) look to their fac-
ulty and graduate students to showcase their research. Research and re-
searchers within IFAS and CALS have long been supported by generous do-
nations from former students, staff and faculty who wish to continue the
tradition of research excellence for years to come.

Davidson Graduate Travel
Scholarship:
Interested in a cheap trip to Eu-
rope? With a little help from the
Davidson Graduate Travel Scholar-
S -ship, CALS graduate students have
that opportunity.
In 1998, the vice president for agri-
culture and natural resources for
IFAS, Dr. James M. Davidson, estab-
lished this travel scholarship with
funds left over from his retirement
party.
"Graduate students have a difficult
time finding the resources to get
them to meetings, or international
meetings for that matter," Davidson
said. "I've always felt graduate stu-
dents could use some help."
Dr. Jmes M Didon The scholarship is open to any
graduate student within CALS who wishes to attend a national or interna-
tional meeting to present research. Both posters and oral presentations
qualify.
"Travel to professional meetings is an important part of a graduate
student's education," Dr. Jane Luzar, associate dean for CALS, said. "We
know that when our students are presenting their research before interna-
tional and national audiences, it is also the best possible recruitment effort
for our programs. Dr. Davidson's generous gift makes this possible for both
our students and our programs."
Although the scholarship cannot fully fund trips, the money defrays a
large portion of the cost. Students applying for spring 2004 travel could
qualify for four domestic travel scholarships worth $350 each and three in-
ternational travel scholarships worth $650 each. Davidson and others con-
tinue to contribute money to the scholarship fund each year.
For more information on the Davidson Graduate Student Travel Scholarship, or to
donate, please contact Dean Luzar's office at 352.392.2251 or ejluzar@ufl.edu.


George K. and Ruthanna W.
Davis Graduate Nutrition
Enhancement Award:
After the celebration of being ...
accepted to graduate school
wears off, many students be-
come concerned about their fi-
nancial situations. Thanks to
former animal science professor
Dr. George Davis and his wife
Ruthanna, qualified graduate
students studying animal nutri-
tion can receive $5,000 a year
for up to four years of study, in
addition to their assistantships.
"I feel I owe a great deal to the t
University of Florida for the
support they gave me for my
research in trace elements...
Much of the research that is Dr. George Davis and Ruthanna Davis
done is stimulated by graduate
students," Davis said. "We would like to see to it through our gift that the
University of Florida gets the best graduate students possible." -quote cour-
tesy of SHARE, Special Help for Agricultural Research and Education.
To qualify, students must be incoming doctoral students studying animal
nutrition through the animal science department or nutritional sciences
through the department of food science and human nutrition. The award is
fully funded by Dr. Davis and his wife, and is available to students entering
in either fall or spring semesters.
According to Dr. Sue Percival, professor in nutritional sciences and chair-
man of the Davis Fellowship Committee, the award can act as an enticement
to attract top graduate students in the field.
"We can tell someone that not only they will receive an assistantship, but
they will receive this supplement as well to entice them to come here,"
Percival said.
Students are nominated by current faculty members, who pass their rec-
ommendations on to the Davis Fellowship Committee. The committee then
ranks the students, and, depending on available funds, offers two to four
awards each year.
For more information on the George K. and Ruthanna W. Davis Graduate Nutri-
tion Enhancement Award, or to donate, please contact Dr. Percival's office at
352.392.1991 or ssp@ifas.ufl.edu.


Forestry Internships Enhance

Combined Degree Program
by Tamara Cooper, Junior in Agricultural Education and Communication


o .. University of Florida senior Terry
r s Baker is a hotshot.
W1 e. During the 2001 spring semester,
.. Baker, a forest resources and conser-
vation major, took part in a special
S internship, training and working
with the Southern Interagency
Hotshot Crew based in Asheville,
N.C. The hotshot crew is one of only
three hotshot training programs in
the United States, providing a na-
.- tional resource for fire suppression,
fuels management projects and all-
risk incidents.
Baker came to UF as part of a com-
bined degree program sponsored by
the School of Forest Resources and
Conservation (SFRC), Florida A&M
(FAMU) and the USDA Forest Ser-
Forest resources and conservation senior, vice. The program allows students to
Terry Baker, takes a soil sample from the complete two years of foundation
Austin Cary Memorial Forest. coursework at FAMU before trans-
ferring to UF to major in one of the
SFRC's two programs: forest resources and conservation or natural resource
conservation.
Since transferring to UF, Baker has tried to make the most of the opportu-
nities offered to him.


"Terry has been tremendously active," said Scott Sager, SFRC student ser-
vices coordinator. "His academics are excellent and he's been a real asset for
the program, a real strong representative of the combined degree program."
Aside from his work with the hotshot crew, Baker has also participated in
forest service-sponsored internships during the past five years at the
Apalachicola National Forest.
Baker said that the internships, along with his time at FAMU and UF and
his involvement with the forest service, have prepared him for his future.
After graduation he plans to work for two years at the Apalachicola Na-
tional Forest as a forester trainee, then attend graduate school before return-
ing to the forest service.



SNRE Student

Receives Award

School of Natural Resourcesi and En\ironinmnt Ph.D student. A-\m
Sullivan. Ireceived the Spirit of Susan rB. Anthom Award at the 2004
\\'omen's HistorI hloonth_\ Awards Reception held at thie Uni\ersit\ of
Florida. This ax ard or f intle graduate and undergraduate students
hc oncrs those \ ho lllake a contribution n to the co(mmunlllitv. Sullivan
servedL\ in th1e Peac C ops in \\lest Africa and is active in thle commu-
nit' teaching children to plaI softball and teaching nei sltudnts to
find there \\a- through ULF.


10 June 2004 *






On Campus


A


Students Study Forested Watersheds in Prague
by Allison Eckhardt, Junior in Agricultural Education and Communication


Castles, deep forests and Mozart may seem like the
stuff of fairy tales, but for some University of Florida
students they came to life last summer. For five
weeks, 15 students and seven faculty members from
UF had the opportunity to visit the Czech Republic.
The students, whose majors ranged from forestry to
natural resource conservation, were studying the in-
tegrated analysis of forested watersheds. 2003 was
the first year the program was offered at UF.
UF and the Czech University of Agriculture in
Prague have been cooperating together since 1999,
and were looking for ways to collaborate on a study
abroad program. Eric Jokela, a professor in the School CALS students at the
of Forest Resources and Conservation and one of the Watershed on
professors to teach in Prague this summer, visited the
Czech Republic in 2001 with hopes of founding a program. He was specifi-
cally interested in creating a program around forestry and water, since both
are international issues.
"The demand for clean water is a major issue, and not just for the USA. It
is a global issue that is not constrained by political boundaries," Jokela said.
Jokela wanted his students to see how other nations were handling water
and forestry issues. He also wanted to expose students to other cultures.
"There is a lot of history [in Prague] that precedes anything we have in the
United States. There are buildings that date back to long before this country
was started," Jokela said.
Internationalization is important for students to become competitive in the
job market today, Jokela said. Many employers now look for international
experience.
While in the Czech Republic, students attended five weeks of lectures,
went on field trips and took part in critical thinking and problem-solving
exercises. Classes were taught in English and some Czech students also en-
rolled.
The students learned about forested watersheds and ecological practices
and how they are related. They visited forests around the country and in
some neighboring countries, such as Slovakia.
The program encompassed many different disciplines, such as forestry,
economics, water and soil science, wildlife and statistics.
"The students got to work with others who had different majors from
themselves," Jokela said. "Because of these integrated teams, the students


C
Ji


got to learn cooperation and how beneficial it is to
work with people with other specializations."
The program is supported in part by the USDA
Higher Education Challenge program. This program
gives grants to institutions for projects that enhance
and strengthen America's food and agricultural
work force. UF received three years of funding for
the integrated watershed program.
In addition to studying the watersheds, students
also made trips to cultural sites. They visited Cesky
Krumlov, a World Heritage Site and a good example
of a central European medieval town. Students also
'erhovice Experimental had the opportunity to attend Mozart's opera "Don
une 10, 2003. Giovanni" in the theater where it originally pre-
miered.
Students stayed in the dormitories at the Czech University of Agriculture
outside of Prague and ate at the cafeteria on campus. They were given the
opportunity to venture into Prague and experience the culture on their own.
T.J. Rew, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in soil and water science
in August 2003, said the students tried to go to places that were not Ameri-
canized, but also visited some places that were like home.
"We went into McDonald's, and even though it is American, it still has dif-
ferences from ours. They have a McFarmer on the menu, which is a ham-
burger made out of pork," Rew said.
The program went really well the first year, but will improve as those in-
volved learn from their experiences, Jokela said.
"I have had students come to me and tell me that this was a life-changing
experience. When students look back at their summer and reflect on it, they
realize how valuable this experience was," Jokela said.
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) currently offers 15
different international experiences ranging from a week to several months
in countries like Brazil, the Czech Republic, France, Honduras, Russia,
Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, Mexico, Spain and Venezuela. These pro-
grams offer students the opportunity to prepare for the diversity of interna-
tional challenges they may face in their future careers. Visit
www.cals.ufl.edu/GlobalGators for more information.


Sigma Phi Alpha Joins National Sorority
by Kyle Shaw, Senior in Agricultural Education and Communication


After 13 years as the University of
Florida's only independent agricul-
tural sorority, Sigma Phi Alpha has
joined the national agricultural so-
rority Sigma Alpha.
The change is the result of a chal-
lenge issued to the women of the so-
rority by College of Agricultural and
Life Sciences (CALS) Associate Dean
Jane Luzar.
Luzar said she was familiar with
the Sigma Alpha sorority from her
previous job at Louisiana State Uni-
versity and believed the sorority
could make a positive impact at UF
"I was surprised that there wasn't
a Sigma Alpha chapter when I came
here," Luzar said. "I knew that
Sigma Phi Alpha could take the
wonderful organization they had
and make it even better by affiliating
with a national organization."
Luzar was not the only person
who was ready for the sorority to
have a national association. Sigma
Phi Alpha advisor Emelie Matthews
said the issue of joining Sigma Alpha
has been addressed by the women
several times in the past three years.
"The women didn't want to be an
average sorority," Matthews said.


wanted to
make sure j
that joining
Sigma Alpha
was the right
thing to do."
The
women were
looking for-
ward to the
benefits of Sigma Alpha men
being part Leadership Con
of a national
organiza-
tion, too, Sigma Alpha Sorority in
Development (SID) Vice President
Bianca Blakley said.
"The opportunity for scholarship,
networking and recognition on a na-
tional level has been what we are
looking for," Blakley said.
Sigma Alpha SID President Megan
Ridenour said that the change was
not an easy one.
"The applications and paperwork
were the easy stuff," Ridenour said.
"The hard part was planning man-
datory meetings, socials and com-
munity service for 24 women with
24 different schedules."


ibe
fer


It was criti-
cal for the
women to re-
arrange their
schedules be-
cause each
member had
Sto attend 75
percent of the
activities
planned dur-
'rs attend National ing the acti-
rence in Atlanta. vation pro-
cess to be
eligible for
membership, Ridenour said.
"It was hectic," Blakley said. "But in
the long run, it will be for the best."
Some of the activities that the
women participated in during the ac-
tivation process included volunteer-
ing at the Waldo Elementary School
fall festival, making care packages for
U.S. Army troops stationed in Iraq
and competing in the Alpha Gamma
Rho fraternity annual Buck-Off
philanthropy.
Not only did the women of Sigma
Phi Alpha complete the requirements


to join the Sigma Alpha sorority,
they did it in record time, Matthews
said. The activation process, which
usually takes up to a year, was com-
pleted in six months.
"I'm so proud of them for all that
they have accomplished in such a
short amount of time," Matthews
said. "Not only will they have the
largest charter chapter in Sigma Al-
pha sorority history, they will have
the highest grade point average in
the nation."
For their efforts, the group was
awarded the Dean's Award for
Leadership at the CALS annual
convocation in December.
"This is the first time that the
award has been given to an entire
group," Luzar said. "It was very
important for the women to know
that they had the support of the en-
tire college. They deserve to be rec-
ognized for their efforts."


*June 2004 11






On Campus


A


Students Study Forested Watersheds in Prague
by Allison Eckhardt, Junior in Agricultural Education and Communication


Castles, deep forests and Mozart may seem like the
stuff of fairy tales, but for some University of Florida
students they came to life last summer. For five
weeks, 15 students and seven faculty members from
UF had the opportunity to visit the Czech Republic.
The students, whose majors ranged from forestry to
natural resource conservation, were studying the in-
tegrated analysis of forested watersheds. 2003 was
the first year the program was offered at UF.
UF and the Czech University of Agriculture in
Prague have been cooperating together since 1999,
and were looking for ways to collaborate on a study
abroad program. Eric Jokela, a professor in the School CALS students at the
of Forest Resources and Conservation and one of the Watershed on
professors to teach in Prague this summer, visited the
Czech Republic in 2001 with hopes of founding a program. He was specifi-
cally interested in creating a program around forestry and water, since both
are international issues.
"The demand for clean water is a major issue, and not just for the USA. It
is a global issue that is not constrained by political boundaries," Jokela said.
Jokela wanted his students to see how other nations were handling water
and forestry issues. He also wanted to expose students to other cultures.
"There is a lot of history [in Prague] that precedes anything we have in the
United States. There are buildings that date back to long before this country
was started," Jokela said.
Internationalization is important for students to become competitive in the
job market today, Jokela said. Many employers now look for international
experience.
While in the Czech Republic, students attended five weeks of lectures,
went on field trips and took part in critical thinking and problem-solving
exercises. Classes were taught in English and some Czech students also en-
rolled.
The students learned about forested watersheds and ecological practices
and how they are related. They visited forests around the country and in
some neighboring countries, such as Slovakia.
The program encompassed many different disciplines, such as forestry,
economics, water and soil science, wildlife and statistics.
"The students got to work with others who had different majors from
themselves," Jokela said. "Because of these integrated teams, the students


C
Ji


got to learn cooperation and how beneficial it is to
work with people with other specializations."
The program is supported in part by the USDA
Higher Education Challenge program. This program
gives grants to institutions for projects that enhance
and strengthen America's food and agricultural
work force. UF received three years of funding for
the integrated watershed program.
In addition to studying the watersheds, students
also made trips to cultural sites. They visited Cesky
Krumlov, a World Heritage Site and a good example
of a central European medieval town. Students also
'erhovice Experimental had the opportunity to attend Mozart's opera "Don
une 10, 2003. Giovanni" in the theater where it originally pre-
miered.
Students stayed in the dormitories at the Czech University of Agriculture
outside of Prague and ate at the cafeteria on campus. They were given the
opportunity to venture into Prague and experience the culture on their own.
T.J. Rew, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in soil and water science
in August 2003, said the students tried to go to places that were not Ameri-
canized, but also visited some places that were like home.
"We went into McDonald's, and even though it is American, it still has dif-
ferences from ours. They have a McFarmer on the menu, which is a ham-
burger made out of pork," Rew said.
The program went really well the first year, but will improve as those in-
volved learn from their experiences, Jokela said.
"I have had students come to me and tell me that this was a life-changing
experience. When students look back at their summer and reflect on it, they
realize how valuable this experience was," Jokela said.
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) currently offers 15
different international experiences ranging from a week to several months
in countries like Brazil, the Czech Republic, France, Honduras, Russia,
Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, Mexico, Spain and Venezuela. These pro-
grams offer students the opportunity to prepare for the diversity of interna-
tional challenges they may face in their future careers. Visit
www.cals.ufl.edu/GlobalGators for more information.


Sigma Phi Alpha Joins National Sorority
by Kyle Shaw, Senior in Agricultural Education and Communication


After 13 years as the University of
Florida's only independent agricul-
tural sorority, Sigma Phi Alpha has
joined the national agricultural so-
rority Sigma Alpha.
The change is the result of a chal-
lenge issued to the women of the so-
rority by College of Agricultural and
Life Sciences (CALS) Associate Dean
Jane Luzar.
Luzar said she was familiar with
the Sigma Alpha sorority from her
previous job at Louisiana State Uni-
versity and believed the sorority
could make a positive impact at UF
"I was surprised that there wasn't
a Sigma Alpha chapter when I came
here," Luzar said. "I knew that
Sigma Phi Alpha could take the
wonderful organization they had
and make it even better by affiliating
with a national organization."
Luzar was not the only person
who was ready for the sorority to
have a national association. Sigma
Phi Alpha advisor Emelie Matthews
said the issue of joining Sigma Alpha
has been addressed by the women
several times in the past three years.
"The women didn't want to be an
average sorority," Matthews said.


wanted to
make sure j
that joining
Sigma Alpha
was the right
thing to do."
The
women were
looking for-
ward to the
benefits of Sigma Alpha men
being part Leadership Con
of a national
organiza-
tion, too, Sigma Alpha Sorority in
Development (SID) Vice President
Bianca Blakley said.
"The opportunity for scholarship,
networking and recognition on a na-
tional level has been what we are
looking for," Blakley said.
Sigma Alpha SID President Megan
Ridenour said that the change was
not an easy one.
"The applications and paperwork
were the easy stuff," Ridenour said.
"The hard part was planning man-
datory meetings, socials and com-
munity service for 24 women with
24 different schedules."


ibe
fer


It was criti-
cal for the
women to re-
arrange their
schedules be-
cause each
member had
Sto attend 75
percent of the
activities
planned dur-
'rs attend National ing the acti-
rence in Atlanta. vation pro-
cess to be
eligible for
membership, Ridenour said.
"It was hectic," Blakley said. "But in
the long run, it will be for the best."
Some of the activities that the
women participated in during the ac-
tivation process included volunteer-
ing at the Waldo Elementary School
fall festival, making care packages for
U.S. Army troops stationed in Iraq
and competing in the Alpha Gamma
Rho fraternity annual Buck-Off
philanthropy.
Not only did the women of Sigma
Phi Alpha complete the requirements


to join the Sigma Alpha sorority,
they did it in record time, Matthews
said. The activation process, which
usually takes up to a year, was com-
pleted in six months.
"I'm so proud of them for all that
they have accomplished in such a
short amount of time," Matthews
said. "Not only will they have the
largest charter chapter in Sigma Al-
pha sorority history, they will have
the highest grade point average in
the nation."
For their efforts, the group was
awarded the Dean's Award for
Leadership at the CALS annual
convocation in December.
"This is the first time that the
award has been given to an entire
group," Luzar said. "It was very
important for the women to know
that they had the support of the en-
tire college. They deserve to be rec-
ognized for their efforts."


*June 2004 11






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