Oregon State University recently hosted the 85^th Oregon FFA State Convention on March 22^nd -25^th. FFA is a national organization that promotes leadership and personal growth. The convention consists of a variety of competitions including public speaking, Ag Issues, Proficiency Interviews, Scholarship Interviews and many more. There is also a career fair that takes place at convention showcasing careers in agriculture, OSU organizations for student involvement, and college choices. Several clubs within the College of Agricultural Sciences displayed their unique opportunities at OSU and how future students could become involved. The event was a huge success thanks to all of the amazing faculty and students at OSU.

This year the Agricultural Executive Council will be headed to Central Oregon on April 12th-14th for our annual industry tour.  On Friday the tour itinerary includes an alternative farm with mule foot hogs, buffalo and yak, a visit to the Equine Vet Center and a tour with the OSU Extension Office.  Saturday we will be visiting with the Ochoco Forest Service, where they will show us their seed extractor practices and discuss current issues facing forestry within the Central Oregon area, Deschutes Brewery for a tour of their facilities and become educated on the variety of brews they offer, and a horse ranch where will learn their families breeding and farming practices. Ag Exec will be paying for dinner on Saturday night at one of Central Oregon’s classic restaurants and have the opportunity to speak with the owner and watch a historic video.  Sunday will be a tour of the High Desert Museum and from there will head back to Corvallis. This is not only a great opportunity to learn about different aspects of what agriculture has to offer, but is also a great way to get involved with other students within the College of Agricultural Sciences. Applications are due Friday, April 5th at 5pm along with a $30.00 payment. We will be boarding our charter bus Friday morning April 12th at 7am. The council hopes you will join us on this great adventure!

The Sigma Alpha sorority is currently recruiting new members for their chapter. Sigma Alpha is an un-housed professional sorority for women in agriculture and forestry, but will accept any major. The sorority works closely with Oregon Women of Agriculture and Agriculture in the Classroom. There will be an informational meeting Monday, April 8 in the Memorial Union at 7:00pm.  This is a great opportunity to become more involved on campus and meet women with the same interests and classes. Please feel free to contact the Recruitment Chair, Shelby Coshow for more information.

Email: coshows@onid.orst.edu

Last weekend the Oregon State University Dairy Club hosted their biannual cattle sale in the Oldfield Animal Teaching Facility. About 350 people came out for the event, and a number of supporters opted to make a cash donation to the club, as well as sellers offered to donate calves. The club’s net earnings were 15,000 to 17,000 and will go towards an endowment fund for future activities. There was an incredible support from the industry, and it is greatly appreciated. To read more about the sale please follow the link.

http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/dairy-students-milk-surge-of-support/article_53deecfa-85e5-11e2-8529-0019bb2963f4.html

Sigma Alpha will be hosting a Boot Scoot N Boogie fundraiser Saturday March 9. There will be country line dancing lessons provided along with the dance and everyone is welcome. The dance will be held in the Women’s building at 7:00 pm, and is $5 admission. Put your boots on and come support the Sigma Alpha Agricultural Sorority!

The Agriculture Executive Council will be hosting the annual industry tour April 12 through 14. The tour will be held in Central Oregon, and we are planning to visit many diverse industries within agricultural sciences. Applications are ready to view on the Ag Exec website, and a link is posted on Facebook. We hope to see you all there!

Name and Title:

Melanie Jones, Academic Advisor for Department of Agricultural Sciences

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in southeastern North Carolina, and made my way west when my parents moved to Montana. I ventured even further west to Oregon with my husband almost twelve years ago, so Oregon is “home base” now.

Where did you attend college?

I received my bachelor’s degree from The University of Montana in Missoula, Montana…one of the prettiest places around. I have a master’s degree in education from Oregon State.

What is your favorite college memory?

I have so many fun memories from my undergrad days, in particular. What a fun time in life (enjoy it while you can!). One memory in particular was on a fairly frigid, though spring day in Missoula. There was a very large home-made, slightly controversial “peace sign” at the top of one of the in-town mountains with a hiking trail leading to it. I hiked a fair amount around Missoula, but this was my first visit to the “peace sign” (often on first year students’ must do list). Once we made it to the top, we sat and took in the views and budding spring flowers around us. It was a really amazing view; you could see five valleys converging into Missoula from that spot, and the sun was setting. Just a great way to spend time with friends! The sign got removed after I graduated: http://www.missoulapeacesign.com/

What do you like most about OSU?

I’ve been at OSU since 2004 when I started grad school. What struck me as a grad student, and remains true as an employee is the amount of caring professionals, faculty members, and students in this community. I’ve seen many people go above and beyond the call of duty to check up on a student, advocate on a student’s behalf, or ensure changes were made or in progress that benefit student experiences. You don’t find that everywhere, especially on a large campus. This culture inspires me, and is in line with my own personal style in working with students.

What kind of transportation did you use in college?

I had a hand-me down old brown, Subaru wagon (great mountain car). I passed it down to one of my younger sisters – it just wouldn’t die!

What is your favorite agricultural commodity?

My husband is a chef, so I am the lucky recipient of a lot of great meals and treats. I suppose for this reason, I’d say wheat – it is the foundation of many of his homemade breads, pizza dough, & cookies.

What is something you enjoy doing in your free time?

I have young kids, so I don’t have a lot of true free time… more family time. We enjoy reading, art, gardening, biking and walks, going to the pool, and anything and everything outside once the rains subside.

Do you have any advice for students in the college of agricultural sciences?

I’ve only been with agricultural sciences since the start of winter term, but I have seen how friendly, easy to talk to, and proactive the faculty and advisors are. Related, my advice would be to take advantage of conversations with resources (advisors and instructors) early in your career.  I was once in a meeting with a student and a professor, and the prof asked the student what she hoped to do in the future. Turns out, the prof knew a contact in the industry the student was interested in, and immediately linked the student to a job resource. Conversations can lead to strong leads and connections whether for volunteering, an internship, or employment. Take advantage of what is around you!

The Agricultural Executive Council hosted their Annual CAS dance Friday, February 22. The event was themed “Barn Dance” and open to all students within the College of Agricultural Sciences. Dinner began the evening and consisted of a pulled pork dinner followed by Swing dancing, the Cha Cha, Two-step, Line dance, and Schottische. The Country Western Dance Club helped provide music and instruction for dances throughout the evening. There was a great turnout and we would like to thank all of the students who attended. Pictured below is the winning centerpiece for the competition, presented by the PEAC Club.

• Interviewing Skills Workshop.  

The National Society of Black Engineers is presenting an Interviewing Skills Workshop on Tuesday, February 26^th. This is a great opportunity to learn interviewing skills and impress potential employers. The workshop will be at 6:00 pm in Covell 216. For more information, please contact Nathan Okorly.

Email: okorleyn@onid.orst.edu, Carolyn.killefer@oregonstate.edu.

• Winter Career Fairs:

The Winter Career Fair will be this week Wednesday, February 27 (University Wide) and Thursday February 28, (Engineering). Students will be able to make networking connections and learn about jobs and internships. The event will be held in the CH2M Hill Alumni Center. For more information please visit the career website, or contact Jen Busick Stewart.

Email: jennifer.busick@oregonstate.edu

Website: oregonstate.edu/career/career-fairs

Collegiate 4-H is adopting a soldier and needs student help to collect items. There are several items possible to donate including snacks, stationary, envelopes, toiletries, DVD’s, CD’s, games, inflatable pillows, and long distance phone cards. Everyone is welcome to donate items and there are boxes in the Withycombe student lounge, and Ballard second floor computer lab. The last day to turn in items will be Wednesday, February 27 and please contact Mandi Carlson with any questions.

Email: Carlsoam@onid.orst.edu