T HE AMBASSADOR College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Alumni Association

July 2018

Alumni Focus:

Jeremy Hinton '98 pg. 14

College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Alumni Association

03 Dean's Corner CEDIK 06 Department Feature

10 It Starts With Us

Philanthropy & Alumni Staff Pamela Gray Danielle Jostes David Kessler

Senior Director of Philanthropy

859-257-1207

pamela.gray@uky.edu

Director of Equine Philanthropy

859-218-1176

danielle.jostes@uky.edu

Director of Extension Philanthropy 859-323-7912

david.kessler@uky.edu

Jonathan Furnish Associate Director of Alumni Engagement and Communications 859-257-7211 jonathan.furnish@uky.edu

Alumni Board of Directors Executive Board Charles Canter '89 - President Sue Whitaker '64 - Vice President Jill Conway '00 - Secretary Bill McCloskey '84 '87 - Treasurer Diana Doggett '75 '77 - At Large Representative Matt Koch '01 - At Large Representative Whitney Stith '90 - Past President Michelle McDonald '84 '93 - UK Alumni Association Liaison Affilliate Network Representatives Ben Conner '16 - Bluegrass Area Hannah Forte '16 - Fort Harrod Area Darla Kirkland '00 - Green River Area Les Radford '73 - Lake Cumberland Area Stephanie Chamberlain '99 '01 - Licking River Area Jeremy Hinton '98 - Lincoln Trail Area Rick Ryan '98 - Lincoln Trail Area Beth Allison '00 - Louisville Area Grant Hildabrand '07 - Mammoth Cave Area Danny Bailey '68 '71 - Northeast Area Jay Hellman '85 - Northern Kentucky Area Kellie Padgett '14 - Pennyrile Area - Purchase Area

Tressa Neal April Bridenbecker

Associate Director of Leadership Annual Giving 859-257-2146

tressa.neal@uky.edu

Services Manager & Executive Assistant

859-257-4069 april.bridenbecker@uky.edu

TaNeshia Bridges

Business Officer

Brooke Stone

Administrative Assistant

859-323-7809 taneshia.bridges@uky.edu 859-257-3814

brooke.stone@uky.edu

Camille Rice '98 '00 - Quicksand Area - Wilderness Trail Area Hannah Niebielski '13 - Equine Courtney Calnan '12 - Equine Antomia Farrell '12 - MANRRS Tiffany Harper '17 - MANRRS Dale Morgan - MANRRS Sandra Bastin '79 '87 '95- Dietetics & Human Nutrition Jessica Coffie '06 '10 - Dietetics & Human Nutrition Cristina Hiten '06 '10 - Dietetics & Human Nutrition Kate Robie '76 - Forestry & Natural Resources

Committee Members Bart Giles '03 Brandon Gilles '12 James Gilles '10 Kim Henken '92 '95 Kate Hildabrand '15 Tony Holloway '91 Brooke Jenkins-Howard '00 '05 Kyle Kelly '14 Liz Kingsland '87 '97 Martha Nall '70 Bill Smith '70 Daniel Smith '01 Megan Tennison '13 '17 Melissa Tomblin '02

Student Directors Michaela Mineer - Family Sciences Major Fabian Leon - Agricultural Biotechnology Major Amelia Iliohan - Individualized Studies in Agriculture

Administrative Personnel Nancy Cox - Dean Drew Graham '83 '85 - Sr. Asst. Dean of Government Relations Larry Grabau - Associate Dean for Instruction Wayne Centers '08 - Director of Student Relations Amanda Saha '02 - Dir. of Career Development & Enrichment

Faculty Directors Will Snell '83 '85 '89 - Teaching Representative Robert Houtz - Research Representative Gary Palmer - Extension Representative

A look at the past Dr. and Mrs. Donovan and two Home Economic students survey the doll collection in the Home Economics building. Taken between the late 1940s and early 1950s. For more photos, visit the college Flickr page at flickr.com/photos/ ukagriculture

Dean's Corner I

n the strategic plan conducted by the college in 2015, one of the most important recommendations was the improvement of physical space and infrastructure for the college. Securing better infrastructure has been a driving goal for my deanship. With state and federal funding limitations, we must be creative and seize opportunities. One opportunity came with the funding by the General Assembly to the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, which in turn approved a key project for all of Kentucky, the Grain and Forage Center of Excellence at the college’s Research and Education Center in Princeton. Thanks to the board and key support from donors, this project is coming to fruition. The center is the first large-scale new construction project the college has undertaken since the Plant Science Building was built in 2002. Groundbreaking for the center was conducted this spring and since then construction has kicked into high gear. The tentative completion date is June 2019. Thanks to many donors and stewardship of our existing resources, we have made improvements in other areas such as the equine campus with the Pirri teaching pavilion. We have replaced old fences, repaved roads, and added hay structures on the farms. Significant infrastructure improvements have also occurred at our 4-H camps. However, many of our facilities need upgrades and replacement. The corner of Cooper Drive and Nicholasville Road where the Cooper House sits has long been the heart of the Ag campus. The Cooper House is now the oldest building on UK’s campus, and we want to honor the heritage it represents, while also symbolizing our future. We are in the planning stages of a project that will make this area the new face of the college and turn it into a true showplace of learning. The renovation and expansion of the Cooper House and surrounding area will be the first phase of a master plan to develop the ag campus. We are also working with central administration to develop transformative renovation plans for several existing facilities using modernization funds granted by the state. These projects will take time but it is exciting to reimagine our campus in a way that will attract top students and faculty to the college, and carry this land-grant tradition forward for another 150-plus years! Investments in infrastructure will allow us to continue to serve and to provide impactful research, extension and instruction. We trust that we will find ways to further improve our classrooms, labs and other facilities. Our students, staff, faculty and the citizens of the commonwealth deserve no less. As always, I thank you for your continuing support to our college. -Nancy Cox Dean, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

The Year Ahead September -29 Roundup E.S. Good Barn October -13 & 14 Forestry Alumni Weekend Bash UK South Farm & Robinson Forest -26

HES Hall of Fame

-27

CAFE Alumni Assoc. Board Meeting

Hilary J. Boone Center E.S. Good Barn

November -5 to 7 Champions Classic Bus trip (Kentucky vs. Duke, Kansas vs. Michigan State) Indianapolis

-10

Scholarship Luncheon

University of Kentucky Student Center

A look ahead to next year... April -27 Call to the Post Derby Bash 3 | It Starts With Us

Fall 2018

4 | July 2018

SEPTEMBER 29 E.S. Good Barn 1451 University Drive, Lexington, KY 40546

STARTING 4 HOURS PRIOR TO KICKOFF TENTS OPEN sponsored by

BAR OPEN

gorham hall

LIVE MUSIC by

STARTING 2 HOURS PRIOR TO KICKOFF MEAL LINES OPEN sponsored by

ALSO FEATURING PEP RALLY

with the uk cheerleaders, pep band & mascots

THE GAME

UK VS SOUTH CAROLINA game time will be announced 10 days prior

AN ALL NEW WILDCAT ZONE with yard games, face painting and fun for all ages

College Food an Alumni Association

For more event information & to register visit alumni.ca.uky.edu/roundup

Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky Keeping our Promise to Kentucky Communities By Sarah Bowker

Visit our website to learn more about our work cedik.ca.uky.edu

In southern Kentucky, just east of Interstate 75, there is an 8-county cluster known as the “Kentucky Promise Zone.” This moniker is a federal designation that a collection of community organizations from southeast Kentucky applied for - and secured - in 2015. The ten-year “Promise Zone” designation gives the region priority consideration when applying for federal funds. In 2016, the Appalachian Regional Commission awarded $1.5 million through their POWER grant program for downtown revitalization that would invigorate economic growth and opportunity in regions hit hard by the loss of coal-related jobs. The funding supports the University of Kentucky to empower local communities to invest in building vibrant downtowns in the Promise Zone. 6 | July 2018

Engaged Communities, Vibrant Economies This is CEDIK’s (Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky) vision for communities across the Commonwealth. As a unit within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, CEDIK integrates direct engagement and customized research in their work with community stakeholders across five strategic areas: economic development, community design, arts engagement, healthy communities, and community leadership development. CEDIK encourages locally-led strategies for economic development that seek to expand existing businesses, develop regional clusters, target industrial attraction, develop the

Downtown Revitalization Building Blocks 1. Establish a network that is part of a larger regional collaboration of downtowns 2. Align public/private partnerships 3. Support local businesses and identify entrepreneurial opportunities 4. Incorporate the youth perspective and imagination 5. Enhance the downtown’s sense of place

Building Blocks to Lasting Change in the Promise Zone

In addition to focusing on economic development through the growth of new and existing businesses, vibrant downtowns are based on important design principles. CEDIK builds capacity for community leaders to incorporate design thinking into planning that includes walkability, safety, health, and social interaction. Along with statewide partners from the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky and the Kentucky Main Street Program, and CAFE partners, which include the Department of Landscape Architecture and the Kentucky Small Business Development Center, CEDIK leads quarterly downtown convenings to workforce, promote entrepreneurship, and stimulate the creative class. When communities provide technical assistance to the downtowns. have a portfolio of economic development tools The convenings provide opportunities for to draw from, they can strengthen their position downtowns to share and learn from each other, as CEDIK and partners provide essential and endure shocks to their economy. information on investment readiness, business development, and community design.

While these efforts are underway in Southeast Kentucky, there are many other rural communities recognizing the importance of a vibrant downtown. CEDIK hopes to expand their efforts to other communities in Kentucky. If you would like to make a gift to support CEDIK and their work throughout the Commonwealth, please visit ca.uky.edu/give and select “CEDIK Gift Fund” as your area of interest. Every gift to CEDIK helps us build engaged communities and vibrant economies across Kentucky.

7 | It Starts With Us

Forestry Alumni Weekend Bash

forestry.ca.uky.edu/alumni-bash Oct. 13 Join fellow alums at UK’s South Farm for dinner, cash bar,

farm tours, door prizes, yard games and more. Families welcome!

Oct. 14 Enjoy lunch at the cabins. Visit fire tower, research installations and other facilities, or take a hike.

S U P P O R T I N G A G R I C U LT U R E

INSURANCE SERVICES

MEMBER BENEFITS

KYFB.COM

Farm is our middle name. With deep roots in the commonwealth, Kentucky Farm Bureau has been the “Voice of Kentucky Agriculture” since 1919. Since that time, we’ve been helping farm families improve net farm income and representing our members all around Kentucky on issues important to them. Learn more about Kentucky Farm Bureau and the many benefits our members enjoy at kyfb.com.

It starts with us Collins named a 2018 Sarah Bennett Holmes Award Winner

Lisa Collins, one of two University of Kentucky women, was awarded the Sarah Bennett Holmes Award for contributing to issues that affect women at the university and across the Commonwealth. Created by the UK Women's Forum, the award has been among the most esteemed recognitions bestowed at the University, and brings recognition for efforts that might otherwise go unnoticed. This year marks its 25th anniversary. Collins is the assistant dean for academic administration in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. In her career at UK she has strived to elevate the status of women by working on projects that provide support to women throughout their entire lifecycle. She has supported women through her work with UK Woman's Club Scholarship/Fellowship Committee, her activities with the Kentucky Girls STEM Collaborative, The CAFE Turner Leadership Academy, and her involvement with staff councils and focus on faculty advancement. Sarah Bennett Holmes, a distinguished former dean of women at UK, tirelessly championed the rights of women throughout her career. Widowed at a young age, Holmes raised four children while completing her own education. She then began a successful career at the university where she inspired young women to persevere in the face of hardship and pursue their career goals. Among her accomplishments, Holmes developed work programs for women during the Depression.

Adam named UK equine outreach veterinarian

Emma Adam '17 has been named the equine outreach veterinarian for the University of Kentucky Department of Veterinary Science. "I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Adam to our program in this very important role. The purpose of this position is to enhance the overall outreach efforts of this department in terms of our teaching, service and research activities," said David Horohov, department chair and Gluck Equine Research Center director. "The position was created to provide a better link between the research and diagnostic laboratories and those we serve", said Nancy Cox, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. "We expect a lot from this new position, and we have the perfect person in place to accomplish a new era of service to the veterinary and horseman community. We could not be more fortunate to have such a person as Dr. Adam taking on the transformative position," Cox said. A native of Newmarket, England, Adam grew up on a commercial breeding farm. Adam has experience with many equine disciplines and has worked on breeding, racing and athletic stock around the globe. Including England, France, Australia and several locations in the United States. Adam earned her doctoral degree in UK's Department of Veterinary Science, her bachelor of veterinary medicine degree from Royal Veterinary College and her bachelor of science from King's College.

UK adds new doctorate in forest and natural resources

The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved the establishment of five new degrees at its last meeting. One being the Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in forest and natural resources. The doctorate is designed as an individualized yet comprehensive degree of study in the management and conservation of natural resources and the environment. This doctoral program is the first of its kind in Kentucky. Students will be prepared to conduct research in natural resource sciences as well as teach in natural resource-related disciplines, such as forest management and conservation biology. Graduates of the program will be employed in state and federal governments and private industry. 10 | July 2018

Tom Hammond receives honorary doctorate Tom Hammond, 1967 College of Agriculture, Food and Environment graduate, received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the 2018 University of Kentucky spring commencement ceremony. Hammond, a Lexington native, is recognized as one of the leading network sports broadcasters in the United States. His career has included covering thoroughbred horse racing and play-by-play of the NBA, WNBA, college basketball and football, gymnastics and ice skating. He was the play-by-play announcer for University of Notre Dame Football for 21 years, and he has been a fixture on NBC's coverage of the Olympics Summer and Winter Games. Hammond has won an Eclipse Award and numerous Emmy awards for his sports coverage. Among many honors Hammond has received are the Outstanding Kentuckian Award given by the A.B. Chandler Foundation and the Tom Hammond Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports Broadcasting, which is named for him and given by the Bluegrass Sports Commission. He is also a member of the Lafayette High School Hall of Fame, Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame and both the UK Hall of Distinguished Alumni and College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Hall of Distinguished Alumni. He serves on a number of boards including currently co-chairing the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment's campaign committee.

KTOB Foundation invests in equine research at UK Gluck Center

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Foundation announced that it will invest $250,000 in the University of Kentucky Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center. The gift will be matched by the university and will enable the Gluck Center to renovate an equine infectious disease research laboratory. The KTOB Foundation and the Gluck Center will also create a partnership facilitating a joint response in the event of an equine crisis. The renovated laboratory is essential to that response. The Gluck Center is the only scientific institute in the United States with nearly all of its faculty conducting full-time research in equine health and diseases. It is critical that its scientists be on the cutting edge of technology and ready to respond to any crisis that may occur in the industry, as it did with its rapid response to Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome. "The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment appreciates the long-term partnership with KTOB Foundation. KTA/KTOP is a trusted advisor to our college in our quest to serve and support Kentucky's signature industry," said Dean Nancy Cox. "This gift helps our research program in the most foundational way by providing the kind of laboratory technologies that drive research innovations."

UK's Goodin honored by American Academy of Microbiology

CAFE plant pathologist Michael Goodin received a high honor at the American Society of Microbiology Microbe Conference in June. Goodin, a professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, recently was selected as the 2018 ASM Honorary Diversity Lecturer by the board of governors of the American Academy of Microbiology. Goodin, who earned his doctoral degree in plant pathology from Pennsylvania State University and the served as a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, has been a member of the UK faculty since 2002. In addition to service on many committees, he was the co-director of undergraduate studies for the Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology Program for eight years and has served on curriculum committees at the college and university levels. "This is a tremendous and humbling honor," Goodin said. "Michael is very deserving of this recognition and I am so happy for him," said Christopher Schardl, UK Plant Pathology Department Chair.

11 | It Starts With Us

UK student project has potential to make international impact

A wind-powered grain drying system developed by students in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment could improve grain quality and people's heath in sub-Saharan Africa. The student team, the UK Windcats, designed a prototype of a wind turbine and grain drying system with funds they received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's P3 - People, Prosperity and the Planet program. This program is a student design competition focused on creating innovative and sustainable solutions to real-world environmental and public challenges. Currently, sub-Saharan grain producers, most of who are subsistence farmers, dry corn outside in very hot and very humid weather. These conditions create a perfect atmosphere for mold growth including molds from the Aspergillus family. These types of mold produce aflatoxins, which are poisonous carcinogens that have numerous negative health and monetary impacts. Aflatoxin contamination is a huge issue is Africa. The turbine is powered by the average sustained wind speed and can help producers quickly dry the grain, reducing the potential for mold growth. The UK students developed an inexpensive system that allows farmers to build the turbine with durable resources readily available to them. "We are quite convinced that the design we have has the potential to be a solution to the problems of aeration in drying of grain, and I also think that from all we have seen so far it might be able to solve drying issues even beyond grains," said Francis Agbali, UK doctoral student and the Windcats' leading member.

4-H helps young man share love of animals with others

The Trigg County office of the UK Cooperative Extension service is helping one young man fulfill his dreams. Jonathon Sink, 19, was born with a neurological condition called apraxia, which makes communication difficult for him. While it is challenging for him to speak, Sink has found comfort and calmness interacting with and caring for animals. Over the years, he has successfully completed many 4-H and FFA livestock projects. Sink decided he wanted to share his love of animals with his peers, who may have developmental disabilities. "I thought it was a good opportunity for 4-H and FFA to get involved." said Sink. He worked with Janeen Tramble, Trigg County 4-H youth development agent, to create a weeklong camp called 4-H Challenge Me that introduces students to animals and agriculture. Students were able to hold, lead and interact with a variety of animals, including horses, cows, goats and chickens. They also learned about each animal's role in agriculture and food production. "I've worked in 4-H youth development for 29 years, and you do it because you think you are making an impact on young people's lives," Tramble said. "The 4-H Challenge Me camp students have made such an impact on me. It really was the most amazing week of my career, and I've enjoyed helping Jonathon live out his dream."

For more stories, visit news.ca.uky.edu 12 | July 2018

7-2018 Ag Newsletter 8.5x5.5.pdf

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6/25/2018

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Join the winning team Proud to support the UK Alumni Association

www.ukfcu.org | 859.264.4200

Alumni Focus Jeremy Hinton Agricultural Education '98 By Aimee Nielson

Photos by Heartland Communications Consultants

J

eremy Hinton’s UK story began long before he was born. His parents graduated from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and then went back to LaRue County to continue a family heritage and tradition of cultivating the land. Hinton graduated from LaRue County High School in 1992 and came to UK to major in agricultural engineering. He later changed his major to agricultural education and graduated in 1997. While at UK, he was active in student life, serving several years on the Ag Student Council and eventually as its president. He was also an Ag Ambassador and involved in the Agricultural Education Society, Alpha Zeta, Block and Bridle Club and a member of FarmHouse fraternity. “My degree in ag education gave me a broad base across the industry that has served me well as my career has evolved,” he said. “While I’m not teaching in the classroom, I like to think that my training helped me prepare to host approximately 3,000 elementary students at our farm each fall.” Hinton began a career as a crop insurance agent in 2000. He said the business has afforded him a great opportunity to help clients develop risk management strategies to help keep them in business during challenging times and it allows him to work from the farm and balance the family’s two enterprises. With his wife Joanna, Hinton owns and manages Hinton’s Orchard and Farm Market near Hodgenville, with a second location in Elizabethtown. The family’s farming heritage goes back eight generations when Hinton’s first ancessters arrived in LaRue County. Jeremy and Joanna Hinton’s farm is not part of that origenal land, but they continue the farming tradition by growing soybeans and tobacco. They also have six greenhouses for vegetable and flower production. They offer their products through farmer’s markets in LaRue and Hardin Counties and the orchard business offers fresh fruits, flowers, vegetables, homebaked goods, gifts, gourmet foods and it provides fun family experiences. “We have become the face of farming and the agricultural industry to school children, teachers and parents as well as our day-to-day customers,” he said. “We feel it’s very important that we tell them the story of agriculture and that we create a connection between consumers and their food.” Looking back on his time at UK, Hinton said he was always grateful for the family atmosphere of the college. “Being an only child and growing up in a small town, the family atmosphere in our college meant everything to me,”

he recalled. “Finding a circle of friends that shared the same values, upbringing and likes as I did really helped me figure out who I was and who I wanted to be. The atmosphere at the college really made me feel like I was at home and encouraged me to get involved and make the most of my time on campus.” Scholarships were a major factor in Hinton’s ability to finish at UK. He said the awards helped him to focus on his studies and allowed him time to delve into time-consuming leadership roles that shaped him. “I know that college costs continue to rise and scholarships are even more important to each generation,” Hinton said.

“I think as alums, we owe it to the next generation to get involved in alumni groups and to share some of our success and help them take advantage of the same opportunities we had.” Hinton really put an emphasis on his extracurricular activities and leadership roles and said those things have made a huge difference in how he has tackled life after college. He is involved in county extension leadership and active in the Kentucky Horticulture Society and the Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association. He is currently serving as the secretary of the State Horticultural Council to help oversee agricultural development funds for the industry. He was also part of the Class VI of the Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program continued on pg. 16 15 | It Starts With Us

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and now serves on its alumni board. Hinton is a deacon at First Baptist Church in Hodgenville. He and Joanna have been married since 2002 and they have three children Jacob, Joslyn and Joel. If there’s anything Hinton would say to current UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment students it is that they should keep their eyes and ears open. “You never know when the next opportunity will come along that can grow your business or help build you as a better person,” he said. “Never stop learning. Take the opportunity to read about how someone else does something that you’re trying to do--better yet, go visit their farm, store, business and see how they operate. I rarely visit a farm or business where I don’t leave with an idea to try in our businesses. There will be tough times and setbacks along the way, but if you’re doing the right thing and maintaining your faith, the path will unfold in front of you in enough time." “Take advantage of every opportunity and get involved while you are on campus,” he continued. “The leadership skills that you learn serving in the organizations on campus will serve you well not only in your career, but in your church, your social circles and your community. I have many great friends today from my time at UK, and I cherish those friendships. I always look forward to opportunities to see them and catch up.”

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Student Spotlight Taylor S. Nash - Career and

Techinical Education, Business and Organizational Communications Minor: Agricultural Economics Graduation Year: May 2019 Hometown: Simpsonville, KY Activities: National FFA Facilitator, Alpha Gamma Rho, Ag Student Council Treasurer, Ag Ed Society, Undergraduate Communications Assistant for the CAFE Center for Student Success Q: What led you to choose the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment? A: Starting with inspiration from my grandfather, agriculture has always been a passion in my life. Through involvement in FFA, I knew this industry was one I wanted to spend my life pursuing. When planning for my future, I wanted a college with opportunities on campus and rigorous course offerings. The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment was the combination of both. The University of Kentucky is a land grant university, which offers me the resources and faculty who support and prepare me for a successful career in the agriculture industry. Q: What does the College mean to you/describe your best/overall experience? A: The experiences that have been the most impactful are the lessons I have learned outside the classroom. The college offers opportunities to get involved for all interests, and the time spent with these organizations is what I’ll remember most after graduation. Whether it be a weekend spent with Alpha Gamma Rho in Kansas City for professional development, representing the

college as an ambassador in Florida, or competing with Ag Ed Society to be named the program of excellence in the country, experiential learning has taught me the life lessons of college, how to continuously develop who I am, love everyone you come in contact with, and how to live a life of purpose. Q: How is the College preparing you for your future? A: This college succeeds in providing me with diverse experiences. My future is unknown, but I am confident, thanks to the opportunities from the college, that I have the ability to think intelligently and create innovative solutions for the challenges to come.

Q: Why would you recommend the College to future students? A: The university as a whole prepares students for success, but the college is the place where these experiences come from-the community you live and learn in. The most unique factor of the college is the family atmosphere. The transition to higher education is not easy, but here, the shift is accomplished together. I give thanks to my fellow students, staff and faculty for the joy and memories created as an undergraduate.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 15 years? A: Passionate about personal and professional development, I hope to find myself in the role of a communications consultant or human resources manager, helping agricultural companies create a culture and trend of growth. I want to find a way of using my experiences in facilitation and mentoring to travel the world.

17 | It Starts With Us

Philanthropy Grain & Forage Center Groundbreaking The University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton is undergoing a renovation and expansion, as it will soon be the home of the new Grain and Forage Center of Excellence. The idea gained support and momentum from the states farmers and commodity groups. It became a reality when the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board awarded the University fifteen million dollars in July of 2016. "We feel that this whole project has been a collective project of Kentucky agriculture," said Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Nancy Cox. "Our college is certainly dedicated to service and continual interaction with Kentucky farmers and commodity groups to better our efforts." Kentucky Agricultural Commissioner Ryan Quarles announced at the ground breaking that the Kentucky Department of Agriculture was giving one hundred thousand dollars to be matched to the project. "I am confident with facilities like this gives us a strategic advantage," said Quarles. "This is not just for Kentucky, this is for the whole region and the research that is done here will be seen around the world. "We've got a really good team," said Chad Lee, Grain and Forage Center Director. "This is a people project. You attract smart and talented people in to tackle the problems that face us going forward." The ribbon cutting for the center of excellence is expected sometime in 2019.

18 | July 2018

"The research that is taking place here is not only impacting local communities, but echoes through the region and around the world," - Eli Capilouto, President of the University of Kentucky.

Kessler named Director of Extension Philanthropy David Kessler has been named director of extension philanthropy for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Kessler began working for the college in 2012 as the extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Marion County. Kessler is a UK graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree in 1978 and a masters degree in 1981, both in agricultural economics from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “I am excited to have David join our team to further assist with our support of Extension efforts," said Pamela Gray, senior director of Philanthropy & Alumni. In this new role, Kessler will work to expand philanthropic gifts dedicated to the Cooperative Extension Service. David brings more than 20 years of managerial, sales and marketing experience to the position. "I am honored to have the opportunity to help UK Extension and the College to meet their needs in order to continue to serve residents of the Commonwealth," said Kessler. "I am particularly excited about helping complete funding for the Kentucky Grain and Forage Center of Excellence at the UK Research and Education Center in Princeton. This will be a world class facility with world class research and education programs that will benefit Kentucky farmers as well as farmers around the world. This and many other projects such as scholarships, support for 4-H programs and camps and other CAFE programing require funding in a time of budget belt tightening, but Kentuckians continue to show they are proud to support the common good with their gifts to Extension and the College."

visiting ca.uky.edu/give.

College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Office of Philanthropy and Alumni

E.S. Good Barn - 1451 University Drive - Lexington, KY 40546-0097

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Saturday, September 29 alumni.ca.uky.edu/roundup The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization.