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It has been a wonderful month celebrating and showcasing everything that makes our college great, including student success, alumni and friends, and research and extension! First, I thank everyone who joined me for Novemberfest on Friday. I so enjoy showcasing the work of our college each year, and celebrating with delicious food just before the Thanksgiving holiday! I was thrilled to welcome alumna Tyne Morgan to campus on Nov. 3 for the live taping of her College Roadshow. Between Tyne’s sponsors and CAFNR, we gave away about $5,000 to our student clubs and organizations for their participation in a video and sign contest! The CAFNR spirit was on full display as we watched CAFNR ag economists Ben Brown, Scott Brown and Pat Westhoff, share their expertise with Tyne live on stage. The live taping of US Farm Report was just the beginning of an exciting “Ag Week!” Up next we recognized six outstanding alumni with the CAFNR Column Award on Friday, Nov. 4. I am always motivated by the accomplishments of those we recognize at this yearly award ceremony, as well as inspired by their stories about their CAFNR experience. We change lives with the education and experience we offer our CAFNR students. These winners were celebrated as part of the festivities the next morning at Mizzou Ag Day, where the state’s largest industry was recognized at the Tiger football game vs. the Kentucky Wildcats. We also enjoyed tailgating with a couple hundred ag supporters, in collaboration with MU Extension and 4-H. The next week we welcomed our third Litton Lecture speaker to campus to encourage current students in their studies and careers. Dr. Rick Rigsby entertained and inspired the crowd of students, faculty, staff and community members for a solid hour, teaching students with lessons learned from his parents and grandparents. The lecture coincided with a reunion of the Litton Leadership Scholars, which celebrated 10 years and is now on its 11th cohort. The lecture series and scholar cohorts honor Jerry Litton, a CAFNR alumnus, successful cattle breeder and beloved congressman who was tragically killed in a plane crash, along with his family, in 1976. This month I also attended the Mizzou fall general faculty meeting; met with CAFNR Foundation leaders; traveled to Chicago for the Institute of Food Technologists Board of Directors Meeting; visited with colleagues at the President’s Leadership Social and Meeting; participated with an APLU meeting about the Research Facilities Act and Farm Bill; and met with the CAFNR Policy Committee Chair, Victoria Vieira-Potter. Next week I will attend a CARET/AHS Planning Committee meeting, as well as a groundbreaking for a new cattle handling facility at the Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center. I was honored to help present Clinton Meinhardt, research specialist, Soybean Breeding and Genetics, with the Above and Beyond Award from the CAFNR Staff Advisory Council on Nov. 11 (see photo, above). We appreciate his work in plant sciences! In this season of Thanksgiving, I am grateful to serve the fine citizens of Missouri and this great college! Please take time for yourself and with your families to enjoy this special season of gratitude and appreciation. CAFNR Proud, Christopher R. Daubert, Ph.D.
CAFNR Vice Chancellor & Dean |
