Welcome to the spring 2019 issue of CAFNR.Connected. I am very excited and honored to begin serving as president of your CAFNR Alumni Association! Past President Emily Kueker and the rest of the board have worked tirelessly to make us the leading Mizzou alumni organization. We can all be proud of the major impacts the Association has had on scholarship funding, student recruitment and connecting alumni.

As the board of directors’ new term begins, our relationship with CAFNR is closer and more productive than ever before. Vice Chancellor and Dean Christopher Daubert has committed to regular interaction with board officers to discuss the best ways we can help with the college’s needs, successes and numerous activities. We have formed a new stronger bond with the ever-important Office of Advancement. The Association was thrilled to partner with Darcy Wells, Brent McCauley and the team through the hiring of CAFNR Alumni Relations and Lead Annual Giving Officer Kaleigh Summers. Kaleigh joined the team in December and has already made an impact. Her organizational skills, work ethic and positive attitude will help the association succeed like never before! We are grateful to Dean Daubert and Senior Associate Dean Bryan Garton for their support and commitment to bring Kaleigh on board.

I’ve always been proud to be part of Mizzou. When I began as undergrad in animal sciences way back in 1982, I knew the college was special – not only because of the faculty, the facilities and the highest level of academics, but also because of the alumni and their dedication to give back to the college. I encourage everyone to join us throughout the year. Your membership is important but your involvement is vital. There are many opportunities to participate – the amazing annual CAFNR Unlimited, our famous Tiger Ag Classic Golf tournament and Steak Fry, and many other fun, rewarding events throughout the state all year.

This year’s CAFNR Unlimited was held Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Jefferson City. We saw record participation with Mizzou Alumni Association’s new online bidding software, allowing alumni to bid from anywhere in the world through the bidding site. Through online bidding for silent auction items, the live auction, raffles and the sophomore “Feed a Fund” project, CAFNR Alumni Association was able to raise over $85,000 for student scholarships and programs! We invite all alumni to consider joining us next year as we celebrate 25 years of CAFNR Unlimited!

As I begin my term I look forward to working with everyone to achieve our Vision 2023, where “Mizzou CAFNR Alumni Association is recognized as the Gold Standard in both the University system and nationally for the engagement of alumni in support of CAFNR.”

Please reach out to us anytime with questions, suggestions and to help support the students of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources!

Loyd Wilson