Thomas Griffin
President
Senior, Culver, Oregon
Environmental Economics, Policy, and Management
As a small town high school student, I was determined to attend college outside of Oregon in search of new faces and experiences. After deferring enrollment for 2 terms to serve as an Oregon FFA State Officer, I learned many things about myself, one of which being that my heart was still in this beautiful state. So instead of flying for 4 hours to make a new collegiate home, I drove for 3 hours to the delightfully antiquated town where my parents also attended college: Corvallis. Until I had been on campus for the first term, I hadn’t realized what a treasure I had been overlooking; Oregon State University has nationally top rated Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Natural Resources programs. I was ecstatic when I found a hybrid major that combines all of the above mentioned fields: Environmental Economics, Policy, and Management. Being a strong believer that school should not get in the way of my education, I began seeking out extracurricular organizations in these fields that would help me grow as an individual to better suit the leadership and professional requirements of prospective careers. I am now a proud officer of several organizations including Alpha Gamma Rho, Collegiate FFA, Inter-Fraternity Council, and the Ambassador program. After increasing involvement in organizations like these, I learned that this 20,000+ student educational institution is much smaller than it initially seems, and I have subsequently realized that I wouldn’t want it any other way. After college I hope to either attend law school or graduate school with the aim of positively influencing responsible and sustainable agricultural economic policy. I am passionate about the future of agriculture, youth development, and college football. As a member of the Agricultural Executive Council, I look forward to helping prospective students find the right fit for them, as well as aiding Oregon State University in maintaining its reputation as one of the premier land grant universities in the country.
Jon Calhoun
Vice President
Junior, North Powder, Oregon
Agricultural Business Management
Being from a town barely tipping the scales of 500 residents and from a graduating class of 13 students, the idea of coming to Oregon State University was frightening. When I came to visit the campus, I walked down oak tree and rhododendron filled paths, toured through historical buildings, and conversed with instructors, it was then when I knew the College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University was the college and university for me. I was raised on a Quarter Horse and club lamb ranch in north-eastern Oregon, which is where I established a vibrant love for agriculture, particularly business realm of agriculture. Now a junior dual enrolled at Oregon State University, studying Agricultural Business Management I am actively involved with the Agricultural Executive Council, Collegiate FFA, CAS Leadership Academy, and my fraternity Phi Gamma Delta. In the College of Agricultural Sciences, the instructors and other students are able to provide a hometown feeling granted the sheer size of Oregon State. I feel my experiences here have led to personal and professional growth, and have developed lifelong skills that will aid me in all future endeavors. I am honored to serve as Vice President of the Agricultural Executive Council at one of the finest agricultural institutions in the country; also I hope to be able to serve the College of Agriculture here at OSU for years to come.
Dominique Sabedra
Director of Correspondence
Senior, Eureka, California
Bio Resource Research, option in Animal Reproduction and Development
I grew up in the small town of Eureka, California. Ever since I was a little girl I have been inspired to work with animals. I chose to attend Oregon State University in 2008 because of its well known College of Veterinary Medicine and the beautiful campus that it is located on. Currently, I am a junior in BioResource Research with an option in animal reproduction and development, also working to get a minor in chemistry. Coming to Oregon State, I had never been involved in any aspect of agriculture. Being placed in the College of Agricultural Sciences because of my particular major, I have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people and have been able to get involved and gain knowledge in the realm of agriculture. My goal is to finish up my senior year by giving back to the college that has helped to mold me into the person I have become. I am so grateful for everything that I have learned and the experiences I have had while being here. I hope to finish my career here at OSU with a bang and give back to the college by serving as the Director of Correspondence for the Agricultural Executive Council.
Randie Falleur
Director of Finance
Senior, Gearhart, Oregon
Agricultural Business Management, minor in Animal Sciences
Coming to Oregon State University and being a student in the College of Agricultural Sciences was never a question for me. Sure I applied to other colleges, but I always knew I’d be enrolled in courses here. There are so many opportunities here at Oregon State, not only for College of Ag students, but everyone that is enrolled here. I grew up in a small coastal town in Oregon and was introduced to agricultural before I could walk from my grandfather, Don Falleur. Since then agriculture has not only been something that I want to be involved in, but it has been my life. It has allowed me an immense amount of opportunities. I was involved in the Oregon Junior Angus Association for 11 years and served many positions in the OJAA. I also was played an integral role in my 4-H group. Oregon State University gives students so many options from courses offered to clubs that are involved in a huge variety of aspects in and out of agriculture and that’s what makes Oregon State unique. The College of Agricultural Sciences here at OSU is a like a close knit community and finding help about anything is simple and is certainly not intimidating. I’m glad to be a part of Oregon State University and the College of Agricultural Sciences and am very excited to serve another year as the Agricultural Executive Council Director of Finance. As a member of the council I hope to engage in beneficial relationships with other students and faculty as well as have a fun and exciting year. Go Beavs!!
Christina Lorenz
Director of Public Relations
Senior, Banks, Oregon
Agricultural Sciences, option in Agricultural Education, minor in Animal Sciences
After graduating from Banks High School in 2008, I was excited to begin my college career at a large university. My interest in agriculture and love for beaver sports is what brought me to OSU. I firmly believe that choosing this University was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, the opportunities at Oregon State are endless. When I got here I immediately started getting involved in clubs by joining Collegiate FFA and participating on the Dairy Cattle Judging Team. In addition to that, I served as the 2008 Washington County Fair Ambassador and was the 2009 Washington County Dairy Princess. In 3 short years I have also had the honor of holding other leadership positions on campus. I was chosen to be the New Member Educator of my sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma, was a 2010-2011 Ambassador for Agricultural Sciences Forestry and Natural Resources, was the New Fields Editor for the 2010-2011 Agricultural Executive Council, was a 2011 START orientation leader and I am the Campus Ambassador for AgCareers.com. I am excited to be serving on Ag Exec for another term as the Director of Public Relations!
Ashley Florence
Director of Ag Day
Junior, Hermiston, Oregon
General Agriculture, option in Agricultural Education, minor in Animal Sciences
I grew up in Hermiston, Oregon where I was an active member of the Hermiston FFA chapter throughout high school. I competed in numerous skill contests, as well as, served as vice president for my chapter. My favorite memories in FFA came from showing beef cattle at junior shows and county fairs. I chose Oregon State University because of my passion for agriculture and agriculture education. My major is general agriculture with an animal science minor, and my plan is to become an agriculture teacher. I am currently the CDE Days Coordinator for CFFA at OSU and a member of Kappa Delta sorority. My past leadership positions have helped me grow into the person I am today. My goals for this year for Ag Days are to incorporate all of the colleges at OSU, and to educate the students at OSU to what agriculture is. I’m looking forward to the coming year and I feel confident that we can accomplish our goals.
Danielle Lorenz
Director of New Fields
Sophomore, Banks, Oregon
Animal Sciences
Growing up in the town of Banks Oregon I have always had a strong interest in Agriculture and more specifically livestock. I have competed on horses as long as I can remember and also showed hogs and dairy cattle. I have been involved in 4-h activities, was treasurer of my FFA chapter, and rode on my high school equestrian team. As a junior and senior in high school I also volunteered for the Banks Fire Department, and was a first responder. Choosing Oregon State University was an easy decision for me because it is just over an hour from home and has an amazing agricultural program. My major is Animal science with a communication, leadership, industry, and policy option. In one year at OSU I have grown in so many ways and have become involved in the steer a year club as well as my sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma. Being New Fields Editor I have some new goals for the coming year which include making the blog more consistent, adding club spotlights, and writing about what the Oregon State research facilities are working on around the state.