The College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University is Oregon's principal source of knowledge relating to agricultural and food systems, and a major source of knowledge regarding environmental quality, natural resources, life sciences, and rural economies and communities worldwide. The College provides undergraduate and graduate education leading to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, and extended education programs throughout Oregon and beyond. Its research programs create knowledge to solve problems and to build a knowledge base for the future. It is a source of information and expertise in integrating and applying knowledge with benefits that are felt in domestic and international settings.
Fall 2023
Volume XIV, Issue 4
A Note of Gratitude to Donors
The College of Agricultural Sciences provides students with so many opportunities to learn, discover and engage. In fact, as they step into the future, CAS students take a wonderful toolkit of acquired skills and talents with them into the world of work.
One key tool that will only become more and more useful to graduates in years to come is an awareness of the cultural richness that surrounds them. No matter their professional pursuit, young people will increasingly want to be and need to be adept at crossing cultural bridges.
In fact, becoming globally aware while a student can be life-changing.
That’s why the Global Experience Fund (GEF) was established a few years ago. The Fund provides critical support to those students, especially low-resourced students, who want that all-important “passport experience.”
Fast forward…With help from so many folks during and beyond Dam Proud Day, and in partnership with The E. R. Jackman Friends and Alumni, the GEF has grown considerably. My dream is that in the coming years, we’ll see a robust GEF Endowment that will offer such important support in perpetuity.
So, this is my very big and heartfelt thanks to every donor who has supported or who will support students by contributing to the GEF. I firmly believe that by offering such generous gifts, you are helping to build a better world.
Hiram Larew
Establisher of the Global Experience Fund
Make a donation to the Global Experience Fund
Student Awards
Embracing Culture and Global Agricultural Leadership Initiatives
For MANRRS Region VI Undergraduate Student Vice President, Victoria Flores Parra, a senior-standing student in Animal Sciences major, this has been a busy term. She attended the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) “Building the Next Generation of Leaders in Agriculture” hosted by the North American Agriculture Advisory Network (NAAAN), Oct. 17-19 in Denver, CO. As a study abroad participant in two CAS Faculty-Led programs, Victoria was able to share her experiences from Mexico and New Zealand. Also attending, GFRAS, Dave Stone, CAS Associate Dean for International Programs, had to say about Victoria, “Such a stellar person.”
She then was selected by National SACNAS as C.O.L.O.R. scholar and attended the National Diversity in STEM Conference in Portland, OR, Oct. 25-28, 2023. With little respite between, she heads off this week to MANRRS Region VI Cluster Workshop in Las Vegas, NV, Nov. 10-12, with 16 OSU students. As a National MANRRS Officer, Victoria will be organizing contests, serving as emcee, and assisting with overall workshop organizing.
“Victoria is an outstanding leader, mentor and role model for both MANRRS and SACNAS Chapter members. She leads with professionalism, and organization. She continually strives to provide culturally-responsive representation in our region and nationally.” Clarisa Caballero-Ignacio, OSU MANRRS and SACNAS Chapter Advisor, CAS Coordinator of Student Outreach and Retention.
Two OSU Chapter students: Jimena Caballero Ignacio, SACNAS Chapter President, and Victoria Flores Parra, received Chapter Officer Leadership October Retreat (C.O.L.O.R.) scholarships and attended a full day of leadership building with other scholars from across the country at the NDiSTEM, the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event in the U.S. Over the course of the conference, college-level through professional attendees become immersed in cutting-edge STEM research, professional development sessions, motivational keynote speakers, and the Graduate School & Career Expo Hall, as well as multicultural celebrations in a broadly inclusive space that encourages and empowers participants to bring their whole selves to STEM.
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Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Communications (ASNRC) Pioneer
The College of Agricultural Sciences welcomed its first Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Communications (ASNRC) master student this fall quarter. The Department of Agricultural Education & Agricultural Sciences is thrilled to have Michelle Borges as a graduate student, where she will be studying education opportunities and communication strategies in Oregon agritourism. Michelle graduated from California State University Chico where she majored in agriculture science with an option in agricultural communication and leadership with minors in agriculture business and public relations. “I am looking forward to meeting new people, expanding my education, and building a sense of community in Oregon. I am excited to start a new chapter of my life at Oregon State University!” said Michelle.
“Since arriving in September, Michelle has worked on video projects, content creation, printing/graphic projects, and connected with multiple individuals working in the communications sector of the agriculture industry,” shared ASNRC Assistant Professor Dr. Whitney Stone, who will be serving as Michelle’s graduate advisor. “She also has organized the creation of OSU’s inaugural Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow Club (ACT) chapter and recently had her social media analysis research abstract accepted to be presented as a poster in the National Agricultural Communications Symposium this February in Atlanta, Georgia. She is extremely talented and passionate about serving the agricultural industry and we are ecstatic to have her as our first ASNRC graduate student!”