The Agriculture Executive Council will be hosting the annual industry tour April 12 through 14. The tour will be held in Central Oregon, and we are planning to visit many diverse industries within agricultural sciences. Applications are ready to view on the Ag Exec website, and a link is posted on Facebook. We hope to see you all there!
Name and Title:
Melanie Jones, Academic Advisor for Department of Agricultural Sciences
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in southeastern North Carolina, and made my way west when my parents moved to Montana. I ventured even further west to Oregon with my husband almost twelve years ago, so Oregon is “home base” now.
Where did you attend college?
I received my bachelor’s degree from The University of Montana in Missoula, Montana…one of the prettiest places around. I have a master’s degree in education from Oregon State.
What is your favorite college memory?
I have so many fun memories from my undergrad days, in particular. What a fun time in life (enjoy it while you can!). One memory in particular was on a fairly frigid, though spring day in Missoula. There was a very large home-made, slightly controversial “peace sign” at the top of one of the in-town mountains with a hiking trail leading to it. I hiked a fair amount around Missoula, but this was my first visit to the “peace sign” (often on first year students’ must do list). Once we made it to the top, we sat and took in the views and budding spring flowers around us. It was a really amazing view; you could see five valleys converging into Missoula from that spot, and the sun was setting. Just a great way to spend time with friends! The sign got removed after I graduated: http://www.missoulapeacesign.com/
What do you like most about OSU?
I’ve been at OSU since 2004 when I started grad school. What struck me as a grad student, and remains true as an employee is the amount of caring professionals, faculty members, and students in this community. I’ve seen many people go above and beyond the call of duty to check up on a student, advocate on a student’s behalf, or ensure changes were made or in progress that benefit student experiences. You don’t find that everywhere, especially on a large campus. This culture inspires me, and is in line with my own personal style in working with students.
What kind of transportation did you use in college?
I had a hand-me down old brown, Subaru wagon (great mountain car). I passed it down to one of my younger sisters – it just wouldn’t die!
What is your favorite agricultural commodity?
My husband is a chef, so I am the lucky recipient of a lot of great meals and treats. I suppose for this reason, I’d say wheat – it is the foundation of many of his homemade breads, pizza dough, & cookies.
What is something you enjoy doing in your free time?
I have young kids, so I don’t have a lot of true free time… more family time. We enjoy reading, art, gardening, biking and walks, going to the pool, and anything and everything outside once the rains subside.
Do you have any advice for students in the college of agricultural sciences?
I’ve only been with agricultural sciences since the start of winter term, but I have seen how friendly, easy to talk to, and proactive the faculty and advisors are. Related, my advice would be to take advantage of conversations with resources (advisors and instructors) early in your career. I was once in a meeting with a student and a professor, and the prof asked the student what she hoped to do in the future. Turns out, the prof knew a contact in the industry the student was interested in, and immediately linked the student to a job resource. Conversations can lead to strong leads and connections whether for volunteering, an internship, or employment. Take advantage of what is around you!
The Agricultural Executive Council hosted their Annual CAS dance Friday, February 22. The event was themed “Barn Dance” and open to all students within the College of Agricultural Sciences. Dinner began the evening and consisted of a pulled pork dinner followed by Swing dancing, the Cha Cha, Two-step, Line dance, and Schottische. The Country Western Dance Club helped provide music and instruction for dances throughout the evening. There was a great turnout and we would like to thank all of the students who attended. Pictured below is the winning centerpiece for the competition, presented by the PEAC Club.
The National Society of Black Engineers is presenting an Interviewing Skills Workshop on Tuesday, February 26th. This is a great opportunity to learn interviewing skills and impress potential employers. The workshop will be at 6:00 pm in Covell 216. For more information, please contact Nathan Okorly.
Email: okorleyn@onid.orst.edu, Carolyn.killefer@oregonstate.edu.
The Winter Career Fair will be this week Wednesday, February 27 (University Wide) and Thursday February 28, (Engineering). Students will be able to make networking connections and learn about jobs and internships. The event will be held in the CH2M Hill Alumni Center. For more information please visit the career website, or contact Jen Busick Stewart.
Email: jennifer.busick@oregonstate.edu
Website: oregonstate.edu/career/career-fairs
Collegiate 4-H is adopting a soldier and needs student help to collect items. There are several items possible to donate including snacks, stationary, envelopes, toiletries, DVD’s, CD’s, games, inflatable pillows, and long distance phone cards. Everyone is welcome to donate items and there are boxes in the Withycombe student lounge, and Ballard second floor computer lab. The last day to turn in items will be Wednesday, February 27 and please contact Mandi Carlson with any questions.
Email: Carlsoam@onid.orst.edu
The Dairy Club will be hosting their bi-annual Beaver Classic Sale March 2, at the Oldfield Animal Teaching Pavilion. The sale is the club’s biggest fundraising event and consists of 40+ high quality dairy heifers as well an embryo packages. The money raised at the sale will go towards an endowment fund that will allow for students to participate in dairy related activities. These activities include the dairy challenge contest participation, judging teams, as well as membership in the American Dairy Science Association. Everyone is welcome to attend with dinner beginning at 6pm and the sale shortly after at 7pm. Please come out to show your support for the Dairy club and if you have any questions please view the facebook event page or contact Hayden Bush or Jessica Budge.
Email: dairyclub@oregonstate.edu
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/182914208515152/?fref=ts
MANNRS will be hosting Weyerhaeuser representatives at their next general meeting February 13. The representatives will be discussing internship and employment opportunities, and all students are welcome to attend. The meeting will be held in STAG 203 at 5:30pm. If you have any questions please view the company website or contact MANNRS.
Company website: http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/
Email: mannrs@oregonstate.edu
President Ed Ray spoke on behalf of Oregon State University at the State of the University Address, which was held January 31, 2013 at the Hilton Portland and Executive Center. He emphasized that the achievements of OSU and the promising future were a direct result of the incredible staff, faculty, students, alumni, administrators, and donors. More than ever, it is essential that there is a true commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in the state of Oregon, nationally and internationally. President Ray focused on five key points in which Oregon State University is prepared to address the future. These points include the financial state of the university, decisions regarding enrollment in the future, the university’s commitment to excellence, the exponential growth of the university’s research and Oregon State’s impact on innovation and discovery across the world, and the remarkable accomplishment we are realizing because of the Campaign for OSU. There were over 500 distinguished alumni and donors in attendance at the event, as well as 24 students selected for the opportunity. Among the students selected were Agricultural Executive Council officers Jon Calhoun and Derek Burbank, and Ambassadors for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Meg Johnston and Jessica Budge. To read more on the Address please follow the link below.
http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2013/jan/osu-president-ray-announces-major-gifts-outlines-other-successes
The Botany and Plant Pathology Club will be hosting a spring break trip to the Siskiyou Mountain Range, Redwoods National Park, and the Oregon National Caves this year. Students will have the opportunity to botanize rare endangered species, explore the Redwoods, and see amazing places along the way. The trip is open to students and will provide free transportation, entrance fees, and dinner meals. For more information and to see a trip itinerary please contact Laura.
MANNRS will be hosting their 8th annual community service event, Career Wardrobe Makeover on February 7. The event provides the OSU community with an opportunity to purchase professional dress at an affordable cost. There will also be a workshop provided that will educate students on the appropriate attire and behavior in an interview setting. Donated business apparel and accessories will be accepted, and is tax deductible. Everyone is welcome, and the event will take place in the Memorial Union Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 3p.m.
For more information please contact:
Wanda Crannell: 541-737-2999
mannrs@oregonstate.edu