The Last Time Around

Senior Year holds several  "last time" events, such as: my first last day of school on campus, my last time as a student at UKAg Round Up, my last semester as a CAFE Ambassador, my last semester to pull all- nighters with friends in the Ag North Lobby studying, and my last time going to CSF to get pancakes at midnight to take a break from studying for finals. Thinking about all of these things that I will do for the last time this semester makes me a little emotional. It is so hard to believe that my time here at UK as a student and ambassador in the College of Agriculture, Food and the Environment  is coming to a close in a few short months.

            The thought of senior year brings up all these "last time" events, but because of a bold step that myself and 26 other girls took last year I also had a "first time" experience this semester which I will always be grateful for. The Beta Omicron chapter of Sigma Alpha Professional Sorority for Women in Agriculture was activated March 23rd, 2013. I was blessed enough to be a charter member with 26 other brave and wonderful girls.

            Last week we held our "first" rush to find the alpha class membership candidates to help grow our organization. The numerous bonds that were created and strengthened last week is a true testament to what this organization has done for me in the few months that I have been a member. I'm blessed that I had an amazing leader ask me to be a part of this group and I will continue to talk to girls about the wonderful things personally and professionally that this organization will do for women in agriculture.

            My first and last time events will continue throughout these next few months and they will be nothing short of amazing, just like my career here in the College of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment. I am thankful for all of the "first" and "last time" events that this College and University have been a part of because it has played a huge role in the forming of the woman I have become. 

Gabrielle is a senior from Gamaliel, Kentucky.  She is majoring in Career & Technical Education and will student teach in the spring.

A Homecoming for UKAg

School is officially in full swing and all the students are back to their busy lives. This past week has been no exception. Ag Roundup is the biggest event of the year for the College of Agriculture. Many of you are probably wondering what Ag Roundup is. Ag Roundup is a series of events hosted by the College of Agriculture Ag and HES Alumni Association that all include great food and socialization.  

UK President, Dr. Eli Capilouto, addressed students at Roundup. 

The event began on Wednesday with Staff Appreciation Day. Thursday was one of the biggest days of the week, with the Lexington Rotary Club and prospective students coming to campus for the day. Students were greeted by Ag Ambassadors who were able to answer questions and give tours of campus. Student speakers entertained the Rotary Club while lunch was served by the Block and Bridle club. Friday of Roundup week is Leadership Day. Legislative leaders, public officials and college leaders from around the state come to campus to enjoy the day with other leaders and students. Other events that occur during Ag Round Up include reunions for different majors within the College of Agriculture and HES, as well as an Ag Ambassador Reunion and AGR and Farmhouse Fraternities reunions.  Finally, Saturday is considered the ”Homecoming of the College of Agriculture.”   Alumni from the College of Ag and HES come to Lexington to enjoy a day of fellowship and fun with other College of Agriculture graduates and friends.

UK Ag Ambassadors enjoying the meal on Saturday.

Ag Roundup is a great time for staff, faculty, leaders and alumni to come together and reunite; but, it is also a great time for students to network and meet prospective employers. It is a time to sell yourself to alumni that might be interested in hiring you for a job one day. The UK Ag and HES Alumni Association does so much for students of the College of Agriculture, and this is a time for us to show our appreciation and learn from them and their journeys as past students. Ag Roundup is a hectic week for students involved, but it really pays off in the end because of the fun and memories made with other students and College alumni.

 

Kelsey, pictured on the left, is a first year ambassador from East Liberty, Ohio.  She is a Community & Leadership Development sophomore.  She is involved with UK Block & Bridle and is a UK 101 peer mentor.

UKAg Roundup: The Senior Perspective

UK's #SeeBlue Door of Opportunity

Throughout last week, a busy bustle stirred around the College of Agriculture as students, faculty, community leaders, and alumni gathered to celebrate our annual event, Roundup.  This event is a time for fellowship for those with a passion for the University of Kentucky and the College of Agriculture.  Reunions are held where memories will be shared and new students will enter our facilities to see where new memories will be made.   

As a senior this year, I have taken a step back to cherish each moment of this event and to soak up the prestige and family atmosphere that runs deep throughout the college.  Whether it be hanging out with a professor that was teaching me in a classroom setting earlier that morning, quizzing an alumni member to find out how campus has changed, spending quality time with my peers, or eating delicious food,  this is an experience and a place that I am so proud to say that I am a part of.  Being able to communicate with so many people that you may have never met before, but share the same since of pride with, creates an instant bond and is overall personally rewarding.  As students, we are so fortunate to have an opportunity such as this to network with others in a laid back and fun atmosphere.  I challenge each and every student within the college to participate in Roundup in the years to come and to reap the benefits whether small or large.   

Overall, I look forward to returning each year as an alumni member to reminisce and to sing the fight song just as I do now.  For others, I hope you get to experience the same feelings and excitements when it comes to the College of Agriculture that I do and always continue to SeeBlue.  Go CATS!    

  

Sara Kate is a senior studying Food Science.  She is from Hickman, KY.  Sara Kate is member of Alpha Delta Pi & an Ag Ambassador.   

  

Fall semester is underway- and there's lots to do!

It’s that wonderful time of year again!  Cars packed full of things, mom and dad eager to drop their child off, and students ready to start their journey full of independence and individuality.  The official new student move-in day for UK was Saturday, August 18.  Campus was buzzing with new students, parents, and returning students eager to help move-in the incoming freshman.   On Sunday, returning students moved into their dorms as well.  All in all, everyone is now settled into their apartments and dorms ready to start or continue their UK journey. 

Wednesday arrived and it was the first day of classes.  Campus was lively with students hustling to find their classes and relieved once they found their room and a seat.  It was great seeing friends and professors again, as well as meeting new students.

                One of the things I love about being back at school is football games.  It’s not a complete UK experience until you’ve attended a football game.  The aroma of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, playin’ corn hole, friends and families gathered, is an atmosphere you can’t resist! One of my favorite things about attending football games is standing in the student section.  I love being beside the band and shouting cheers at the top of your lungs.  The next morning, your ears will ring a little and you probably won’t have a voice, but it’s so worth it!

                Another great event in the College of Ag is the Student/Faculty/Staff Picnic being held next week as part of UK Ag Roundup.  It is for new and returning students and is free to attend.  It’s a great way to meet College of Ag students and you can meet your professors on a more personal level too.  There’s free food and there’s also a raffle with cool prizes you can win.  Last year I won a College of Ag sweatshirt and I wear it all the time!  Tickets for the picnic can be picked up in Ag North or Erikson Hall. 

                Once again, welcome back everyone!  I hope everyone has a fantastic semester. Go Big Blue!

 Erin is a sophomore majoring in Equine Science & Management.  She is from Cary, North Carolina.  Erin is an avid photographer and has future career plans of being an equine surgeon and horse racing photographer.  She is in her first year as a College of Agriculture Ambassador.