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CFAES Alumni Magazine

News from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

CFAES

Coming home

Coming home

By tracy turner

As the cornerstone college of our comprehensive land-grant university, CFAES is also where 47,000-plus graduates call home, many of whom choose to stay connected. For some, it’s the value their degree has had in their life and careers. For others, it’s the connections they’ve made and want to maintain. For many, it’s the strides our college continues to accomplish. But there’s one thing CFAES grads have in common: a shared belief that together we are stronger.

Here’s why some of your fellow alumni chose to be Buckeyes for life. 

Maudine the cow, named Ohio State Homecoming Queen in 1926.

The most valuable aspect of my time at CFAES was the opportunity to create a lifelong network of friends, mentors, and professionals. In 1979, the university seemed like an awfully big place to a young person with a remote and rural background, but I found my home at CFAES. My degree, coupled with my experiences at CFAES, has helped open doors in my career. I am fortunate that in my career working for Ohio’s beef industry, a close connection with the university is important and benefits the industry. But it is also a connection that I embrace and could not imagine not having. The continuous learning opportunities available through Ohio State University Extension, CFAES faculty, and other programs are also reasons for staying connected.

– ELIZABETH HARSH ’83 Executive director, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Ohio Beef Council, Ohio State trustee

I could not have had the career I’ve had without my degree. The work at CFAES has real-world relevance. It is how I became an advocate for research and science that changes people’s lives for the better. I’ve stayed connected to CFAES because of the fine work generated there. CFAES is one of the strongest agricultural departments nationwide, and I am proud to be an alumna and a Buckeye!

– SALLY ROCKEY, ’85, ’82, ’80 Owner, Rockey Consulting

My degree and my continued connection with CFAES mean so much to me because they gave me the opportunity to have this unique journey—an animal sciences major who ended up in human medicine, which worked out great! The specialty in medicine I chose and the areas of research and teaching that appealed to me for my career all connect from my years at CFAES. Ohio State allowed me to succeed and to experience an incredible education.

– DAVID ADAMKIN, ’70 Professor emeritus of pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine 

Being a part of Multicultural Students in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) allowed me to connect with students who looked like me and build long-lasting relationships. I’ve stayed connected to ensure that students behind me are successful. I served on the CFAES Alumni Society Board of Directors, which allowed me to be connected and promote alumni affairs. It’s always good talking with alumni and students, and sharing college memories, especially the ones where we beat that Team Up North!

– ADISA AARONS, ’09 Field engineer, City of Atlanta 

t’s important to stay connected to CFAES because it’s your connection to the past with the rich history of our university 
and college, your connection to the present in current agricultural issues and education, and your connection to the future in our current students. As I take on each new season of life, it is both exciting and rewarding to see how CFAES grows and evolves to serve Ohio agriculture.

– STACIE ANDERSON, ’11, ’09 Agronomy sales manager, Legacy Farmers Cooperative

Historic Homecoming Parade image.

The most valuable aspect of my time in CFAES was building meaningful connections. I’ve chosen to stay connected to CFAES because it is home. I believe that home is not a place but a feeling, and CFAES gave me a sense of belonging. It is where I developed into the food scientist and professional I am today, and I want to continue learning how CFAES is evolving the world through research.

– PHILIP EBERLY, ’21 Graduate research assistant, University of Wisconsin-Madison 

The most valuable aspects of my time in CFAES as a student became (a) that it taught me how little I know and thus how easy it is to be wrong and (b) that questions are more important than answers. My student experiences in CFAES made me realize what a privilege it is to study the wonders of the world and how important the search for excellence is in exploring this privilege. I’ve stayed connected to assist students with the financial cost to participate in the policy environment in Washington, D.C.— the objective of an endowed CFAES scholarship fund I have established. It’s also to thank my parents for their encouragement and support.

– CARL ZULAUF, ’73  Professor emeritus, CFAES Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics

My CFAES degree helped me hone my critical thinking skills and view the world in a way that is solution-based and inclusive. I was always taught that we get nowhere alone. Because I had help from my community, it is important for me to also reach back and help others. So, I continue to stay connected to CFAES to help current and potential students.

– YOLANDA OWENS, ’07 CFAES Pathways and Partnerships strategist

My CFAES advisor pushed me to go out of my element with meeting new people and staying engaged in college activities, which made me feel more connected on a campus as large as Ohio State. For me, connectivity is a continuous process of learning. I think we aren’t meant to live life alone, and the CFAES family is/was a family away from home. I like that I am still connected to that aspect of my history.

– AMBER HOWARD, ’09 IT business analyst, Cleveland Clinic 

At CFAES, I was exposed to multiple professional development opportunities, which helped prepare me for my career. I’m a lifetime learner, so being able to actively learn and then write about what I learned is my “passion project.” I enjoy staying up to date on the latest news and information in agriculture, and CFAES has some of the best researchers and folks in the agricultural business.

BRIANNA GWIRTZ, ’18 Marketing manager, Certified Angus Beef 

I was able to learn and obtain a CFAES business degree without the competitive stressors of traditional business schools. It’s important for me to stay connected to CFAES because of the impact the college had on me as a student and a person. I grew so much during my time in CFAES, and because of those experiences, I’ve continued to grow. It’s only right that I stay connected and give back.

SIMON’E LIGHTFOOT, ’06 Chief operating officer, Agape Care

December 19, 2022 - 1:32pm -- moser.26@osu.edu
Authors: 
tracy turner
Body: 

As the cornerstone college of our comprehensive land-grant university, CFAES is also where 47,000-plus graduates call home, many of whom choose to stay connected. For some, it’s the value their degree has had in their life and careers. For others, it’s the connections they’ve made and want to maintain. For many, it’s the strides our college continues to accomplish. But there’s one thing CFAES grads have in common: a shared belief that together we are stronger.

Here’s why some of your fellow alumni chose to be Buckeyes for life. 

Maudine the cow, named Ohio State Homecoming Queen in 1926.

The most valuable aspect of my time at CFAES was the opportunity to create a lifelong network of friends, mentors, and professionals. In 1979, the university seemed like an awfully big place to a young person with a remote and rural background, but I found my home at CFAES. My degree, coupled with my experiences at CFAES, has helped open doors in my career. I am fortunate that in my career working for Ohio’s beef industry, a close connection with the university is important and benefits the industry. But it is also a connection that I embrace and could not imagine not having. The continuous learning opportunities available through Ohio State University Extension, CFAES faculty, and other programs are also reasons for staying connected.

– ELIZABETH HARSH ’83 Executive director, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Ohio Beef Council, Ohio State trustee

I could not have had the career I’ve had without my degree. The work at CFAES has real-world relevance. It is how I became an advocate for research and science that changes people’s lives for the better. I’ve stayed connected to CFAES because of the fine work generated there. CFAES is one of the strongest agricultural departments nationwide, and I am proud to be an alumna and a Buckeye!

– SALLY ROCKEY, ’85, ’82, ’80 Owner, Rockey Consulting

My degree and my continued connection with CFAES mean so much to me because they gave me the opportunity to have this unique journey—an animal sciences major who ended up in human medicine, which worked out great! The specialty in medicine I chose and the areas of research and teaching that appealed to me for my career all connect from my years at CFAES. Ohio State allowed me to succeed and to experience an incredible education.

– DAVID ADAMKIN, ’70 Professor emeritus of pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine 

Being a part of Multicultural Students in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) allowed me to connect with students who looked like me and build long-lasting relationships. I’ve stayed connected to ensure that students behind me are successful. I served on the CFAES Alumni Society Board of Directors, which allowed me to be connected and promote alumni affairs. It’s always good talking with alumni and students, and sharing college memories, especially the ones where we beat that Team Up North!

– ADISA AARONS, ’09 Field engineer, City of Atlanta 

t’s important to stay connected to CFAES because it’s your connection to the past with the rich history of our university 
and college, your connection to the present in current agricultural issues and education, and your connection to the future in our current students. As I take on each new season of life, it is both exciting and rewarding to see how CFAES grows and evolves to serve Ohio agriculture.

– STACIE ANDERSON, ’11, ’09 Agronomy sales manager, Legacy Farmers Cooperative

Historic Homecoming Parade image.

The most valuable aspect of my time in CFAES was building meaningful connections. I’ve chosen to stay connected to CFAES because it is home. I believe that home is not a place but a feeling, and CFAES gave me a sense of belonging. It is where I developed into the food scientist and professional I am today, and I want to continue learning how CFAES is evolving the world through research.

– PHILIP EBERLY, ’21 Graduate research assistant, University of Wisconsin-Madison 

The most valuable aspects of my time in CFAES as a student became (a) that it taught me how little I know and thus how easy it is to be wrong and (b) that questions are more important than answers. My student experiences in CFAES made me realize what a privilege it is to study the wonders of the world and how important the search for excellence is in exploring this privilege. I’ve stayed connected to assist students with the financial cost to participate in the policy environment in Washington, D.C.— the objective of an endowed CFAES scholarship fund I have established. It’s also to thank my parents for their encouragement and support.

– CARL ZULAUF, ’73  Professor emeritus, CFAES Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics

My CFAES degree helped me hone my critical thinking skills and view the world in a way that is solution-based and inclusive. I was always taught that we get nowhere alone. Because I had help from my community, it is important for me to also reach back and help others. So, I continue to stay connected to CFAES to help current and potential students.

– YOLANDA OWENS, ’07 CFAES Pathways and Partnerships strategist

My CFAES advisor pushed me to go out of my element with meeting new people and staying engaged in college activities, which made me feel more connected on a campus as large as Ohio State. For me, connectivity is a continuous process of learning. I think we aren’t meant to live life alone, and the CFAES family is/was a family away from home. I like that I am still connected to that aspect of my history.

– AMBER HOWARD, ’09 IT business analyst, Cleveland Clinic 

At CFAES, I was exposed to multiple professional development opportunities, which helped prepare me for my career. I’m a lifetime learner, so being able to actively learn and then write about what I learned is my “passion project.” I enjoy staying up to date on the latest news and information in agriculture, and CFAES has some of the best researchers and folks in the agricultural business.

BRIANNA GWIRTZ, ’18 Marketing manager, Certified Angus Beef 

I was able to learn and obtain a CFAES business degree without the competitive stressors of traditional business schools. It’s important for me to stay connected to CFAES because of the impact the college had on me as a student and a person. I grew so much during my time in CFAES, and because of those experiences, I’ve continued to grow. It’s only right that I stay connected and give back.

SIMON’E LIGHTFOOT, ’06 Chief operating officer, Agape Care