CFAES Connect: January 2018

President Michael V. Drake presented his State of the University address on January 25th. "Our momentum has never been greater — and we have done the hard work and planning to envision the next meaningful steps in a long tradition of excellence."

Read or watch a video of the speech.

It's a short month but there is so much going on.  Here's a few things we thought you would like.

Support 4-H with the Paper Clover Program at Your Local JOANN Store - February 1 to 28 - Everywhere 
During the month of February, millions of JOANN customers, 4-H members and supporters will have a chance to share their hearts and show their love by equipping local 4-H programs with resources to reach more kids in need.  Support the 4-H Paper Clover Campaign by visiting your local store between February 1 and 28, 2018.  Donate $1 or $4 at purchase, and you'll receive a clover featuring a special Valentine's Day craft from FamilyFun.  With each $4 donation, you'll get $4 off your next purchase.  Learn more here.

CFAES Alumni & Friends Reception - February 1 - Phoenix, Arizona
Join the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences as we gather for a reception to celebrate our college and reconnect with alumni and friends in Phoenix. This event is in partnership with the Ohio Cattlemen's Association and United Producers.  More information and how to RSVP here.  

Wooster Science Cafe - February 1 - Wooster, Ohio
The Wooster Science Cafe invites the public for lively conversation and insights on current science topics - all in plain English!  This month's presentation by Dr. Nathan Crook, Assistant Professor at  Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, is "The Science of Culture: Understanding Who We Are, What We Do, and Why We Do It."  The Science Cafe takes place in the event space above Spoon Market & Deli (144 West Liberty Street in downtown Wooster.)  

Introduction to Beekeeping - February 3 - Defiance, Ohio
Defiance County Extension Office will introduce you to the ins and outs of beekeeping in this one-day class.  Details here.  

Guided Bird Walk At Secrest Arboretum - February 10 - Wooster, Ohio
Members of the Greater Mohican Audubon Society guide birders of all skill levels. Spot birds, learn their calls, and discover their habitats in the arboretum. The walk begins at Seaman Orientation Plaza.  More details here.

Franklin County 4-H Winter Project Fair - February 10 - Columbus, Ohio
Join 4-H educators, volunteers, and youth as they exhibit their 4-H projects, answer questions about their experiences in Franklin County 4-H, and display their passion for the 4-H program. This event is great for current 4-H members and youth interested in 4-H to see examples of 4-H projects.

There will also be hands-on activities led by 4-H youth.   More information available here.

Atlanta Buckeyes Visit the Center for Civil & Human Rights - February 10 - Atlanta, Georgia
Join fellow alumni at the Center for Human and Civil Rights.  You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch catered by Wolfgang Puck, embark on a guided tour of the center, and hear a special presentation on inclusive leadership by two-time alumna Ashley L. Pryor, director of Student Life Social Change at Ohio State. Registration is $15.

Sarasota Buckeyes at the Botanical Garden -  February 11 -Sarasota, Florida
The Ohio State University Alumni Association invites you to experience the living collection of rare tropical plants at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch catered by Michael’s on East, embark on a self-guided tour of the lush gardens, and hear a special presentation on plant pathology by Dr. Randy Rowe, professor emeritus of Ohio State’s Department of Plant Pathology.   Register here.

EPN Breakfast: For the Love of Rivers: Celebrating 50 Years of the Scenic River Act - February 13 - Columbus, Ohio
Join us for breakfast and to learn about Ohio's scenic rivers and the efforts to protect them.  Former Ohio First Lady, Hope Taft, and Bob Gable, Scenic Rivers Program Manager for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will present.  Learn more and register here.    

Buckeye Nation at the Statehouse - February 13 - Columbus, Ohio
Buckeye advocates are invited to meet with Ohio legislators and help ensure that funding for higher education is a priority this legislative session.  More information here. 

Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association Conference - February 15 - 17 - Dayton, Ohio
OSU & CFAES will have a big presence at the conference.  See the list of departments you can catch up with at the event.  

Stone Laboratory’s Winter Program - February 19 - Columbus, Ohio
Join researchers, students, and faculty in getting a glimpse at the accomplishments of Ohio State University’s research facility.  This year’s keynote speaker will be the Director of the Wilma H. Shiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park and Ohio State professor, Dr. Mažeika Sullivan. The event is free and open to the public and will be held at the Longaberger Alumni House in Columbus.  Refreshments will be provided.  Registration and more information available here.  

Stone Lab Night at The Land-Grant Brewing Taproom - February 20 - Columbus, Ohio
Learn about programming at Stone Laboratory and the sustainability initiatives at the Land-Grant Brewing Taproom. Stone Lab staff will be on hand to answer any questions about summer courses, research experiences and the lab in general.  Proceeds from the event will support scholarships and other initiatives at Ohio State’s island campus.

Looking for more to do?  Upcoming events are frequently added to our events page.  

We love to see our alumni out in the world making great things happen.

Here are some recent newsmakers from The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

Raymond Bricker, BS in Animal Science, 1964 - Bricker named 2017 Haymaker of the Year 

Graham Cochran, PhD in Agricultural Education, 2009 - Graham Cochran named associate dean, operations

Dee Jepsen, AS in Livestock Management & Production, BS in Animal Science, MS in Agricultural Education, PhD in Human & Community Resource Development, 1985, 1989, 1997 & 2006 -  Jepsen to lead International Society of Agricultural Safety and Health

Ashley Kasler, AS in Livestock Science, BS in Animal Science, 2012 & 2013 - Kasler joins Farm Bureau staff

Rob & Christy Leeds, BS & MS in Agricultural Edication, 1992 and BS, MS & PhD in Agricultural Education, 1982 & 1997 respectively - Agritourism: Farm Fun and Education 

Tadd Nicholson, BS in Animal Science, 1993 - Ohio grain farmers talk trade and farm bill 

Barbara Nikolajczyk, BS in Animal Sciences, 1985 - Nikolajczyk named Associate Director of Translational Research in the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky

John Schuerman, BS in Agribusiness and Applied Economics, 1997 - 3 Appointments Made to Wood County Boards 

Vincent Valentino, MS in Agricultual, Environmental & Developmental Economics, 2013 - Ohio State graduate helps brew an environmentally friendly beer

Carl Zulauf, BS & MS in Agricultural Economics, 1973 - Ohio grain farmers talk trade and farm bill