Who in the world is the CFAES Alumni Society Board?

Brutus Sandiego

The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Alumni Society Board represents the voice of all alumni of the college. The board serves as a resource for all relations between college alumni and The Ohio State University Alumni Association and has representatives from every academic department, every region of Ohio, from out of state, and from the last three graduating classes. The group meets quarterly in addition to holding events throughout the year.

Get to know a few of our board members each month.

Ellen Zimmerman, Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) Representative 

’14 BSAGR Agricultural Communication

Director, Internal Communications and Member Engagement, American Seed Trade Association 

Ellen ZimmermanQ: Tell us a bit about what you like to do when you are not at work.

A: One of my hobbies is getting certified in all sorts of things! Some are useful, like FranklinCovey and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator facilitation. Some things are just for fun, like being a scuba diver and ordained minister (I have performed two weddings and will do my third this September). I also love to read, listen to podcasts, and TRAVEL! I travel a lot for work but take advantage of opportunities to see the world with my husband. We will be going to Spain in May!

Q: What is your favorite thing about being on the CFAES Board? 

A: My favorite thing about the board is the opportunity to stay connected to the college, interact with students, and get to work with other alumni.

Q: Tell us anything else that you would like to share with your fellow alums.

A: Currently, I am the president of the ACEL alumni board and the vice chair of the AFA (Agriculture Future of America). 

Mary Buehler, Class of 2020 Representative 

’20 BSAGR Agribusiness and Applied Economics 

Illinois Farm Bureau, Youth and Collegiate Program Coordinator

Mary BuehlerQ: Tell us a bit about what you like to do when you are not at work. 

A: Having uprooted myself from my Ohio hometown to move to Illinois to start my first career during the pandemic, I’ve recently acquired some new hobbies that take up the better part of my nonworking time. Many of my days include trying to harness train my newly adopted cat, Melon, or exploring new parts of my local community by bike. I really enjoy perusing estate sales with my fiancé, Matthew, as we daydream about the possibilities of our future home that we’re currently on the hunt for. I eagerly await any opportunity to try a new coffee shop, road trip, or venture back to Ohio to catch up with family and friends around a campfire.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being on the CFAES Board? 

A: It is inspiring to join together with fellow alumni and hear how CFAES has made such a lasting impression in their life. Each person has their own story of what made the difference for them. My favorite part of serving on the CFAES Board is to help provide opportunities to have these reflective conversations while also promoting the betterment of the college for generations to come.