May 13, 2004

Ten students will serve as 'Agbassadors'

by K.C. Jaehnig

(Editors, note local names)

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Ten students from Southern Illinois University Carbondale's College of Agricultural Sciences will serve as "Agbassadors" in the 2004-05 school year.

As "ambassadors for agriculture," they will represent their college and recruit new students during information fairs, career days and open houses.

A committee of administrators and students from the college selects these students; field representative Sarah E. Helmers advises them.

The Agbassadors (by hometown) are:

Atkinson: Drew M. DeRiemacker, a junior majoring in plant, soil and agricultural systems with a specialization in agricultural education. DeRiemacker serves as the fundraising committee chairman for Collegiate Future Farmers of America, as reporter for the Agricultural Education Club and belongs to the Agricultural Systems Technology Club. He is the son of Raymond R. DeRiemacker (404 N. Washington St.).

Atlanta: Alicia M. Garcia, a freshman majoring in plant, soil and agricultural systems with a specialization in agricultural education. Garcia, a member of the Agricultural Education Club, also serves as reporter for Collegiate Future Farmers of America. She is the daughter of Dorthy A. Baker (2540 1700 Ave.) and Centerville, Va., resident Michael E. Garcia.

Carlinville: Craig A. Frankford, a freshman majoring in animal science, food and nutrition, with a specialization in animal science. Frankford is vice noble ruler of scholastics for Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity's Beta Alpha chapter. He is the son of Rodney J. and Wendy G. Frankford (23082 Bird Farm Road).

Charleston: Megan A. McCallister, a sophomore in animal science, food and nutrition, with a specialization in dietetics. A returning agbassador and honors student, McCallister is treasurer of Smith (residence) Hall Council, historian of the Pre-Health Professions Association and a member of the SIUC Leadership Council. She is the daughter of Alan D. and Patricia A. McCallister (2249 Cortland Drive).

Dixon and Esmond: Jared-Paul D. Considine, a sophomore majoring in forestry. Considine belongs to the Forestry Club, the Saluki Heritage Interpreters and the SIU Fire Dawgs. He is the son of Dixon resident Dennis H. Considine (1311 Eustace Drive) and Maureen Bechle of Esmond (26560 Goelitz Road).

Fairbury: Kayla D. Power, a sophomore majoring in agribusiness economics and political science. Power, an honors student, belongs to the honor society Gamma Beta Phi, the Skydiving Club and the Newman Center Organization. Her parents are Chuck T. Power and Jeanne K. Power.

Greenville: Jennifer A. Dierkes, a sophomore majoring in agribusiness economics. A returning agbassador, Dierkes serves as vice president of the Agriculture Council and treasurer of the Agribusiness Economics Club, and belongs to Alpha Zeta and Collegiate Future Farmers of America. She is the daughter of Joy Dierkes (1204 A Old National Trail) and Jeff Dierkes of Vandalia (P.O. box listing).

Mulberry Grove: Craig W. Raterman, a junior majoring in agribusiness economics. Raterman serves as assistant recruitment chair for Alpha Gamma Rho, treasurer for the Inter-Fraternity Council and is a member of Alpha Zeta, the Agribusiness Club and the Saluki Drumline. He is the son of Stan and Lois Raterman (R.R. 1).

Pinckneyville: Fahran K.J. Robb, a freshman majoring in plant, soil and agricultural systems with a specialization in agricultural systems. A student life adviser, Robb is a member of the Agricultural Education Club, Collegiate Future Farmers of America and Alpha Lambda Delta national honor society. She is the daughter of Samuel J. and Myrna R. Robb (4590 Wren Road).

Prairie du Rocher: Jamie L. Bartosik, a sophomore majoring in plant, soil and agricultural systems with a specialization in agricultural systems/information. A returning agbassador, Bartosik is also treasurer of the Agricultural Education Club. She is the daughter of Jack L. and Sharon E. Bartosik (1702 McBride Road).

Vandalia: Jennifer A. Dierkes, a sophomore majoring in agribusiness economics. A returning agbassador, Dierkes serves as vice president of the Agriculture Council, treasurer of the Agribusiness Economics Club and belongs to Alpha Zeta and Collegiate Future Farmers of America. She is the daughter of Jeff Dierkes (P.O. box listing) and Joy Dierkes of Greenville (1204 A Old National Trail).