May 07, 2008

Agriculture college chooses 'Agbassadors'

by K.C. Jaehnig

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale's College of Agricultural Sciences has chosen 14 "Agbassadors" to represent their college in the 2008-2009 school year and recruit new students during information fairs, career days and open houses.

College administrators and students select these students each year. Kristy A. Bender, the college coordinator of recruitment, retention and placement, serves as the group's adviser.

The Agbassadors (by hometown) are:

Altamont: Kristin W. Heiden, a sophomore in animal science. Heiden serves as vice president of the Pre-veterinary Society Club and belongs to the Dairy Club. Her parents are David L. and Elizabeth L. Heiden.

Ancona: Jenna R. Wicks, a sophomore in plant, soil and agricultural systems specializing in agricultural education. A returning Agbassador, she also serves as treasurer of the Agricultural Student Advisory Council and as president of Sigma Alpha agricultural sorority. Her parents are Rex E. and Jill A. Wicks.

Arthur: Laura M. Jurgens, a sophomore in food and nutrition specializing in hospitality and tourism administration. Jurgens serves as treasurer of the Hospitality and Tourism Association and as event coordinator for the Agricultural Student Advisory Council. She also works as a University Park resident assistant. Her parents are Stephen K. and Joyce E. Jurgens.

Chicago: Jessica O. Smith, a junior in food and nutrition specializing in human nutrition and dietetics. Smith serves as president of the SIUC chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences and as national undergraduate vice president for the group's Region V. In addition, she belongs to the Student Nutritional Academic Council and the Black Women's Task Force. Her parents are Darryl M. and Janyth M. Smith.

Flora: Leslie R. Frost, a sophomore in plant, soil and agricultural systems. A returning Agbassador, Frost serves as public relations and rush chair for Sigma Alpha agricultural sorority and as education chair for the Agriculture Student Advisory Council. Her parents are Terry D. and Sandra R. Frost.

Marion: Todd L. Marlo, a sophomore in animal science, food and nutrition specializing in pre-veterinary medicine and science. He serves as president of the Pre-Veterinary Society Club, as vice president of Alpha Zeta (an agricultural fraternity) and belongs to honor societies Alpha Lambda Delta and Sigma Alpha Lambda. Marlo's parents are Joseph L. and June R. Marlo.

Metamora: Corinne E. Schaidle, a junior in agribusiness economics. She belongs to the SIUC chapter of Collegiate FFA. Her parents are Kent R. and Janice E. Mellendorf.

Normal: Jessica L. Pyritz, a junior in plant, soil and agricultural systems. She belongs to the Horticulture Club, serves as treasurer of the University's Tennis Club and is a member of the Newman Catholic Student Center's student ministry team. Her parents are Dale F. and Susan L. Schaidle.

Murphysboro: Jessica A. Grammer, a junior in plant, soil and agricultural systems. A returning Agbassador, she serves as treasurer, fundraising chair and multicultural Greek Council chair for Sigma Alpha agricultural sorority and as research chair for the Agricultural Student Advisory Council. Her parents are Chuck and Kim Grammer.

Newton: Kristin L. Woods, a sophomore in plant, soil and agricultural systems. A Presidential Scholar, she also belongs to Collegiate FFA and Alpha Lambda Delta, an honor society. Woods' parents are Paul D. and Laura M. Woods.

Paxton: Austin J. Edwards, a sophomore majoring in agribusiness economics. A student life adviser, he also belongs to the agriculture fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho and the Agribusiness Economics Club. He is the son of Kurt E. and Julia A. Edwards.

Seneca: Sarah J. Timmons, a freshman in plant, soil and agricultural systems specializing in agricultural education. She is sisterhood chair for Sigma Alpha agricultural sorority and also belongs to Collegiate FFA. Her parents are Randall G. and Rhonda L. Timmons.

Sorento: Amanda R. Lawson, a junior in animal science, food and nutrition. A returning Agbassador, she serves as president of the Agricultural Student Advisory Council, scholarship and leadership chair for Sigma Alpha agricultural sorority and as historian for the Block and Bridle Club. She also belongs to Collegiate FFA and Alpha Zeta agricultural fraternity. Her parents are Ronald L. and Shirley E. Lawson.

Vermont: Daniel J. O'Hern, a junior in forestry. A returning Agbassador, he also belongs to the Society of American Foresters. O'Hern's parents are Larry J. and Kelley A. O'Hern.

Villa Grove: Kathleen E. Carmack, a junior in plant, soil and agricultural systems. A returning Agbassador, she serves as secretary of both the Agricultural Student Advisory Council and Sigma Alpha agricultural sorority. Her parents are John and Janet Carmack.