Commentary:
A holiday 'thank you' from CAFNR students

by Aimee Gutshall, posted Dec. 16, 2009

The holiday season is here, and we will soon be celebrating Christmas. For many of us that means family dinners, decorating, baking Christmas goodies, hanging Christmas lights, and buying gifts. As I reflected on the idea of Christmas and giving thanks, it seemed appropriate to express gratitude for the CAFNR professors and staff who make a difference in their students' lives.

As I talked with students, I asked them to tell me about a CAFNR professor or staff member who has had a positive impact on their lives. It was a humbling experience to hear students speak so highly of CAFNR faculty and staff.

I think it’s important for the CAFNR "family" to know that, even though it might not be obvious in our everyday interactions, we do appreciate what they are doing. So here are just a few comments students wanted to share:

“I would have to say that Dr. Terry is one of my favorite teachers," said Holly Bellis, agricultural education senior. “He's kind of like my dad on campus because I can go to him with any kind of question or concern, and I know that he is always there to give me the best of advice. Overall, I consider him my favorite because he goes above and beyond the role of a professor.”

“Dr. Terry has really made a difference in my MU career,” said Jared Henderson, agricultural education major.  “Any time I have had a question, or just needed to talk some things out, his office has always been open. What impresses me the most is the genuine concern he has for all the students he meets, just taking the time to learn every student's name in his classes shows what a dedicated teacher he is.  After the time I have spent here at MU, I really see Dr. Terry as a mentor, and not just one of my professors.”

“One of the most influential professors I have had in CAFNR was Dr. Fabio Chaddad,” said Wendy Howell, agribusiness management senior. “In his Economics of Managerial Decision Making class, I learned so much useful information and how to apply it to everyday business activities. He made every day in class interesting and has been one of the only professors to be able to keep my attention the entire hour and fifteen minutes.”

"Maria Rodriguez-Alcala has been my academic advisor since I started here at Mizzou,” said See Yang, agricultural business sophomore. “Over the last year, she has become a mentor and a good friend. She is always there whenever I need to talk to her whether it be about classes, internships, or anything. I am thankful for Maria's guidance and friendship. Without her, I would not be the person I am today."

“Dr. Abner Womack has been the professor that has made a difference in my MU career,” said Shane Kinne, agricultural education junior. “I was in his honors agricultural policy class my freshman year and ever since then I have considered him to be more than just an instructor but a mentor. He showed me that at MU we have professors that truly care about our success and ensure they do what they can to help us along the way.”

“I would like to thank Professor Fennewald in the Animal Science Department,” said Morgan Kueckelhan, animal science sophomore. “A few months ago, I was in charge of halter breaking 20 head of heifers for Block and Bridle's Little American Royal.  He stepped in a month or so before it was time to start and asked if it would be possible if one of his classes could help to gain experience.  With the help of him and his students, we were able to successfully halter break almost all of them in less than a week.”

“Mr. David "Chip" Kemp,” said, Eric Allen, animal science sophomore. “He influenced me to come to Mizzou for livestock judging, and having him being my adviser has made it all the more worthwhile. But it was the meetings that we have had that his advice truly sunk in for influencing my future. He cared for my future and wanted it to be as bright and fulfilling as I would only hope it could be. Chip has been a very good influence on my life in pushing myself to do better.”

“A professor that has been a great help to me is Dr. Dauve,” said Adam Keene, agricultural systems management senior. “He is always willing to help at a drop of the hat and lend a hand when needed. I also feel that Linda Sowers is a great professor that is overlooked many times. Her experience makes her very qualified to teach in the Agricultural Economics Department. She is a very influential person to talk to as a graduating senior and she has always been willing to help a student succeed in any way that she can.”

“Sharon Wood-Turley has honestly been such a great influence in my life here at Mizzou,” said Megan Graves, agricultural journalism sophomore. “If it wasn't for her reassurance and patience with me I'm not sure I would have survived these past few semesters. She's been a savior for me!”

"It's hard to name just one person in CAFNR when they're all worthy of our thanks,” said Whitney Wallace, agricultural journalism senior. “When I think about the faculty and staff members I'm most thankful for, it all goes back to the warm greetings I've always gotten from my adviser Sharon Wood-Turley, the sound advice and encouragement Stephanie Chipman and Jane Loudermilk in Career Services, and the energy of CeCe Leslie who is always working hard to help future students find their place at Mizzou. As a student with regular classes in another college on campus, I am truly thankful for the friendly and supportive atmosphere within CAFNR. It's more than just a place to get a degree, these people make it a place to call home."

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