Ag Alumni — Providing scholarships, one bid at a time
by Sami Jo Freeman, posted March 3, 2009
Around this time of year, many students are scrambling around their desks to figure out just how to finish countless homework assignments and scholarship applications. One thing that many students may not realize, however, is that hundreds of CAFNR Alumni are working just as hard to gather support for those very scholarships we need to continue at the University.
Approximately 500 students, faculty and alumni gathered at the Holiday Inn Executive Center on Jan. 31, 2009, to participate in the Ag Unlimited Banquet and Auction, organized by the Ag Alumni Association.
“The Ag Alumni Association board of directors work very hard to continue to support the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and its students,” said Dana Brown-Haynes, director of alumni relations. “I am tremendously fortunate to work with such a dedicated and hard-working group of volunteers.”
The night consisted of a social hour, silent auction, dinner and a live auction to wrap up the night. Also provided was a night of free childcare. Examples of auctioned items were Mizzou athletic items, various trips and getaways and briefcases — displayed by past scholarship recipients — with prizes ranging from $400-$2,000.
A highlight of the night was when one of the scholarship recipients, Ed Cope, senior agricultural systems management major, rode an ATV through the building during its auction time. Each scholarship recipient was required to attend the event and contribute to its success.
One CAFNR organization, GDI, or The Independent Aggies, were one of the only student organizations that were represented at the auction, spending around $2,400. Alpha Gamma Rho and Alpha Gamma Sigma also purchased tables at the event.
“We thought it would be beneficial to give to CAFNR since it’s so close to home,” said Adam Keene, GDI president. “That money stays within the College and goes directly back to the students and the organizations they are involved in.”
Overall, the event raised approximately $35,000 to be put back into the College, specifically for the Ag Alumni scholarships for students next fall.
“CAFNR is very fortunate to have a very strong alumni association. It is considered the most active college chapter on the MU campus and one of the most active nationally,” said Brown-Haynes.
