President's Column

       There was a two year period of time in the 1980's that I worked in the Department of Agricultural Education in the College. I have had the opportunity to see and experience first hand the dynamics of a College that gives such strong emphasis to each of the three legs of a land grant institution -- teaching, research and extension.

       Your alumni council is at work too, supporting the College's efforts in each of these three legs of its land grant mission.

       This year, your Alumni Council is working with four major initiatives. First, the utilization of a recruitment video developed under the leadership of our past president, Bill Brake. The video has been produced for use by alumni and others to recruit high school and community college students to the COA. Now, your Alumni Council is developing plans to use the video with in-school recruitment visits, career days, and other activities.

       Second, support for the monumental effort to endow a COA chair in the name of Dean Bartley P. Cardon. Dr. Cardon is one of Arizona Agriculture's finest leaders, and we urge you to contribute to the endowment of this chair.

       Third, to improve the effectiveness of the COA Alumni Council and alumni as advocates for the College and the University of Arizona. COA alumni are successful and influential citizens in many professions throughout Arizona, the Nation and the world. United and focused, we represent a powerful group in support of whatever good cause we choose to get behind. One of those causes ought to be the maintenance of political and financial support for the College of Agriculture and The University of Arizona.

       Fourth, the on-going, premier alumni event each year -- HOMECOMING. We know many of you enjoy returning to the UA and the Ag College at least once a year for homecoming. The Alumni Council understands the importance of this activity and we will strive to make it enjoyable. We will also provide some very tangible ways to let Alumni be involved in supporting the College during Homecoming Week.

       We have a lot of work to do to support all of these projects, and we need your help to do so. I know that each of you are involved in your own professions and careers, communities and families, but I want to ask you to make some time to maintain a continuing relationship with your College of Agriculture. You'll enjoy the people you meet and get to work with on special projects to support the college. And, you'll continue your commitment to lifelong learning and the success of your College of Agriculture.  Please contact me, another member of the Ag Alumni Council, or the Alumni & Development Office at 520-621-7190 to get involved and help out.

       I look forward to an eventful year and to meeting and greeting many of you at alumni activities throughout 1998.

Tom Jones
Ag Alumni Council President

Spring Awards

Lifetime Awards

       Bob Boice graduated from The University of Arizona College of Agriculture in 1950 with a B.S. in Range Management. In 1956, the family bought the Slash S Ranch in Gila County. Bob has a long history of volunteer involvement in the community both with 4-H and the Gila County Fair. Bob has served on the board of the Arizona Cattle Growers Association, National Cattlemens Association, Arizona Beef Council and as a member and participant for 40 years in the National Livestock Show. Bob served as a member of the UA Alumni Association Board of Directors from 1970-73.

       Sarah Harmon moved to Arizona in 1957, and assumed the assignment of Assistant State Leader, 4-H, a position she held until her retirement in 1980. Since her retirement, Sarah has volunteered over 16,000 hours at Kino Community Hospital.  Sarah's primary objectives for 4-H members included leadership development, personal growth, problem-solving, and good citizenship. She supervised 4-H programs in many of Arizona's counties. Sarah pioneered 4-H home economics exhibits at the Arizona State Fair. She was a leader-consultant to Arizona counties and other states in developing their camping programs. As an expert in the area of camping, Sarah played a very important role in locating and acquiring the Fort Tuthill property as a campsite for the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation.

       K.K. Henness, a native Arizonan, graduated in 1923, with a BS in Animal Husbandry from The University of Arizona, and in 1925, he was awarded a Masters degree in Animal Nutrition from Iowa State University. In 1928, he returned to The University of Arizona and was retained as one of the first county extension agents, serving in both Coconino and Pinal Counties. In 1952, he joined the Institute of Inter-American Affairs and was assigned to the Office of Agricultural Relations in Bolivia to help develop agricultural extension programs in that country. K.K. returned to Casa Grande in 1959 to retire. K.K. and his family have been involved in the Arizona farming industry in both Pinal and Maricopa counties since the turn of the century. K.K. was a pioneer in land leveling, water conservation and other innovative farming practices. He was an early champion for what is now known as the Central Arizona Project (CAP). In 1975, K.K. received the University Alumni Association's Distinguished Citizen Award.

       John Smith is an alumnus of The University of Arizona College of Business with a B.S. in Business. During his student years, John lettered in football and track, he was a member of the Bobcats, the SAE fraternity, and Who's Who in American Colleges. John owns Smith Farms, located near the Maricopa Agricultural Center and has a cattle ranch along the San Pedro River. He produces cotton, grain alfalfa and has a large pecan orchard in the Maricopa area. Mr. Smith was a member of the Site Selection committee appointed by the Board of Regents to locate a new research farm after the College was instructed to close down the Cotton Research Center and the Mesa Research Center. The committee selected what is now the Maricopa Agricultural Center. John was selected by Dean Cardon to be a member of the first Advisory Council for MAC Demonstration Farm which evolved into the MAC Advisory Council for which he also served as the Chair.

       The forerunner of the Arizona Wool Producers Association, the Arizona Sheep Breeders and Wool Growers Association, was organized in Flagstaff, Arizona Territory on October 1, 1886. As a result of informal meetings among sheepmen it became apparent that there were many matters in connection with the sheep industry that could best be handled by an association. Membership in the organization was voluntary, and meetings were held annually. In 1898-99, the Dept. of the Interior began to make rules and regulations for grazing on the forest reserves, which for a time, threatened the sheep industry of Arizona; it was apparent that a stronger organization of the industry was needed. In 1899, the name was shortened to Arizona Wool Growers Association and the constitution and by-laws were changed. In 1925, the AWGA was incorporated. Due to technicalities the association was dissolved, and in July 1982, the present organization was established. The AWPA represents commercial sheep producers - to promote lamb and wool and represent the industry on legislative issues.

Young Achiever Awards

       Michael Proctor received a B.S. in Watershed Management, and in 1988, he was granted a Juris Doctorate from the UA College of Law. His student activities included: ASUA President and Senator, Alpha Zeta, and was top graduate of the School of Renewable Natural Resources. He has served as the president of the School of Renewable Natural Resources Advisory Council and as a mentor/advisor for the Arizona Minority Pre-Law Students, UA College of Law. He is a volunteer with the Arizona Heart-Lung Transplant Fund, Arizona Parkinson's Disease Association, and the YMCA Sustaining Fund Steering Committee. Mike served on the Ag Alumni Council Board for six years and as president from 1992-93. Currently, he is an attorney with The University of Arizona.

       Carl Gundersen received both his B.S. in 1982, and his M.S. in 1983, from the College of Agriculture. Major studies were in economics with emphasis in financial and business risk analysis and real estate. He is president of Carl Gundersen and Company, a company that serves as a business consultant, manufacturer's representative and ditributor to the elctronics industry. Carl is a former member of the UA National Alumni Association, and was a member of the Ag Alumni Council Board of Directors from 1990-94 and served as president in 1993 -94. Currently, Carl's focus is on opening his own mortgage and business consulting enterprise.

Extensionist of the Year Award

       This award recognizes individuals for their contributions made through Cooperative Extension to the Agricultural community and to the state. Conner Byestewa, Jr. is proud of his Hopi culture, he was instrumental in helping gain support of the Colorado River Indian Tribes and the agricultural community to establish Extension in La Paz County. He places 4-H high on the list as a big influence on his life. Conner's unlimited contribution to the 4-H program in his community are phenomenal. Leading by example works well for Conner as he is a champion of educational events and supports the use of new technology in environmental protection, water quality and IPM programs. His advice and counsel, whether informally, as a 4-H supporter, or as a member of many state and national boards, has been instrumental in the success of Extension programs in LaPaz County. Conner has passed his love of 4-H to his children, and now to his grandchildren.

Alumni Roundup

Kelvin K. Henness '23
graduated with a B.S. in Animal Husbandry. See the Annual Spring Awards article for more information about K.K.

30's

William G. Downey '38
graduated with a B.S. in Animal Husbandry. Now a retired US Air Force Colonel, he is a real estate agent in Tucson. William's wife, Vada, recently passed away after a two year battle with leukemia.

40's

Horace E. Warner '43
majored in Animal Husbandry,  and went to UC-Davis to get his D.V.M. degree in 1957. Horace and his wife, Margaret (Snedeker '43 Psychology), lived in Prescott, Arizona and Southern California where he had a general veterinary practice.  In December of 1989, Horace was involved in a serious accident restricting him to a wheelchair.  Since then, he has made his name well known among wheelchair tennis champs.  In 1997, Horace took first place in the division C singles and doubles  match at The Southwest Section of the US Tennis Association here at the University.

50's

Jean G. DeVore '57
attended UA College of Agriculture and studied Home Economics.  In 1977, Jean graduated from UNLV nursing school.  Now retired from the nursing field, Jean and her husband, James, live in Green Valley, Arizona.

Robert E. Taylor '52, '53
of Silver City, New Mexico, received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Agricultural Education.   He  then went on to receive his  Ph. D. in Agricultural Education from The Ohio State University.  He served as executive director of the National Center for Research in Vocational Education from 1965-86.  Last November he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Alumni Society from Ohio  State University.  Currently, Dr. Taylor consults with state educational systems, higher education institutions, and private corporations.

60's

Masood Ahmed Bhall '63
received his Master's Degree in Agronomy.  Masood returned to Pakistan and is now working as the Chief Executive of Matiari Sugar Mills Ltd.  He writes that, "My stay at the Unversity was fruitful and I often think of rewarding time I spent there and my friends in Tucson."   He and his wife have one son and two daughters.

Carol I. Eyster '61, '69
majored in Dairy Sciences.  Recently, she toured the US and Canada for ten months and is now settled down in Taos, New Mexico.  Carol works as a self employed Watkins Independent Representative.

Patre S. Rajashekhar '61
attended the College of Agriculture studying Plant Pathology.  Patre was unable to complete his degree due to the death of his father in India.  Upon his return to India, he took over the management of his family owned coffee plantation.  His coffee is sold under the name "Pearl Mountain Gourmet Coffee," it is currently being exported to Canada, and hopefully soon to the US.

Lucy Yerger Shipp '61
majored in Animal Sciences, Lucy now works for Yuma County Board of Supervisors in Yuma, AZ.  She was recently appointed by Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt to serve on the Bureau of Land Management Arizona Resource Advisory Council, representing Resource Conservation.  Lucy is a member of the Ag Alumni Council Board of Directors.

70's

Warren H. Austin '76
is the owner of Austin's Feed and Supply in Tolleson, Arizona.  Warren graduated with a B. S. in Agricultural Education.  He and Lori, his wife, keep busy helping their  daughter, Stephani, raise and show sheep.

Jose de Anchicta Moura Fe '71
received a B.S. in Biochemistry and Nutrition.  He makes his residence in Brazil with his wife, Maria.  Jose serves as the General Coordinator for Policies  and Plans of the Secretariat of Oversight and Evaluation of the Ministry of Science and Technology in Brazil.

Robert "Bob" Baffert '77
graduated with a B. S. in Animal Sciences.  In January 1998, Bob was awarded Trainer of the Year for "Silver Charm," the three year-old horse he trained to win the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness.

Stuart "Stu" Bengson '70, '78
earned a B.S. in Watershed Management and a M.S. in Natural Resources Administration. Stu works as an agronomist in mine reclamation at ASARCO Inc.-Cooper Operations.  In 1997 he was named "Reclamationist of the Year" by ASSMR and received the "Sonoran Fellow' Award by the Arizona Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.

Mahdi Osman Elmardi '75, '77, '79
arned his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Horticulture.  Currently, Mahdi is an assistant professor at Sultan Qaboos University in Sultanate of Oman.  He and Masoma Ismail, his wife, had two children while in Arizona and they have since added three more.

Monica Kilcullen Pastor '75
after working for the Farm Bureau for 18 years,  Monica recently accepted a position with Maricipa County Extension working in the Agricultural Literacy Program.  She is looking for volunteers to help with this enormous task.  Monica and her husband, Christopher, have two boys.

Stan Savage '72
obtained a Ph.D. in Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition.  He  retired from the University of Georgia in August of 1997 &  began consulting and farming, both cattle and hay.  Stan and his wife, Andrea, make their residence in Lenox, Georgia.

Gary B. Snider '76, '79
quotes his occupation as being a "poverty stricken, 49 year old Ph.. D. student."  Gary received his B.S. and M.S. in Agriculture Economics at UA and is now attending Northern Arizona University studying Ecological Economics.

80's

Bedir M. Al-Azawi '84
was awarded a Ph.D in Entomology.   Bedir is now an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Science at the Mustansiriya University in Baghdad Iraq.  He and his wife have 3 children.

Arden Anderson '81
received his B.S. in Agricultural Education.  He then received his Doctor of Osteopathy degree.  Currently practicing in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Born Preventive Health Care Clinic, Arden specializes in preventive nutritional and environmental medicine with an emphasis on longevity and auto-aging  therapies.

Ronna Passarelli Beeson '83
received a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising.  She currently works as a radiologist in Mesa, Arizona.

Joseph Bisso Eya '89
received his M.S. in Agronomy and Plant Genetics. He is employed in Younde, Cameroon in the Prime Minsiter's Office in the Economics Division.  He and his wife, Anne-Valentine, are the parents of four children.

Pamela S. Cossey '82
received her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics.  She is living in Sherman, Texas and  works as a medical receptionist and patient coordinator.

Rowana Larson Ernst '82
earned a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education and Horticulture and taught Ag Ed for 11 years.  Rowana is enjoying life  as a full-time wife, (husband, Rockie Ernst, a CUS grad) and mother of two young sons, Ryan and Reid.

Ellen Graver '79, '88
received both her B.S. and  M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.  She is the director of the nutrition research unit at the Arizona Cancer Center at the University Medical Center in Tucson. She and her husband, Gary, have two teenagers, Ryan and  Kelly.

Laura Hall '84
received her B.S. in Marketing and Fashion Merchandising from the School of Family and Consumer Resources.  Laura currently works as an Executive Director for Laura Hall A.S.P.I.R.E. Foundation in Phoenix, Arizona.

Carol Hippard Jennings '88
graduated in Nutritional Sciences,  completed her studies at the University of Florida where she received a Master's degree in Management Health Policy.  She is a health care administrator at Concentra Managed Care in Tampa, Florida.  She and her husband, Robert, are anticipating the arrival of their first child in April.

Henry Maddux '82
obtained a B.S. in Fisheries Sciences from UA and a M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries from South Dakota State University.  He is currently the director of the Upper Colorado River Recovery Project Program, a  program aimed at recovering endangered fish while allowing for future water development.

Timothy P. Murphy '85
received a degree in Soil and Water Science.  He reviews highway projects throughout Western Oregon from the Columbia River to California state line.  He helps to ensure that highway projects do the least possible damage to the environment.

Paula Peabody '84
currently a flight attendant and animal health technician, Paula received her B.S. in Animal Sciences.  She is a member of the Women's Professional Barrel Racing Association.  Paula and her husband, Lynn, live in Carefree, AZ.

Kellye Fisher Radford '83
graduated with a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.  After graduation, she enrolled in Vet School. Now living in Ohio with her husband and son, Kellye and working as a veterinarian.

Teresa Kasper Sauer '84
received her degree in Animal Health Sciences.  Currently working as a part-time, small animal practitioner at Pet Care Clinic, Teresa and her husband, Brian are busy with a new baby, Aaron Walter.

Brent F. Shaw '82
graduated with a B.S. in Agricultural Education.  He  works for Bioflora as a sale representative in Goodyear, Arizona.  Brent has a son, Cameron, who is 11 years old.

Ingrid E. Sladeczek '83
received her M.S. in Home Economics.  Ingrid has relocated to McGill University in Montreal Quebec, where she is an assistant professor in the Department of Education and Counseling Psychology.

Maria B. Witherspoon '82
graduated with a B.S. in Child Development and Family Relations.  Is now an assistant principal at Joseph Pulitzer School #145, In Jackson Heights, New York.

Deborah A. Witte '87
received her degree in Interior Design.  She now works as an architectural lighting consultant.  In April of 1997 she joined Lighting by Design as a partner.  Deborah is currently working on the renovation of San Francisco's Orpheum Theater.

Deborah Young '79, '82
obtained her M.S. and a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology.  In September 1997, she accepted the positions of Specialist in Plant Pathology and the Associate Director of Programs with Cooperative Extension Administration.

90's

Katherine LeBlanc '96
recently graduated with a B.S. in interior design.  She  is a full time law student studying in New York.  Katherine also works as an interior designer.  She enjoys receiving AgriNews and is homesick for Tucson!

Mustapha Elamriche '92
received her Master's degree in Agri-Economics.  Living in Rabat, Morocco, Mustapha is an executive in the Office of Vocational Training in Agriculture.  She assists youth in achieving their goal to own businesses.  She and her husband, Benzaroual Touria, have three children.

Steven M. Fleischer '97
graduated with a B.S. in Veterinary Science and is currently enrolled at the Cornell Veterinary School in Ithaca, New York.

Kelly Hughes '91
who after graduating with a B.S. in Merchandising and Fashion is now a buyer of women's coats for Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Lisa Stemple Toenjes '94
graduated with a degree in General Agriculture and is the Visual Merchandiser and Assistant Manager at Patti’s Hallmark Gift Shop in Tucson. After her husband, Kurt, finishes his Ph.D. at the UA they plan to move to Burlington, Vermont.

Melora Wittig '95
graduated from the Dept. of Veterinary Science and is a veterinary medical student at Colorado State University.

Ag Alumni Auction a Great Success!

Thanks to all our Auction Donors

1997 Homecoming Wrap-up

       The weekend "tee-ed off" early on Friday at Starr Pass Golf Club with the Ag-Cat Open Tournament.

       More than 70 alums from the School of Family & Consumer Resources gathered  in the FCR patio for their annual Alumni Luncheon.  This year's event included a talk on child abuse prevention by Nancy Davis Booth, and closed with an inspirational song that brought tears to many eyes in the crowd.

       The fun continued on Friday evening at both the UA Alumni Association's Bear Down Bash, and at the Ag Banquet honoring the establishment of the Bartley P. Cardon Endowed Chair of Agribusiness and Policy, where more than 150 alumni & friends gathered to celebrate the achievements of Dean Emeritus Bart Cardon.

       Saturday morning dawned bright and early for the Aggies as more than 500 people loaded their plates with egg burritos, sausage and donuts at the Dean's Annual Burrito Breakfast.  Old friends shared memories of good times past, and made plans for the future over breakfast, and many lucky alumni walked away with great deals in the Ag Alumni Live & Silent Auction.  At the conslusion of the Breakfast, the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation, assisted by Collegiate 4-H President Amy Parrot, drew the winners of their Benefit Raffle -- Carla Patch Poole won the Nissan truck, and Wayne D. Anderson walked away with the America West Airline tickets.

       The Ag Alumni Board meeting was held after the Breakfast,with new members installed.  Many alums enjoyed tailgating, and rooting for the College's float in the Homecoming Parade, before the Wildcats took the field to defeat the Oregon Ducks.

       Mark your calendars now for next year's Homecoming -- you don't want to miss out on the fun!

On the Road with the College of Agriculture

       Each year, the College of Agriculture promotes this tour for two reasons: 1) it gives new faculty a chance to see the diversity of agriculture in Arizona and the importance of the college’s outreach efforts and 2) it offers alumni, producers, ranchers and community dignitaries an opportunity to see the new faculty who are just beginning their work at The University of Arizona. This year, however, something new was added, thanks to a grant from the University of Arizona Diversity Action Council. A group of students accompanied by a director and Joaquin Tena, the president of the Instituto Technologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), had journeyed eight hours north the day before to join the Arizona students in the first student exchange to establish a new relationship between the two universities.

       Over the next three days the students would learn about agriculture, each other, and how to sing "Ninety Nine Bottles of Beer" in both English and Spanish. Dairy farms, lettuce fields, pecan orchards, citrus packing plants, and feedlots with over 125,000 head of cattle provided the backdrop for many student and faculty interactions during the three-day period.

       More than 430 people attended the community dinner in Yuma the first evening and nearly 200 were in Phoenix the following night.

       UA President Peter Likins joined the group in Yuma, where he met resident alumni, agricultural producers and local leaders the first evening. He emphasized the importance of border exchanges such as this one and the relationships that can occur when our students begin to think about borderless joint ventures for future international business. President Likins said he joined ITESM President Joaquin Tena in solidifying this relationship.

       "This has been one of the best experiences of my student years here at the University of Arizona," said Abigail Pasos, a UA senior in agricultural and resource economics, and program coordinator for the tour. "I was able to bring together my love for the Mexican international business culture, agriculture and students from both sides of the border. It has been a great experience." Eugene Sander, College of Agriculture dean and UA vice provost, agreed.

       "This is the first year we have taken students on our tour but we will never go again without them," he said. "They provided that spark of enthusiasm and curiosity that enhanced everyone"s time on tour. Having the ITESM students was also a plus for the future of agriculture in both countries.

Don't Hang Up that Phone!

       You've just sat down to dinner, in front of the TV with your favorite Seinfeld re-run after a long, late day at work, and the phone rings.  You think "Oh great," and it rings again as you realize you have to sort through two weeks worth of papers just to find the thing because you didn't put that cordless headset back on the kitchen counter where it belongs.  It rings again, and now you're getting mad.  You finally find it just as Jerry is finishing his opening stand-up routine and you hear "Good evening, _____ ," (they pronounce your name wrong -- its obviously a student, probably a freshman) "I’m calling from the UA on behalf of the College of Agriculture..."  You are ready to scream, say something not so nice, or just hang up.

       BUT PLEASE, DON’T HANG UP THAT PHONE!

       We call because we have to.  We call to ask friends like you to help us.   And we hope you care enough about YOUR College of Agriculture that you will, in fact, help us.

       Every year, the College of Agriculture faces a serious situation. Even though we are a part of The University of Arizona, the state's land grant institution, we receive less than 40% of our total funding from the state of Arizona.  This means that we must depend upon outside sources, private research contracts, grants, and donations from friends and supporters like you, to make ends meet.

       Our annual Phonathon helps us and in fact, last year alumni like you gave us a boost with gifts totalling almost $60,000 in the Phonathon from the Bart Cardon Endowed Chair Campaign, and an additional $34,000 in our regular Phonathon.

       THANK YOU!

       In addition to our Phonathons, the College's Development & Alumni Office, along with the Ag Alumni Board and Family & Consumer Resources Alumni Council, organize a number of fun fundraising events every year.  These activities -- the Ag Alumni Auction, the FCR Alumni Luncheon, the Ag-Cat Open, and other special events -- help support student recruitment efforts, scholarships, work-study programs, and other deserving activities in the College of Agriculture.

       We hope that you join with us for these events at Homecoming, and other times of the year, to reminisce with friends about old times, have some fun, and help insure the future of the College of Agriculture.  Your support of the College's fundraising events is greatly appreciated.  It helps to provide the programs you enjoyed (when we were truly a state funded school) for today's students.  The idea of on-campus student employment and scholarships for needy and deserving students isn't as real as it may have been forty, thirty, or even ten years ago.  Many times, the fundraising events we invite you to participate in at Homecoming make the difference in providing the funds needed to keep a promising young mind in school.

       Please join us this year in supporting YOUR College of Agriculture through some of our many fundraising events - just ask the hundreds of alumni who participated last year and they'll tell you that they really had a great time!

       Or if you would like to extend your support in more substantial ways, please contact Joe Leisz, Program Coordinator (520-621-9783), or John Engen, Director of Development (520-621-7190), and they will discuss ways for you to have an even greater impact upon the College, and its students, through a variety of volunteer opportunities and charitable planned giving options.

       Oh, and the next time the phone rings at a bad time, remember that we truly do need your support, and please, DON’T HANG UP THAT PHONE!

UA Alumni Career Connections

A Professional Network Linking UA Alumni and Students Worldwide

       The Alumni Career Connections professional network is an opportunity for you to share your employment experiences and insights to help current University of Arizona students and fellow alumni plan their careers.  This is not a job lead or job referral service; it's an informational program to provide assistance in career exploration and advancement.

How Does It Work?

       Students or alumni seeking career information will be matched with Alumni Career Connections volunteers, like you, who are employed in their field or geographic area of interest.  it's then up to them to contact you for an appointment.  You can decide how you would like to help.  Some options include taking a phone call, meeting person-to-person, or arranging for a "day-on-the-job."

How can I help?

       All alumni professionals are needed as volunteers in the network.  No matter where you live or which profession you're in, you can help a fellow Wildcat.  Information about your employment and education background will be put into a database which can be accessed at the Arizona Alumni Association or UA Career Services by local alumni and students.  Out-of-town alumni can request a limited number of listings by mail, fax, or phone through the Alumni Association.  Systems are being developed to put blind listings of Alumni Career Connections volunteers on-line through the Alumni Association's Internet home pages; names and contact information will be requested through the Arizona Alumni Association.

       We hope you'll join fellow University of Arizona graduates in forming a strong, worldwide career network to help students and each other.  To volunteer, please return the attached form by MAIL to: Alumni Career Connections, Arizona Alumni Association, Swede Johnson Building, P.O. Box 210109, Tucson AZ 85721-0109, or by FAX to: 520-621-9030.  QUESTIONS: Call the Alumni Association at 1-800-BEAT-ASU (1-800-232-8278).

       The Agriculture Alumni Association strongly encourages Aggies to get involved.  This Career Connections request first was published in the Arizona Alumni.  To date,  a good number of responses have been received from COA Alunmi.

The Bart Cardon Endowed Chair in Agribusiness and Policy

       Several key leaders in Arizona agriculture discussed the idea of doing something special to commemorate Bart's tremendous contribution to our industry. We generally agreed that Bart's contribution to The University of Arizona College of Agriculture and the agricultural community, both in Arizona and throughout the world, has been so significant that it deserves formal recognition to the highest degree possible.

       Creating a chair in his honor for the purposes of furthering the capabilities of the College of Agriculture and to provide a superb educational opportunity to its students also enables each of us to give something back to the College.  This chair will enhance the educational curriculum for students.  It will help our producers in the agricultural business community and it will help the public at large for many generations to come with an ever improving efficient and sustainable food and fiber industry.

       When the question was asked, "What is the greatest reward you can give somebody in the academic community?"  the answer was, "Establish an endowed chair in his name!"  Knowing Bart's long-time association and dedication to the College, first as a student, then as an instructor and researcher on the faculty, and finally as Dean, we were certain he would be pleased.

       I've known Bart for fifty years.  I studied Animal Nutrition under him in the 1947-48 academic year at  the University.  It was a rare privilege and the highlight of my studies at the College of Agriculture to be a student in Bart's classes.  Bart's knowledge of his subject, his sense of humor, and his desire to make sure that you actually learned something useful, put him at the very pinnacle of all the professors I had in four years of college.  But even more meaningful to me was his remarkable ability to be a friend and mentor while always challenging you to excel.

       The fund-raising campaign for the chair was launched last Spring.  This was a new experience for all of us.  We had to learn on the job.  Our goal is to raise $1.5 million.  It seemed like a huge mountain to climb, but with your generous support we raised over $1 million and are well on our way.  While this banquet is a celebration, the campaign is not quite finished.  Several members of our gift committees and gift prospects have asked for more time and so we will continue to ask for and receive gifts over the next several months to bring the endowment principal up to the level required to create a special chair and allow us to attract a truly great scholar with national stature.

       So, if you haven't had the chance to play a part in this effort by adding your own personal gift, you still have time, and we still need your help!

[Editors note: This is a transcription of John Norton's comments presented at the Cardon Banquet, November 7, 1997.  Norton, who received his B.S. in Agriculture at the UA in 1950, serves as Chair of the Cardon Campaign.]

John R. Norton III, Campaign Chair

We would like to thank all the people who participated in making the Cardon Endowed chair a success!

FCR Alumni Council Plans for the Future

Financial support in other areas
Understanding the needs of students
Tutorial and mentoring programs offered
Using alumni expertise to promote FCR programs
Reaching out to alumni and their need to feel connected
Institute for children, youth, and family support and promotion
Notifying alumni how they can contribute and support FCR activities
Growing by providing programs to alumni and friends throughout the state.

       The FCR Council has made great strides in revitalizing their efforts and mission to the school.  Consider joining in their efforts by calling Council Chairperson, Polly Elson at 520-825-1999 to offer your talents and support.

FCR Scholarship Support:
We Need Your Help!

Annual Dean's Pinal County Breakfast

       Jim Henness, K.K.'s son, accepted the COA Lifetime Award on his behalf from Dean Sander.  Jim noted that the rain helped to make the event even more memorable, because it pulled some of K.K.'s lifelong friends out of their fields so they could be there for this recognition of his life's work.

       The rain also made the event fun, and memorable, for more than two dozen area high school students who came to learn more about majors and career opportunities from Kristen Guynn, COA Ambassador,  Dr. David Cox, Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Paul Kohn, Assistant Dean.

       We hope these students will follow K.K. Henness' example and someday be Lifetime Award winners themselves!

J.G. Boswell Honors Les Doan, COA Alum

Surfing the Web with Cooperative Extension

AgCat Open Tees off to Support Ag Students

       Over 100 alumni and friends of the College gathered at beautiful Starr Pass Golf Club on Friday, November 7 to tee-off in support of the Ag Alumni Student Support Endowment.  After an incredible morning of golf in the spectacular Tucson foothills, everyone gathered back at the clubhouse for a delicious hamburger cook-out and to learn who would walk away this year's winner.

       Ag student Scott Shelton, his younger brother Chris, and their friends, Mark Hartig and Nick White shocked the crowd by becoming the youngest foursome to win the event.  Ag Alumni President Tom Jones’ team came in second, while last year's champion team of Ken Foster, Mike Kilby, Dennis Armstrong and Sixto Molina came in third. After the winners were announced, the raffle drawing was held for a gold-platted Ag Cat Putter and a UA Golf Bag. The putter was won by Sheri Neumayer of Wellton, and Gordy Johnson was the lucky winner of the bag.  Tournament Co-Chair Wilbur Wuertz has promised that next year's events will be even better, so mark your calendars now for the next Ag-Cat Open on November 6, 1998!  We hope to see you on the greens!

A Big Thanks to All who Made this Event Possible!

Completed Careers

Joyce Marley Corrigan, 67, died December 12, 1997.  She was a board member of the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation and the Arizona Historical Society.  She is survived by her daughter, Catherine; sons, Stephen, Daniel and Robert; brother, Kemper Marley, Jr.; and two grandchildren.

Zafrallah T. Cossack died on April 29, 1992.  He graduated in 1980, from the College of Agriculture with a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences.  He is survived by his wife and two sons who live in The Netherlands.

Willian J. "Billie" Hagler, 81, passed away September 19, 1996 in Missoula, Montanna of natural causes.  Billie entered The University of Arizona in 1962, and completed a Home Economics degree.  She was an extension agent and worked in Nogales, Santa Cruz County Arizona,  for many years.  Billie was very active with 4-H and helped develop a senior retirement center, volunteered at the library and participated at the Hilltop Art Gallery.

Keith G. Jones 77,  of Tempe, a retired Pinal County 4-H  agent died August 31, 1997.  He was born in Kansas and was a World War II and Korean War veteran.  He is survived by his wife, Margaret, and three children.

William H. Hale, 77, died February 8, 1998,  after a lengthy illness.  He was born in Kentucky; graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1946.  He earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry and animal nutrition at the University of Wisconsin in 1950. Bill joined The University of Arizona College of Agriculture in 1960 as a professor of animal sciences and nutrition.  In the late 1960s, he devised a steam processing and flaking technique for grain that increased the value of the grain purchased by ranchers, cutting feed costs by as much as 15 percent. he taught and conducted nationally recognized research in cattle nutrition until his retirement in 1985.   One of the many who used Hale's research in the field was Carl Stevenson, owner of Red Rock Feeding Co.,  north of Tucson.  Stevenson called Hale, "an outstanding researcher who was known all over the world.  What he did in his experimental work I used in my commercial operation and it was very successful."  Survived by his wife, Margaret, five daughters, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Viola Russ McBride passed away on October 13, 1996.  Viola attended the University of Arizona College of Agriculture and majored in Animal Health Science.  She was an alumna of 1934.

Thomas Charles Martin  69, died December 23, 1997, in Tucson.  Tom was born in Tucson on January 10, 1928.  He graduated from Tucson High School and in 1950, received a B.S. in Animal Science from The University of Arizona, College of Agriculture.  He was a member of Theta Chi fraternity and played percussion in the University Band.  He is survived by his wife, Joyce, two children and three grandchildren.

Emilia Pejovich passed away February 10, 1998, in Tucson, after a long illness.  She was born in Yugoslavia in 1939, and moved to the U.S. when she was 17. Emily had been a research technician in the Departments of Microbiology and Immunology,  and Veterinary Science for over 30 years.  Emilia prepared student labs; many of her students have come back over the years to thank her for her help.  She brought skill, enthusiasm, her giving nature, and humor to those labs.  Her contributions to the University were honored when she was named University Staff Employee of the Year.  Emilia will be missed by faculty, staff and students alike.  Donations are being accepted at The University of Arizona Foundation for the Emilia Pejovich Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Roy Simpson Rauschkolb,  64, of Casa Grande, a retired agriculture professor and director of the Maricopa, Yuma and Citrus Agricultural Centers , died December 19, 1997.  A native of St. Louis, Missouri, he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.  Roy completed a B.S. degree in chemistry at Arizona State University in 1961 and an M.S. in 1963, and Ph.D. in 1968, in agricultural chemistry and soils at The University of Arizona.  Roy was employed in the Arizona Extension service from 1961-65, as an agricultural specialist and as superintendent of the Safford Experimental Farm.  He took a position at the University of California, Davis in 1969 and continued there for 12 years.   He returned to Arizona to assume the position of associate dean and director of Cooperative Extension and as professor of soil and water science until 1988.  He became resident director of the Maricopa, Yuma and Citrus Agricultural Centers, retiring from the University in March 1997.  Roy  belonged to numerous professional and honorary organizations, wrote two books, three book chapters and more than 70 scientific and extension articles.  Many tributes have been received in Roy's memory - they all speak of his friendliness, honesty, integrity, fairness - he will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.  Survivors include his wife, Joan, and children, Ann Martin, Jean May Finman, and Roy;  brother, James L.; and four grandchildren.

Jack L. Schwabacher  passed away on September 25, 1997, at his ranch the Quarter Circle Five in Daniel, Wyoming.  Jack graduated in 1950, from The University of Arizona College of Agriculture majoring in Animal Science.

Samuel W. Stedman, 58, retired county director of  Pinal County Cooperative Extension and long known as one of the state’s foremost experts on cotton production, passed away, January 29, 1998, after a long battle fighting leukemia.  Sam received his B.S. in entomology and a M.S. in agronomy and plant genetics from The University of Arizona.  From 1964-75, he was a county agricultural agent in Pinal County.  In 1975, Sam became acting state Extension Specialist, offering information and assistance to county agents with cotton responsibilities, a position he held until 1987, when he assumed the role of county director.  Programs he initiated in Pinal included: IPM, the first cotton module handling system in the county, rope wick applicators for weed control and an infrared gun for irrigation evaluation.  Sam received awards from many agricultural organizations including; State Distinguished Service Award of Epsilon Sigma Phi, 1995; Industry Appreciation Award of Arizona Cotton Growers Association, 1989; Distinguished Service Award of National County Agents Association, 1980 and Dow Chemical tour award of the National County Agents.  Sam co-authored many articles; he served as president of Arizona County Agents Association and western regional director National County Agents.  Sam will be remembered for his dedication to Arizona Agriculture and to the principles of Extension education.  His survivors include his wife, Sonia, two daughters, two brothers, and five grandchildren.

Wichtrich, A. R. "Pancho" passed away, September 21, 1997, in Tucson.  Pancho was born in Chihuahua Mexico in 1915, and was raised in Willcox, Arizona.  He attended The University of Arizona College of Agriculture receiving a B.S. in General Ag.  While a student, he was a member of Alpha Zeta, Aggie Club and Sigma Chi.   In 1938, he initiated the first UA Rodeo, and in 1939, he was student body president.  During WWII, he served in China, Burma and India.  He recently published a book "Mis-X Top Secret" recapping his experiences in China and how he and his team rescued over 900 downed American pilots.  Al spent most of his career in Mexico where he played a very prominent role as a link between the Mexican and U.S. governments.  He was also responsible for developing the largest American Chamber of Commerce outside of the U.S.  He is survived by his wife, Rachel, five children, 12 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.