Each year at the Spring Awards Convocation, we honor our graduating seniors, outstanding underclassmen, and exceptional faculty. This year’s ceremony was held in the AgriLife Center on March 31, 2012.

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The 2012 Senior Merit Award
Based on leadership, scholarship and service at the department, college and university level, the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Senior Merit Award is the highest award given to undergraduates by the College.

To be eligible for the award, students must be projected to graduate during the 2012 calendar year.

Congratulations to…

The 2012 Alpha Zeta Award
The College also presents three Alpha Zeta Awards to an outstanding freshman, sophomore and junior. This is the highest award given to non-seniors.

Congratulations to…

The 2012 Gamma Sigma Delta Award of Merit for Scholarship
The College bestows two Gamma Sigma Delta Awards to outstanding seniors and juniors. Gamma Sigma Delta is an honor society that celebrates academic achievement, therefore, selection is based upon achievement of the student academically, although involvement in and leadership for extracurricular activities are very important.

Congratulations to…

The 2012 Honor Professor Award
Presented by College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council, the Honor Professor Award is given to a faculty member whose contributions to undergraduate education are outstanding. Honor Professor recipients receive an award and $1,000.

Congratulations to…

The Gail W. and David P. Marion ’65 Teaching Award
The Gail W. and David P. Marion ’65 Teaching Award is given in Memory of Dr. Richard C. Potts ’45. The recipient is nominated by students to recognize professors who go above and beyond in the classroom.

Congratulations to…

Congrats to all!

Mark A. Hussey, Ph.D
Vice Chancellor and Dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences

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2012 Senior Merit Award Recipients

Ilse Barrios is a senior Bioenvironmental Sciences major from Chihuahua, Mexico. She is a member of the Academy for Future International Leaders, Human Resources Officer for the International Student Mentor Association and the COALS representative for the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society. She was recognized as the Phi Kappa Phi Outstanding Junior in 2011 and has received a number of highly competitive academic scholarships through Texas A&M. Ilse has studied abroad twice during her time at A&M, once in Montreal, Canada and once in Taipei, Taiwan. She plans to pursue a Masters and PhD in plant genetics after graduating and hopes to impact Mexico’s agricultural sector in her future.

Ileene Berrios is a senior Forensics and Investigative Sciences major from Killeen, TX. She is a member of the Corps of Cadets and has served as a Ross Volunteer, 1^st BDE Sergeant Major and 1^st BDE Commander. Ileene has been honored as a member of the General O. R. Simpson Honor Society and has been on the Dean’s and Corps of Cadets’ Honor Rolls numerous times. She has also volunteered at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Physical Therapy Clinic, the Texas Brain and Spine Institute Physical Therapy Clinic and the Beutel Physical Therapy Clinic. After graduation, she plans to commission into the Army Medical Service Corps as a physical therapist.

Jennifer Bremer is a senior double-majoring in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness from Waller, TX. Jennifer is a member of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council and has served as one of the Aggie REPS for the Department of Agricultural Economics for three years. She has served as the Vice President of Finance of the Texas A&M National Agri-Marketing Association and has been a member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Junior Rodeo Committee for five years. Jennifer has been an intern in the office of Texas Representative Warren Chisum through the ANRP Program and works over twenty hours per week during the school year as a Student Technician in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Ms. Bremer’s goals after graduation include returning to Austin to work for another member of the Texas Legislature and eventually starting her own cow-calf operation.

Sarah Coffey is a senior Agronomy major with a Rangeland Ecology Management minor from New Braunfels, TX. Not only has she maintained a 4.0 GPA during her time at A&M, but also, she has served as Vice President of the Agronomy Society, a member of the Texas A&M Soil Judging Team and a member of the Student Chapter of the Soil Water and Conservation Society. She has been a parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church since 2008, interned and volunteered with Texas Parks and Wildlife and currently works as a Teaching Assistant in the Soil and Microbiology Lab. Sarah has received much recognition to her commitment to soil and crop sciences. She received the Special Achievement Award for Undergraduate Student Support in 2010 and was recognized as the Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society’s Outstanding Junior in 2011. After graduation, Sarah would like to pursue a career in Soil Remediation or Environmental Consulting after receiving her certification as a Professional Soil Scientist.

Kirbie Day is a senior Animal Science major from Waxahachie, TX. Kirbie is very involved in the Animal Science Department, serving as Vice President for the Saddle and Sirloin organization. She has also been a member of the Alpha Zeta Honor Society, Animal Science Aggie REPS and the Aggie Diamond Darlings. Kirbie volunteers with Meals on Wheels every year during her breaks from school and has also volunteered in the nursery at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She served as the National Polled Hereford Queen her freshman year and plans to stay involved in the beef cattle industry after graduation. She would like to conduct research to improve animal production, product quality and animal health within the beef industry in the future.

Laura Duffie is a senior Wildlife and Fisheries Science major from Vernon, TX. She is currently the Student Committee Chair for the Memorial Student Center Opera and Performing Arts Society and has been involved with MSC OPAS since 2009. Laura attended the MSC Fall Leadership Conference last August. She is a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and has been recognized through the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society, Alpha Zeta Honor Society and the Sigma Alpha Lambda Leadership and Honor Society. Ms. Duffie studied abroad in the Commonwealth of Dominica conducting both group and individual research projects for internship credit. She was selected as a Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for her achievements and involvement at A&M. After graduation, she will pursue  internships to help gain valuable field experience that will help her choose a career in either endangered species conservation or environmental consulting.

Macy Eaves is a senior Agricultural Leadership and Development major from Stephenville, TX. Macy was a Student Representative on the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Centennial Committee, a Fellow in the Dr. Joe’s Leadership Fellows group, a student blogger for Texas A&M University and a COALS Council member. She was also a Guest Speaker at the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities Summit in Indianapolis and served as a Texas FFA State Vice President during her freshman year. Macy has gained much work experience through internships with Dow AgroSciences, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Ag Workers Mutual Insurance. Ms. Eaves was recently selected as a Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for her involvement at Texas A&M. In January, Macy began working as a Sales Trainee for Dow AgroSciences in Bloomington, IL. After she graduates in May, she will finish her year as a trainee and then hopes to work as a sales representative for Dow.

Lauren Farris is a senior Bioenvironmental Sciences major from Richardson, TX. She is a member of the Corps of Cadets and a percussionist in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. Lauren was the Special Events Coordinator for the Nichols’ Rising Leadership Conference and a member of Texas A&M’s Environmental Issues Committee. She has served as both an intern and Student Worker in the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab and also worked as a Business Math Tutorial Assistant in A&M’s Mathematics Department. She has been on the Corps Honor Roll and received the Commandant’s Leadership Award multiple times. After graduation, she will use her degree to obtain an internship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with the possibility of eventually pursuing an advanced degree in Public Health.

Lindsay Garrett is a senior Agricultural Communications and Journalism major from Benbrook, TX. She is the President of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and a member of the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications Aggie REPS. Lindsay was a delegate at the Abbott Family Leadership Conference and a counselor for Aggies Reaching Out. She volunteers in the nursery at Grace Bible Church, works as a Student Worker in the President’s Office and is a News Production Intern for KBTX Media. She has served as an intern for Morgan & Myers, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the State Fair of Texas. Ms. Garrett has been published in the Southern Livestock Standard, Simbrah World and on the Case IH, Be Ready Blog. After graduation, Lindsay wants to work with a broadcasting network with a focus on the importance and safety of the food and beef industries.

Matthew Grunewald is a senior Biochemistry and Genetics double-major from Wildwood, Missouri. In addition to maintaining a 4.0 GPA, he has worked with the University Scholars Honors Office to recruit Honors students, served as a member of the Biochemistry and Genetics Society and worked as a Clements Dorm Peer Advisor. Matthew has worked on research projects at both A&M and the University of Pennsylvania. He has been recognized as an Astronaut Scholar, Goldwater Scholar and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society. Matthew will continue to pursue science in an MD/PhD program in immunology/translational medicine after graduation.

Henry Hilscher is a senior Animal Science major from Shiner, TX. Henry is the current president of the Saddle and Sirloin organization and has served as a member of the Animal Science Aggie REPS, the Aggie Honor Council and the Alpha Zeta Honors Fraternity. He was also a member of both the Texas A&M Wool Judging Team and the Texas A&M Meats Judging Team. Henry is a student worker with A&M’s Animal Breeding and Genetics department and is the Owner/Operator of Henry’s Welding and Repair. He has been an intern with Cactus Feeders Wrangler Yard, Eslabon Ranch, Cattle Associates and Pinheiro Ranches in Brazil. After graduation, Mr. Hilscher will study ruminant nutrition in graduate school as he pursues his desired career as a feedlot manager.

Courtney Hodges is a senior Agricultural Economics major from Sterling City, TX. Ms. Hodges is an Aggie REP for the Department of Agricultural Economics and has been a member of the AGEC Aggie ACES, National Marketing Association and the Agricultural Economics Society. In 2009, she studied abroad in France with an emphasis in agribusiness. She is a Student Technician for AgriLife Extension and worked as an intern last summer with ECOM Group in Dallas. She participated in the 2011 Produce Marketing Association Pack Family Career Pathways Program and has received multiple scholarships. After graduation she will utilize her degree to help boost Sterling Lamb, her family’s business.

Kelsey Hoegenauer is a senior Agronomy major from New Braunfels, TX. She is very involved in the A&M Agronomy Society and has served as Secretary and Risk Management Chair. She was a member of the Texas A&M Wool Judging Team and the A&M Ducks Unlimited. Kelsey is a Voting Delegate and member of the Students of Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Sciences group. She works as a Biological Sciences Aid for the USDA Agricultural Research Service and was an intern for the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation last summer. After graduation, she hopes to earn a Master’s degree in Soil Fertility and would like to focus on agricultural research in the future. Her ultimate career goal is to aid in the development of improved agronomic practices and crops.

Jesse Huth is a senior Poultry Science major from Wimberley, TX. He is the fundraising co-chair of the Poultry Science Club, member of the Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society, President and Founder of the A&M Birding Society and a peer tutor for the Astronomy Department. Jesse has been a Keep Brazos Beautiful Project Leader and a member of the Comal County Fair Association Poultry Committee. He is the owner and manager of Jesse’s Fresh Eggs business and works with Agricultural Tax Valuations conducting bird surveys to qualify landowners for Wildlife Management exemptions. After graduation, Jesse will pursue a Master’s degree in Poultry Science and hopes to own a successful, show-quality hatchery one day.

Jenny Jenkins is a senior University Studies—Leadership major with minors in Human Resources and Sociology from San Antonio, TX. She is a member of the Dr. Joe Townsend Leadership Fellows Program, a Peer Advisor for the ALEC department and a Teacher’s Assistant for ALED 201 and 301 courses. She founded the Imani Tumaini Upendo 501(c) 3 Non-Profit and continues to serve as the Missions Coordinator to send teams to Mombasa, Kenya. She volunteers at the Blue Bonnet House, an assisted living home in the community, and helps with marketing for Maroon Bikes. In 2011, she received the Margaret Rudder Community Service Award. After graduation, Jenny will pursue a graduate degree within the ALEC department at Texas A&M, in conjunction with a certificate in non-profit management from the Bush School.

Jason Joseph is a senior Biochemistry major with a 4.0 GPA from Irving, TX. He is the President of the Chi Psi Beta Service Fraternity and has also served as the Event Chair and Event Coordinator for this group. He is the Treasurer of the Texas A&M Bioethics Forum and has also been a Discussion Leader at the Forum. He volunteers with Parkland Hospital of Dallas and has worked as a Student Researcher for Dr. Shippen’s Biochemistry Lab. In 2010, Jason participated in the National Science Foundation REU Program. He is a President’s Endowed Scholar and has received the Director’s Excellence Award and the Association of Former Students’ Academic Excellence Award. After graduation, Jason will attend medical school at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, with an emphasis in Emergency Medicine.

Niraj KC is a senior Biochemistry and Genetics double-major from Bagmati, Nepal. He is the current Public Relations officer for the A&M Nepalese Student Association and a mentor for the International Student Mentor Association. He is also a member of the A&M Biochemistry and Genetics Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He has worked in a number of labs on campus including the Departments of Oceanography and Biochemistry. After graduation, he will study the metabolic pathways of organisms and exploit them to produce biofuels in graduate school.

Brooke Korenek is a senior Horticulture major with a minor in Tourism Resource Management from Port Lavaca, TX. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is the current President of Pi Alpha Xi. She also serves as the Vice President and Aggie Master Gardener Coordinator for the Texas A&M Horticulture Club. Brooke has volunteered with the Brazos County Master Gardeners and Keep Brazos Beautiful since 2010. She is a Student Worker within the Horticulture Department. Ms. Korenek is a member of Pi Alpha Xi, Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Theta Kappa, all Honor Societies. She received the Collegiate Scholar Award in 2011 from the American Society for Horticulture Science. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in sales or field production at a retail or wholesale nursery. She would also like to become a Texas Certified Landscape Professional and a Texas Certified Nursery Professional.

Alyzabeth Looney is a senior Animal Science major from Denton, TX. She is the Chancellor of the Alpha Zeta Honors Fraternity and actively involved as a Saddle and Sirloin club member. Alyzabeth has served as one of the Aggie REPS for the Department of Animal Science and is a member of the Pre-Vet Society at Texas A&M. She is very involved in the Red Angus Association of America and Texas Junior Red Angus Association. Alyzabeth is a Student Worker for Texas AgriLife Research under Dr. David Forrest and has interned multiple times at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She has received the Howard Hesby Spirit Award and is a member of the Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society. After graduation, she will attend veterinary school and hopes to work with a mixed animal practice specializing in reproductive physiology.

Claire Luensmann is a senior Agricultural Economics major with a 4.0 GPA from La Vernia, TX. Claire is the Censor for the Alpha Zeta Honors Fraternity, an Aggie REPS for the AGEC department, member of the Saddle and Sirloin Club and competitor on the Texas A&M Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon team. Not only was she a member of the 2009-2010 Intercollegiate Wool Judging Team, but she also served as an assistant coach for the 2010-2011 team. Claire is a member of the Texas Farm Bureau. She works as a Teaching and Research Assistant within the Department of Agricultural Economics. Claire is a President’s Endowed Scholar, Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society member, Texas FFA John Justin “Standard of the West” Award recipient and was selected as a Discussant for the Dallas Federal Reserve Economic Scholars Conference. After graduation, Claire will pursue both a Master’s and Doctorate degree in Agricultural Economics.

Mark Mann is a senior Horticulture major from Perryton, TX. He is a member of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council and the Texas A&M Horticulture Club. Mark has been a part of the American Society of Landscape Architects and Freshman Aggie Spreading Traditions. He participated in the St. Baldrick’s Cancer Fundraiser in 2009. Mark is a Student Technician for the Texas A&M Landscape Services and was an intern for Bartlett Tree Experts last summer. He has experience working with a number of landscape companies as a Crew Foreman. After graduation, he will participate in the accelerated sales training program provided by Davey Tree Company and hopes to eventually work as an Arborist.

Elaine Minden is a senior Nutritional Sciences major with a 4.0 GPA from Coppell, TX. She is the current President of the A&M Nutrition and Dietetic Association and has served as Secretary in the past. She is a member of a number of associations and organizations outside of Texas A&M, including the Mid-East Texas Dietetic Association, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Texas Dietetic Association and Texas Student Dietetic Association. Elaine is also very involved at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She has been inducted to Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and Gamma Sigma Delta honor societies.  Elaine plans to complete a dietetic internship at St. Louis University or Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.

Mallory Miner is a senior Wildlife and Fisheries Science and psychology minor from New Braunfels, TX. She is a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and has served as Chairman. She also is an active member of the Aggie Guide Dogs organization and Alpha Zeta Honors Fraternity. Mallory visited six European countries in 2010 with the Mays Business School International Marketing Study Abroad program. She volunteers for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and has worked as a H.O.S.T. mentor, tutoring first grade students. Mallory worked as an intern in general surgery at the Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and owns the Loyal Paws Pet Sitting business. After graduation, Mallory plans to complete an area of specialty as a Certified Veterinary Technician with hopes to work as a highly specified technician for veterinarians and animal trainers.

Kari Moore is a senior Agricultural Leadership and Development major from Alpine, TX. Kari has been a member of the ALEC Aggie REPS, Freshman Leadership Experience, ALEC Peer Advising and was the chapter President of the Public Relations Student Society of America last year. Kari studied abroad in Costa Rica through the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications. She is a student worker for a Dr. Ed Rister in the Department of Agricultural Economics and has completed an Undergraduate Research Project through the ALEC department. After graduation, Kari will pursue a master’s degree in Human Resources Development and would like to work for a business or college as a recruiter.

Taylor Moore is a senior Biological and Agricultural Engineering major from Frankfort, Illinois. He was an IMPACT counselor for two years and served as the Pledge Captain of Kappa Upsilon Chi. Taylor founded Ignite—an event to unite a number of Christian groups across campus. He has volunteered at the Chicago Food Depository and this year, he and his roommate agreed to adopt a family within their community to help them grow financially and spiritually. Last summer, Taylor was an Engineering Intern in Operations for the Flavors of North America (FONA) Company. He was recognized as the Alpha Zeta Outstanding Sophomore in 2010. After graduation, he plans to work as an engineer for Proctor and Gamble.

Jake Richards is a senior Agricultural Systems Management major from Stamford, TX. Jake is currently serving as the Director of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Freshman Leadership Experience and was an Assistant Director and Outreach Committee Chair in the past. He is a former member of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council. Jake has volunteered at Rock Prairie Elementary School, Texas A&M Relay for Life and with Christmas Craze. He worked as an intern for Eco-Drip Irrigation, Inc. last summer. After graduation, Jake will work full-time for Eco-Drip.

Jake Riley is a senior Agricultural Economics major from Friendswood, TX. Jake has served as the Chapter President and Vice Noble Ruler for both Membership Development and Recruitment for the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, Beta Nu Chapter. Jake has served as a Student Senator for three sessions, representing the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Off-Campus Students. He is an Undergraduate Representative for the Agricultural Economics Department Head Search Committee and one of the Aggie REPS for the department. Jake has also served on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Junior Rodeo Committee. He is a Student Technician and Teaching Assistant within the Department of Agricultural Economics. After graduation, Jake plans to pursue a career in international agricultural economics and will eventually obtain his MBA.

Gretta Sharp is a senior Bioenvironmental Sciences major from Chandler, TX. She has participated as a student researcher in the Texas A&M Louis Stokes Alliance, funded by the National Science Foundation. Gretta is a member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta, Gamma Sigma Delta and Golden Key Honor Societies and participated in the Bioenvironmental Sciences Honors Program. She has worked as an independent researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and as a student researcher in the A&M Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology. After graduation, Ms. Sharp will pursue graduate school in Toxicology with a career interest in Toxicology and Microbiology.

Darby Sherrod is a senior Animal Science major from Conroe, TX. She is a member of the NCAA Equestrian Team and is the President of the Student Athlete Advisory Council. She has served as the Programs Chair for Aggies CAN and was appointed to the student board for the Kyle Field Renovation plans. Darby has been a member of Fields of Faith and the Voices for Children Operation Rebuild Project. Last summer, Darby shadowed veterinarians at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists and also worked as an intern at Just Cats Veterinary Services and Conroe Veterinary Clinic. She has received the Texas A&M Equestrian Aggie Heart Award and is the editor of the SAAC Newsletter. After graduation, Darby hopes to attend veterinary school.

John Sorkness is a senior Bioenvironmental Sciences major and Business Administration minor from Pflugerville, TX. He is a member for the National Association of Environmental Professionals and the University Lutheran Church. He has hosted and led weekly Bible studies for three years. John has volunteered with the Salvation Army and has contributed to the Angel Tree program. He is a student worker and researcher for the United States Department of Agriculture. Mr. Sorkness is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and Gamma Sigma Delta. After graduation, John hopes to work for an environmental consulting agency or small environmental company.

Sara Watson is a senior Nutritional Sciences major with a 4.0 GPA from Plano, TX. Sara is the Director of Development for the MSC Abbott Family Leadership Conference and has served as the Director of Health Education for World Med. She has been a Muster Host and member of Sigma Phi Lambda and Alpha Epsilon Delta. Sara has volunteered with Plano Children’s Clinic, Summer International Health Fellowship and St. Joseph’s hospital. She is a tutor for student athletes and has been a summer camp counselor at Plano Sports Authority and Kanakuk Kamps: K-West. In 2011, Sara was recognized as the MSC Student Leader of the Month and she has also received the Thomas S. Gathright Academic Excellence Award.   Sara plans to attend the Texas Tech University School of Medicine in the fall with hopes of becoming a rural primary care physician.

Megan Webb is a senior Animal Science major from Burlington, West Virginia. Megan is a member of the Texas A&M NCAA Varsity Equestrian Team, the Texas A&M Livestock Judging Team and is the Reporter for the Saddle and Sirloin club. Megan has also served as one of the Aggie REPS for the Department of Animal Science. She is a member of the American Angus Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the West Virginia Cattlemen’s Beef Association. She was selected to participate in the 2012 International Livestock Congress in Denver and worked as an intern for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Government Affairs Public Policy Office in Washington, D.C. last summer. She has received the National Cattlemen’s Foundation Bright Futures Scholarship and was inducted to the Texas A&M Society of Leadership and Success. This summer, Megan will serve as an intern for Meat & Livestock Australia and Meat Standards Australia in Queensland. After graduation, Megan will pursue a Master’s degree in Meat Science and she hopes to work for the United States Meat Export Federation upon completion of her graduate degree.

Cassandra Wilson is a senior Biochemistry/Biophysics major from Paris, TX. She is a Terry Foundation Scholar and member of the Corps of Cadets and Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. She has been inducted to the General O.R. Simpson Corps Honor Society and served as a member of the Texas A&M Orchestra, Biochemistry and Genetics Society and the Texas A&M Symphonic Winds. Cassandra donates blood every 8-12 weeks through the Carter Blood Care Center. She is a Student Worker in Dr. James Wild’s Research Laboratory within the Biochemistry and Biophysics Department. She is also a Student Worker and tutor for the Corps Academic Center on campus. She will graduate with a B.S. in Biology, B.S. in Genetics, minor in Chemistry, minor in Music and Certificate in Leadership Studies and Development. After graduation, Ms. Wilson plans to attend graduate school to pursue a PhD in Genetics.

Maureen Wright is a senior Wildlife and Fisheries Science major from Lone Tree, Colorado. She is the current President of the Texas A&M Chapter of the Wildlife Society and has served as Secretary in the past. She is an Undergraduate Representative on the Wildlife and Fisheries Science Department Head Search Committee. Maureen was a research assistant on the Operation Wallacea Honduras Expedition last summer. She also works as a private tutor for math courses. Ms. Wright has been inducted to the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society. After graduation, she will pursue a Master’s and PhD degrees and would like to eventually work at the university level as a professor or extension faculty member.

2012 Alpha Zeta Award Recipients

Justin Casares is a freshman Animal Science major from Mission, TX with a 4.0 GPA.  He is an active member of the MSC FISH Organization, Saddle and Sirloin Club, the Pre-Vet Society and MSC Open House. Last year, he was recognized for his scholastic and extra curricular achievements as the Pre-Vet Society’s Fall 2011 Distinguished Member Award winner. He also served as an intern at the 2012 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Lauren Thompson is a sophomore Animal Science major from Grandview, TX with a 3.67 GPA. She is a member of the Aggie Scholars Promoting Incentive, Resources and Encouragement group, serves as the Service Chair of the Terry Foundation Student Organization, works as an Aggie REP for the Animal Science department and is a member of the 2012 Meats Judging Team. She has been involved with the Texas Junior Shorthorn Association and the American Shorthorn Association since 2008 and has experience with undergraduate research.

Steven Birkenfeld is a junior Biological and Agricultural Engineering major from Nazareth, TX.  He has served as Vice-President in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, a member of MSC ALOT and MSC ALOT S’more, and part of the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Program Recruiting committee. He is also a choir member at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He is also a student worker in the Department of Agricultural Engineering with a 3.58 GPA.

2012 Alpha Zeta Award Recipients

To be announced…

2012 Honor Professor Award Recipient

Dr. Jim Sanders is a professor and section leader in the animal breeding and genetics section in the Department of Animal Science. He received his B.S., M.S. and doctoral degrees from Texas A&M University. Dr. Sanders teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in animal breeding and conducts research in beef cattle genetics and breeding. He received the Association of Former Students’ Distinguished Teaching Award for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1989, and in 1991 he received the university-level Association of Former Students’ Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching. He has also received the Alpha Gamma Rho Teacher of the Year Award, the American Brahman Breeders Association Friend of the Year Award and the Beefmaster Breeders United Commitment to Excellence Award. He has coached a national champion 4-H Livestock Judging Team and a national champion Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Team.

Gail W. and David P. Marion ’65 Teaching Award

Dr. Glenn Holub ’83 is a professor in the Animal Science department. He received his Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and PhD from Texas A&M. His teaching experience includes such classes as the introductory Animal Science 107 during fall, spring and summer sessions and the more specialized upper level courses in Dairy Science including lecturing in the Dairy Science Consortium and ANSC 402, Career Preparation course.