Enrollment in the department continues to increase and the remarkable growth experienced over the past six years can largely be attributed to the support of the ADA. Without the funding support provided by the ADA, recruiting efforts by the department would be inadequate, and faculty and staff would not have the resources to recruit students from across Texas and the nation.
the stallion One Famous Eagle donated by Johnny and Jana Trotter that sold for $8,100, a breeding to the stallion Metallic Cat donated by Alvin and Becky Fults that sold for $6,500, a gun safe donated by Western Equipment that sold for $2,700, a National Finals Rodeo getaway package for two donated by Kuhlman and Sons and Monte Winders that sold for $2,500, and a dinner for 20 donated by Coors Cowboy Club that sold for $2,100.
“My personal thanks go out to the ADA board members, alumni, friends, sponsors and the WT Department of Agricultural Science’s faculty for their support and contributions,” Biggs said. “Without each of these, the Ag Day Celebration and Reunion would not be the success it is today.” The funds raised at the 2011 reunion allowed the department to recruit 131 in-state freshmen and 32 out-of-state students for the 2012-2013 school year. Recruitment is the ADA’s No. 1 priority and the department has received money to assist with recruiting efforts from the ADA since 2005. “I could not be more pleased with the results and how the Department of Agricultural Sciences uses our funds to recruit the high-caliber students they do,” Biggs said.
“Our donors always supply us with exceptional auction items and this year will be no different,” Biggs said. The ADA also presented the 2012 Buffalo Award to Gene and Judy Shipman and Ty and Robyn Cranmer, recognizing the recipients for their outstanding support of the ADA, as well as the department.
Lance Baker, associate professor of animal science in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, takes bids during the live auction.
is appreciative of the amount of money ADA has raised.
Biggs looks forward to this year’s reunion and hopes to set yet another record.
“These funds allow us to do so much more within our department,” Williams said. “Without it, there are a lot of opportunities our students would miss out on.”
Kevin Williams, assistant professor in agricultural education and leadership,
The top five selling items in the live auction this past year were: A breeding to
A highlight of the 2012 reunion was the introduction to the public of Alpha, a bull cloned as part of a historic research project being conducted by the department. The Ag Day Celebration kicked off with the annual scholarship banquet, which recognized students who received a scholarship through the department and was attended by scholarship donors. This year, 250 students received $177,745 in scholarships. “I can’t wait to be in the position to give back to the department and help students like these donors have done
“Never in our wildest dreams did ADA expect the Ag Day Celebration and Reunion to be as successful, well attended and anticipated as it has become.” wtamu.edu/academics/braggin-rights.aspx
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