August 2017 Alumni Newsletter

OCTOBER 7

HES Hall of Fame 08

Induction Ceremony UK planning limited 11

wine sales

Alumni Newsletter

12 New Philanthropy Staff

Fall 2017

OCTOBER 7 REGISTRATION & KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU TENTS OPEN 4 hours prior to kickoff

THE KENTUCKY POULTRY FEDERATION MEAL LINES OPEN 2 hours prior to kickoff

LIVE PERFORMANCE BY GRAYSON JENKINS & THE RESOLUTIONS PEP RALLY FEATURING THE UK CHEERLEADERS & PEP BAND

LITTLE WILDCAT ZONE FUN & GAMES FOR THE KIDS

vs HOMECOMING

Visit ukathletics.com for game time, announced 10 days prior to game day.

For more event information & to register visit alumni.ca.uky.edu/roundup

Montross named chair of UK Department of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering Michael Montross, a longtime University of Kentucky educator, researcher and farmer, is the new chair of the Deparment of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. Montross has been a member of the department since 1999, after graduating with a doctorate from Purdue University. He also holds a bachelor's and a master's degrees from Michigan State University. While at UK, Montross has had experience in research, teaching and extension, and he is recognized for effective and relevant research activities. His research has focused on drying, storage and granular mechanics of grains and oil seeds as well as biomass collection, characterization and processing. "I am a firm believer in the land-grant mission," he said. "Strong extension, research and teaching programs are all critical to the success of the department, college and to the state."

UK Ag student is first recipient of the Jockey Club Scholarship UK equine science and management & animal sciences junior, Juliana Witt, is the first recipient of The Jockey Club Scholarship. The scholarship, which will cover Witt's 2017-18 academic year of studies, provides $15,000 to a student who is pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher at any university and who has demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in the thoroughbred racing industry.

A native of Freehold, New Jersey, Witt plans to graduate with her bachelor's degree and a minor in agricultural economics in 2019. A member of the Lewis Honors College and a Chellgren Fellow, Witt's undergraduate research project explores the relationship between broodmare value, stud fee input and resulting return on investment.

Tyler receives UK Inclusive Excellence Award Quentin Tyler, assistant dean and director of the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Office of Diversity, received a 2017 UK Inclusive Excellence Award. The award recognizes his leadership and sustained commitment to diversity and inclusion on campus and in the community. Tyler was part of the inaugural group of award recipients. "Now - more than ever - the success of our students is fundamental to the success of our society," said UK Provost Tim Tracy. "Not just their economic success, but their cultural, artistic and social success as well. That's why outstanding faculty members play such an integral role in what we do. They are helping students build competencies for navigating an increasingly complex world, and they are ensuring our students leave here prepared for more than a job, but for life."

UK Ph.D. Student Chosen for Highly Competitive Summer School on Adolescence Research UK family sciences doctoral student Albert Ksinan, from the Czech Republic, received an invitation to attend the European Association for Developmental Psychology, European Society for Research on Adolescence and Society for Research on Adolescence Summer School program in the Netherlands. Ksinan is one of only eight students from the U.S. and only twenty four total selected to attend. This year the school focuses on reserach on adolescence. Ksinan has already published several papers related to his research on personality predictors of adolescent deviance. "Albert is very deserving of this honor, to be invited as one of eight Ph.D. students from the United States, sent by the SRA," said Alexander Vazsonyi, Professor of Family Sciences in UK's department of Family Sciences. "His selection also speaks to Albert's commitment to hard work, his training he has received in family sciences at UK in the Adolescent Development Lab, and his competitiveness on a national stage."

4 | It Starts With Us

James R. Wright Appointed Director of the Kentucky Division of Forestry James R. Wright has been appointed director of the Kentucky Division of Forestry.

Wright is a '94 graduate of the University of Kentucky, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Forestry. He began his career with the KDF in 1994, working as a service forester. He was promoted to the position of chief forester in 2002 and was elevated in 2009 to the position of regional forester. He has been serving as acting Kentucky Fire Chief since January. Wright has served as a division supervisor on numerous fire incidents during the most recent Spring and Fall fire seasons and has worked closely with the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service on developing Conservation Reserve Program and Habitat Improvement Program guidelines for Kentucky. He lives in Lexington, where he as been a longtime youth basketball and baseball coach.

"Wright brings a wealth of experience and a history of accomplishment and a passion for service that will move the agency forward in its mission for the Commonwealth," said Allen Luttrell, commissioner for the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet's Department of Natural Resources.

Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation Donates $1 Million to the UK Grain and Forage Center of Excellence In continuing its long-standing support of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment's Research and Education Center at Princeton, The Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation's Board of Directors voted to donate at total of $1 million to initiatives at the new Grain and Forage Center of Excellence. The money will go toward two specific projects at the center; $500,000 will be provided over a five-year period for the naming rights of the main entrance once the new facility has been completed and an additional $500,000, paid over a five-year period, will support a statewide Water Resources initiative targeted at enhancing water management as part of the ongoing research efforts at the center. "Since the Princeton research program was established in 1924, KFB has been supportive of its efforts in research and development projects and programs that have helped our agriculture industry in this state become the nearly $6 billion business it is and a national leader in agricultural initiatives," said Mark Haney, KFBF President.

World Food Prize selects local as USDA Wallace-Carver Fellow Fabian Leon, Nicholasville native and current Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology student, has been named the 2017 Wallace-Carver Fellow by the World Food Prize Foundation and The U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program - which was intended to inspire the next generation of American scientific, agricultural and humanitarian leaders - was started by Ambassador Kenneth Quinn, president of the World Food Prize, and Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture. Over the past six years, 185 students have gone through the program. Leon and 28 other college students have the opportunity to collaborate with world-renowned scientists and policymakers through paid summer fellowships at leading USDA research centers and offices across the United States. Fellows analyze agricultural and economic policy; assist in the management of food, nutrition and rural development programs; and take part in field and laboratory-based research. Leon is stationed in Ames, Iowa at the ARS, National Laboratory for Agriculture and The Environment. The Fellowship culminates in a week-long, high-level leadership symposium at the USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C., hosted by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

For more stories, visit news.ca.uky.edu 5 | August 2017

AUGUST 17-27, 2017

GOT YOUR UK PLAID? The UK Plaid Project is a unique experiential education project engaging students in the Department of Retailing and Tourism Management (RTM) in product development from creative inception to the finished product.

The project began during the spring 2008 semester with two courses in the department. Students in Problem Solving in Merchandising designed 35 plaid patterns from which four finalists were selected for consideration to be the official UK Plaid. Through online voting, the official plaid was selected in May 2008. Approximately 12,000 votes were cast during the two-week process. The winning plaid was designed by RTM students Christina Criollo and Jena Everhard.

Students in Customer Relationship Management designed UK Plaid Project logos for use on apparel and accessory items produced using the official UK Plaid. Elements from three logo designs were selected for incorporation into the final tag. The designs were created by RTM students Cyntrale Johnson, Kristin Kover, Erin O'Brien, and Whitney Whitmer.

UK Plaid can be purchased at the following retail locations: UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY BOOKSTORE 334 Lexington Avenue Lexington, KY 40506 859-257-0236 uky.bncollege.com COLLEGIATE TARTAN APPAREL www.collegiatetartan.com 336-312-3296 HOWARD & MILLER 400 Old Vine Street, Suite 102 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 259-3360

LOUDMOUTH GOLF www.loudmouthgolf.com POMEGRANATE 527 Lagonda Avenue Lexington, KY 40502 800-948-5188 sarah@pomegranateinc.com The project is led by Scarlett Wesley, Associate Professor and Nelda Moore, Advisory Board Chairman. scarlett.wesley@uky.edu or nmoore@uky.edu.

Alumni HES Hall of Fame Inductees The School of Human Environmental Sciences will induct three new members to the Hall of Fame on September 15. Honorees include Retia Scott Walker, distinguished educator and former dean of the UK College of Human Environmental Sciences; Marsha Herndon Purcell, accomplished association executive and outstanding alumnus and Cherie L. Mingus, award winning teacher and outstanding alumnus. The induction ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m. EDT at the Hilary J. Boone Center on the UK campus.

Additional details at hes.ca.uky.edu/content/hall-fame.

Cherie Lynn Watts Mingus earned her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from the University of Kentucky in 1976, setting her on a path to achieve her career goal of becoming a home economics teacher. She began her teaching career in the Hardin County School System in 1976 and taught in Hardin County for thirty seven years, retiring in 2013. She developed an outstanding reputation as an innovative teacher and never hesitated to embark upon a new challenge. As a co-advisor for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, she was steadfast in developing leadership skills among her students, encouraging their involvement in the organization and providing leadership for activities at the chapter, regional, state and national levels.

Throughout her career and into retirement, Cherie has held a strong belief that to truly be a professional, one must actively participate in professional organizations. She has held membership in more than a dozen organizations, and her leadership skills and desire to serve propelled her to numerous leadership positions. She served as president for the Kentucky Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, the Kentucky Association of Career and Technical Education, the Kentucky Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences and the National Association of Teachers of Family Cherie L. Mingus and Consumer Sciences. Her accomplishments as a teacher earned her numerous awards, including teacher of the year honors from KAFCS, KACTE and KATFACS and the NATFACS Distinguished Service Award.

Cherie has also been active in her community. For 17 years, she has been a member of the board for Youth Theatre of Hardin County. She is a frequent volunteer with the Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center and a leader in the Cecelia and Hardin County Extension Homemakers.

Marsha Herndon Purcell earned her Bachelor of Sciences in Home Economics at the UK in 1973, with emphasis in textiles, clothing and merchandising. She worked briefly in retail with Saks Fifth Avenue before returning to the UK to complete her Master of Sciences in Home Economics in 1975.

From 1975 to 1977, Marsha served as a UK extension clothing specialist with the University of Kentucky.

With support and encouragement from her mentor, Doris Tichenor, Marsha accepted a position with the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation in 1977. This opportunity set her on the path to a highly successful career in association management.

8 | It Starts With Us

As the Director of Women’s Programs for Kentucky Farm Bureau from 1977-1980, Marsha led the women’s program and coordinated consumer outreach. She played an instrumental role in developing the Kentucky Market Basket Survey which continues as the most highly respected food pricing data in Kentucky. Her success in Kentucky opened new doors, and she was recruited to the staff of the American Farm Bureau Federation in 1980.

During her 34-year tenure with American Farm Bureau, Marsha earned six promotions. Positions held included director of Women’s Programs and Agricultural Education; director of Program Development; managing director for the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture; and director of Membership and Program Development. She provided leadership for numerous programs, including development of “The Great American Farm” exhibition at Walt Disney World’s Innoventions at Epcot.

Marsha Herndon Purcell

Marsha received the Association Forum Management Executive Achievement Award in 1999, the Ag in the Classroom Program Distinguished Service Award in 2005, and the National Farm-City Council Service Award in 2013.

She remains actively involved in her community, serving in leadership roles in her church and homeowners association.

Retia Scott Walker is a distinguished academic leader whose career has spanned more than 50 years. Her professional path began as a junior high teacher, followed by administering adult, career and continuing education programs in the New York City School District. After earning her doctoral degree, she transitioned to higher education as an assistant professor at Texas Women’s University, a post she left to serve as a faculty member and department chair at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Walker was named Dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences at UK in 1994.

Following eight years in this position, she was named Vice President for Academic Outreach and Public Service at UK, and served in this capacity until retiring in October 2005.

During her tenure with the UK College of Human Environmental Sciences, the college experienced a 33-percent increase in enrollment, established its first doctoral program, developed a 2+2 partnership program with Lexington Community College, hired its first development officer, doubled scholarship awards, established endowed professorships and established the HES Hall of Fame.

In 2011, Walker came out of retirement to serve as executive assistant to the Interim President at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. From 2012 to 2013, she served as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. She returned to retirement and consulting in 2013.

Walker has a rich, distinguished record of leadership, scholarship and community service. She has held numerous national leadership positions in professional organizations, including president of the Association for Gerontology and Human Development. Her list of honors is lengthy and impressive, including the American Association of Family Retia Scott Walker and Consumer Sciences Distinguished Service Award. She continues her dedication to community service and has created positive impacts from more than four decades.

9 | August 2017

Call to the Post

Derby Bash

Our inaugural event was a big success!

The Derby Bash was held at the Round Barn Stable of Memories at Red Mile. More than 200 guests gathered for great food, dancing, a bourbon pull, silent auction and most importantly a great time and most importantly, a great time while raising money for area scholarships across the state. For more pictures, click Here.

Save the Date:

We are already making plans for next year. Join us!

Saturday, April 28, 2018

UK planning limited sales of wines it produces By: Laura Skillman To ensure its continued ability to provide research and education efforts for the state’s grape and wine industries, the University of Kentucky plans to sell some of the wine it produces through that research.

The wine will only be available to the university community through the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s subscription-based Community Supported Agriculture Project for faculty, staff and students and at UK owned-and-operated facilities such as the Boone Center and Spindletop Hall. UK will not be stocking its wine on store shelves or making its wine available to local restaurants.

“Our intention is not to compete with wineries in our state,” said Lisa Cassis, UK vice president for research. “This program exists to support the grape and wine industries in Kentucky through our research.”

The program is partially supported by grants from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. One of the guiding principles of the board in providing funds is to develop self-sustaining programs.

“We must explore all possible opportunities to make the viticulture/enology program sustainable if we wish to continue serving the grape and wine industry in Kentucky,” said Robert Houtz, chair of UK’s Department of Horticulture.

“We are happy to see UK making progress in developing a sustainable program,” said Warren Beeler, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy. “One role of the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund is to invest in projects and programs that have a regional or statewide impact, add value to Kentucky agriculture and, ultimately, can operate on their own beyond the funding period.”

The Kentucky Wineries Association board has discussed UK’s vision and is in support of their ideas and moving forward with their plans, said Chad Peach, association president.

“There’s been much dialogue with questions going back and forth between winery owners and UK staff,” he said. “UK is willing to give the KWA and Kentucky wineries its plan and goals in writing. The KWA board has discussed UK’s vision and is in support of their ideas and moving forward with their plans. All money generated will go directly to support the viticulture and enology program. The money will help teach students, continue research and assist growers and wineries in all aspects of productions.”

UK grows different grapes at its horticulture research farm to identify those varieties particularly suited to Kentucky’s climate. UK specialists work with grape growers to identify and implement management strategies that will improve both profitability and grape and wine quality. They assist growers with vineyard establishment decisions, teach pruning and training techniques and answer production questions. UK also provides research and extension efforts to support Kentucky winemakers in their quests to make award-winning wines.

Additionally, the horticulture department and other faculty in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, offers courses that enhance career opportunities for students interested in entering the industry.

In order to sell the wines developed as part of its research, the university must obtain a license and is in the process of doing so. The winery will be operated under the UK Research Foundation.

11 | August 2017

Philanthropy

Jostes named UK Equine Philanthropy Director By: Holly Wiemers

The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has added an additional member to its stable of equine-focused professionals.

Danielle Jostes came on board in March as equine philanthropy director, a role that will capitalize on both her track record of fundraising in a university setting and her passion for equine and agriculture.

“To me, this position was the perfect combination of my profession and passion. I believe philanthropy has the ability to make such a meaningful impact, and as a horse owner and enthusiast, I am thrilled to join a great university located in the horse capital of the world,” Jostes said. “Lexington’s dominance of the equine industry and UK’s equine focus make this a perfect opportunity to grow and continue the long-standing tradition of excellence in equine.”

“I am so pleased to have someone of Danielle’s passion and experience join the philanthropy team in the college. She will be vital to attaining our goals to build the premier equine program for research and education in the world,” said Pamela Gray, senior director of philanthropy within the college.

Jostes grew up in Central Illinois on a Quarter Horse farm, where her family continues to raise horses and farm hay. She comes to UK from the University of Louisville, where she served as assistant director of development and managed the philanthropy efforts of the Department of Ophthalmology and the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute within the School of Medicine. Before that, she was operations manager for the Clark Memorial Hospital Foundation in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and worked for the American Cancer Society in Louisville.

Jostes earned her bachelor’s degree in organizational communications with a minor in agriculture from Murray State University’s College of Business and Public Affairs and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in higher education from the University of Louisville.

“I am very pleased that Danielle has joined our program as the director of equine philanthropy. The UK Gluck Equine Research Foundation has provided important financial support to the Gluck Equine Research Center for the past 30 years, and her position is intended to continue and expand those efforts by recommitting the board to its philanthropic mission,” said David Horohov, chair of the Department of Veterinary Science and director of the Gluck Equine Research Center. “Danielle brings the necessary experience, skills and expertise to facilitate this effort. I very much look forward to working with her and the board on this important task.”

“Danielle brings a unique enthusiasm and experience to this new position. We are excited to work with her to bring the UK Ag Equine Program to the next level,” said Mick Peterson, director of UK Ag Equine Programs.

According to Gray, Jostes will focus on connecting individuals and stakeholders in meaningful ways to the strategic priorities within the UK Gluck Equine Research Foundation and all of the college’s equine-related programs. She will serve as a conduit for their passion for the industry and will work to match that passion with the college’s strategic goals and objectives to better serve the industry.

Neal named Associate Director of Leadership Annual Giving The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Office of Philanthropy and Alumni has added alumnus, Tressa Neal, as the new Associate Director of Leadership Annual Giving. Neal, a Louisville native and 2013 graduate of Family Sciences, is currently working on her master's degree in business administration through the Gatton College of Business and Economics.

In her new role, she will drive expanded giving to help launch a major capital campaign, while striving to sustain momentum and increase annual fund philanthropy. Neal is a key fundraiser who will manage relationships and expand leadership giving through individual, corporate and Extension donor contributions to annual fund programs.

"I'm excited to return to the College of Agriculture, Food and Envrionment. I had an outstanding experience as a student at UK and look forward to growing philanthropic support for future generations of students just like me," Neal said. "My interest in philanthropy started as a UK undergraduate student where I participated in DanceBlue serving as the Fundraising chair. After graduation, I worked at the American Cancer Society before returning to UK to work with the advancement team in the College of Law." "I am so excited to have such a dynamic College alumna to lead our annual leadership giving and electronic giving efforts for the College. Her work will truly make a difference in fulfilling our land grant mission", said Pamela Gray, Senior Director of Philanthropy.

12 | It Starts With Us

UK Equine Alumni Tailgate Keeneland Racecourse on The Hill

Saturday, October 14, 2017 11am to 3pm

RSVP by October 11 at equine@uky.edu or 859-257-2226 Stop by our tailgate for snacks, beverages and fun!

Free parking at The Hill is adjacent to the Keene Barn & accessible via Gate 1. Contact Kristen Wilson for day of questions: 410-349-7723

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College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

Office of Philanthropy & Alumni E.S. Good Barn - 1451 University Drive - Lexington, KY 40546-0097

Philanthropy & Alumni Staff: Pamela Gray

Senior Director of Philanthropy

Marci Hicks

Director of Philanthropy

Danielle Jostes

Director of Equine Philanthropy

Tressa Neal

Associate Director of Leadership Annual Giving

Billy Toombs

Director of Alumni & Executive Director of the Ag & HES Alumni Association

Jonathan Furnish

Philanthropy & Alumni Communications Coordinator & Assistant Director of Alumni

TaNeshia Bridges

Philanthropy Business Officer

Brooke Stone

Philanthropy Assistant

859-257-1207

859-257-8783 859-218-1176

859-257-2146

859-257-4069 859-257-7211

859-257-7200 859-257-3814

pamela.gray@uky.edu marci.hicks@uky.edu danielle.jostes@uky.edu tressa.neal@uky.edu

billy.toombs@uky.edu

jonathan.furnish@uky.edu taneshia.bridges@uky.edu brooke.stone@uky.edu

The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization.