INAG News COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES • INSTITUTE OF APPLIED AGRICULTURE • SUMMER/FALL 2016
Congratulations Class of 2016!
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he Institute of Applied Agriculture concluded its 50th Anniversary year with a pre-graduation celebration that attracted so many people that it outgrew two locations before settling nicely into the College Park Marriott on May 19, 2016.
Pictured: IAA Director Glori Hyman stands proudly with this year’s graduating class.
This year the IAA witnessed its largest graduating class in two decades. And that is only one of the unique attributes of this graduating class according to IAA Director Glori Hyman’s welcoming remarks to the graduates. “You are part of an elite group. Not only because you are IAA Alumni, but because you are the only ones to graduate during the 50th Anniversary year, and of course that’s a distinction you will hold forever,” Hyman laughed. She continued, “Twenty percent of you have successfully transitioned into degree programs—that’s more than we have ever had in a single graduating class. Fifteen percent of you had already earned bachelor’s degrees or higher before enrolling in the IAA.You are the first graduates to have trained at the Terp Farm, and you are the first IAA students to graduate under Dean Beyrouty’s tenure at our College.” Over 150 people celebrated the accomplishments of the IAA’s 26 graduates and the recognition of John Shields, the IAA’s Outstanding Alumni for 2016. Three members of the graduating class—Marcus Maxwell, Lindsay Barranco, and Scott Hebert— represented their classmates well as they shared their stories of Turkey Bowl games, Agricultural Mechanics fears, Turf Bowl competitions, teachers and classmates.
Contents From the Director This Year’s Graduates Women in Ag Turf Terps Take 3rd Our Golden Gala Student Files
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Alumni News & Notes ...9 Around the ‘Tute ...10
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND / FEARLESS IDEAS
ANNIVERSARY RECAP From the Director’s Desk Wow! Having a year-long celebration has been awesome. As we end our 50th anniversary year, let me start by expressing my warm appreciation to all of you who helped us commemorate and recognize the Institute of Applied Agriculture’s golden anniversary. Your sponsorship, support, stories, wellwishes, and presence at events truly made the year memorable. For five decades the IAA faculty, staff, students and alumni have worked together to create a positive, hands-on learning environment that launches successful careers. We were happy to have so many of you join us throughout the year to celebrate the bounty that agriculture and natural resources have brought to our lives, from the food we eat, the beverages we drink, and the clothes we wear, to the landscapes we enjoy and the sports fields and golf courses we play on. We are grateful to have such meaningful work in our lives and we are grateful that the IAA has brought us all together.
Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Western Maryland Agriculture Research and Education Center in Keedysville. With this wine, we toasted the ‘tute on May 14 at the IAA Gala. Please enjoy the photos on pages 6 and 7. In 1965 the seed for the IAA program was planted; it sprouted and grew; and now it is well-established and produces a viable workforce. But, we have more branches to grow. Although our 50th anniversary celebrations have come to an end, we will continue to celebrate the successes of our alumni, students, and faculty. It has been a joy to reconnect and we hope to see and hear more from you. May we have many more years of learning experiences, educational opportunities, promising careers, fresh meals, good times, and great friends. Cheers to the IAA!
In honor of the IAA’s 50 years, Extension Specialist Dr. Joe Fiola blended a commemorative wine, the Golden Gala, at the College of
Glori D. Hyman Director and Instructor
MEET THE CLASS
This year’s graduating class is the IAA’s largest in two decades.
Looking for graduation photos? Visit: flickr.com/iaaumd1965 UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND / FEARLESS IDEAS
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Matthew Antonio Perry Hall, MD Agricultural Business Management Plans: Continue at UMD to earn a bachelor’s in Ag Science and Technology. Lindsay Barranco Severna Park, MD Sustainable Agriculture Plans: Run a diversified operation, including produce, livestock, and honeybees.
Scott Hebert Baltimore, MD Golf Course Management Plans: Intern at Congressional CC and USGA Green Section before moving to Seattle in the Fall.
Jacob Kilmon Havre de Grace, MD Golf Course Management Plans: Pursue a successful career in Golf Course Management. Currently second assistant at Country Club of Maryland.
John (Jack) Boniface Darlington, MD Agricultural Business Management Plans: Work full-time at Chesapeake Valley Seed as a sales manager.
Jarod Knopp Aberdeen, MD Sports Turf Management Plans: Continue as a groundskeeper for the Baltimore Ravens.
Robert (Bob) Borkowski Silver Spring, MD Sustainable Agriculture Plans: Launch a beekeeping business.
Marvin Martinez Rockville, MD Turfgrass Management Plans: Employed as second assistant at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm. Marcus Maxwell Bowie, MD Landscape Management Plans: Continue education and employment with Bartlett Tree Experts.
Jeffrey Bynaker Monrovia, MD Golf Course Management Plans: Apply his education as an assistant superintendent at Laytonsville Golf Course.
Chase Oaster Westminster, MD Landscape Management Plans: Advance career with current employer, Bartlett Tree Experts.
Shaun Clark Silver Spring, MD Golf Course Management Plans: Continue working as an assistant at Northwest Golf Course.
Ian Patrican Ijamsville, MD Golf Course Management Plans: Assistant-in-training at Chevy Chase Golf Club.
John Critzos Silver Spring, MD Golf Course Management Plans: Reach next level of experience as an assistant-in-training at Lakewood Country Club.
Michael Perise Dunkirk, MD Sustainable Agriculture Plans: Work at UMD Upper Marlboro Research and Education Center while starting his own produce operation.
James (Jimmy) Halley Berwyn Heights, MD Golf Course Management Plans: Work towards goal of becoming a Superintendent. Currently a second assistant at Columbia Country Club.
Colton Simpson White Plains, MD Landscape Management Plans: Continue at UMD to earn a bachelor’s in Landscape Management.
Ryan Higgins Bowie, MD Turfgrass Management Plans: Continue managing a crew of 25+ employees at Woodmont Country Club.
Andrew (Andy) Bauer Dayton, MD Agricultural Business Management Plans: Continue at UMD to earn a bachelor’s in Ag Science and Technology.
Christian Brinkerhoff Westminster, MD Golf Course Management Plans: Work at the TPC Jasna Polana Golf Course in Princeton, NJ.
Grant (Joe) Shaffer Glyndon, MD Agricultural Business Management Plans: Continue at UMD to earn a bachelor’s in Ag Science and Technology.
Luke Santerre Port Republic, MD Landscape Management Plans: Continue at UMD to earn a bachelor’s in Landscape Management.
Ryan Snell Saint Leonard, MD Landscape Management Plans: Return to the IAA for a second certificate in Sustainable Agriculture. David Sullivan Brookeville, MD Ornamental Horticulture Plans: Continue employment with Capital Sport Fields. Emily Weber Columbia, MD Agricultural Business Management Plans: Work for allnatural equine supplement company Springtime, Inc. Austin Weinreich Parkton, MD Agricultural Business Management Plans: Assist in managing operations at Amazing Grace Equestrian Center.
INAG News INAG News is published twice a year by the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA). The IAA welcomes all comments, alumni updates and agriculture-related news. Contact us: iaa.umd.edu gdhyman@umd.edu IAAumd @IAA_umd IAAumd IAA Director—Glori Hyman Graphic Designer—Randie Hovatter
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Women in Ag Conference 2016
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t’s no secret that men have historically dominated agriculture in the United States and Maryland, but there has been an upward trend in the number of women-operated farms for over three decades. As an underserved population in the agricultural community, women still face unique challenges in leading farm operations. The Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) is doing its part to prepare future farmers, including sending students to the Women in Agriculture conference held at Dover Downs, Delaware. The number of IAA students majoring in concentrations within Agricultural Business Management and Leadership hit a record high this fall with 38 students and more than half of them are women. “Our Sustainable Agriculture concentration has attracted more women into the IAA,” says IAA Director Glori Hyman. “Some are fresh out of high school, while others are fresh starters out of long careers in other fields, but they are all filled with enthusiasm.” Enthusiasm and excitement were felt throughout the Women in Agriculture conference, where over 200 participants gathered to learn and network. IAA students Becky Remsberg, Joyce Drake, Lillian Kahl, and Lindsay Barranco (pictured below, left to
Glori Hyman, Becky Remsberg, Lilli Kahl, Joi Drake, Lindsay Barranco, Larisa Cioaca, and Meredith Epstein represented the IAA at this year’s MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture Conference.
right) were among the energetic group. “It’s definitely an excellent experience,” commented Remsberg, a first-year student, who plans to run her family’s Harford County farm after graduation. “One of the things I am nervous about is going into such a male-dominated field, so it’s good to see so many women here.” Remsberg’s observations are on target. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, only 14 percent of principal farm operators are women. However, the same census reports that women make up nearly two-thirds of second and third farm operators. Combined, women represent over 30 percent of all farm operators. Barranco, an IAA Sustainable Agriculture major who graduated this May, hopes to become one of those principal operators. Barranco took advantage of the one-on-one entrepreneurial coaching offered at the conference. “I have three business
plans, depending on where we move. I have my urban, suburban, and rural plan,” she says while laughing. For the past several years, Barranco’s been planning her farm business, and soon it will be time to put her plan into action. “The coaching helped,” she says, “but, now I feel like I have to find a full-time job to support my farm.” Barranco’s agriculture interest started with beekeeping and grew each semester as she took more IAA classes. Drake, another Sustainable Agriculture major at the IAA, is still exploring all the opportunities agriculture has to offer. After spending three decades in social work, Drake says she’s learning so much at the IAA. “Everything is so new and interesting to me,” she says. “Much of what we learned at the conference, we already knew from our IAA classes, but it’s good to have it reinforced and to know we’re learning the best approaches.” “Our country needs 100,000 new farmers to replace retiring ones,” comments Meredith Epstein, IAA Lecturer and Advisor for Sustainable Agriculture and Agricultural Business Management. “We can only achieve the goal of educating the next generation of farmers if we fully include women and minorities in the equation. That’s what the IAA has done over the past 50 years, and that’s what we will continue to do going forward.”
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IAA Terps Take 3rd at Turf Bowl
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team of Turf Terps placed third at the 2016 Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition in San Diego. They were Scott Hebert, Jimmy Haley, Marvin Martinez and Ian Patrican, all second-year students at the IAA. This is the fifth consecutive year that a UMD team placed in the top three. The foursome was one of two IAA teams to compete against 60 other teams from 32 different universities and colleges across the United States. The other UMD team, including Christian Brinkerhoff, Jacob Kilmon, Shaun Clark and Jarod Knopp, came in 27th. “Since 2000, when we began taking teams of UMD students to the Turf Bowl, the competition has grown substantially,” said Dr. Kevin Mathias, Lecturer and Coordinator for Turfgrass and Golf Course Management at the IAA. “Placing third is a great confirmation that the Golf Course Management program at the IAA is one of the best in the nation.”
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) hosted the 2016 Collegiate Turf Bowl in conjunction with its winter conference. The winning teams were recognized in front of over 1,000 golf industry professionals, and took home prize money from title sponsor John Deere Golf. The Turf Bowl featured a written case study, as well as a wide variety of questions covering agronomic, business and financial management aspects of the superintendent profession. To prepare, the UMD students attended weekly practice and review sessions with Dr. Mathias and Alex Steinman, Sports Turf Manager for UMD Recreation and Wellness. The Golf Course Management concentration at the IAA also provided a solid foundation in turf identification, growth and development, irrigation and drainage, soils and fertility, pest management, and business and people management. “The IAA program focuses on education that opens doors to successful careers,” added Dr. Mathias. “Winning third in a national competition is a great resume booster for our students, who will undoubtedly achieve great success as future golf course superintendents.”
2016 Shields Tournament The 2016 Shields Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $15,000 for the IAA’s Turf program. Glenn Dale Golf Club hosted 148 players on a wet but well-conditioned course on Friday, May 13. Even though the day started with overcast conditions followed by late morning showers, the skies cleared and players enjoyed a sunny afternoon and the hospitality of the Shields families. Participants in the tournament received 50th Anniversary IAA golf balls and complimentary Golden Gala wine. Over 30 sponsors supported this year’s event and the proceeds support scholarships and student activities at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Impromptu in the Garden
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pril 19 yielded a gorgeous spring day for the IAA’s second annual Impromptu in the Garden speech contest, an event that encourages INAG 110: Oral Communication students to bring their Fearless voices to life. IAA Lecturer, Tony Pagnotti emceed and organized the event. Students drew a random topic and had only moments to prepare before delivering a one to twominute speech to their peers and judges.
Ultimately, Devin Cain was crowned the Impromptu champion, for his ode to actress Selena Gomez’s tenure on the Disney Channel. Impromptu in the Garden was made possible by the hard work of the IAA’s team of oral communication instructors and staff, and our gracious sponsor Pepsi.
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OUR GOLDEN GALA
Dr. J. Kevin Mathias poses with turf students at the gala’s photo booth. Cheers to 50 years!
“Like all good stewards of the land, the IAA has established strong roots, diversified, and expanded over the years to continually provide hands-on education at a world class university.” -Glori Hyman, Director
Left to right: Tony Pagnotti emceed the event. Attendees bid on a broad range of items at the silent auction. Golden Gala Rosé wine blended for the event by Dr. Joe Fiola.
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OUR GOLDEN GALA Students, faculty, and staff from every decade gathered to celebrate in style at the IAA’s 50th Anniversary Gala on May 14.
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t the College Park Marriott on May 14, the IAA hosted a gala to celebrate the achievements of students past and present with a night of local food, wine tasting, dancing, and a silent auction. Proceeds from the event benefited the IAA Enhancement Fund, which supports scholarships, professional development opportunities (such as conferences and student competitions), curriculum enhancement, handson projects, and other action-learning activities. The IAA wishes to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this event, especially those who contributed to our farm-to-table menu and silent auction. Please view our event photos at flickr.com/iaaumd1965.
Below: AGNR Dean Craig Beyrouty praised the IAA for making a difference in agricultural careers. Right: Glori Hyman poses with former IAA directors Dr. Ronald Seibel and Dr. Tom Hartsock. Top Right: Dr. Mathias shares his thoughts after 36 years of service.
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Student Files
Borkowski Named Outstanding Student Entering a second career and returning to school can be daunting, yet for Robert “Bob” Borkowski, it has also been rewarding. Borkowski was honored as the IAA’s Outstanding Student by the AGNR Alumni Association, at its annual banquet held at the Riggs Alumni Center in March. After 29 years of service in the military and law enforcement, Borkowski aspired to turn a honey bee hobby into a business. An avid beekeeper since 1998, Borkowski says his hobby started as a 4-H project with his son Bradley. After retiring, he had more time to devote to his passion and enrolled in the IAA to gain an education and hone his skills. Borkowski graduated this spring from the Sustainable Agriculture area of study. He admits that the course work was hard and that he had to put in some long hours studying, but it has paid off with a GPA above a 3.0. Borkowski’s academic advisor Meredith Epstein says, “Bob has designed a course of study for himself that is well balanced between agricultural science, production skills, business management, and service. He is both reverent toward traditional knowledge and seeks to widen his
view of the agricultural world.” During his two years at the IAA, Borkowski widened his agricultural world to include farmers markets, which he intends to pursue part-time. Last summer, he interned oncampus at the Farmers Market at Maryland. He assisted the market manager with everything from setup to customer service to marketing to financial analysis. “Throughout his time as a Terp, Bob has excelled in and outside of the classroom, provided service and leadership to the campus, and cultivated a strong community of support for himself and others,” says Epstein. IAA faculty and staff agree that Borkowski transitioned smoothly into the IAA, built camaraderie, and provided help to the department and AGNR which included staffing exhibit booths at Maryland Day and the AGNR Open House, recruiting for the IAA at veterans’ events, and volunteering at the Terp Farm Harvest Festival. Borkowski was actively involved in extracurricular activities, especially the PollinaTerps Beekeeping Club. He cared for hives across campus, established flowery food sources for the bees, and educated future beekeepers. He presented Introduction to Beekeeping workshops during Fall and Spring semesters. “Bob’s story is an inspiration, and his joy and dedication are infectious,” smiles Epstein.
Nola receives her award from Lisa McCarthy, daughter of Robert and Shirley Mangum.
Raena Nola, an Ag Forward student pursuing her certificate in Ornamental Horticulture and a bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture, is this year’s Robert Mangum Scholarship recipient. The award of $2,000 was presented to her at the annual Montgomery County Farm Bureau picnic.
Horticulture student Meg Smolinski is now a two-time recipient of the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) scholarship. At the May PGMS meeting, Meg gave a well-received presentation about her summer 2015 internship at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
Joi Drake Wins Academy of Academic Excellence Award IAA Sustainable Agriculture major Joyce (Joi) Drake was honored at the 2016 Academy of Academic Excellence Awards on March 23. Organized by the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education (OSME), this award is bestowed upon UMD undergraduate multi-ethnic students who make the Dean’s List each year. The evening began with remarks from the Academy’s founder, Dr. Christopher Lester who explained that OSME honors students who “…achieve at the highest levels personally, academically, and professionally.” The atmosphere was brimming with appreciation, respect, and encouragement. “I want every single student to know that you belong here, and have earned it with your tireless effort,” said Lester.
Sustainable Agriculture advisor Meredith Epstein and Joi Drake glow with pride during the awards ceremony.
Drake, of whom the IAA is so proud, emphasized the importance of being part of the Academy of Excellence. She noted, “So very many minorities from varied walks of life, nationalities and backgrounds were recognized for their scholarly achievements.” She continued, “Greater still is our university’s understanding of the importance recognition plays in the educational life cycle of minorities who give it all they have to make the grade!” UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND / FEARLESS IDEAS
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2016 Distinguished Alumni: John Shields Since 1991, the Institute of Applied Agriculture has awarded 113 Shields Memorial Scholarships totaling over $115,000 thanks to IAA alumnus R. John Shields, Jr. Shields, who completed his IAA course work in 1975, was honored as this year’s IAA’s Distinguished Alumni. Coming from a golf family, Shields was destined for a career in golf course management. After his military service, Shields returned to Maryland and enrolled at the Institute of Applied Agriculture, where he was on the Honor Roll all four semesters and ranked second in his graduating class. In 1980 he began managing the Glenn Dale Golf Club which was also the first year of the Shields Memorial Golf Tournament. John became Owner/President in 1984. Throughout his career, Shields has been a strong advocate for golf course management and spends a good deal of time in Annapolis introducing, supporting, and opposing
legislation that affects golf courses in Maryland. In 1995, he founded the Maryland Golf Course Owners Association and throughout the 1990s fought tirelessly for the rights of independent golf courses. Whether dealing with water use issues, assessment and taxation, or soil testing, Shields has advocated on behalf of golf courses. He feels it’s important for superintendents to pay attention to legislation because “it affects our bottom line and therefore the finances available to operate.” He encouraged the recent IAA graduates to become involved with the politics that surround their professions. “We are grateful to John and the Shields family for supporting the IAA for the past 37 years,” says IAA Turfgrass advisor Dr. Kevin Mathias, whose students have benefited from the funds raised over the years. “The funds raised not only support scholarships, but also provide financial support for our teams to travel to national
John Shields receives his Proclamation from IAA Director Glori Hyman at the 2016 IAA Graduation Breakfast.
competitions and conferences,” says Mathias. “We would not have been able to achieve the success that we have without John and the Shields families’ support.” The IAA is proud to include John among its distinguished alumni.
Alumni News & Notes superintendent at Emerald Dunes Club in West Palm Beach, FL.
Jake Reeves, GOLF ’15, is in Jacksonville, FL, working as an Assistant in Training at Maccurrach Golf Course Construction Company.
Robert “Bert” Schoenadel, GOLF ’95, is the Landscape Department manager of SiteOne Landscape Supply in White Plains, MD.
Scott Hosier, GOLF ‘13, is now the Assistant Superintendent at Philadelphia Cricket Club in PA. Cory Wesselman, GOLF ‘11, has returned to UMD as an AREC major in the college of Ag and Natural Resources. He recently received a Professional Grounds Management Society Scholarship.
James Bucko, GOLF ’91, made a complete career change. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Human Services Management, he worked in a hospital for many years. He is now working on his MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He lives in Decatur, GA.
A member of the IAA’s first graduating class, Kenneth “Kenny”A. Myers Sr., ‘67, passed away March 29, 2016 at home. Raised on Possum Hollow Farm, he devoted his life to farming and his family. He was a member of the Maryland Farm Bureau, Holstein Association, FFA, FHA, Dairymen Milk Cooperative, the Maryland & Virginia Milk Cooperative and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Drew Prosa, GOLF ‘09, is the Superintendent at Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston, VA. Congratulations to Erin Stevens, GOLF ‘98, for achieving the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association’s (BIGGA) Master Greenkeeper status, one of the most prestigious accreditations in the golf course management industry. Erin is the
Turfgrass students from every decade gathered at the 50th Anniversary Gala on May 14. UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND / FEARLESS IDEAS
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Around the ‘Tute Carole Dingess Awarded Honorary Alumni Status established herself as an irreplaceable member of the IAA, which continues to cherish her today. “Carole is the heart of the IAA,” according to IAA Director Glori Hyman. “She is the first person to greet students and visitors, and she is the go-to person for IAA faculty.” Carole Dingess receives her commemorative plaque from Dr. Craig Beyrouty, Indeed, students Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR). and faculty reach out to Carole for, By Rob Ballenger well, just about everything. Faculty regularly turn to Carole for help when they’re feeling ore than a decade ago, the university’s bewildered by anything from university red Department of Animal and Avian tape to the office photocopier’s complexity. Sciences lost a mother hen. “That support she’s been providing over the years has been outstanding,” says longtime She migrated to a new home at the Institute IAA Lecturer Kevin Mathias. “She’s so of Applied Agriculture (IAA), which has pleasant to work with… She makes this feel been lucky to have her as member of its like a family.” family ever since. Carole Dingess is officially the IAA’s Business Services Specialist. That family extends to any student with Unofficially, she’s the mother hen whose questions about the IAA program. Carole years of maternal service to the College of provides prospective students with details Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) on how to apply, and current IAA students have earned her a new title: Honorary turn to her anytime they need somewhere to Member of the AGNR Alumni Association. go for help. “I feel like I make a difference with them,” Carole says. Robert “Bob” Carole’s path to honorary alumni status Borkowski couldn’t agree more. He pursued stretches back to 1986, when the University his IAA certificate after a lengthy career in of Maryland first hired her. Carole held an unrelated field. “The transition from law a secretarial position with the university’s enforcement was tough,” he says. “Carole Poultry Science Department, which made my transition to school life easy and eventually merged into the Department comfortable; she has been my second mom! of Animal and Avian Sciences. Carole If I had a concern, she found the answer says that during her nine years with the for me.” undergraduate program, she loved to work with those students and earned a reputation Finding answers and serving as an as a “mother hen” to them. administrative guru has made Carole a highly valued figure among three decades of AGNR In 2005, Carole was asked if she wanted to students and faculty. So it came as little fulfill a similar role for IAA students. The surprise to many of them to learn that Carole Institute’s director at the time, Thomas would be awarded honorary alumna status Hartsock, invited her to apply for an open at the AGNR Alumni Association’s annual position. Soon after being hired Carole banquet. The honored recipient, however,
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was shocked. “I just couldn’t believe it,” Carole says. “There are so many others on campus who do this type of work who are also deserving… I’m very humbled.” At the banquet in April, Carole was presented with a plaque commemorating her newfound status, and she received generous applause from the more than 150 attendees who take pride in Carole and her work. Also proud of Carole: her family in Florida. Soon after the banquet Carole set out on a trip to visit them, and she made sure to bring along her plaque and show it off. Now that plaque is prominently displayed in Carole’s home in Prince George’s County. After 30 years she continues to drive from there to her IAA office in Jull Hall each weekday morning. Carole plans to stay in her current position (of mother hen) until retirement. However, the honorary alumna says she has no retirement date on the horizon. Carole’s flock of IAA faculty and students couldn’t be happier.
IAA Wins MATA Award
At the 2016 Maryland Agriculture Teacher’s Association (MATA) conference in Hunt Valley, the IAA was recognized as the “Outstanding PostSecondary Program.” Thank you MATA for choosing the IAA to receive this award.
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Best Buddies Learn from the IAA
Faculty Notes The IAA is proud to announce that Larisa Cioaca, Lecturer and Agricultural Business Management Advisor, is the fourth IAA faculty member to become a Chesapeake Project fellow. Cioaca joined the group this May and was among 20 faculty members selected from 19 different departments. The group engages in creative, interdisciplinary dialogue about teaching sustainability.
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ix soils, seeds, plants, greenhouses, Best Buddies, and the IAA and you grow the perfect event. Just ask the 25 students from Parkdale High School who visited on March 7 for a hands-on lesson in growing their own produce. Parkdale, a Prince George’s County high school that has a raised-bed vegetable garden, brought two classes of students to visit the IAA. The classes are paired in a “Best Buddies” program. Best Buddies, an international organization, creates opportunities in high schools for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to form meaningful friendships with peers, improve communication and self-advocacy skills, and feel valued by their school community. One was a class of ESOL (English as a second language) students, and the other
was a class of students with a range of developmental disabilities. “It was inspiring to see these two groups of students working together on a shared project, and everyone was smiling,” said IAA Lecturer Ken Ingram (pictured above). After IAA Ornamental Horticulture student Marcus Maxwell led a discussion on green roofs, students went to work seeding lettuce, peas, and chard. They labeled and seeded three trays of cell packs for each crop. After six weeks in the UMD greenhouses, 360 seedlings were delivered to the high school. Finally, Ingram gave each student a plant to take home. “The IAA is great at providing opportunities like this for local schools, and it helps students identify educational and career opportunities they might not have known about otherwise,” said Ingram.
Maryland Day Plant Giveaway
Meredith Epstein, Lecturer and Sustainable Agriculture Advisor, received a Rise Above Grant from the Office of Diversity & Inclusion to host and market a lecture titled “Power, Oppression, and Resilience in Our Food System” in April. Congratulations to Ken Ingram, Lecturer & Coordinator for Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Management, on being awarded an impressive Moving Maryland Forward 2016 Grant. The grant enables Ingram to implement a diversity pilot project to recruit Latinos into the IAA and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources through a targeted outreach campaign and workshops. Opening Doors to Successful Careers will address the academic achievement gap of Latino professionals through a new outreach/education program for landscaping, horticulture, and golf course professionals. An on-campus workshop during Winter 2017 will expose Latino professionals to the variety of educational options provided by the IAA. Oral Communication Lecturer Tony Pagnotti won a Pepsi grant to host another successful public speaking event in the IAA Teaching Garden for University of Maryland students, bringing agriculture and communication together. The IAA faculty have teamed with the LEAD Maryland Foundation to provide communication and leadership skill building to the Class of IX LEAD Fellows. Through program participation, Fellows become more equipped to solve problems, identify resources, engage and educate others, lead communities, and shape public policy.
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t this year’s Maryland Day, the IAA distributed over 1,800 culinary herbs raised in the UMD greenhouse by IAA Ornamental Horticulture students. Guests had their choice of basil, sage, rosemary, thyme, and chives, in addition to corresponding recipe cards.
IAA Director Glori Hyman conducted a workshop “Executing Engaging Panel Discussions” and Larisa Cioaca, Lecturer and Agricultural Business Management Advisor, gave a workshop on successful Social Media Marketing.
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IAA Spring 2016 Scholarship Winners Congratulations, recipients! Shields Memorial Scholarship: Scott Hebert Dong Hae (Donnie) Shin Tesco Scholarship: Scott Hebert Meg Smolinski Cecil Massie Scholarship: Kossi Bassinan Edward M. Bowman Family Scholarship: Kossi Bassinan Pictured above, clockwise: Kossi, Scott, Meg, and Donnie UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND / FEARLESS IDEAS