INAG News
Global
From the Director’s Desk
DClass Notes
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Cover: Larissa Medina tends to plants in the UMD Research Greenhouse as part of her summer internship.
Heather McHale Director
Rebecka Tetter
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INAG News is published twice a year by the Institute of Applied Agriculture. You, the reader, are encouraged to share comments, alumni updates, and agriculturerelated news at iaa@umd.edu.
uring the academic year, I put a “Snippet of the Week” from a book or a movie on my office door each Friday. Because it’s summer, I have been looking at the last one from May every time I unlock my office door. It reads: Which of us is not saying to himself—which of us has not been saying to himself all his life: “I shall alter that when I have a little more time”? We never shall have any more time. We have, and we have always had, all the time there is.
This little meditation (both pithy and profound) comes from Arnold Bennett’s book, How to Live on Twenty-Four Hours a Day, published in 1908. It could just as easily be taken from one of the dozens of time management books that crowd the self-help sections of today’s bookstores. Bennett argues that most people have always felt that they are allowing hours or years of their lives to slip away without accomplishing what they set out to do.
In my own observation, he is right, but enjoying your work and believing in its importance can allow you to look at the past with satisfaction and at the future with purpose. That’s why the IAA invests so much time and energy into professional development and career advising! This issue highlights our most recent graduates; I send them forth with my fondest wish that they find valuable, satisfying work that rewards their expenditure of their precious time.
If you find it dispiriting to think, “I never shall have any more time,” you might prefer this other idea from Bennett’s book: Waste your infinitely precious commodity as you will, and the supply will never be withheld from you….Moreover, you cannot draw on the future. Impossible to get into debt! You can only waste the passing moment.You cannot waste to-morrow; it is kept for you.You cannot waste the next hour; it is kept for you.
Inspiring, really. We each have all the time there is.
Heather McHale Director
Dr. Lori Sefton: 2025-2026 IAA Distinguished Lecturer
Written By: Heather McHale
At the IAA, each academic year, we select one of our faculty as our Distinguished Lecturer. This award recognizes an outstanding faculty member with a record of extraordinary performance in teaching, service, and creative activity. I am very pleased to recognize Dr. Lori Sefton as the IAA’s 2025-2026 Distinguished Lecturer.
Dr. Sefton, who joined the IAA faculty in 2021, holds the rank of Senior Lecturer. She teaches INAG 110 (Oral Communication), as well as INAG 132 (Agricultural Leadership and Teamwork). She dedicates an extraordinary amount of her time to serving the program in other ways, as well. For those of you who don’t know this, the IAA offers 40 sections per semester of Oral Communication—we have eight faculty members who teach that course fulltime. There’s a lot of administrative overhead to doing that; cheduling, classrooms, leading meetings. Starting next fall, Lori will serve as the INAG 110 Course Coordinator: the person who makes things go. She serves on (are you ready for this list?) the IAA’s Marketing, Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Committee; the Awards Committee; and the Pedagogy Committee. She chairs the IAA’s Professional-Track Faculty Promotions Committee. She serves as the IAA’s representative to the University of Maryland Senate. And she’s part of the committee that is developing a new open-access textbook for the oral communication course. She also serves on the Professional Track Faculty Symposium Logistics Committee, which organizes a symposium every year to promote and celebrate PTK faculty all over campus.
What’s more, Lori is always happy to lend a hand with anything that needs to be done, whether it’s staffing our table at Maryland Day, planning the Impromptu in the Garden public speaking contest, or applying her excellent organizational skills to bring order to our supply closet after our move from Jull Hall to Symons Hall.
Nominations for Distinguished Lecturer can come from the faculty member themselves or from a colleague. Lori was nominated by a colleague, who said of her, “Her mentorship has been invaluable, as she personally guided me through the preparation of my senior lecturer promotion packet, a process I would not have undertaken without her encouragement and expertise.” Lori’s commitment to helping her colleagues advance is just one of the reasons that she is such an asset to the IAA; her colleagues, as well as her students, can rely on her to be there for them in any capacity they need.
CONGRATULATIONS!
GEORGE KURTZWEIL, Senior Lecturer (Oral Communication) on his recent promotion.
KENNETH INGRAM for the Annual Herb Giveaway at the Centennial Ag Day. Pictured below is an attendee selecting their herb.
Tom Mazzone Awarded On-Campus PTK Excellence Award
Written By: Dane Grossnickle
The Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) is proud to recognize Lecturer Tom Mazzone as the 2025 recipient of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ On-Campus Professional Track Faculty Excellence Award. Recognizing excellence in teaching, service, and community impact, the award highlights the very strengths Tom brings to AGNR through his instruction, mentorship, and leadership.
This write-up is a shortened version of the remarks shared by Lecturer Meredith Epstein, who presented the award on behalf of the IAA. Her thoughtful and heartfelt introduction captured the full scope of Tom’s impact on students, colleagues, and the broader agricultural community.
A 2013 AGNR alumnus, Tom returned to campus in 2021 after a successful eight-year career as a decorated high school agriculture teacher in Washington County. With a master’s in Agricultural Education and Communication from the University of Florida, Tom brought back to Maryland not only new credentials, but a renewed passion for teaching and student engagement.
At the IAA, Tom teaches some of the most handson and engaging courses on campus, including Fundamentals of Agricultural Mechanics, Power and Machinery, Landscape Construction, and GPS & Drone Applications in Surveying. His teaching style is deeply experiential—filled with labs, field trips, and industrygrade tools. Students fly drones over the Chesapeake Bay, forge metal tools, build landscape structures, and troubleshoot real-world machinery, all under Tom’s expert and encouraging guidance.
His students describe him as “life-changing,” “phenomenal,” and “by far the best professor I have ever had.” But his impact goes beyond content mastery. Tom fosters a classroom culture where every student feels capable, included, and proud of their progress— especially in areas they once found intimidating. As one colleague noted, “you won’t catch me letting a 19-yearold fly a $7,000 drone—but Tom hasn’t lost one yet.”
Tom’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. He plays a vital role in connecting AGNR to Maryland high school agricultural programs, supports statewide teacher professional development, and serves on numerous committees and boards. He is Treasurer of the Maryland FFA Foundation, active in the Maryland Agriculture Teachers Association, and remains connected to the AGR alumni network. On top of it all, he still milks cows on weekends at UMD’s Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) and lends his time and talents to community projects.
We thank Tom for his tireless dedication, his excellence in teaching, and his ability to inspire confidence in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Congratulations, Tom! Pictured below with former Dean Craig Beyrouty.
JOE POULAS
Written By: Geoffrey Rinehart
TOutstanding IAA Student
he IAA would like to congratulate Joseph Poulas as the recipient of the 2024-25 Outstanding Certificate Student award! As a mid-life career changer, Joe had a previous career in retail and business, but sought out the IAA to enroll in the Turfgrass Management program and pursue a career in the Turfgrass/Golf industry. Besides his outstanding academic achievements, Joe’s friendliness, affability, and collaborative nature contributed tremendously to the “spirit of family” that makes the IAA a special place. Joe completed his internship at Columbia Country Club in Bethesda last summer, gaining valuable turfgrass management experience at one of the top golf courses in the region.
In addition to his academic achievements, including Dean’s List recognition, Joe was a member of the UMD team that achieved 2nd place out of 70+ teams nationally in the collegiate Turf Bowl completion this February at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Conference. This competition involves knowledge of several aspects of turfgrass science including turfgrass, disease, insect, and weed identification; soil science; irrigation; turfgrass physiology; and turfgrass business management principles. Joe demonstrated leadership on this team, helping them achieve their second-place finish and represent UMD extremely well.
After finishing his Certificate in December, fortunately for the UMD turfgrass program, Joe was hired on as a turfgrass research technician for Dr. Mark Carroll and since April has conducted research on an ongoing compost amendment trial and initiated research on a putting green biostimulant experiment in addition to maintaining and improving the turfgrass species teaching collection at the Paint Branch Turfgrass Research Facility.
In addition to Poulas's award, Natalie Rilley (AG BUS '24) received the Outstanding AREC Student Award and was the AGNR Commencement Stole of Gratitude Speaker.
Pictured Above: Rilley and Poulas with their awards at the annual awards reception at the UMD Golf Course; Rilley with fellow commencement speaker, Kermit the Frog.
Voices of the Class
We are proud to have celebrated the 40 remarkable graduates from our August 2024, December 2024, and May 2025 cohorts. These accomplished scholars have demonstrated outstanding dedication in agriculture and natural resources. As they embark on their next chapters—from employment to advanced study—we applaud their hard work, resilience, and the bright futures they’re cultivating. Here’s to our newest alumni and the impact they’ll make, wherever their careers may grow!
For the full list of IAA graduates, please visit iaa.umd.edu/news.
To mark this milestone, two inspiring student speakers took the stage to reflect on their IAA experiences and share words of encouragement for the journey ahead.
"I arrived at the University of Maryland not knowing what to expect. The last time I was in college, the internet was in its infancy, and my car had a tape deck. I’ll admit it: I was a little nervous to see how much things had changed. What would it be like to be in class with students who were just a year or two older than my own children? Would I be older than my professors? Would I be able to keep up with the coursework and my life at home?
What I found, from day one, was a group of students and faculty who were open and welcoming; who were interested in my story; who cared about my success. The IAA became a home away from home. I spent more time in Jull 1123 and the computer lab upstairs than I ever thought possible. I count myself as one of the lucky ones who was able to complete their degree within those old linoleum halls.
My eternal thanks go out to the faculty and staff; you are what made Jull Hall and the IAA for me. Thank you.
What these folks at the IAA do for our students on a daily basis is incredible. Not only are students prepared to enter the world with practical—-truly practical—-skills and knowledge (I mean, I used a forge!), they enter that world with a team they can rely on in the future to help with everything from questions about navigating new workplaces to sourcing a certain hard to find turfgrass seed.
Now, all that being said, there are four people who I absolutely could not have done this without. I was a stay-athome dad for 16 years before starting in the IAA. These were the best 16 years of my life. And yet, when I decided to go back to school, I had my family’s complete support. Without them, I would not have been as successful in my time here. Thank you guys, I love you.
I will be forever grateful for my time here in the IAA. From the friends I’ve made, to the connections I forged with faculty–these two years have been two of the most important years in my life. If you had told me even five years ago that I would be here today, I wouldn’t have believed it.
I now have college friends from the 90s and college friends from the 20s. It turns out, by the way, that things haven’t changed much. More than a few of them have had mullets and questionable facial hair in both decades. I’ll leave it to history to decide if that’s a good or a bad thing.
- Joe Poulas, Turfgrass Management Graduate
"When I first came to UMD, I was overwhelmed. I was searching for purpose, direction–anything that felt like me. I eventually found the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, but things really changed when I stumbled into a random IAA class with Meredith.
I still remember one of the first days. Meredith walked in wearing a dress with chickens on it. She was kind, soft-spoken, and clearly passionate about what she was teaching. A few days later, she sent out an email with IAA opportunities and I remember thinking, “whatever she’s a part of, I want to be part of it too.” What makes the IAA so special isn’t just the classes. It’s how we learn: by doing. We get our hands dirty. Literally. In one of Meredith’s classes, we made pickles, beef jerky, dehydrated apples, even soap. I learned skills I could actually use.
Then came Tom’s agricultural mechanics class: welding, electricity, plumbing, woodworking. I was nervous. I remember thinking, “I’m just a girl, I usually just hold the flashlight for my dad.” But Tom never made me feel like I couldn’t do it. He believed in me, encouraged me, and genuinely cared. One day when I was clearly having a rough time, he asked, “Natalie, how can I make your day better?” That meant everything. With his support, I ended up taking Power and Machinery; I fully disassembled and reassembled an engine that actually ran. Hearing it start? Unreal. It was hands down one of the most empowering and valuable experiences I’ve had, and I owe that to Tom.
Then there’s Becky, my go-to for advice, life talks, and encouragement. When I told her I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation, she didn’t give vague advice; she emailed Horizon Farm Credit, copied me, and helped me take the next step. That’s the kind of support the IAA gives you.
Kenny taught us to respect soils (not dirt!) and somehow made Friday labs something we looked forward to. Lindsay helped Katrina and me with bee projects, even when she was slammed with work. Carole made every morning brighter with a simple “Well, good morning, Natalie–it’s so great to see you!” To every faculty and staff member at the IAA who’s been a part of our journey, thank you. Whether you answered a question or encouraged us in the hallway, you made our experience better.
Some of us will stay at UMD to continue pursuing bachelor’s degrees. Others are heading straight into careers, back to farms, businesses, or even families waiting at home. Some of us are just starting out; others have come back to school while raising kids or working full time. Every single one of us earned this moment. Different paths–but with the same determination, the same late nights, and the same dirt under our nails.
- Natalie Rilley, Agricultural Business Management Graduate
Pictured Above (front to back): Izzy Della Santa, Mikayla Linkous, Bridget Duffy, Katrina Hall, Jacqueline Ambrosio-Bravo, Jaycie Cherry, Ahmad Toure, Sam Burke, Keribel Sanchez, Sabina Postol, Zachary Baker, Blake Komisar-Bury, Evan Pickering, Carson Thomas, Aiden Beck, Ryan Kasner, Jonah Webb, Sophia Tiso, Jessica Smith, Natalie Rilley, and Joe Poulas.
IAA Terp Life
SPRING 2025 SNAPSHOT
1. It was presesentation day for INAG132: Leadership and Teamwork students where they explored their town building simulation.
2. Students enjoyed picking the perfect plant for their Valentine at the annual IAA Valentine's Day Plant Giveaway.
3. INAG110: Oral Communication students participated in the annual Impromptu in the Garden event to put their skills to the test.
4. Tyler Kirk, Keribel Sanchez Arnez, and Jamie Harrison discussed their presentation together at the annual AGNR Discovery and Innovation Night.
5. Wood you believe it?! INAG272: Principles of Arboriculture students located the lightning protection system on a tree around campus.
6. Tom Mazzone demonstrated how to use surveying tools to Mike Ribblett and other students in INAG104: Quantitative Applications in Agriculture.
Gone GLOBAL! Winter Study Abroad
Seventeen University of Maryland students traveled to New Zealand this past January for a three-week study abroad program focused on sustainable land use and environmental stewardship. As they explored the country’s diverse ecosystems, students examined land management strategies, energy production (geothermal, hydropower, and wind), invasive species control, and efforts to preserve native biodiversity. The program also offered immersive experiences such as hiking through national parks, whitewater rafting, and learning directly from local experts about the geologic and cultural history of this Pacific Island nation and its native Maori people.
This year’s program was led by IAA Lecturer and Advisor Dane Grossnickle, a former participant of the trip who now co-directs the course alongside Dr. Joe Sullivan and Dr. Andrew Ristvey. The IAA’s Becky Tetter also served as the program’s teaching assistant—a meaningful capstone as she wrapped up her Master’s in Information Management. Grossnickle hopes to see more IAA students participate in study abroad, noting that a new scholarship is currently in development to support two-year students pursuing global learning opportunities.
Cultivating Excellence
Honoring Turf Equipment & Supply’s Lasting Legacy
In lieu of our traditional early career and lifetime achievement alumni awards, the decision was made to recognize an outstanding industry partner, the Turf Equipment and Supply Company for our distinguished alumnus in 2025. In the recent past, seven IAA alumni were employed in managerial roles with Turf Equipment in Jessup, MD. Turf Equipment is a major supplier of golf and grounds equipment and irrigation throughout the Mid-Atlantic states. They also funded one of the IAA’s oldest endowed scholarships over 30 years ago which is open to all IAA students. On hand to accept the award were Communication Manager Andy Donelson ('88) and Product Support Manager Chris Turner ('08).
Pictured Above: Grossnickle and Tetter at Westland Tai Poutini National Park in New Zealand.
Class Notes
SEND US YOUR NEWS!
We’d like to hear about your personal and professional life.
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Institute of Applied Agriculture Symons Hall, Rm. 3303 7998 Regents Drive College Park, MD 20742
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Ashley Fennell (AG BUS ‘22) started a new position as Project Assistant at American Farm Bureau Federation.
Meghna Matthews (AG BUS ‘20) earned her master's degree from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.
Shaun O'Connor (TURF '12), Golf Course Superintendent at Timbers of Troy, was elected President of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents.
Ray "Butch" Evans (TURF '67), retired Superintendent of Redgate Golf Course, passed away suddenly on June 20, 2025.
Pictured Right: Ryan Geils (GOLF '18) far right and John Burton (current student/intern) fifth from the right with the 2025 Senior PGA winner Angel Cabrera.
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