Dedication and passion: Zartman passes Scarlet and Gray Ag Day reins to new chair
Micki Zartman's passion to share the world of agriculture infects nearly everyone she meets, and that likely won't stop even after she officially retires this year from her role as chair of Scarlet and Gray Ag Day.
The annual event, Zartman's brainchild, was renamed "Micki Zartman Scarlet and Gray Ag Day" in 2007. This year, Zartman is assisting new chair Leslie Risch to plan for a record 590 school students--urban, rural, suburban, private, and public -- converging on the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences campus May 15. Guided by 160 volunteer college students, participants will visit stations staffed by college faculty and staff to learn about agriculture's role in everything from food and clothing to wildlife and biodiesel fuels.
The idea behind the event started years ago, when Zartman accompanied her husband David, who was chair of the then-Department of Dairy Science, to an annual dairy science meeting. One of the speakers challenged participants to share their stories: "The speaker said, 'You talk to each other, but you don't talk to the rest of the world.' And I felt like she was looking directly at me," Zartman said.
It wasn't long before she was leading tours of the Waterman Dairy Center for local schools. The program was a huge success, but one year the science director at Worthington High School asked about other aspects of agriculture. The seed was planted, and Zartman worked with the teacher to plan the first Scarlet and Gray Ag Day in 1999.
The event goes beyond the average field trip. Organizers make sure the offerings link up with schools' content standards. Teachers attend a pre-event workshop, and ag education students visit classrooms to conduct enrichment classes. This year, students from the College of Education and Human Ecology will also participate, making school visits and volunteering at the event.
The program is popular, with a waiting list of schools wanting to participate. Zartman credits her student co-chairs and volunteers from throughout the college. "Every year, I challenge the student co-chairs to expand the academic rigor and impact of the program," she said.
Jill Tyson, college admissions coordinator, was a student co-chair in 2005 and also worked with Zartman in 2006 to prepare an A-to-Z handbook for future organizers. Tyson said working with Zartman was life-changing. "Her ability to work with and connect with all types of students is remarkable, and her dedication is inspiring," Tyson said.
Zartman says her passion lies in the feedback she gets from Ag Day participants. Among the comments: "You come knowing little about ag, and leave knowing amazing things." "It is the best thing I have ever been to." "I am never going to forget it." "It made me want to go to college."
In addition, she remains deeply grateful for the support Ag Day has received from faculty, staff, and administration, and industry and commodity leaders.
Incoming chair Risch, who is also a program assistant for Farm Science Review, said Zartman's passion for agriculture is contagious and inspiring, adding, "I hope she wants to remain part of Scarlet and Gray Ag Day for a long time." -- Martha Filipic
Students come first for retired Animal Sciences professor
For Ohio State University livestock geneticist Keith Irvin, nothing is more gratifying than leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of students.
"I love having the opportunity to work with students," he said. "I always felt that if we provide students opportunities and encouragement and then get out of their way they would be successful."
The Department of Animal Sciences professor, who retired at the end of January, influenced hundreds of students in the classroom and in an advisory capacity, and no doubt helped to shape their personal and professional goals.
Irvin joined the faculty in 1975 after receiving his Ph.D. in animal genetics at Ohio State University. Since then, he's taught over 15 different courses and advised undergraduate and graduate students and contributed to student organizations. For example, he was instrumental in developing the national Sigma Alpha sorority during a time when agricultural sororities did not exist for women. Irvin has also conducted research in swine genetics. He is best noted for developing the Sow Productivity Index, which combines components of traits important for mothering ability in sows.
"Producers will use this selection tool to select females that will mother the next generation," said Irvin. "It was satisfying to go through the process of doing the research on sow productivity to developing the SPI and then seeing it adopted by industry." Throughout the years, Irvin has received countless awards for his success in the classroom, his affinity with students, and for his research, and has served on a number of university and community organizations.
Although retiring, Irvin looks at it as a new beginning and is looking forward to new opportunities that come his way.
"My retirement is not an end, it's a new beginning and a new stage in my life. It's a growing phase and a positive change while being an opportunity to look forward," he said. "I'm looking forward to the new opportunities and will continue to maintain and develop new friendships." -- April Hayes
Future student? Great way, great day to see CFAES
Thinking of enrolling in CFAES? Know someone who is? Consider the "Experience OSU for a Day" program, which offers one-day, one-on-one, inside looks at the college. Prospective students shadow a current student, attend several classes with them, eat on campus, and visit a residence hall. They meet with a professor who works in their area of interest. They talk to counselors and administrators. They leave with essential details--on financial aid, majors, and more--and a first-hand feel for the college. "Once (prospective) students are on campus and see what we have to offer, it's a lot easier for them to decide if the college is right for them," said CFAES Admissions Coordinator Jill Tyson.
A typical visit goes from about 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. But it's fully adjustable. If you can't stay that long, you can schedule a shorter stay. It's totally up to you. So are the stops on the visit. The classes you go to and the faculty you meet with are set up based on your input and interests. Also, guests, typically a parent or parents, are welcome and included. They tour campus, have lunch with an administrator, and join you to meet with the counselors and professors.
The program's personalized nature "really helped me make my final decision in that long college search process," said Katelin Luthman, a freshman Food Science and Nutrition major. It's a one-of-a-kind recruitment experience," said Ryan Conklin, a senior in Agribusiness and Applied Economics and Animal Sciences and one of the program's host students. Prospective students see "that it really is possible to receive the individual attention they want and deserve, even at a large institution like Ohio State."
Cost: free. Learn more at http://cfaes.osu.edu/visit. Or contact Tyson at (614) 292-8124 or tyson.46@osu.edu. -- Kurt Knebusch
OSU alumnus expresses pride through old postcard collection
The final verse of Ohio State University's alma mater rings true just as much today as it did in 1902, when the lyrics were written.
Time marches on. Change is inevitable. But the pride of Scarlet and Gray remains. For OSU agricultural alumnus Jerome Gundrum, this truth is best expressed through his collection of Ohio State University postcards. With some postcards dating back to 1905, the collection gives a glimpse into the evolution of what has become the largest university in the nation.
"It's fun to see how the university has changed over the years. Reading the notes on the back of the cards and seeing the old postmarks and stamps is very interesting," said Gundrum, agronomy major from the class of 1975. "I think back and while a student, I didn't fully comprehend the enormity of the school and its status and worldwide recognition. 'Time and change' surely does show the positive impact Ohio State has had on my life."
The Jefferson County, Ohio, native who now owns an old-fashioned soda shop in North Carolina enjoys sharing his postcards and other Ohio State memorabilia with customers.
"I am always amazed at the number of non-Ohio residents who are Ohio State fans with no educational association with the school, but still proudly wear the Scarlet and Gray," said Gundrum. "This makes me even prouder to be an Ohio State alumnus." -- Candace Pollock
Good work! Find it, get it at CFAES Career Services Center
Looking for just the right job, internship, or Ohio State-educated employee? Check out the CFAES Career Services Center, which offers free expert assistance to CFAES students, alumni, and industry professionals. Students get help writing resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and scheduling on-campus interviews. They meet companies at the college's fall and winter Career Events, hosted by the center. There's a free online job board called "Hireabuckeye" that's updated daily and available 24/7. Individual advice and counseling sessions are offered as well.
"Hireabuckeye is available to any current student or alumni of the college and is good for life," said Adam Cahill, Career Services program coordinator. "Anything that we know about, you will know about and have access to. If you are looking for a job or someone to hire, this is a great place to start."
Employers, meantime, can post jobs to Hireabuckeye; can get candidate referrals; can see the resumes of selected candidates online; and can thoroughly plan their recruiting visits, both to the Career Events and at other times throughout the year.
The easy first step to start using the center is to register for Hireabuckeye at http://www.cfaes.osu.edu/career; click on the log-in logo.
Find the center in 100 Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Rd., on Ohio State's Columbus campus. Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Get further details at the center's web site, www.cfaes.osu.edu/career; or contact Adam Cahill at (614) 292-1589 or cahill.71@osu.edu. -- Kurt Knebusch
