Alumni

Bleeding orange
CASNR alumni carry on OSU traditions through family legacies
By Mandy Imgarten, Enid, Okla.

Family backgrounds, long-standing traditions and a culture of excellence draw students and alumni to the Oklahoma State University College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. From all corners of the United States and around the world, they come to bleed orange.

Student organizations, scholarship opportunities and a large percentage of Top 10 Seniors and Freshmen are just a few reasons generations of families continue to choose CASNR, said Ed Miller, CASNR associate dean. The college also is known for its quality academics and faculty who care about student success, he said.

CASNR graduates come in multiple combinations, like the Holcombes' grandfather/father/son legacy or the Gardners' brother/sister/sister/brother bond. Regardless of genealogy, the destiny is the same.

Scot Holcombe, an animal science alumnus, said an agricultural background, CASNR's academic reputation, and standing family tradition drew him to OSU.

"I was the third generation to attend OSU," Holcombe said. "I was familiar with the animal science department and realized that I wanted to be involved in the cattle business as my vocation. My grandfather, Thad, was in animal husbandry, and my father, Lee, graduated with an animal husbandry degree in 1956."

Brett Gardner, an animal science alumnus and one of four siblings to graduate from OSU, said he appreciates the experiences and skills he gained during his time at OSU.

"I grew up in a small area," Gardner said. "OSU was the opportunity of a lifetime for me. It gave me the tools I needed to fully express my talents, grow and develop."

CASNR upholds its reputation for having outstanding faculty and staff. Therefore, it takes into careful consideration when hiring to ensure the tradition of faculty excellence continues, Miller said.

"Our faculty care about student success and strive to be efficient in and out of the classroom," Miller said. "Faculty are students' advisers. They understand the importance of an effective student-teacher relationship and have personal, professional relationships with students."

Faculty and staff in CASNR provide students with quality academics and a friendly, professional atmosphere, Miller said.

"I loved the camaraderie between faculty and students in CASNR," said Donna Neumeyer, plant and soil sciences alumna. "I loved the clubs and organizations, the students, and the closeness of the professors and students. They all knew who you were by the time you graduated. You could not skip class without them knowing."

Similarly, Grayson Riddels, agribusiness junior, said he appreciates the dedication of the faculty and staff.

"Without the help of OSU and CASNR faculty, I would not be where I am today," Grayson Riddels said. "My time at OSU has given me a foundation and understanding of my life goals. I obtained beneficial interpersonal and public speaking skills through collegiate activities and interaction with fellow students, faculty and staff."

CASNR has a reputation for having well-rounded students and graduates, which is because of their participation in many agricultural organizations, Miller said

"CASNR understands the importance of student development outside the classroom," Miller said. "We stress leadership in clubs and organizations, teamwork and good work ethics. These qualities, combined with faculty support and strong foundations provided by 4-H and FFA programs, have contributed to CASNR's high percentage of Top 10 Seniors, Top 10 Freshmen and various other prestigious awards."

Gaylon Riddels, an agricultural economics alumnus and brother of Grayson Riddels, earned one of these awards.

"My greatest memory of OSU is when I was named an OSU Top 10 Freshman Man," Gaylon Riddels said. "All the events and activities that led up to that made it all worthwhile. I enjoyed being involved in the agricultural college, meeting new people and getting to know the faculty."

Being in an active leadership position and participating in organizational activities was a great way to meet other students and have fun, Gardner said.

"Many people encouraged me to be involved and to take a leadership role," Gardner said. "I was actively involved in many clubs and organizations. I could definitely see the amazing difference between CASNR and other colleges on campus."

Brother of Grayson and Gaylon Riddels, Garrett Riddels, an agribusiness alumnus, said he remembers the friendships and memories he made during his time at OSU.

"I loved the friends I met, the relationships I developed through classes and studying together, and the ability for friendships to last for years after school," Garrett Riddels said.

In addition to the faculty and student organizations, scholarships play an important role in recruiting and maintaining student enrollment. CASNR is fortunate to provide scholarships each year to deserving students, Miller said.

"We have a strong scholarship program due to the loyalty of our alumni," Miller said. "This is reflected in the large number of scholarships we are able to provide. This is a perfect example of alumni giving back to the college."

Gardner said he was blessed by the scholarships and thankful for the donors who allowed him to attend OSU.

CASNR takes pride in helping students celebrate success by providing scholarships, Miller said.

"Our goal is to increase academics by providing students with the necessary tools and funds to continue their academic excellence," Miller said.

Faculty, student organizations and scholarships are three traditions that bring generations of OSU families back to CASNR. As technology advances, CASNR not only continues to provide quality traditional agricultural academic programs but also continues to expand to more non-traditional agricultural programs.

"CASNR continues to support traditional agriculture, but we are pursuing agriculture in a broader sense," Miller said. "Programs in horticulture, landscape architecture, turf management, food science and food safety are rapidly becoming prominent agricultural industries. Students who come through CASNR have an appreciation for production agriculture but also are prepared for non-traditional agricultural jobs."