The Oklahoma State University chapter of Alpha Zeta received top honors from the National Fraternity of Alpha Zeta at its National Agricultural Leadership Conference in Gainesville, Florida, this spring. The chapter received the Rising Star Award and several members, faculty and alumni from OSU also were recognized for their efforts.

The annual conference serves as an opportunity for chapters from across the nation to network, exchange ideas for chapter growth and learn about the diverse agricultural industry.

“Alpha Zeta is a tradition at OSU and land-grant institutions across the nation for students pursuing degrees and careers in the agricultural industry,” said Tom Coon, vice president of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “We are proud of our chapter, its members, advisors and alumni, and all they have accomplished this year. The Oklahoma chapter of Alpha Zeta has a bright future because of the investment made by our students and faculty members in the college.”

The Rising Star Award was given to the Oklahoma chapter as an up-and-coming chapter in recognition of its dedication to the implementation of new ideas and focus on the personal and professional growth of its members.

Four students and two faculty members from OSU were individually recognized by the organization. Their names and awards include:

• Alpha Zeta Outstanding Member-at-Large: Mandy Schroeder, agricultural leadership senior, Nash, Oklahoma
• Alpha Zeta Outstanding Chronicler: Katelyn Garvie, agricultural communications junior, Burlington, Oklahoma
• Alpha Zeta Outstanding Censor: Sabrina Wilber, animal science and agricultural communications, Cherokee, Oklahoma
• Alpha Zeta National Scholarship Recipient: Ricki Schroeder, agricultural leadership and agribusiness junior, Nash, Oklahoma
• Alpha Zeta Outstanding Advisor: Cynda Clary, CASNR associate dean
• Alpha Zeta Outstanding Alumni: Shannon Ferrell, agricultural economics associate professor

“Alpha Zeta has been a great experience over the last three years,” said Mandy Schroeder, an agricultural leadership senior. “I have made great friends as well as potential network connections in the field of agriculture. It’s been a great honor to be recognized by Alpha Zeta nationally.”

The Fraternity of Alpha Zeta is an honorary, professional society for students and industry professionals in agricultural and natural resources fields. The OSU chapter in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources was established in 1916 and recognizes students who not only excel in academics but also embody the mission of Alpha Zeta in scholarship, leadership, integrity and service.

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REPORTER: Lindsay V. King

MEDIA CONTACT:
Melissa Mourer
Communications Coordinator
Agricultural Communications Services
144 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-3737
Fax: 405-744-5739
Email: melissa.mourer@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating: Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures, and is an equal opportunity employer.