Evening Event Caps Off Campaign Announcement for Ag Facilities
The Lowman Student Center Ballroom was transformed into a magical outdoor evening scene to welcome those who attended the kickoff for the agricultural component of SHSU’s capital campaign. Details
Commending 40 Years of Support
From Go Texan Day, horseback trail riders, BBQ cook-offs and rodeo excitement, there is no doubt that The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is an important part of Texas culture. Details
Evening Event Caps Off Campaign Announcement for Ag Facilities
The Lowman Student Center Ballroom was transformed into a magical outdoor evening scene to welcome those who attended the kickoff for the agricultural component of SHSU’s “Honoring Traditions. Creating Futures.” capital campaign on Jan. 13.
More than 320 guests learned about the significance and necessity of agriculture in today’s world and the many ways in which SHSU can contribute to the agricultural needs of the future through the education of highly skilled and prepared graduates.
James Palmer, retired vice president and general manager of the Matador Cattle Company, and current owner of Cattle Matters, LLC, was the guest speaker for the event.
“Tonight, we honored our traditions. Ladies and gentlemen, the future is among us.” - Stanley Kelley, Professor of Agriculture Sciences
SHSU President Dana Hoyt began the evening by sharing the many accomplishments of faculty and students in the agricultural program, including national rankings for both the women’s and men’s rodeo teams.
“While all the academic and student achievements and accolades tell an amazing story, the pinnacle of all measurements for the department is that they rank as one of the highest in the state for placement of graduates into the workforce within 12 months of graduation,” she said.
“To maintain its status as a leader in agriculture, the department faculty and staff must continue its devotion to progressive curriculum, student success and scientific inquiry,” she said. “I know the university and all of you want to challenge the Ag Department to continue its legacy of excellence. However, even with such a commitment, state-of-the-art facilities to enrich the learning environment are of utmost importance.”
Several of the approximately 50-year-old buildings currently utilized by the ag program have outlived their usefulness and ability to adequately support the technology that is now required for students to learn to be highly marketable in the workforce. Not only are the structures aged, they are spread out in a variety of locations across Huntsville, and their condition makes it hard to sell the program when recruiting academically talented new students.
Three structures have been identified for the agricultural sciences initiative of the capital campaign—a meat and food science center; an animal and equine science center; and a plant and soil science field lab—all to be located at Gibbs Ranch.
Professor of Agricultural Science Stanley Kelley explained that while SHSU’s ag program has a track record of remarkable achievements given the current limitations, demands from the industry require more.
“To many, the influence of agriculture on American and global societies is often taken for granted with no, or too little, thought of ‘what is the future for food,’ or ‘appreciating the luxury of eating,’” he told the crowd.
“This past September, many people and communities were devastated by Hurricane Harvey with lost family members, homes and businesses,” he said. “For others, simple, short-term inconveniences were experienced, and some experienced a sense of short-term anxiety when there was limited food selection on the grocery shelves.
“Imagine the feeling of everyday food commodities like bread and milk not on the grocery shelf, and relate this to a global perspective of food shortage, or even to the point of not knowing where the next meal will come from,” he said. “From this simple analogy, it is evident to understand the importance and diversity of agriculture…. These new facilities for the animal sciences and meat and plant sciences are necessities for us to answer these challenges and continue our legendary march for excellence in agriculture.
SHSU alumni Eddie ’75 and Cindy ’75 Blazek, who own Mound Creek Ranch near Leona, TX are serving as campaign co-chairs of the agricultural sciences initiative. They have observed how agriculture has changed through the years and understand why ag students must be prepared to adapt to the technology and other job requirements in the future.
“Cindy and I have been extremely blessed,” Eddie said. “In our lifetime, most of our livelihood has been centered around agriculture—specifically lumber and livestock. (The industry) has been good to us. There is no doubt that the treatment, the mentoring and our education received at Sam Houston has had a major influence.
“We now have an opportunity to make a difference, to be a part of and support this campaign,” Stanley said. “We must keep in mind that there is a small percentage of us involved in putting food on the table, clothes on our backs and roofs over our heads. We must be aggressive, for there is definitely a void in our industry.”
He concluded his talk by announcing that $4.5 million of the $19 million needed for the project was raised prior to the kickoff through cash donations, pledges and verbal commitments.
Following an inspirational video, which connected SHSU’s agricultural tradition with the vision for its future, current ag students around the room rose from their seats and personally thanked everyone for attending the event.
“Tonight, we honored our traditions,” Kelley said. “Ladies and gentlemen, the future is among us.”
Commending 40 Years of Support
From Go Texan Day, horseback trail riders, BBQ cook-offs and rodeo excitement, there is no doubt that The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) is an important part of Texas culture.
But what is it really all about? Behind all of the western festivity is a praiseworthy mission—supporting education.
The HLSR is not just the world’s largest livestock exhibition. Since it began in 1932, its core mission has been to promote and maintain agricultural research and education with an emphasis on scholarships, educational endowments and agricultural research projects.
For 40 years, the HLSR has played a notable role in enhancing the lives of students at Sam Houston State University. Through the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Endowed Scholarship, countless students have been able to pursue an education in agriculture at SHSU.
What started as a $50,000 contribution in 1978, the endowment has grown to provide numerous scholarships. Last year, 32 HLSR scholarships were awarded to SHSU students.
Additionally, HLSR has provided important funding to cover expenses for graduate assistantships and equipment to help expand agricultural learning opportunities.
HLSR brings more to our great state than entertainment. We may enjoy the events and excitement, but the impact goes far beyond the arena.