Come home to CAHNRS: Gala thanks outstanding supporters, students

Miller, left, accepts a gift of artwork from Dean Wright.
Mike Miller, Washington wheat farmer, grain commissioner, and newest Dean’s Wall of Honor member, is recognized March 21 by Dean André-Denis Wright at CAHNRS Honors.

Thanked for the many ways they help the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences succeed, hundreds of alumni, partners, parents and students came home to CAHNRS for the institution’s annual gala celebration.

Held Thursday, March 21, at WSU Pullman’s CUB Ballroom, the CAHNRS Honors celebration, themed “Come Home to CAHNRS,” recognizes outstanding supporters and students. The 2019 awardees include:

Dean’s Wall of Honor

CAHNRS Dean André-Denis Wright presented Mike Miller as the newest member of the Dean’s Wall of Honor. A Ritzville, Wash., farmer, and former president of the Washington Grain Commission and U.S. Wheat Associates, Miller was honored for his role connecting the state and wider world to WSU research that helps advance global food security.

“Mike has shown time and again what it means to be a friend to WSU,” said Wright. “He understands the role our work plays in safeguarding Washington’s agricultural economy.”

Honoring Miller’s efforts to open new markets and improve partnerships between wheat growers and research at CAHNRS, and for his dedication to Washington wheat, Dean Wright expressed the college’s gratitude.

“We thank you for all that you have done for the state of Washington and the WSU community of faculty, staff and students,” Wright said. “Thank you for your support of the college, and thank you to your family for your kindness and friendship. Well done, and go Cougs!”

From left, Ken, Sue and Andre, holding a piece of bee art, in front of black curtain
Recognized for their 20-year support of learning experiences, pollinator research, fundraising, and much more, Ken and Sue Christianson accept their Philanthropists of the Year award from Dean André-Denis Wright at CAHNRS Honors.

Philanthropists of the Year

Ken and Sue Christianson were named 2019 Philanthropists of the Year. Both WSU alumni, Ken and Sue have been active volunteers and supporters of WSU and CAHNRS for more than two decades.

As chair of WSU’s Mount Vernon Revitalization Committee, Sue led a successful $1.5 million fundraising effort in 2005 to help ensure WSU’s Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center in Mount Vernon continues to add value to the region. Ken served on the WSU Foundation Board of Trustees and the Foundation’s President’s Associates Cabinet.

Both were part of the Campaign Council that guided the college’s $236.5 million goal during the university’s $1 billion Campaign for Washington State University. The couple has been instrumental in supporting pollinator and honeybee research at WSU, as well as the Center for Transformational Learning and Leadership.

Group photo, posed with Dean and award gift.
Members of Northwest Farm Credit Services accept their Philanthropic Corporation award from Dean Wright.

Philanthropic Corporation

Northwest Farm Credit Services received the 2019 Philanthropic Corporation Award, which recognizes companies and foundations that value the impact that they can make through CAHNRS.

A leading agricultural lending cooperative, NWFCS provides financing and crop insurance to Northwest farmers and businesses. It partners with WSU faculty to ensure advanced industry research, and its gifts have strengthened WSU’s tree fruit and wine programs.

NWFCS helps the college educate the leaders of tomorrow. Through internships and scholarships, they provide learning and work experiences that help WSU student become job ready, day one.

The company invests in WSU’s Sunrise Research Orchard at Wenatchee, and the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center at the Tri-Cities, advancing discoveries that give top Washington industries a competitive advantage. WSU Extension and 4-H Youth Development also receive much-needed support from the company.

Hagler, left, holding certificate and folded sash with Dean Wright.
Macy Hagler, 2019 Aggie of the Year, accepts her award.

Aggie of the Year

The 2019 Aggie of the Year, Macy Hagler, is an Ag and Food Security major who grew up in Kuna, Idaho. Heavily involved in 4-H and FFA, she joined CAHNRS Student Ambassadors, the CAHNRS Student Senate, Ag Future of America, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and the WSU Alpine Ski Team. She also worked as a lab assistant with the winter wheat program, and as a clerical assistant with CAHNRS Academic Programs.

Along with Hagler’s drive to understand agriculture, it is her personality, relationship skills, and natural ability to connect with people that help her share the story and possibilities of agriculture. She will begin a full-time credit-officer training role with Northwest Farm Credit Services in Nampa, Idaho, following graduation.

Nominees: Colm Allan, Ag Technology and Production Management; Randall Chipman, Fruit and Vegetable Management; Lucille Eggleston, Viticulture & Enology; Hannah Fleming, Agricultural Biotechnology; Lambert Ngenzi, Environmental & Ecosystem Sciences; Jillian Nordness, Food Science; Dakota McFadden, Landscape, Nursery and Greenhouse Management; Lindsay Schilperoort, Agricultural & Food Business Economics; Dane Schwartz, Animal Sciences; Megan Whited, Agricultural Education.

Wright, at right, accepts her sash and framed award from the Dean, left.
Ashley Wright, accepting her Family & Consumer Scientist of the Year Award from Dean Wright.

Family and Consumer Scientist of the Year

From Concord, Calif., Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles major Ashley Wright is a self-motivated role model and volunteer.

Serving with her church and food bank as a youth, she coordinated efforts through the AMDT student club to help Rosario’s Place, which supports WSU student parents and their children through clothing and food donations. An academic leader with the WSU Innovation Corps, which helps student and faculty entrepreneurs, Wright presented at the International Textile and Apparel Association’s annual conference in Cleveland, Ohio.

She will attend graduate school in sports product management at the University of Oregon, pursuing her goal: to make a difference in the outdoor and sportswear industries through sustainability.

Nominees: Paige Campbell, Economics, Policy & Law; Sophia Hilsen, Human Development.

Outstanding Junior in Human Sciences

From Missoula, Mont., Daniel Lochridge is a Financial Markets major. Interested in entrepreneurship as a way to make a difference in the world, Lochridge is involved in student-led sustainability efforts and the Campus Entrepreneurship Center, establishing the first Green Tech prize category for WSU’s statewide Business Plan Competition.

Lochridge, left, accepting his award with the Dean.
Daniel Lochridge, 2019 Outstanding Junior in Human Sciences, with Dean Wright.

This summer, Lochridge will work as a financial representative for Western Mutual, where he plans to build on the confidence and knowledge of the finance industry that he has developed as a CAHNRS economics student.

Nominees: Sage Streicher, Human Development-Family Studies; Rachael Tang, AMDT-Merchandising; Maggie Joe Uceny, Human Development-Family & Consumer Sciences.

Giramata, left, with Dean Wright, holding framed award.
Vanessa Giramata, Outstanding Junior in Agriculture or Natural Resource Sciences, accepts her award.

Outstanding Junior in Agriculture or Natural Resource Sciences

Joining the CAHNRS community from Rwanda, Vanessa Giramata is a major in Agricultural Economics. Enthusiastic and passionate to help others, she goes out of her way to build relationships with peers and faculty in her college.

Giramata is a CAHNRS Student Ambassador, meeting with prospective students and their parents, and is also a student ambassador and mentor for the Honors College. She started the French Club at WSU to connect French-speaking students with people interested in French culture. Giramata also attended the Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference, which helped her explore ways to make a positive change in food and agriculture worldwide.

After WSU graduation, she plans to return to her home country, to work on resource allocation and budgeting for the agriculture sector, and to empower children through education and women through employment.

Nominees: Kayla Beechinor, Field Crop Management; Jacklyn Brendible, Agricultural Education; Justene Deubel, Landscape, Nursery and Greenhouse Management; Kathryn Doonan, Organic and Sustainable Agriculture; Kathryn Fitzgerald, Organic and Sustainable Agriculture; Emily Fogarty, Agricultural and Food Business Economics; Bernadette Gagnier, Viticulture & Enology; Alexa Hintze, Fruit & Vegetable Management; Grace Murekatete, Agricultural Biotechnology; Lauren Rooney, Food Science; Caroline Sirr, Animal Sciences; Chris West, Viticulture & Enology.

Sitver, left, with Dean Wright.
Max Sitver, 2019 Emerging Undergraduate Leader in Agriculture or Natural Resource Sciences

Emerging Undergraduate Leader in Agriculture or Natural Resource Sciences

Originally from New York and Connecticut, emerging undergrad award winner and Animal Sciences student Max Sitver chose WSU and CAHNRS for the opportunity to be involved directly with animals across campus.

At 14, Sitver became a keeper at an exotic animal facility in New York. He is a falconer and a licensed FAA pilot.

Now entering his second year in WSU’s Cooperative University Dairy Students, Sitver was admitted to the seven-year honors early acceptance program through the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine. He plans to become a veterinarian specializing in nutrition, and seeks to learn more about a veterinarian’s role in the beef and dairy industry and participate in veterinary and nutrition research in dairy cattle.

Nominees: Megan Gould, Agriculture and Food Security; Jordan Hummel, Ag Education; Julian LeClair, Agricultural and Food Business Economics; Brandon Libey, Ag Technology and Production Management; Elizabeth Nalbandian, Food Science.

Taylor, left, on stage with Dean Wright, right.
Emma Taylor, accepting her Emerging Undergraduate Leader in Human Sciences award.

Emerging Undergraduate Leader in Human Sciences

Emma Taylor, Economics and Policy and Law major, is from Gig Harbor, Wash. Drawn to study economics through a desire to serve, Taylor feels the work done by economists shows how public policy can be shaped to improve the lives of all people.

Involved in student government with ASWSU and in the Model United Nations, she will compete in the Model UN Competition in New York City this spring. After graduation, she will seek a doctorate in economics or agricultural economics, to hone her skill in finding answers to difficult questions. Taylor is interested in studying how public policy affects food insecurity and is passionate about using her economic training to make the world a better place.

Also nominated: Josie Spruill, AMDT-Design.

Superior Club

Receiving the 2019 Superior Club award, the Horticulture Club provides opportunities for students to participate in plant production, plant sales, workshops, service activities, and social events. Students who join earn a Horticulture Club scholarship based on participation. Plants produced by the Horticulture Club are sold to the public during plant sales, which include the popular annual WSU Mom’s Weekend plant sale event.

Nominees: AgEd Club; AMDT Graduate Student Association; Food Product Development Club.

Club members on stage with Dean Wright.
Horticulture Club members accept their 2019 Superior Club award.

Outstanding Seniors

Named 2019 Outstanding Seniors from their departments are: Endalkachew Abebaw, Human Development; Tina Bailey, Human Development; Paige Campbell, Economics; Madison Coster, Early Childhood Education; Jayci Dreger, Agricultural Economics; Lucille Eggleston, Viticulture & Enology; Celeste Estrada, Human Development; Hannah Fugman, Earth Sciences; Tatum Hardy, Food Science; Matthew Little, Financial Markets; Adrian Lopez, Ag Technology and Production Management; Chad MacPherson, Environmental & Resource Economics; Tomoe Matsumoto-Hervol, Agriculture & Food Security; Ian McDonald, Business Economics; Gunnar Newell, Quantitative Economics; Lambert Ngenzi, Environmental & Ecosystem Sciences; Jillian Nordness, Fermentation Science; Callan Paisley, Viticulture & Enology; Dana Roach, Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Sciences; Lindsay Schilperoort, Agricultural & Food Business Economics; Dane Schwartz, Animal Sciences; Alex Solemslie, Forestry; Britany TeVelde, Landscape, Nursery and Greenhouse Management; Tarrah TeVelde, Fruit & Vegetable Management; Grace Victor, International Economics & Development; Maya Wahl, Agricultural Education; Maria Wanner, Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles; Ashley Wright, Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles.