CAHNRS con.flu.ence
Published by the College for alumni and donors.
2024 Issue 2
Message from the Dean
As we kick off another successful year, I am pleased to present to you the newest edition of CAHNRS Confluence. In this issue, you will find stories that bring together the many threads of impact, innovation, and ideas happening across the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.
Donors appreciate legacy supporting Christmas trees and cut flowers while planning for the future
WSU’s legendary “Dr. Christmas Tree”, Gary Chastagner, is retiring in 2025. To help ensure his replacement succeeds, industries boosted by his work are raising money for an endowment that will carry his name.
Student spotlight
Conducting important research, serving as student ambassadors, and participating in clubs, CAHNRS Cougs are passionate about helping their communities.
Dairy farm upgrades will benefit cows, students, cheese lovers
WSU’s Knott Dairy Center undergoes significant upgrades thanks to state funding that will benefit students, the cows, and fans of the university’s famous cheese and ice cream.
The many lives of Ensminger Pavilion
The M.E. and Audrey H. Ensminger Agricultural Pavilion has evolved over 90 years to meet the needs of the Cougar community.
Back in blue: FFA’s return to WSU Pullman reforges a tradition
Washington state’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) returned to the Washington State University Pullman campus this year to partake in contests, cultivate leadership skills, explore career paths, and build friendships during the annual convention.
Honoring the female leaders of CAHNRS
In many realms of employment, including education, women must work at least twice as hard to achieve the same success as their male counterparts. Women in CAHNRS have consistently broken barriers, and a recent sign of this progress is illustrated by the CAHNRS executive leadership team, which currently includes five women.
New book envisions expanded Extension role in community-based healthcare
WSU Associate Professor and Adolescent Extension Specialist Elizabeth Weybright’s new book envisions an expanded role for nationwide Extension as a means of supporting and buoying community-based healthcare services and access.
Diversity-focused group offers WSU students community, professional development opportunities
Open to students in all majors and colleges, WSU’s Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences chapter works to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing a welcoming place for students from all walks of life.
Passion for nature lives on in zoologist’s bequest
Paul Schroeder’s curiosity for the natural world is represented by the thousands of tiny creatures he gave to WSU’s M.T. James Entomological Collection.
Hands-on science experience key focus of WSU summer internship program
WSU program, funded by a USDA-NIFA grant, allows students to get paid hands-on research and extension experience during the summer.
Three families, one heart
Across time, life changes, and distance, three couples with deep connections to CAHNRS have maintained an amazing 50-year friendship.
TikTok teacher: Viral videos help economist reach and inform students, society
Every week, Assistant Professor Chris Clarke brings passionate, fact-based economics lessons to an audience of more than 70,000 followers using social media.