WSU CAHNRS Students Honored at 49th Annual College Awards Banquet

PULLMAN, Wash. – Outstanding students in Washington State University’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences were honored Saturday (April 12) at the 49th annual college awards banquet.

Kathryn Dern, an animal science major from Duvall, was named the Aggie of the Year. The honor goes to the overall top senior majoring in either agriculture or natural resource sciences. Dern, who was honored as the Capital Press Outstanding Junior in Agriculture a year ago, plans to become an equine veterinarian specializing in sports medicine. At WSU, she has served as a volunteer student recruiter and as a student representative on the CAHNRS Advisory Council. She also is an active in Alpha Zeta, an honorary, professional society for students and industry professionals in the agriculture and natural resources fields.

Tristan Skolrud, a senior from Yakima, who will graduate in May after three years at WSU, received the 2008 Family Consumer Scientist of the Year Award. The award recognizes the college’s outstanding senior in majoring in apparel, merchandising, design and textiles; interior design; human development; or economics. Skolrud, who is majoring in economics and minoring in German and math, has already published a paper in a refereed journal. He plans to pursue graduate degrees in economics after graduation.

Danielle Broberg, a human development major from Bonney Lake, was recognized as the Outstanding Junior in Human Sciences. Broberg has been named to the President’s Honor Roll each semester while enolled at WSU. She also has been inducted into the Omicron Nu honor society, served as volunteer with an Alzheimer’s unit and local child care center, and has been active in many student organizations. She plans to become an occupational therapist.

Riley Mengarelli, an animal science production major from Toppenish, was named the Capital Press Outstanding Junior in Agriculture. Mengarelli, who has a 3.98 grade point average, has been active in the WSU Cougar Cattle Feeders Club and currently manages his own Angus-cross cow-calf herd. He also serves his community as a volunteer fire fighter.

Elizabeth Domby, a sophomore from Kent, was honored as the Alpha Zeta Arnold Knopf Outstanding Freshman. The award recognizes achievements during the previous academic year. Domby, who is majoring in animal sciences, serves the college as a volunteer student recruiter visiting high schools across the state. She also is active in the Cougar Cattle Feeders, and works part time at the WSU Swine Center.

Outstanding seniors in each college major were also recognized and the names of 80 scholars were added to the Dean’s Honor Roll.

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