Graze with students in the College of Ag
Eighty-one scholarships, totaling $83,000, for students in the College of Agriculture, have been funded through the college’s annual barbecue.
In the 16 years it has been held, the barbecue has been a place where Student Services Center Program Coordinator Lisa Allen said “Everyone comes together, a lot of the different commodity groups are actually alumni. It’s kind of nice to connect with them; it’s just an enjoyable day; it’s the best day of the year.”
Allen said she would like to encourage every one in the community to come to the barbecue.
“I think that a lot of people say ‘Well, I can’t give thousands of dollars,’ but even just a small amount can really benefit these students,” she said. “It’s really a cool way for people in the community that maybe can’t give large donations, but they can come and enjoy a wonderful event and become a part of a student’s life by even just paying the $10 to get in.”
Skyler Di Stefano, the member in charge of public relations, said, along with raising money for students, this barbecue also helps the commodity groups — businesses who support agriculture — and the local community.
“One, (the barbecue) brings scholarships to students and the impact that scholarships have on the students are really unmeasurable,” Di Stefano said. “But, also it’s a benefit for commodity groups. It’s also almost an educational thing for people to learn about what’s produced here in Utah — what’s in their back yard — things that they didn’t even realize that farmers do. So it’s kind of a two-prong thing, there’s the scholarships and the commodity groups; but I think that it’s ultimately just about people getting together and reconnecting.”
Long-time contributor and Utah Farm Bureau member Randy Parker said the proceedings benefit college students who are looking to take a career in an agriculturally related field, which is why the Farm Bureau has made a long-term commitment to the barbecue.
“We want to make sure the barbecue is successful and showcases Utah’s products in the proper light,” he said.
Commodity groups in Utah will donate time and food to the barbecue. The title sponsor this year is Frito Lay. Allen said coordinators of the event are excited about Frito Lay’s support.
She said along with Frito Lay there are several other sponsors making the event possible, such as the USU Plant Science Club, West Liberty Food, Utah Department of Ag and Food, Utah’s Own and Utah Onion Growers.
“In order to thank the groups that have helped with barbecue students send out letters of appreciation,” Allen said. “It makes a huge impact on (students’) lives.”
This year’s barbecue is Sept. 24, from 3:30-5:30 p.m., at the practice field adjacent to the Stan Laub Training Center. The entrance fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 11. Those attending have the opportunity to visit the different vendors as many times as they would like.
“If people understand that they can come and eat tons of delicious food, rub shoulders with friends, alumni, people that they don’t see every day and at the same time benefit students, that’s hopefully the biggest pull,” Di Stefano said.
– karlee.ulrich@aggiemail.usu.edu