Senior lecturer honored for his years of service
The College of Agriculture celebrated the end of the year with a closing social that honored one of its most beloved senior lecturers, Craig Aston. He was honored by having the new park, formerly a crab apple orchard on 800 East, dedicated to him, said Marylynne Clark, development director for the College of Agriculture.
“He has been a longtime faculty member, he has really helped to develop the Dale and Adele Young greenhouse,” she said.
Aston has worked for the university for more than 25 years, said Teryl Roper, department head of plants, soils and climate.
“He’s been a mentor. Since he owns a landscape company he has experience that many staff members can’t offer,” Roper said.
Through his company, he has donated many materials to further students’ education, Roper said.
Braden Jensen, former agricultural senator, said, “His service to the students, he’s an excellent professor and lecturer, is the reason that he is so deserving of this dedication.”
Clark said Aston has a high level of dedication to his students and fellow faculty members and that makes him indispensable.
“It would take at least three people to take over all that he does for his students, the university and the community,” she said.
Jensen said the Ag Council made the decision to give the honor to Aston.
“It was a unanimous decision from the Ag Council. We talked with Dean Cockett, and she thought it was a great idea, so we went forward with it,” he said.
The council dedicated the park by unveiling a sign naming it the D. Craig Aston Park, Jensen said.
“We had 200 students at (Wednesday) night’s unveiling, I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor. He is so beloved by all who come into contact with him,” Clark said.
Jensen said most of the College of Agriculture knew about the honor, but didn’t know for whom the park was going to be named.
Roper said Aston’s current classes will continue to develop and perfect the new park. Part of Aston’s plans for the park is to build a pavilion and a barbecue area. It will be especially beneficial for those students enrolled in Aston’s landscape construction class, with the park serving as a good construction project.
“It’s going to be an ongoing development. When it’s finished, I doubt it will ever be finished, the park will give students practical experience on a small, residential scale,” Roper said.
Roper said Aston’s living legacy of caring for the students he works with will continue with the park.
“Craig is richly deserving of the honor. He has been extremely dedicated to students and the department,” he said.
–beck.turner@aggiemail.usu.edu