inagnews winter-spring 2015

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND / FEARLESS IDEAS

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES • INSTITUTE OF APPLIED AGRICULTURE • WINTER/SPRING 2015

Terps Win Sports Turf Challenge for Third Straight Year

By Scott Hebert

I came to the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) to begin a new career in the golf industry. After conversations with Ken Ingram and Kevin (Doc) Mathias, I was convinced that the IAA’s Golf Course Management major was exactly what I wanted. During an early conversation with Doc, I learned of Sports Turf Managers Association and Turf Bowl student challenges, and that his teams had won both events in 2014. Doc suggested that I get involved to gain more exposure to my new field of study. The events sounded exciting, and being new to the IAA, I thought at the very least it would be a good way to meet other people in the program.

During our first team meeting, Doc explained competition formats, both of which cover all aspects of the industry in an intensive three-hour examination. He also made it clear that he thought our group had the talent to win both titles again this year. Participating in Doc’s meetings, reviews, and tests was like taking an additional class, one that combined all the new material I was learning and required it to be applied immediately.

Leaving my job to return to school full time was a somewhat unnerving decision, but preparing for the competitions helped settle the nerves, solidify career ambitions,

and reinforced my understanding of class work.

To prepare us for the competition, Doc simulates every aspect of examinations: Grass, Weed, Insect and Disease Identification, Business and Administrative scenarios, Irrigation and Fertilizer math problems, essays and short answers--he covers it all. Being a first semester IAA student, I needed to learn and digest a lot in a short period of time.

In addition to taking practice tests, my

team mates and I attended lectures and conferences outside of school to learn about new studies regarding Turfgrass Management.

See SPORTSTURF, pg. 5

inagnews

From left to right: Brian Hogan, Scott Hebert, Dr. Mathias and Ryan Higgins.

CONTENTS

From the Director ... p 2

Agriculture Forward ... p 3

Green Dorm Project ... p 4

4-Hers Meet IAA ... p 5

Growing Trend ... p 6

Student Files ... p 8

Alumni News ... p 9

Around the ‘Tute ... p 10

Alumni Gift ... p 12


2 Winter/Spring 2015 INAG News

You know what I like about the agriculture industry? Its diversity.

Regardless of your interest, background, or education you can find a home in agriculture. IAA faculty exemplify this claim. Although I grew up on a family farm, my education and early career centered on journalism and public relations. The good Doctor Mathias, an insect expert, is now the best Turfgrass program advisor around. Tony Pagnotti uses his broadcasting skills to create Tony’s ‘Tute Talks to promote the IAA. Nina Latassa’s speech and debate club has found a home at the IAA. Amy Fisher honed her communication skills in customer service with United Airlines. Meredith Epstein found her way into

farming after working on food policy and environmental issues.

Look at our students. They come to us from urban and rural high schools, from two and four year colleges, from military service, and from law, nursing, social work, business, engineering and other careers. Some have years of agriculture experience while others gain their first experiences at the IAA.

And our graduates . . . whether on golf courses, farms, sports fields, parks, sales teams, or planning boards . . . in greenhouses, landscape companies, farmers markets, fair management, irrigation, social media, education, nutrient management, or start-up companies . . . they find their SWAG.

The IAA is putting the AG in everyone’s SWAG. And we want to brag. In this issue of INAG News, check out all the great things IAA students, faculty, staff and alumni have been doing. Then, find your swag in AG and tell us about it. Use #IAASWAG when you post photos on social media to show the diverse areas of study and career options in agriculture.

Have some fun and show us your SWAG. ♦

From the Director...

FIND YOUR SWAG

IAA Students Win ScholarshipsEdward M. Bowman Family Scholarships

June Wyman, Sustainable AgricultureJoyce Drake, Sustainable Agriculture

Austin Weinreich, Ag Business Management

Strickland Scholarship James Halley, Golf Course Management

MAAGCS ScholarshipsJames Halley, Golf Course Management John Critzos, Golf Course ManagementBrian Hogan, Golf Course Management

Thomas Hartstock ScholarshipColby Dean, Ag Business Management

TESCO Scholarships Chase Oaster, Landscape ManagementJarod Knopp, Sports Turf Management

Meg Smolinski, Horticulture

Cecil Massie Scholarships Colby Dean, Ag Business Management Joyce Drake, Sustainable Agriculture

Shields Memorial Scholarships Jeff Bynaker, Golf Course ManagementJohn Critzos, Golf Course Management Shaun Clark, Golf Course Management Scott Hebert, Golf Course Management


INAG News Winter/ Spring 2015 3

inagnewsInstitute of Applied Agriculture

2123 Jull Hall University of MarylandCollege Park, MD 20742

Phone: 301-405-4685 Fax: 301-314-9343

Email: [email protected]: iaa.umd.edu

Facebook: facebook.com/iaaumdTwitter: twitter.com/iaa_umd

YouTube: youtube.com/IAAumd

IAA Director Glori Hyman

Graphic DesignChristina Lorenz

inagnews is published two times a year by the Institute of Applied Agriculture.

The IAA welcomes all comments, alumni updates and agriculture-related news.

By Rachael Keeney

This fall, the Institute of Applied Agriculture officially admitted the university’s first five “Agriculture Forward at Maryland” (Ag Forward) students. The Ag Forward program is designed to help students pursuing a two-year IAA certificate transition to a four-year degree track in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UMD.

“The benefits to students are tremendous,” Glori Hyman, IAA Director and founder of the Ag Forward program, said. “Students benefit academically, financially and employability wise.”

“Many Maryland students who were interested in agriculture were going to out-of-state schools,” Hyman continued. “Now they can stay in state, pay in-state tuition, and gain a top-notch education…[earning] both their degree and IAA certificate in four years, making them even more marketable when they search for a job.”

Hyman came up with the idea seven years ago, and with the assistance of Dr. Leon Slaughter, the retired Associate Dean of Academic Programs in AGNR, undergraduate admissions, the registrar, Provost, AGNR academic departments andIAA advisors, the program was submitted, approved, and student admission began

this fall semester.

“This program is amazing and allows me to experience different aspects of what I can do with my major,” freshman animal sciences major and Ag Forward student, Ruby Fishbein, said. “Although some of the classes are a little different than what I am interested in, knowledge is power.”

Another Ag Forward student, freshman sustainable agriculture major Justin Hipp, echoed Fishbein’s thoughts.

“I hope to gain a better understanding and appreciation for agriculture, [and] I believe that one of the main benefits of this program is being able to have a more concentrated study and begin studying in your major from day one,” said Hipp. In order to be admitted to the program, students must apply and be admitted into the IAA and enter into a degree program. Once accepted into Ag Forward, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.

“The program also requires students to take certain agriculture classes,” Joanna Bell, freshman animal sciences major,

said. “For example, I am taking INAG123 (sustainable agriculture), INAG102 (business operations), and INAG 250 (agriculture mechanics) this semester, which are all classes I need to take in order to eventually get my IAA certificate. However I also get to take classes related to my animal science major.”

For the time being, the program can accept 30 Ag Forward students. However, Hyman has high hopes for the future.

“I do anticipate the program growing tremendously in the coming years,” Hyman said. “My next goal for the program is to implement the reverse, enabling

Agriculture Forward at Maryland Officially Launchedstudents who enter the university as degree-seeking students to earn an IAA Certificate as an add-on credential to their degree.”

“On campus, I hope it brings recognition to agriculture and its importance,” the IAA Director went on. “To the general community, I hope people

recognize that we do care about the education of their children, we do want to preserve legacies, we do want to keep ag professionals

in the state, and we want agriculture to flourish.”

For more information, students may visit the Agriculture Forward at Maryland Institute of Applied Agriculture website, attend an IAA Open House, or contact April Brohawn, Assistant to the Dean for Recruitment, at 301-314-7222, or Christina Lorenz, IAA’s Student Services Coordinator, at 301-405-4686. ♦

Agriculture Forward Student, Ruby Fishbein, learning about the ruminant digestive system.

“This program is amazing and allows me to experience different aspects of what I can do with my major.”

- Ruby Fishbein



Green Dorm ProjectThe IAA is making the University of

Maryland College Park a little greener and students are loving it.

Under the leadership of IAA Lecturer and Advisor Ken Ingram, IAA students have grown and given away over a thousand houseplants as part of the “Green Dorm Room Project.” The first give-away took place during the first week of school. Students stopped by Jull Hall to pick up a free houseplant for their dorm room. They could choose from 10 different plant species.

“Make a little oxygen, sequester a little carbon and bad gases in dorm rooms, and if you have a smelly roommate, it can’t hurt,” joked Ingram, who dreamed up the idea and organized the events.

“We had a plant propagation class in the spring of 2014, and right at the end of the year the students took the cuttings of all those plants,” Ingram said. During the fall semester, Ingram’s Intro to Plant Science class (INAG100) continued the project. “We gave away over 700 plants in less than two hours,” beamed Ingram.

Because of the success of the first plant give-away, Ingram and his students held a second give-away for Valentine’s Day. And again, the plants were gone in less than two hours.

IAA Sustainable Agriculture major, Jason Poole, volunteered at the event and said, “I think in general, plants are important not just to the environment, but to an individual’s psyche and growth. It is important to stay connected, in some capacity, even in the dorm room.”

Christina Lorenz, IAA Student Services Coordinator and event volunteer also spoke about the project’s value, saying, “One of the goals for me is that the IAA students become a part of the campus community and that they can get involved with other students, so I think that these kinds of projects are great for that because it allows them to network and to show students from other colleges what they are doing and learning here.”

Ingram, who also led the Green Office Program during the 2013-2014 academic year, hoped to raise awareness for what the IAA does while also providing students with an opportunity to improve air quality and aesthetics in their space. Ingram also hopes that this project will have a lasting effect on the UMD campus community, saying, “People know

that plants are good for the environment, so having a plant in offices and dorm rooms teaches [students and staff] who is responsible for these things on campus.”

These events were funded by the Pepsi Enhancement Fund, a fund which supports programs or events that help create campus community, appeal to campus citizens, and further the academic mission of the university. ♦

Rachael Keeney contributed to this article.

IAA Student J.T. Hipp prepares plants for the event.

UMD Student collecting plants to take back to her residence hall.

IAA Lecturer, Ken Ingram, educating students on plant care.


We felt confident about the material. But, when we departed BWI for Denver, we were down by one man. One of our teammates was sick and unable to make the trip. Because we compete in teams of four, responsibilities are divided amongst us, so the remaining three of us had to brush up on the fourth part.

Entering the Denver Convention Center, I was awe struck by the number of professionals sharing information. My team mates and I attended different lectures and seminars; then reconvened during breaks to share the information and study what we could. We felt sufficiently prepared when we finally took the test, but being a timed competition, the clock challenged our short-handed team.

The three of us worked vigorously through the different sections, and with tremendous dedication and teamwork, we filled in the last answer with just 20 seconds remaining. Winners were announced the next day on the trade show floor.

Penn State took third—then, second place. Indescribable tension filled the air. Ryan Higgins was shaking, he was so nervous. I inched closer to the stage to better hear the announcement.

When “University of Maryland” was called I was in front of the crowd within seconds. Once on stage the presenter asked if the rest of my team was present to accept their medals. I was so excited I had jumped out to center stage and had not realized I was now standing alone. Brian Hogan and Ryan Higgins made their way to the stage and we accepted our medals.

Being congratulated by experts felt surreal, and the feeling of elation multiplied when we were presented the first place trophy that night at the closing banquet in front of the entire Sports Turf

Manager’s Association.

I can honestly say that our team put in a ton of work getting ready for the STMA and receiving first place for our effort was extremely gratifying. As excited as we were, our team may not have done so well had it not been for Doc’s effort and commitment to getting us ready. Making the Good Doctor Mathias proud was the most rewarding part of the experience. ♦

SPORTSTURF, from pg. 1

UMD team members accepting 1st place trophy at the STMA Banquet in Denver, Colorado.

Turfgrass students practicing over winter break for the competition.

Third Straight Win


4-H Adventures in Science

Twenty-two energetic 4-H’ers joined IAA faculty members to fearlessly uncover the mysteries of seeds.

Emphasizing research that scientists do on seeds, IAA plant science instructor Ken Ingram led the 4-H’ers through the UMD Research Greenhouses including the cold storage room which was a big hit for this fearless group. The 4-H’ers were pleased to discover that seeds, too, are fearless—frequently flying, floating and hitchhiking from one place to the next. Students experienced seed dispersal mechanisms at work with milkweed, a wind-blown seed type. Using a dissecting microscope, the students viewed hitchhiking seed sticker mechanisms and floaters like the coconut.

IAA’s sustainable agriculture advisor Meredith Epstein led a hands-on project to identify ten different types of seeds used as food crops. Students potted samples of monocot and dicot seeds that they took home with them to observe sprouting and growth behavior.

The Adventures in Science program, endorsed by Dean Cheng-I Wei, began three years ago. The goal of the program is to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts while visiting the facilities of a major research university. The 4-H members spend several Saturdays in the fall and spring visiting each department in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. ♦



By JoEllen Barnhart

Working the land is symbolic of American history. It’s pure Americana. But the complexities of running an iconic business today means infusing biotechnology, principles of ecology, and savvy business strategies among many other operational understandings. And, these complexities are changing the landscape of farming and creating a need for more formal education.

Meredith Epstein, Instructor and Advisor of Sustainable Agriculture and Agriculture Business Management at the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) at the University of Maryland claims a crisis in farming has been brewing for several decades. “As the socio-economic status of traditional farming pushed farming out of fashion, the average age of the American farmer has now increased to 62 years,” states Epstein.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics supports Epstein’s comment citing a 19% decline in the employment of farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers though the year 2022 painting

a grim and decaying picture of farmingin America.

But Epstein reports that on the horizon, a new generation is emerging, reclaiming and advancing the back-to-the-land ethic. Agribusiness to this new generation means making new connections between food, fiber, fuel, and recreation. Farming, particularly small and niche farming, is gaining popularity.

Evidence of this renewed interest may be reflected in recent enrollment trends at The University of Maryland’s Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) programs in the Agricultural Business Management and Sustainable Agriculture programs.

IAA Director Glori Hyman says the Institute responded to the movement “by encouraging students to explore alternative enterprises, niche markets, small-scale farming, environmentally friendly practices, and community and educational opportunities thus attracting a diverse student population.” The response has linked enrollment by 45% over last year in the Sustainable Agriculture program and 53% in Agricultural Business Management.

Epstein agrees the increased enrollment directly reflects the food movement and a shift back to smaller-scale farming, as well as the emergence of second career farmers. “The one place we have seen growth in the number of farmers recently is in small farms that utilize direct-marketing,” says Epstein.

Lindsay Barranco of Anne Arundel County and a Sustainable Agriculture student came to the IAA looking for a career change. “When I entered the program I was hoping to find what would be of interest to me since I was changing careers and searching for something that would match what I was looking to do at this point in my life. I was a lawyer and mediator for many years, but have had a

long-standing interest in agriculture.”

With a goal of owning a small diversified farm, Barranco is now expanding her bee colonies business and moving her honey production into larger markets. Barranco says IAA’s Sustainable Agriculture program is a good fit for her new career ambitions. “I like that there are courses covering the business aspects of farming (i.e. Agricultural marketing) as well as the practical work (i.e. Agricultural mechanics – learning to weld, working on tractors and machinery).” Another reason for enrollment increase may be attributed to shifts in farming’s business culture along with technological and scientific advancements occurring in agribusiness. “These knowledge domains are pressing the need for formal education in many farming-related occupations,” claims Epstein.

Formal classroom education coupled with hands-on experience creates the cornerstone of IAA curriculums. Hyman states, “Students who enter our programs may range from having no hands-on experience to being a full-time generational farmer. We specialize in a variety of programs to help students acquire the tools and knowledge to be successful not only in agriculture, but in the business and innovations associated with agriculture.”

“Small farms are considered the new wave of a decentralized mode of agriculture,” says Epstein, who herself is part of this movement. Working for the IAA during the day and experimenting and planning for her own farming business by night and weekends, she and her husband exemplify the newcomers on the farming scene. But whether ambitions are to run a small niche farm or a large farm, Epstein asserts, “We (veteran and new farmers) are all tied together, by common goals and challenges placed on today’s farmer. ♦

Business Acumen For Students

Ag Business: The Growing Trend

Lindsay Barranco sells her honey at a local Fall Harvest Festival at Kinder Farm Park in Anne Arundel County.

“I had plenty of opportunities to network with other beekeepers and farmers and learn a few new things,” said Sustainable Agriculture major Bob Borkowski. “The atmosphere was alive and warm, the people were interesting and the workshops were informative and valid to the subject of the conference.”

Just one week later, the students and I were on the Metro headed to the next

big thing: the first annual Food Tank Summit. The atmosphere and style were quite different, speaking to the diversity of approaches used to address food and agriculture

issues. Two days of TED Talk-style panels featuring over 60 speakers explored topics such as farm and restaurant workers’ rights, true cost accounting in the food system, and food waste. While only a few hundred people packed the auditorium, thousands more joined in via a livestream.

Said Jason Poole, another IAA student majoring in Sustainable Agriculture, “I was overwhelmed by the number of brilliant and passionate individuals from all over the world, each one a specialist in their field. Food is something so many people take for granted, but the entire food system is so utterly complex, from growers to policy makers, legislature, environmentalists and so much more. I highly recommend anyone that cares for food and what direction it is heading on a local or global scale to get involved in the discussion. The Food Tank Summit is a good place to start.”

While winter may be a period of rest and rejuvenation, it also provides valuable time for planning and learning. After participating in these two inspiring events, IAA students have many ideas and projects ready to take root and bloom come spring. Here’s to a productive 2015 season. ♦


By Meredith Epstein

When the ground is frozen, many people might imagine that those who work in the agriculture industry have little to do. Tools are cleaned and put away, jackets hung by the wood stove. We hope to rest and, perhaps, enjoy a tropical getaway. But while our bodies might be at ease, our minds are cranking at full tilt. Winter is a time for planning and networking, and at no place is that more evident than the dozens of conferences that populate the calendar.

A group of AGNR students and I hit the conference scene with full force this January. We attended both the 16th annual Future Harvest CASA Conference at the College Park Marriott and the first annual Food Tank Summit at George Washington University.

IAA students were among 550 farmers, food business workers, and service providers in attendance at Future Harvest CASA’s “Cultivate the Chesapeake Foodshed” Conference January 15-17. From hands-on workshops in cheese making and apple tree grafting to sessions on food hubs and profitable cover crops, the atmosphere was buzzing with inspiration. “There were so many interesting sessions, that I had such a difficult time deciding what to attend,” said Lindsay Barranco, a Sustainable Agriculture major at the IAA.

Keynote speaker Lindsay Lusher Shute “drove home the message that it is crucial to find ways to support young farmers who are committed to farming and sustainable practices,” reflected Lindsay. That evening, chef Spike Gjerde regaled dinner guests with tales and tastes of 100% local food – from popcorn to tacos to oysters (including the salt!).

By Emmett Brew

I joined farmers, landowners and agriculture supporters at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s 11th annual small farm conference to network and discover new opportunities and strategies that promote farm profitability and sustainability. It was especially helpful for people like me who have an interest in farming, but have little to no farming background.

Of the three conference tracks: alternative agriculture, farm business and marketing, and beginning farmers, I focused on beginning farmers. “Accessing Land and Legal Considerations” was extremely informative. Three local agribusiness owners addressed land use, land and machinery acquisition, agreements, and efficient land use.

The conference was more professional and informative than I had imagined and proved to be a great networking opportunity for students interested in local agriculture. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the different vendors too. Along with getting a chance to network, the conference exposed me to the numerous paths beginning farmers can take to get started, and it opened the door to different resources available for beginning farmers. As a first year IAA student majoring in Agricultural Business Management, I’m glad I took advantage of this opportunity. ♦

Ag Business: The Growing TrendWinter Conferences Plant New Ideas

Small Farms Conference,

Big Opportunity


“I was overwhelmed by the number of brilliant and passionate individuals from

all over the world.”- Jason Poole



Whether it’s entertaining pups in doggie daycare, processing hundreds of tons of seed, or maintaining a golf course in Alaska, IAA students are up to interesting things every summer. And what better way share the stories of these exciting internships than through pictures? This year the IAA held an internship photo contest and the winner was Ryan Snell.

Snell spent his summer working at Kurt Bluemel, Inc. in Baldwin, Maryland. The winning photo features the Landscape Management major topped off with a bundle of Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus,’ more commonly known as Zebra Grass. “I had never encountered this grass before and was dazzled by its lush, variegated foliage,” said Snell. “I thought to myself, this grass would make a really cool head-dress...luckily I had a belt on.” Ryan won with 65% of the vote. ♦

Student Files

It happens every fall--Dr. Mathias’s students go on an insect hunt. Hey Alumni: what’s the coolest insect you’ve ever caught?

Amid mountains of produce, coolers stocked with cuts of meat, barrels of pickles, and the scent of freshly baked croissants, students from Meredith Epstein’s Agricultural Marking class (INAG103) trekked across campus to the University of Maryland Farmers Market.

Hoping to market their own products someday, the students compiled the lists below for their own use and to share with others. The student’s list can be found at:iaa.umd.edu/news/little-class-went-market

“I teach students who aspire to own agricultural businesses how to market the food they produce to their customers, and a large part of that is understanding what customers want and need. I think a critical piece of that education is learning how to appreciate and talk about high quality food. What better way to learn than eat together?” said IAA Sustainable Agriculture Advisor Meredith Epstein about the new IAA Food Club for faculty, staff and students.

The club meets monthly for one potluck and one restaurant outing. IAA Director Glori Hyman sees potential for the group. “Food brings people together. It’s the perfect way to create a community among all our majors, faculty and staff. I see it expanding to inviting alumni to join us for our monthly outings.” ♦

IAA Starts Food Club

Internship Photo Contest

Students Go A Marketing

IAA Instructor and Advisor Ken Ingram and his students used a Pepsi Grant to create an activity, called “We Are Golf,” modeled after a national campaign conducted by golf organizations to bring the golf industry to the attention of policy makers. “There is a misconception that golf is an elitist sport,” states IAA graduate Brian Knott. “The truth is golf courses have many environmental and social

benefits and the golf industry as a whole has a significant economic impact,” Knott extolled.

The event involved students enrolled in Ingram’s INAG 242: Golf Course Design and Construction class, and included putting contests and distribution of literature about the value of the golf industry. The project was both “educational and lots of fun,” says Ingram. Pepsi grants provide funds for programs or events that create a campus community, appeal to campus citizens, and advance the university’s academic mission. ♦

We Are Golf



Chip Councell, received a certificate in Farm Production and Management from the IAA in 1979. Councell and his family were inducted into the the Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Councell, his wife Jo Ann and their son Jason own and operate Councell Farms, a Talbot county retail produce market along Route 50, and a grain farming operation in the Cordova area. The Family began Farming in Talbot County around 1690. Chip and Jason are the 10th and 11th generation of Councell farmers.

Congratulations! ♦

Alumni News & NotesIAA Alum Inducted into

MD Hall of Fame

The IAA congratulates alumnus Bryan Harris (1995) on being selected Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Implementation Coordinator with the Nutrient Management Program.

Harris oversees both the agricultural and turfgrass nutrient management programs. Harris joined MDA in 2002 as a nutrient management specialist serving farmers in Frederick, Carroll, Howard, and Montgomery counties. He worked with both the implementation and certification and licensing sections of the Nutrient Management Program.

Harris lives in York County, PA with his family. He still farms evenings and weekends. ♦

Harris Named MDA Nutrient Management Coordinator

Adam Rice, GOLF ‘14, is the Golf Course Superintendent at Montclair Country Club in Dumfries, VA.

RJ Crow, GOLF ‘13, is now the Assistant Superintendent at Glendora Country Club, a private golf club in the Los Angeles, CA area.

Congratulations to Michael Walsh, LAND ‘12, and his wife Linda on the birth of their daughter Clara Jean on October 26, 2014. She weighed 8 lb 6 oz; everyone is well.

Drew Prosa, GOLF ‘10, is the superintendent at Patuxent Green in Laurel, MD.

David Thomas, TURF ‘10, is pursuing his degree in Environmental Science & Studies at Towson University and completed an Internship at the Office of Environmental Design with Maryland SHA.

John Weigand, GOLF ‘10, is the assistant superintendent at Patuxent Green in Laurel, MD.

Congratulations to Nick Shannon, GOLF ‘07, and his wife on the birth of their son Collin Monroe on January 8, 2015. Mother and son are “perfectly healthy” according to a proud papa.

Debbie Nykyforchyn, EQUI ‘04, has been teaching conversational English in various countries including Lithuania, Brazil and Poland. Though not working full time in an equine position, she still teaches part time. Debbie became a grandmother last year and is back on campus taking classes.

Congratulations to Adam Newhart, LAND ’02, on being selected as the City of Gaithersburg’s Human Resources Program Coordinator.

CJ Lauer, LAND ‘01, is the Associate Director of Facilities at the Episcopal Academy in Newton Square, PA.

Congratulations to Mark Dupcak, GOLF ‘99, and his wife on the birth of their son Ryan on March 23, 2014.

Chris Kaufman, GOLF ‘95, transitioned into medical sales after nearly a decade in the golf industry.

He now lives in Palm Coast, FL, and is studying culinary arts specializing in baking and pastries.

Jim Black, TURF ‘94, is the Superintendent at Hawk’s Eye Golf Resort in Bellaire, MI.

John Stern, TURF ‘93, long-time superintendent at Potomac Ridge Golf Course in Waldorf, MD, lost his battle with cancer in July. After graduating from the IAA, John spent six years working at Queenstown Harbor Golf Course before taking the superintendent position at Potomac Ridge Golf Course where he remained for the past 15 years.

Eddie Franceschi, LAND ‘90, is now the Coordinator of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Patuxent Watershed Unit, commonly referred to as the Patuxent Watershed Manager. Eddie joined WSSC after serving as the Equine Resource Conservationist for the Montgomery County Soil Conservation District. He is a USDA NRCS certified Conservation Planner and a Maryland Department of Agriculture Certified Nutrient Management Consultant.

Laurence Winston, Jr., LAND ‘89, is the Assistant Superintendent for the Senate side of the grounds on Capitol Hill.

Patrick Manning, LAND ‘85, owner of Four Leaf Clover Landscaping in Stewartstown, PA, is in his 28th year of business.

Anne Agee Gleeson, LAND ‘81, operates a landscape architectural practice, AG Environmental Restoration, LLC, in Arnold, MD.

Best Wishes to Bill Neus, GOLF ‘76, who retired from Turf Equipment & Supply Co. in December. Bill had been part of TESCO team for the past six years selling and supporting the Aquascape and Otterbine product lines while also performing pond management services. Bill is heading south to North Carolina to build a home where the weather is warmer.

John Lester Tanner, ’74, was recognized at the MAAGCS Education Conference for 30 years of service to the golf course industry.



IAA Oral Communication Lecturer Nina LaTassa has coached her teams to success. The UMD speech and debate team’s first competition gained first and second place in parliamentary debate, top marks for speaking style and effectiveness, and a third place in the novice division of impromptu speaking. ♦

LaTassa’s Coaching Success

Bernice Howell, who taught communication courses at the IAA from 1965 - 1985, passed away on January 30, 2015. She was 89 years old. Bernice grew up on a Minnesota farm. She received her teaching credentials from Augsburg College and taught in Minnesota and California before coming to Maryland.

After her retirement in 1985, a Bernice Howell fund was established to provide student scholarships and support student travel. Bernice enjoyed rug hooking and completed dozens of projects. Many IAA Alumni remember Bernice as an excellent instructor who was kind and patient. ♦

Long Time IAA Instructor Bernice

Howell Passes

Lorenz Wins GrantInstitute of Applied Agriculture Student

Services Coordinator Christina Lorenz won a Maryland Agriculture Council grant to present an agriculture awareness project on the University of Maryland College Park Campus. Recognized at the Taste of Maryland Agriculture on February 5, Lorenz is excited to bring leadership and advocacy opportunities to Maryland’s agriculture students.

In part, Lorenz based her proposal on I Love Farmers… They Feed My Soul, an all-volunteer movement among young people who are passionate about creating conversations about agriculture with their non-agriculture peers. She believes that bringing this movement to Maryland will encourage students to share agriculture’s story. ♦

IAA Teaching Garden Hands-On

Around the ‘tute

Sustainable Agriculture instructor, Meredith Epstein, is busy educating students of all ages about fresh foods, gardening and agriculture. She’s been in the IAA teaching garden with TERP Quest camp students and 4-Hers. Epstein provides the children with educational experiences that involve a farm-to-food theme to teach science. She says, “We like to find new ways to share the garden with the campus community. The garden is set up well for all age groups.” Epstein is passionate about educating the public on the importance of fresh, healthy foods. “I hope to help children appreciate gardening and agriculture, that way they will know where their food comes from. Research has shown that children will be more inclined to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables if they get experience growing the plants--gardening is a gateway to a healthy lifestyle.” ♦

The IAA prides itself on providing applied learning, but it’s not just for students. The IAA faculty and staff are getting their hands dirty too. When the IAA’s teaching garden needed help moving soil and preparing the beds, IAA faculty, staff and students all pitched in. ♦


The IAA welcomed an amazing group of people to our department. Five new faculty members joined our Oral Communication teaching team: Dr. JoEllen Barnhart, Dr. Eric Dunning, Ms. Amy Fisher, Ms. Michelle Molinaro and Dr. Gerald Powell. The five have diverse interests and experiences ranging from Muay Thai kickboxing to competitive shuffle board and from employment in the entertainment industry to disabilities advocacy and motivational speaking. Along with their different interests, they each bring a wealth of classroom

experience and a passion for education. Also new to the IAA is Christina Lorenz, our fantastic

new Student Services Coordinator. Born and raised in the Pacific North West, Christina engaged in many facets of the agriculture industry--raising livestock, managing greenhouses, working in crop production, and teaching. Christina, a former 4-H member, was also involved in the FFA and served as a dairy princess-ambassador.

Visit the IAA web page to read their personal biographies. ♦

The IAA Welcomes New Faculty & StaffThe IAA is proud to have two of our

instructors named as Most Valuable Professors (MVP) by student athletes. Oral Communication faculty member JoEllen Barnhart was recognized in the fall by the women’s field hockey team as “an outstanding professor at the University of Maryland.” And, Amy Fisher earned the same recognition from the Maryland Wrestling team.

Maryland’s athletics department’s vision is “to be the best intercollegiate athletics program while producing graduates who are prepared to serve as leaders in the local, state, and global communities.” Therefore, classroom success is imperative and top-notch instructors are appreciated.

“All of our faculty are MVPs,” says

IAA Director Glori Hyman. “They all truly care about their students and want them to succeed. I am glad to see JoEllen and Amy recognized for their excellence.” ♦

Faculty MVPs


Annual IAA Turkey BowlThe IAA hosted its Annual Turkey

Bowl, a tradition started in the mid-1990s that features first year students battling second year students in a friendly game of flag football. Despite the freezing weather this year, the IAA Turkey Bowl witnessed the largest group of student participants since inception! In fact the weather was so frigid that the field resembled the likes of the historical/epoch of Lambeau and Soldier fields. This did not stop the students on the gridiron from battling boldly for bragging rights! ♦

JoEllen Barnhart and Amy Fisher.

Pond Stars at UMDIAA alumnus, Bill Neus, coordinated

an educational pond building event on campus with the National Geographic Pond Stars! Pond Stars follows the wild world of pond building, as this talented team transforms uninspired spaces into water feature wonderlands, bringing wildlife into backyards and public areas all across America

The event took place October 9, 2014 and included, workshops, product displays and professional networking opportunities. ♦



IAA Alumni Tree Dedication IAA students hosted the first annual

IAA Alumni apple tree planting ceremony in October 2014.

Jake Reeves, Andy Bauer, Gabe Gammill, and James Halley planned the ceremony to celebrate the success of the 2014 graduating class. Upon graduation, the IAA class of 2014 donated funds to purchase a tree to be planted on the University of Maryland College Park campus, which was designated as an arboretum and botanical garden in 2008 by the American Association of Public Gardens.

“The tree adds to the diverse arboretum that we have here on campus,” said Bauer. “This tree, though, is more than just any apple tree, it is a symbol; just like our alumni class, this tree will grow, flourish, and continue to give.”

Julia Thome, a member of the class of 2014 tossed the first golden shovel load

of soil on the tree’s roots and thanked the current students for planning the event. The apple tree, which was planted next to the Jull Hall where the IAA is housed, is the first of the apples trees that will eventually become an orchard. Once the orchard is established, an annual Apple Bash is soon to follow. ♦

Left to right: James Halley, Andy Bauer, Gabe Gammill, Jake Reeves, Carin Celebuski, Julia Thome and Glori Hyman

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