Polyculture 2013

polyculture

Student Perspectives from the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences

polyculture Student Perspectives from the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences

A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the Cal Poly family! Whether you are here as a newly admitted student, parent, family member, friend, alumni or just visiting, I hope you feel at home on our beautiful campus. You are a part of one of Cal Poly’s greatest traditions: Open House.

I encourage you to explore our classrooms, facilities and exhibits and to ask how we Learn by Doing. This magazine will give you a glimpse of the endless opportunities available to students and how experiences at Cal Poly help shape successful careers and fulfilling lives. I hope you can make a connection with the students, faculty and staff that make up the Cal Poly family.

To me, Cal Poly is all about family. I am a third generation Mustang and more than a dozen of my relatives hold Cal Poly degrees.

But beyond my Cal Poly bloodline, I am a part of the much larger Cal Poly family and the San Luis Obispo community. In my four years, I have developed countless friendships with students, faculty and staff. I have come to find Cal Poly has some of the most loyal and proud alumni and being a Mustang is something that lasts much longer than four years. Living in San Luis Obispo, working collaboratively with peers on real-world projects, networking with alumni and professionals, and taking part in campus activities are all experiences that have shaped me.

My friends on the Open House Magazine committee and I have worked hard to share our polyculture with you. In this magazine, you will get a glimpse of each department in the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences (CAFES). You will find stories about a few of the opportunities and resources our students enjoy. You will also find an article that explains the history of Open House and the special connection our college has to its origin.

The committee and I have enjoyed putting this magazine together for you. We hope you enjoy your visit to Cal Poly and decide this is the place for you. The College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences welcomes you to the family!

Jennifer Ray STAFF CAFES ONLINE

Editor-in-Chief- Jennifer Ray Graphic Design- Jennifer Ray, Christine Woodman, Alex Beeler Committee Members- Alex Beeler, Jordan Dunn, Joshua Fridlund, Carolyn

Madson, Giuliana Marchini, Tatiana Prestininzi, Katie Roberti, Jill Strange, Trevor Surrock, Christine Woodman Writers- Jordan Dunn, Joshua Fridlund, Giuliana Marchini, Jennifer Ray, Katie Roberti, Jill Strange, Trevor Surrock The contents of Polyculture are genterated by students, and do not reflect the opinions of California Polytechnic State University, its administration or faculty.

contents 4 Letter from Dean Wehner 6 Agricultural Business 8 Agricultural Education and Communication

22 Natural Resources Management & Environmental Sciences

24 Recreation, Parks & Tourism Administration

10 Animal Science 25 Intramural Sports 11 A Wonder-Foal Experience 26 Wine and Viticulture Science 12 BioResource and Agricultural 27 Beekeeping and Honey Making Engineering 28 Fremont Hall 14 Dairy Science 30 Organizations, Clubs and

16 Food Science and Nutrition Competitive Teams 18 Horticulture and Crop Science 33 Open House: A Story About 20 Military Science Making Lemonade 21 The Leaning Pine Arboredum

Cal Poly Farm Store At Open House

Saturday, April 20, 2013

SOLD: Half Page Ag Ambassador Ad

When: 10 am - 3 pm Where: Farm Shop, corner of Highland & Via Carta

Student-Grown & Processed Foods

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN Dear Cal Poly Guest, Welcome to Cal Poly and the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences. The purpose of polyculture is to give you an overview of life on campus and the surrounding community. It will help you become acquainted with some of our excellent students and the extracurricular activities available to them, our outstanding academic programs, and the wonderful San Luis Obispo life style.

At Cal Poly, we pride ourselves on our Learn by Doing approach to education that combines the theory behind the disciplines with the practical application of the knowledge learned in the classroom. Laboratory exercises, field trips, enterprise activities, and the opportunity to get direct experience running our agricultural operations produces industry-ready graduates. We are also known for having a caring group of faculty and alumni who invest countless hours with our students from outside the classroom mentoring to advising clubs and assisting with projects.

San Luis Obispo, with its proximity to the ocean and the beauty of the surrounding hills, is a great place to spend time either attending Cal Poly or simply relaxing. We hope that your visit here is a pleasant one and that you will come back often.

Thanks,

Dave Wehner Dave Wehner, Ph.D. Dean, Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences www.cafes.calpoly.edu

Promoting higher education, agriculture, and Cal Poly since 1987

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“Once an Ag Ambassador, always an Ag Ambassador�

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AGRIBUSINESS

what we do

Cal Poly Agribusiness students gain real-world experiences to address agribusiness opportunities and problems through participation in international experiences, internships, field trips and club activities.

club

Agribusiness Management Club/National Agricultural Marketers Association

major

Agribusiness

minor

Agribusiness

online:

agb.calpoly.edu f a c e b o o k : Cal Poly AGB Dept News

Meet Alex Bassi, Agribusiness senior.

What do you love about your major?

As an Agribusiness major, I have been able to interact with many different components of agriculture. Not only have I picked up the relevant experiences to better understand industry, but I have increased my business acumen and skills. The teachers motivate and push me to succeed and grow. I feel that my major has prepared me for any endeavor I would want to pursue.

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– Cal Poly –

Agribusiness MAnAgeMent Club And nAMA teAM Meetings with Industry Speakers Listen to professionals from the agriculture industry talk about their job and tips to be successful in school, work, and life!

Ag Showcase

Our club organizes Ag Showcase – the largest student-run career fair on campus.

Volunteer in the SLO Community Be active in the local volunteer projects that ABM/NAMA club is a part of throughout the year, including Feed My Starving Children and Relay for Life!

NAMA

Our NAMA team participates in a National Student Marketing Competition.

Trade Shows

We send club members to trade shows all over the nation, including the Fancy Food 7 Show and the Natural Products Expo.

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION

what we do

Our department contributes to the improvement of agricultural instruction and prepares agricultural communicators who will promote agriculture and serve the needs of the industry.

clubs

Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Alpha Tau Alpha, Collegiate FFA, Latinos in Agriculture

majors

Agricultural Science, Agricultural Communication

minors

Agricultural Communication

online:

aged.calpoly.edu

f a c e b o o k : Cal Poly SLO- Agricultural Education & Communication Dept.

Meet Morgan Dewar, Agricultural Communication senior.

What Do You Love About Your Major?

The Agricultural Education and Communication department is the best group of advisors, staff, lecturers and professors. I am constantly surrounded by the most supportive group of people, fellow students included. Everyone wants to see each other succeed.

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Cal Poly CFFA ü Open To All Majors ü Monthly Meetings

ü Working With and For FFA Members Contact Us At…

ü Sectional,

cpsucffa@gmail.com

Like Us On Facebook: Cal Poly CFFA

Professional Development

Regional, State & National Support of FFA

2012-2013 Officer Team

Community Service

Fellowship

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ANI M AL S C I E N C E

what we do

Learn by doing isn’t just a motto in the Animal Science department. Students gain real-world experience through class laboratories and more than 30 enterprise projects involving cattle, horses, poultry, quail, sheep, goats, swine, tortoises and applied research projects.

Graduates are sought after by companies like Cargill, Mars, Inc., Eli Lilly, Pfizer and Bayer. Almost half of Cal Poly animal science alumni go on to professional or graduate schools.

clubs

Block and Bridle, Dressage Team, Equestrian Team, Polo Club Poultry Club, Veterinary Science Club,Young Cattlemen’s Club, Zoo and Exotic Animals Club

areas of study

Biotechnology, Comparative Animal Biology Studies, Equine Science, Food Animal Production, Meat Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Poultry Management, Range Resource Management

facilities

Animal Nutrition Center, Beef Center, Beef Cattle Evaluation Center, Equine Center, Meat Processing Center, Parker Barn, Biotechnology Labs, Poultry Center, Sheep Center, Swine Center, Veterinary Clinic.

ranches

Peterson and Serrano Ranches, Escuela and Walters Ranches, Chorro Creek Ranch, Swanton Pacific Ranch

Meet Emily Hobson, Animal Science senior.

What has been your greatest achievement at Cal Poly?

Before I came here, I was really shy. After four years at Cal Poly, I have developed really close relationships with faculty and other students.

I’ve really broken out of my shell.

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A Wonder-Foal Experience

Story and photos by Katie Roberti

C

al Poly offers many opportunities for students to Learn by Doing and practice real-life skills. The foaling enterprise is certainly no exception. Students are 100 percent involved in managing this equine reproduction operation. The enterprise runs through the winter and spring quarters. There are currently 35 students, mostly freshmen and sophomores, in the middle of an exciting foaling season.

Students in the foaling class are placed in groups. These groups are assigned shifts and work hard to take care of the 17 mares, female horses, and make sure all stalls are clean with fresh bedding. Students dedicate long and early hours as they wait with great anticipation for mares to give birth. In addition to ensuring successful births, students are also in charge of making sure the mares are healthy both before and after their foals arrive.

Student managers Lindsay Boutwell and Jennifer Brawley are in charge of scheduling and overseeing the groups. Managers also have to ensure the mares are happy and healthy. “Being a part of this program gives students a great knowledge and background about mares giving birth, as well as how we aid in making sure every foal starts their life well,� Boutwell said.

Alaina Parsons, the Equine Center Supervisor, said she believes this enterprise is a unique opportunity to get more students involved with a greater number of mares, in a way that most students may have never had the chance to be a part of outside of Cal Poly.

Parsons expects the foaling enterprise to continue to be an essential part of Cal Poly’s equestrian unit and a unique experience for students to have for years to come.

BIORESOURCE & AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

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what we do

From day one students in the BioResource & Agricultural Engineering department have laboratory-intensive, Learn by Doing classes.

Through practical design and problem solving experiences, our students receive the skills, tools and the opportunity to bring their own designs to life.

clubs Agricultural Engineering Society, American Society of Agricultural & Biological Engineers, Student Mechanized Branch, Tractor Pull

majors

Agricultural Systems Management, BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

minors

Geographic Information Systems, Water Science

graduate programs

M.S. Water Engineering, M.S. Agriculture, Specialization in Irrigation, M.S. Agriculture, Specialization in Ag Engineering Technology

online:

brae.calpoly.edu f a c e b o o k : BioResource AgEngineering

Meet Arturo Barajas, Agricultural Systems Management (ASM) junior.

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What do you love about your major?

The best part about being an ASM major is the different areas of skill sets we build. Â As future managers in agriculture, we need to be skilled in everything from irrigation, mechanical skills, electricity, business and leadership roles.

Whether you’re looking for a simple oil change or need work on your vehicle’s transmission, we have affordable solutions for you.

Serving the San Luis Obispo area since 1977 Proud Sponsor of the Cal Poly Tractor Pull Team

Dyer’s Dieselro, Inc. RV Shop: (805) 541-7120 Dyer’s Dieselro, Inc. Truck Parts/Service: (805) 541-2049

DAIRY SCIENCE

what we do

Cal Poly is the only West Coast university to offer a specific Dairy Science major, and it is the largest dairy science program in the United States. Graduates are prepared for careers in teaching, veterinary medicine, agribusiness, public relations, management, dairy husbandry and dairy products technology.

clubs

Los Lecheros Dairy Club

major

Dairy Science

minor

Dairy Science

advisor approved electives:

Dairy Management, Dairy Products Technology, Dairy Production (Pre-Graduate), Ag Communications, Pre-Veterinary, Dairy Products Technology (Pre-Graduate), Dairy Industry, Agricultural Education

online:

dsci.calpoly.edu

facebook:

Cal Poly Dairy

Meet Breanne Harlan, Dairy Science senior.

Why do you love your major?

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I love how my department is interconnected and we are all like an extended family. Besides developing relationships with the students, the faculty in the department is always there to give advice even if it is not school-related. My department lives by the Learn by Doing motto making everything hands-on and interactive, from the labs in our classes to the Los Lecheros Dairy Club events.

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Ride for the brand.

C a l P o ly Yo u n g C at t l e m e n

Young Farmers and Ranchers...

The same Farm Bureau tradition, with a modern twist: YF&R members are active agriculturists between the ages of 18 and 35 and involved in production, banking, marketing, and many other areas of the industry.

Develop leadership skills while volunteering time as active members of the SLO county Farm Bureau.

YOU

To learn more, visit: www.cfbf.com/yfr or contact the San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Office by phone at 805. 543.3654 or email: info@slofarmbureau.org

FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION

what we do

Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy sets our students apart from other food science and nutrition programs. From the development of new foods to the study of how foods impact health, wellness and disease prevention, our students are prepared to enter the industry.

clubs

Fair Trade Club, Food Science Club, Global Food Tasters Club, Nutrition Club

majors

Food Science, Nutrition

facilities

Culinary Science Lab, Pilot Plant, Sensory Lab, Quality Control Lab

online:

fsn.calpoly.edu

Meet Monica Leong, Food Science alumna (2011).

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How did your years at Cal Poly prepare you for what you are doing now?

Cal Poly provided me the intellectual tools to succeed at my job. I have had to apply a little knowledge from every food science class I took.There are some skills you can’t learn from a Powerpoint presentation or a book.You learn these skills through experience, just like the school motto says, Learn by Doing.

Find your enterprise.

Artificial Insemination-Beef Bees (Honey) Broiler Bull Test Reproduction Bull Test Calving Cattle Fitting Cal Poly Chocolates Dairy Cattle Husbandry Dairy Manufacturing Dairy Marketing Equine Breeding Equine Judging Team

Equine Nutrition Research Escuela Cow-Calf Firewood Sales Foaling Forages Fruit Trees Lambing Mare Care Meat Processing Organic Farming Organic Vegetables and Fruit Poinsettia Quail

Quarter Horse Reptile Husbandry Swanton Pacific Stocker Swanton Pacific Natural Beef Marketing Swine Management Thoroughbred Tomato Mania Vegetables Vet Clinic Wine Grapes

Cal Poly enterprise projects are designed to provide students a learning environment where studies can be applied directly to their field of interest. Enterprises require dedicated time, effort and the use of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to complete a project from start to finish.

Cal Poly Meats

Sales Hours: Thursdays and Fridays from 12 noon to 5:30 pm Cal Poly Grown, Student-Operated

• • • • •

Beef Lamb Pork Poultry Specialty Products

E: calpolymeats@calpoly.edu P: 805.756.2114

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HORTICULTURE AND CROP SCIENCE

what we do

Our students don’t just sit in a classroom. They work outside in our fields and gardens and inside labs. They find solutions to real-world problems.

clubs

Crops Club, Horticultural Clubs, Pi Alpha Xi, Vines to Wines

major

Agricultural & Environmental Plant Sciences

minors

Crop Science, Fruit Science, Landscape Horticulture, Ornamental Plant Production, Plant Production

facilities

Horticulture Unit, Crops Unit, Pilot Winery, Organic Farm, Plant Shop, Arboretum, Vineyard

online:

aeps.calpoly.edu

facebook:

CalPolyHCS

Meet Kambree Borzini, Agricultural & Environmental Plant Sciences sophomore.

What are your plans for after graduation?

The hands-on labs and enterprise projects have me prepared to become a Pest Control Advisor after graduation. I have met people in our department’s clubs that I know I will enjoy working with for the rest of my life.

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COME JOIN CROPS CLUB! • GREAT FOOD! • GREAT TRIPS! • GREAT SPEAKERS! STOP BY FOR A FREE MEAL! Check us out on Facebook! facebook.com/CalPolyCropsClub

MILITARY SCIENCE

statistics

Last year, 150 high school seniors applied for the National Scholarship at Cal Poly and seven were accepted and contracted into ROTC.The department has 40 contracted cadets. 100 percent of our graduates have either a part-time or full-time career with the Army after college and commission as Second Lieutenants to serve in the Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserves. Last year, Cal Poly cadets ranked number one in the nation for Physical Fitness and Land Navigation as well as passed all challenges in their first attempt at the Leadership Development Assessment course located at Fort Lewis, Wash.

Cal Poly has won three consecutive Ranger Challenge championships in the last four years.

on campus

Cal Poly ROTC partners with UC Santa Barbara and Fresno State to conduct land navigation, Situational Training Exercises, and Basic Rifle Marksmanship every spring. We use Poly Canyon, Camp San Luis Obispo and Camp Roberts, which are some of the best training facilities in the state. Students from any department or major can take our 100 and 200 level courses.

outside opportunities

Cal Poly ROTC’s affiliated Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency Program allows students to travel to South America, Africa, Europe and Asia to assist in humanitarian positions and develop foreign language skills. Project Go provides cadets the ability to study abroad while earning college credits. During summer, Cal Poly cadets have the opportunity to attend Airborne School, Air Assault School and participate in Army Internships across the world.

Meet Chris Gallion, Military Science alumnus (2005) and Army veteran.

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What makes ROTC unique?

ROTC will prepare you more than any other college course. It is not a one-time class, but a four year program that teaches you leadership and problem solving.You will develop relationships that will last you the rest of your life.

A Hidden Gem:

The Leaning Pine Arboretum

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Story and photos by Jill Strange

estled at the top of campus lies five acres of beautiful landscape known as the Leaning Pine Arboretum at the Environmental Horticulture Science facility. Its location is one-of-a-kind, overlooking the campus and the nearby Santa Lucia Mountains, creating a peaceful setting for visitors.

“It’s a good way to appreciate nature and still learn about different plant species. It’s a learning experience at the arboretum since all the plants are labeled and clearly marked,” Brian Harris, Agricultural Business senior, said.

The arboretum is organized into garden collections of trees, shrubs, palms, succulents and other unique plants. The gardens feature hundreds of plants from the five climate regions: California, Chile, southern and southwestern Australia, South Africa, and the Mediterranean basin. Not only is the Leaning Pine Arboretum home to many different plants, it’s home for hummingbirds, quail, killdeer, and butterflies, to name a few.

The main purpose of the arboretum is to serve as an educational laboratory to the Horticulture and Crop Science Department. It also serves as a perfect location for classes, workshops, events, or visitor tours. The arboretum follows the campus motto of Learn by Doing for the students, who are responsible for its maintenance and care. Students work as volunteers, paid employees, and class members.

Whether it’s taking a relaxing stroll, learning about unique plants or seeing some wildlife, there’s a reason for everyone to visit the Leaning Pine Arboretum. Next time you’re looking for adventure, look no further than Cal Poly and head on up to the arboretum.

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NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

what we do

Graduates specialize in environmental assessment, impact analysis and management of natural resources, and are prepared for a broad range of professional careers in environmental science, forestry and natural resources management.

clubs

Association of Environmental Professionals, Earth, Soil and Water Conservation Club, The Cal Poly Logging Team, The Cal Poly Student Chapter of the Society of American Foresters, Student Association for Fire Ecology, Soil Judging Team, Xi Sigma Pi

majors

Earth Sciences, Environmental Management and Protection, Forestry & Natural Resources, Soil Science

online:

nres.calpoly.edu

Meet Kirk Townsend, Earth Science senior.

What does Learn by Doing mean to you?

Going out in the field and actually seeing first-hand what you are studying and learning in lecture is a large element of all geology and soil classes. That kind of application and use and experience is really helpful in understanding the concepts.

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Cal Poly’s Greatest Resource: Swanton Pacific Ranch

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Story by Joshua Fridlund Photos by Russ White, Brian Dietterick and Steve Auten

wanton Pacific Ranch is one of Cal Poly’s best resources in fulfilling the Learn by Doing philosophy. The ranch covers 3,200 acres donated by alumnus Al Smith. Smith leased the property to Cal Poly since 1986 and donated the ranch in 1994. The property runs along the Pacific Coast just outside of Santa Cruz, Calif. and boasts a wide variety of landscapes: scenic beaches, rushing rivers and majestic redwood forests. The variety of ecosystems allows the ranch to facilitate learning for a multitude of students.

“Swanton Pacific Ranch is the best thing the college has done for me, specifically having that essential lab, basically a dynamic lab that you can go to for soils, geomorphology and hydrology,” Kirk Townsend, Earth Science senior, said.

The main purpose of the ranch is education, according to Brian Dietterick, Swanton Pacific Ranch Director and Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences professor. It is a place for students to get hands-on experience in fields such as animal science, biology, forestry and natural resources. Every week when school is in session, students are traveling to and from Swanton on class trips and for enterprises and research projects.

Swanton is a working ranch operated by staff, students and faculty. The ranch also hosts internships and several summer short courses. There are three main ranching operations: forestry, grass-fed beef and organic crops. Dietterick strives to ensure the ranch exercises best management practices, which protect and preserve the environment. Students and professionals come to Swanton to learn how to implement these best management practices in their careers. Swanton’s rich educational value continues to impact students by bringing their classroom learning to life.

Earth, Soil, and Water Conservation Club Promoting and Educating about natural resources, and having fun doing it!

Al Smith

RECREATION, PARKS & TOURISM ADMINISTRATION

what we do

Live it, protect it, explore it. The Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration curriculum focuses on the development of students’ appreciation, knowledge, understanding and skills in leadership, planning and administration of park, recreation and tourism programs and services. Graduates have been hired by organizations such as the San Francisco Giants, Pebble Beach Resorts, the U.S. Forest Service and Costa Azul Adventure Resort.

clubs

Rho Phi Lambda, RPTA Club

major Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration

concentrations

Outdoor Adventure & Resource Recreation, Event Planning & Management, Tourism Planning & Management, Sport Management

online:

rpta.calpoly.edu

Meet Kiefer Reischl, RPTA senior.

What has been your favorite RTPA experience?

The annual RPTA Dinner and Auction every winter and the Senior Banquet at the end of each year really connect everyone in our major. It also gives us a chance to put everything we have learned into action because students plan both of these events.

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Intramural Sports: A Part of P o l y C u l t u r e

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Story by Trevor Surrock, Photo by Carrie Isaacson

drenalin, competition and passion are all things first year Electrical Engineering major, Alex Gasper enjoys about Intramural Sports at Cal Poly.

Cal Poly students like to stay fit and the Rec Center is a good go-to-place for exercise. However, some students like to spice it up a little by joining an Intramural Sports team. Students are able to get active, make new friends, show off their skills and develop new ones.

Intramural Sports at Cal Poly offer students the opportunity to join existing teams or create their own teams. There are three divisions of teams: recreationally competitive, moderately competitive and highly competitive. The teams are divided into men’s, women’s and co-recreational leagues. With sports ranging from basketball, dodge ball, soccer, volleyball and more—there is at least one team bound to fit every student’s interest.

Robyn Claborn, Coordinator for ASI Recreational Sports said, “Intramural Sports are open to all Cal Poly students and there are leagues offered where no previous experience is necessary. Participating in Intramural Sports helps students maintain their physical and emotional well-being and serves as a great way to meet new people with shared interests. The winning team for each sport league receives highly coveted Intramural Sports Championship t-shirts.”

Intramural sports are a way for students to get connected with the campus, learn how to work in a group setting and build valuable relations. Intramural Sports are not only for the extremely athletically gifted, but also for every student who has a desire to be a part of the Cal Poly community.

Fifth year Agricultural Communication major, Aimee Brooks has enjoyed her experiences in Intramural Sports.

“Hanging with good friends and playing together is a nice way to end the day,” Brooks said.

RPTA Club & Rho Phi Lambda The RPTA Club’s primary focus is to serve students, whether majors or not, interested in recreation, parks, and tourism administration (RPTA). The RPTA Club strives to provide educational as well as social opportunities for students.

Rho Phi Lambda is a professional Recreation, Parks, and Leisure National Honorary Society that aspires to recognize, promote, and encourage students of high moral character and unselfish devotion to the study, research, and application of knowledge to the betterment of recreation, parks, and leisure for all people and to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the field.

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For more information contact the RPTA Department by Phone (805) 756-1288 or Email: rpta@calpoly.edu

W I N E A N D V I T I C U LT U R E

what we do

We offer a distinctive interdisciplinary major in Wine and Viticulture designed to prepare students for careers in the complex 21st century wine business environment.

club

Vines to Wines

major

Wine and Viticulture

concentrations

Wine Business, Enology, Viticulture

facilities

Pilot Winery, Thestle Vineyard

online:

wvit.calpoly.edu

Meet Rachel Bitter, Wine & Viticulture senior.

What do you love about your major?

My favorite part right now is making the wine. Going into the winery and getting to make my own wine from start to finish is a really awesome experience.

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Campus H Buz z

ave you heard the buzz around campus? If you haven’t, then you’re probably not familiar with Cal Poly’s very own beekeeping class and enterprise. The first building dedicated to beekeeping at Cal Poly, the Honey Room, was built in the 1950’s. Almost 60 years later, the class and enterprise have grown in popularity and in bee hives. In fact, in 2004, Cal Poly’s beekeeping program came close to meeting commercial production standards with around 300 hives.

The beekeeping classes are taught by Scott Jeffreys, a professor in the Horticulture and Crop Science Department. Jeffreys attends national bee conventions and implements successful industry Story by Giuliana Marchini techniques in his class.

Photo by Christine Woodman “The beekeeping class is a hands-on class in which we raise queens, catch swarms, make honey and pollinate crops,” Jeffreys said.

Students find that once they take the class, they can’t help but want to take the enterprise too. Erin Miller is a current graduate student specializing in crop science and focusing on plant breeding.

“After taking the beekeeping class, I couldn’t get enough of bees,” Miller said. “Taking the enterprise is more like running a bee business where you get to process honey and then deliver it to customers, as well as doing shop work for future hives and for rearing queens.”

As if gaining general knowledge of bees and real life experiences isn’t enough, students in the enterprise also come away with some pretty sweet items.

“During the honey extracting lab, students get to take full frames of the honey from the hives, run them through the extractor, bottle it… At the end of the lab, each student gets to take home a bottle,” Miller said. The students even make beeswax candles to take home or give as gifts.

Preparing students for life after graduation is what Cal Poly does best. This is exemplified through enterprise programs where students can truly Learn by Doing. So, do the beekeeping class and enterprise expose students to real-world experiences in the agricultural industry? You had better beelieve it!

WE WANT CANDIDATES WHO Are customer focused Demonstrate character and compassion Love to learn new technology Enjoy troubleshooting

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MINDBODY is an equal opportunity employer.

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Can’t Top, Don’t Top, Won’t Top

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Fremont!

Story and photos by Jordan Dunn

he redbrick building known as the “Ag dorm” sits on the top of the hill and serves as a happy home for many College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences (CAFES) freshmen. Dorms are just one of the many great on-campus housing options, but they have a unique and appealing quality. The redbrick dorms are a part of the Living Learning Program, which is designed to help link housing experiences to classroom learning. Fremont Hall is devoted to students in CAFES. “I love living in Fremont Hall; it has such a great sense of community and it is just an all-around great environment,” Haley Seeger, Agribusiness freshman, said.

Living in Fremont makes it easier to build relationships because you are taking the same classes and have the same interests as your hall mates, Seeger said. Living with fellow CAFES freshmen also makes it easier to collaborate on homework and find study groups.

Fremont Hall also provides a positive living experience for freshmen outside of CAFES. “Living in Fremont as a non-agriculture student offers a lot of new experiences,” Jake Wyman, freshman Psychology major, said.

“Coming from someone with no agriculture background, I like living in Fremont because of the quality of people,” Wyman said. “Everyone is the genuine ‘salt of the earth’ type of people that I wouldn’t find in any other dorm. I can really relate to them.”

Fremont’s residents have a wide variety of interests, some of which include attending the weekly Farmer’s Market in downtown San Luis Obispo, country line dancing at The Graduate, participating in Cal Poly’s Intramural Sports, being a part of Cal Poly’s marching band, or just enjoying San Luis Obispo’s college-friendly social life.

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Are you ready for a rewarding, fast-paced career?

Do you enjoy leading students through hands-on activities?

Do YOU have what it takes?

www.aged.calpoly.edu Visit Building 10, Room 244 for more information

College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences

Clubs, Organizations and Competitive Teams Agribusiness Management/National Agricultural Marketing Association Club (ABM/NAMA) Brings together students interested in an agribusiness career and exposes them to the different aspects of the agribusiness industry.

Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) Promotes development opportunities for students aspiring to promote agriculture through advocacy, industry relations and public policy.

Agricultural Engineering Society Establishes a fellowship among students and faculty in the BRAE department. AES activities include Thursday BBQ’s, club outings, a booth at Farm City Nights, Engineering Week and hosting the Ag Mechanics portion of the FFA State Finals.

Collegiate Future Farmers of America A club dedicated to giving back to the National Future Farmers of America. This club is open to all majors and coordinates judging of local and regional career development events, community service activities and monthly meetings.

Crops Club Crops Club is oriented towards serving all agricultural majors. The purpose of the Crops Club is to enhance personal and business relationships within the agriculture industry.

Agricultural Ambassadors Promote higher education, agriculture and Cal Poly.

Dairy Cattle Judging Team Evaluating the visual merit of breeding animals is an art that helps students develop communication skills and understand the visual aspects of dairy animals.

Alpha Tau Alpha (ATA) A national scholastic fraternity dedicated to promoting agricultural education and developing premier future agricultural educators.

Dairy Challenge Team This competitive team analyzes financial and production records of real dairies in California to hone their consulting skills.

Alpha Zeta Co-ed fraterinity which promotes education, fellowship, scholarship and character, as well as agriculture.

Dairy Products Judging Team Competing in regional and national competition, students learn to evaluate the qualities and technologies of dairy products processing.

Association of Environmental Professionalists (AEP) Provides informational programs and projects for students interested in pursuing a career in the area of environmental services.

Dairy Quiz Bowl Team This is an academic team which competes each year at the annual American Dairy Science Association meeting.

Block and Bridle Club A great way to learn about livestock and agricultural activities through field trips, community service and hands-on experience.

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Global Food Tasters Club The club explores and enhances communication skills through a creative outlet, which is accessible to all Cal Poly students and staff.

Dressage Team Competitive equine show team in the Intercollegiate Dressage Association.

Earth, Soil and Water Conservation Club This club meets monthly to promote soil consciousness, proper soil management, and soil usage. Members help students get involved in the industry.

EHS Club EHS Club promotes horticulture though community service and campus activities.

Equestrian Team Competitive show team in hunter seat equitation, western pleasure and reining.

Fair Trade Club The Fair Trade organization empowers farmers in developing countries by ensuring appropriate prices for their products. Sustainability and sound environmental practices are discussed.

Food Science Club A club designed to help Food Science students network with industry professionals and find internships.

Floral Design Club Floral Design Club sends students to help florists throughout the year. Members also attend design shows, assist designers and help with major floral events.

Landscape Industry Club Provides students the opportunity to interact with professionals in the landscape industry.

Latinos in Agriculture (LIA) Focuses on community service, academic and career development, social well-being, Learn by Doing experiences and leadership development.

Horse Judging Team Competitive judging team with practices and travelling for competitions throughout the country.

opportunities for students. The club offers activities including sponsorship of professional speakers, career development and conference attendance support.

Logging Team Intercollegiate team of men and women students who are interested in practicing traditional forestry field skills in a safe environment.

Rho Phi Lamda A national organization that recognizes students and professionals in the recreation field for excellence in academics, co-curricular and volunteer activities and contributions to our field.

Los Lecheros Dairy Club Supports the dairy industry through academic and social activities.

Nutrition Club Social, professional and community service opportunities to enhance student connections.

Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society for horticulture teachers, students and professionals.

Poultry Club The Poultry Club works to promote the poultry management minor through interactive participation with alumni and industry.

Polo Club The Polo team represents Cal Poly and plays in games/tournaments against other schools. There are separate men’s and women’s teams.

Quarter Scale Tractor Team Student design and construction team that participates in the annual Quarter Scale Tractor ASABE National Student Design Competition.

Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Administration Club The RPTA Club is an academically based club that provides career networking and social

Soil Judging Team Collegiate program sponsored by the American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America. Students describe, classify, and interpret soils as a professional soil scientist would, under a time constraint.

Student Association for Fire Ecology SAFE members share a common interest in fire ecology and related issues. SAFE provides an excellent opportunity for students to network with fire science professionals.

Student Branch of American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers The goal of the organization is to connect BRAE students with practicing engineers and help students prepare for careers.

Student Chapter of the Society of American Foresters The Cal Poly Student Chapter of the Society of American Foresters functions as a professional organization that strives to provide the latest forestry information and contacts for those students primarily interested in forestry or forestry related careers.

ASABE Student Branch & Student Mechanization Branch Work in cooperation with the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and are involved with public relations and social activities.

Tractor Pull Club Weekly meetings and Saturday workdays prepare for the Poly Royal Tractor Pull.

Turf Club Affiliated student chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America with the purpose to gather students interested in the turfgrass management concentration.

Veterinary Science Club The Club provides opportunities for all interested in the field of veterinary medicine, through campus involvement, industry tours, and annual trips to colleges of veterinary medicine.

Vines to Wines Education and promotion.This club includes Agriculture Business, Horticulture and Crop Science and Food Science and Nutrition.

Xi Sigma Pi A national forestry/natural resources honor society. Students receive an invitation during Fall quarter to join based on scholastic achievement.

The group sponsors several special events, such as the Distinguished Speaker Program and a community project.

Young Cattlemen’s Club (YCC) An affiliate of California Cattlemen’s Association, Young Cattlemen’s allows students to get involved with the California beef industry and gain an understanding of industry issues.

Zoo and Exotic Animal Careers Club ZEAC is a club for students interested in exotic animal care. Whether it is zoo keeping, wildlife rehabilitation, or exotic animal education, ZEAC caters to all interests.

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Cal Poly’s Open House:

A Story About Making Lemonade Story by Jennifer Ray Photos by Steve Knudson, Christine Woodman and Jennifer Ray

W

hen life gives Dr. Joe Sabol lemons, he uses them to help start new traditions. This year Cal Poly is “Celebrating 20 Years” of Open House. The university is honoring three Grand Marshals who played an important role in launching the first Cal Poly Open House in 1994: Stephan Lamb, Marquam Piros and Joe Sabol.

Open House is rooted in the tradition of Poly Royal, which began in 1933 as a way to showcase campus facilities and student learning. In fact, Poly Royal was rooted in an earlier spring showcase, which began in 1904 and was known as the Farmers’ Institute and Basket Picnic.

Over time, Poly Royal grew to attract more out-of-town guests and its focus shifted. In 1990, a large, unruly and destructive crowd in downtown San Luis Obispo prompted President Warren Baker to cancel future Poly Royal showcases. The event returned in1994, as Open House. What many may not know is what happened between the years of 1990 and 1994. That’s where Dr. Sabol and his “Lemonade Committee” come into play.

The College of Agriculture (now the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences,) never stopped holding a springtime showcase, thanks to the leadership of Dr. Sabol.

“We started planning without announcing it right away, as soon as [President Baker] canceled [Poly Royal]. We said, ‘we can’t let this happen,” Sabol said.

To the College of Agriculture, Poly Royal was more than a weekend event. Entire classes were designed around preparing educational exhibits and displays of livestock, horticulture, mechanics and more. The cancelling of Poly Royal, “left a big whole in our program, our life and our history,” Sabol said. He was determined to not let the tradition disappear altogether.

Sabol was the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education at the time and the adviser to the Ag Ambassadors, the College’s volunteer student representative club. Sabol’s team began the intricate process of planning an invite-only showcase event for prospective or newly admitted students and their families as well as parents of current students in the College of Agriculture. They called the event Poly Agri View.

The experience of planning, organizing and convincing others to support the event has impacted the lives of students who served on the committee. Alumnus Dennis Albiani, was the Ag Council President at the time. He is now a lobbyist in Sacramento.

“Dr. S, I still remember sitting in the back of the room next to you while you worked with the students to design the concept...

Then finally going to the President with the entire program, sponsors, and experience planned. [President Baker] very reluctantly approved. Makes me realize what you can get done with perseverance and a very big smile,” Albiani said.

“How do you remember all that?” Sabol asked in reply.

“I am a lobbyist. Like a football coach remembers the great catch or the parent the first steps: that was masterful,” Albiani said.

“You can make good lemonade out of lemons if you have good leadership and I think our committee got the confidence of Dr. Baker [that] we could be a carefully controlled, ‘behave yourself ’ kind of event,” Sabol said.

Sabol and his committee tried to put a positive light back on the event and even asked the media to stop replaying the footage of the previous Poly Royal disaster.

The “Lemonade Committee” had to demonstrate that their focus was in the right place and that they had support.

Alumna Deirdre Flynn Lefty was an Ag Ambassador at the time and also served on Sabol’s Poly Agri View committee.

“We wanted to focus on the basics, looking back at an open house from our youth. What did we do? We cleaned up our classrooms hung our best work around the room, straightened our desks up and invited our parents to come and see what we had learned,” Lefty said.

Sabol appreciates former Dean Lark Carter and President Baker for having faith in him and students like Albiani and Lefty. After the success of three Poly Agri Views, the university formed a committee to plan another university wide showcase. Sabol and Lefty both served on the committee.

“We had proven our ability to efficiently run and manage a school wide event in the first few years of the Agri View, which enabled us to convince President Baker to take a risk and allow us to open up the campus once again and host a university wide Open House,” Lefty said.

“The declaration came from [Dr. Baker] that we would call it Open House and we wouldn’t call it Poly Royal anymore. Some people tried to call it Poly Royal. As a matter of fact, I did,” Sabol said with a laugh. “But it was called Open House from then on and it was mainly for bringing prospective [and newly admitted] students Sabol’s “Lemonade Committee” made ribbons here and showing off the campus to our parents and family.” to promote the support. The team also made One of the rules implemented at the launch of Open House was that all booths commemorative coins for the years 1991-1994, along had to be informative. “We really enforced that this was an educational event. The with coin stands. The initials of student and faculty food and sales atmosphere was toned down. The classes were still in session on committee members are carved on the back of the Friday,” Sabol said. wooden coin stands.

For the most part, Open House has maintained its same structure and purpose over the past 20 years. Dr. Sabol retired in 2002, but he still visits campus frequently and will always be a teacher at heart. Sabol says there are two lessons to be learned from this story of lemons and lemonade.

“The first lesson is sometimes things change gradually and you don’t realize that you’re slipping into something that’s not good... The second lesson is when things go bad, you correct them gradually and slowly. You don’t try to fix everything that went wrong and throw it out, because Dr. Baker didn’t throw it out. He let us bring back the good parts. So, I really give Dr. Baker a lot of credit for allowing the College of Agriculture to bring back the best parts of Poly Royal and rename it and refocus it on where it was supposed to be.”

Dr. Sabol’s wisdom and inspiration lives on in alumni like Albiani and Lefty.

“I look back with great memories of my time at Cal Poly and take great pride that I had a little role in creating an event that has lasted 20 years, but much of the thanks is for the lessons Learned by Doing and re-doing and for the leadership, inspiration and dedication of Dr. Sabol,” Lefty said.

Dr. Sabol feels honored to serve as one of the Grand Marshals for Open House. As humble as he may be about his role in its creation, Dr. Sabol is “very proud that it is still going on.”

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