Hello, CALS,
Finally – sunshine and warm temperatures! With just a few weeks to go until convocation, commencement and careers for our graduating students, summer work and learning for our continuing students, and planting, growing and research-ramp-up for our sciences; this is truly a season of looking- and leaning-forward. Enjoy it!
Seems this is also the season for banquets and celebrations, and they are especially fun this year after more-or-less missing them for the past two years during the worst of the pandemic. For me of late and upcoming – the animal science department's Block and Bridle banquet and awards, the FFA banquet, and the Hertz Lecture (April 12 at 7 p.m., featuring Craig Hill). There are many more that many of you attend and support. Thanks for all that. These celebrations and events for our students are especially important and meaningful. When they bring their families to help celebrate, the events are even more wonderful.
Last week we wrapped up our annual visits (virtual this year) with the Iowa Congressional delegation. Over the last few weeks, we (your CALS and ISU Extension leadership team) have visited with all six offices, and had direct time with Senator Ernst, and Representatives Feenstra and Miller-Meeks. Special thanks to ISU Federal Relations Director Sophia Magill for every year helping us set up and conduct these meetings, and to our private citizen representatives who do this with us - Don Latham, Katie Stutsman, Kevin Ross and Bob Petrzelka.
It is my pleasure to let you know that we have three special recognitions just announced today – Dr. Lance Baumgard (animal science) as our newest Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences, Dr. Elisabeth Lonergan (animal science) as our newest University Professor, and Dr. Kevin Schalinske (food science and human nutrition) as our newest Morrill Professor! Congratulations to them all!
Have a great week. - Dan
Nature in Focus
Last week, Greg Courtney, professor of entomology, encountered a red fox and her litter of five pups in the South Skunk River Valley. By using a long telephoto lens to avoid disturbing them, Greg was able to capture several images, including these of the mother and pups.
