Fresno State will be in full force at the World Ag Expo – the largest annual agricultural exposition of its kind, which attracts an estimated 100,000 visitors from 70 different countries to learn more about the latest agricultural techniques and technologies – Feb. 12-14 in Tulare with university water researchers at seminars and student ambassadors greeting prospective students.
The student ambassadors get a headstart this weekend at the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport where they will staff a booth 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 9-10 at the baggage claim area to welcome guests and provide information about transportation, events and seminars.
Ice Cream-with-the-Dean Day will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 14, when Fresno State’s popular ice cream will be served. Dr. Charles Boyer, Jordan College dean, and Dr. Sandra Witte, the associate dean, will meet with visitors.
The Jordan College’s Ag Ambassadors will work with Desi Molyneux, University Outreach Services counselor, and Dr. Steve Rocca, associate professor in Agriculture Education, at a booth in the Hilvers Career and Education Center where they will share tips on admission and opportunities within the college.
“Schools from all over California will come for a field trip,” said Molyneux. “It is a great opportunity to present our programs and to visit with alumni and supporters from the community.”
The booth will also display products from the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market, University Farm and Floral Lab.
A series of water and irrigation seminars will be presented 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 14 in the World Ag Expo Seminar Center by the International Center for Water Technology at Fresno State in partnership with Irrigation Association.
The International Center for Water Technology is a research hub dedicated to providing developments and solutions to improve water use and efficiency. The program has broad spectrum of research topics including water supply and quality, flood protection and environmental enhancement.
Additionally, Fresno State is participating in the World Ag Expo’s Ag Warriors program that will train and prepare students to enter the agriculture industry. The program, still in the early stages of development, was established by the International Agri-Center, home to the World Ag Expo, and will focus on class work, field work, exam preparation and testing, mentorship, and internships — all designed to help ease the transition of veterans to higher education and expose them to the wide variety of career opportunities in agriculture.
Daniel Bernard, Director of Fresno State’s Veterans Education Program, and representatives from Continuing and Global Education, will be in attendance to distribute information about this new program.
A Feb. 13 Ag Warriors gala will feature a keynote address from Colonel Oliver North.
The Jordan College of Agricultural Science and Technology and the Division of Continuing and Global Education offer degree programs and accelerated certificates in Plant Science, Plant Health and Pest Control, Animal Science, Viticulture and Agriculture Business.
Joining Fresno State in the veteran training are Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and College of the Sequoias.
In addition, Continuing and Global Education will be preparing to develop specialized educational programs to assist veterans in making a successful transition to Fresno State, said Lynnette Zelezny, associate provost.
For information about the Ag Ambassador booths, contact adviser Steve Rocca, an associate professor of Ag education, at 559.278.5088 or srocca@csufresno.edu.
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