By Teresa Suits, agricultural education and communication master’s student (BS ’17)
Every year members of Alpha Zeta, a co-ed honors fraternity in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Science (CALS), students sell roses on February 14. The Rose Sale is the biggest fundraiser for the organization, according to Kristen Doyle, Alpha Zeta president. Proceeds from the rose sale are used to pay for an annual Key West clean-up trip during spring break, member dues for members needing financial assistance, and part of the cost for members attending the Alpha Zeta conference, which is held in Pittsburgh this year.
Roses will cost $3 for one stem, $15 for six stems and $30 for 12 stems. Colors are red and/or pink. If you would like to purchase roses, fill out the pre-order form here by February 12 at 6 p.m. Deliveries are made on Valentine’s Day.
Doyle first joined Alpha Zeta during the spring semester of her freshman year. She remembers coming to a family day for her brother when he was in Alpha Zeta. When Doyle came to the University of Florida in 2015, she purposefully chose a major in CALS so that she could be in Alpha Zeta and follow in her brother’s footsteps as president of the organization.
Since joining Alpha Zeta, Doyle has held multiple leadership positions in the organization, including chancellor of her pledge class, Agricultural and Life Sciences College Council representative, senior vice president, and president. Joining Alpha Zeta has allowed Doyle to grow as a leader, communicator and volunteer.
“It is an honors fraternity, so everyone is motivated academically,” Doyle said. “It’s a good group to be in. Alpha Zeta gives students a small, little community, which is nice within a big university.”
The honorary, professional society provides students opportunities to get involved within the college and the greater UF community. Alpha Zeta pairs students with older members in the organization as mentors during their pledge semester.
Every spring break, Alpha Zeta drives to Key West to clean the beaches at national parks. Last year, Alpha Zeta restored areas heavily damaged areas due to Hurricane Irma. With the proceeds from the annual rose sale on Valentine’s Day, members will be able to continue giving back to the Key West community.
“It’s a cool way for us to use our Valentine’s Day to make other people smile,” Doyle said.
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