GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Alumni and friends of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences are invited to TailGATOR 2014: Celebrating 50 Years of IFAS on Oct. 11 in Gainesville.
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and CALS have hosted this annual event since 1997. TailGATOR will begin in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center three hours prior to kickoff of the UF vs. LSU game. TailGATOR tickets are $12.50 in advance and $15 at the door. Individuals can register online at www.cals.ufl.edu/tailgator.
“This year, we’re celebrating 50 years of IFAS,” said Janice Hurdle, CALS Alumni and Friends president. “As a part of IFAS, CALS students are uniquely positioned to gain hands-on research and Extension experience.”
Attendees can talk to departmental and major representatives through interactive booths and exhibits, meet current CALS students, take pictures with Albert, have their faces painted, play tailgating games, see live bugs and juvenile alligators and dine on Hill’s BBQ. There will be no formal program.
In addition, participants can bid on silent auction items to support the CALS Alumni and Friends Scholarship Endowment. Awards from this endowment are open to students from any CALS major. Silent auction items include a very expensive Guy Harvey print, gift cards to local businesses and much more.
“In 2013, we were able to raise nearly $3,000 through our TailGATOR silent auction to support scholarships,” said Hurdle. “This helps us to provide financial support for future leaders in agriculture, natural resource, life science and related industries.”
Although traditionally recognized at TailGATOR, this year’s CALS Alumni and Friends Award of Distinction and Horizon Award recipients will be formally recognized at the IFAS Dinner of Distinction the night prior to TailGATOR. The 2014 Award of Distinction recipients are Ernest A. Sellers, B.S.A. ’59, of Live Oak, and Roger L. West, B.S.A. ’68, M.S. ’70, of Gainesville. The 2014 Horizon Award recipients are D. Flint Johns, B.S.A. ’04, M.A.B. ’06, of Okeechobee and Luis F. Martinez, B.S.A. ’05, M.S. ’07, of Jacksonville. These awards recognize alumni and friends for their contributions to UF, IFAS, CALS and the agriculture, natural resource, life science and related industries and professions.
CALS Alumni and Friends is dedicated to building a network to enhance awareness and promote the quality programs of UF/IFAS through fraternity among graduates, former students and friends. For more information on CALS Alumni and Friends or TailGATOR, visit www.cals.ufl.edu or call (352) 392-1963.
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Contact: Cathy Carr, director, Alumni and Career Services, UF/IFAS, 352-392-1963, chcarr@ufl.edu
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