Fifteen Department of Agricultural Education and Communication students and staff were recognized for their academic, extracurricular, and work excellence at the University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences awards banquet, help April 15.

The following students were recognized as some of the most exceptional in the college, demonstrating exemplary scholarship, leadership and dedication to UF and their community.

Megan Edge, a senior in agricultural education and communication from Lake City, Florida, has been named a CALS Top Ten Senior and is the recipient of the CALS Alumni and Friends Leadership Award. The award recognizes a graduating senior who demonstrates exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to the agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences industries.

Edge is set to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and communication, along with minors in mass communication and leadership. Throughout her time at UF, she has held numerous leadership roles across campus. She served as president of the CALS Council, UF Collegiate Farm Bureau, and Agricultural Communicators and Leaders of Tomorrow. She is also a CALS Ambassador and a graduate of the CALS Leadership Institute. This fall, Edge will continue her academic journey in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, where she will pursue a master’s degree in agricultural and natural resource communication.

Maegan Beatty, a senior in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, was named one of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) Top Ten Seniors. Beatty is pursuing minors in extension education, international studies, and mass communication.

During her undergraduate career, Beatty has balanced academics with a variety of leadership and service roles. She works as an undergraduate research assistant in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication and as a student assistant in the UF/IFAS Extension Administration office. She has served as external relations officer for Collegiate Farm Bureau, secretary/treasurer for Alpha Tau Alpha, and as a CALS Ambassador. Following graduation in May, Beatty will spend six weeks on a mission trip to North Africa. She will then return to the University of Florida to begin a master’s program in agricultural education and communication.

Emma Putnam, an agricultural education and communication student from Bartow, Florida, was recognized with the CALS Outstanding Junior Award: E.T. York, Jr. Medal of Excellence. Named in honor of Dr. E.T. York, Jr., who served as UF’s Vice President of Agriculture from 1963 to 1973, this prestigious award recognizes students with exceptional academic performance in upper-division coursework and a strong record of leadership.

Putnam exemplifies these qualities through her extensive involvement across campus. She currently serves as treasurer of the CALS Council, the undergraduate representative on the CALS Teaching and Advising Awards selection committee, and held a leadership role on the executive board of her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. As a two-time staff member for the Florida Youth Institute and a CALS Ambassador, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for mentoring and agricultural advocacy within the college.

Her leadership extends to Keystone Florida, where she served as director and helped raise more than $10,000 while organizing statewide industry days to promote agricultural awareness among UF students. Additionally, Putnam gained valuable experience in public service through an internship with Congressman David Kustoff, where she managed constituent correspondence and organized notes and memos from legislative hearings and markups.

Peggy Lowenstein, AEC academic program specialist, has been recognized with the CALS Excellence in Graduate Program Support Award for their outstanding contributions to our department’s graduate program.

Known for their unwavering dedication, Lowenstein plays a key role in supporting both students and faculty by enhancing communication, streamlining administrative processes, and improving access to essential resources. Lowenstein’s proactive approach led to the development of the centralized AEC Graduate Student Hub, a one-stop platform that consolidates crucial information, checklists, and tools to guide students throughout their academic journey. Lowenstein’s collaboration with faculty has also resulted in a fully integrated Canvas Hub, offering graduate students a comprehensive resource for academic opportunities and program information.

“Peggy’s communication with prospective and current students is a model for other departments,” said Dr. Brian Myers, AEC department chair. Former graduate student Dr. Kate Fletcher also commended Lowenstein’s initiative and dedication, emphasizing their ability to exceed expectations while keeping resources accessible and up to date.

The following AEC students were recognized for successfully graduating from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Leadership Institute:

• Peyton Chandley
• Lana Guzman
• Hailey Jones
• Caroline Moore

The following AEC students were recognized for their service as College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Ambassadors:

• Meg Alexander
• Maegan Beatty
• Megan Edge
• Addie Ferguson
• Esther Fulford
• Hailey Jones
• Jaley Moseley
• Kata Muellerleile
• Dylan Pace 
• Emma Putnam
• Brenna Sturgis

Congratulations to all AEC students and staff who were recognized for their outstanding achievements!

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