SDSU-"Where Opportunities Begin"
AgBio Communications
Gary Lemme
This fall, 413 freshmen crossed the threshold of opportunity by enrolling in the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences (ABS) at South Dakota State University. They joined 1,400 other students who have majors in ABS departments. These freshman selected SDSU because of excellent academic programs and the reputation of our graduates.
The growing opportunities available to ABS graduates were never more apparent than this fall, when a record 87 companies participated in the ABS Career Fair. Companies were on campus recruiting for permanent positions and internships in every major in the college. It was exciting to hear the positive comments of companies who have employed SDSU graduates in the past and are back recruiting more. One company representative commented, "SDSU is where we look first for employees who will become industry leaders."
The new ABS magazine South Dakota Thriving was designed to reflect the truly integrated nature of ABS programs; in order to transform both agriculture and life in our region, effective educational and research programs must fluidly complement each other. The commercialization of new technology and the knowledge to advance economic development and improve people’s quality of life requires the integration of research, Extension, and classroom instruction. Through such integration, it is possible to holistically address complex agricultural, biological, and community issues in a multidisciplinary manner.
The magazine will be published on a quarterly basis, with a programmatic annual report for the Foundation, Agricultural Experiment Station, Cooperative Extension Service, and ABS Academic Programs included in rotation. In addition, the magazine’s companion website www.agbio.sdstate.edu/southdakotathriving provides readers an opportunity to learn more about the stories through additional photos, information links and presentations, and videos.
My education at South Dakota State University was where my opportunities began. The network of friends I made, the leadership and critical thinking skills I gained, and the capacity to dream bigger result directly from the people and programs of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. These, plus my wonderful spouse, whom I met in Hansen Hall, have allowed me to be who I am today. South Dakota State University is truly where opportunities begin.
Gary Lemme, Dean/Professor