K-State College of Agriculture Pledges Support to Kansas FFA Foundation

Kansas FFA Foundation - June 06, 2007

College Becomes Five-Star Donor with In-Kind and Monetary Donations

The K-State College of Agriculture has officially been recognized as a five-star sponsor of the Kansas FFA Foundation as a result of the college's long-standing in-kind and monetary support equivalent to more than $10,000.

For several years, the college has donated faculty and staff time, facilities and services during the Kansas FFA Career Development Events (CDEs), State Convention, and various leadership activities. Moving forward, the K-State College of Agriculture will also sponsor the kick-off speaker for State FFA Convention, in addition providing sponsorship of District Officers' Conference, the state executive committee, and state officer candidates.

Fred Cholick, dean of the K-State College of Agriculture, said the college is proud to support the state FFA association as the organizations share common goals.

"Working with the Kansas FFA Association makes sense as we are both trying to benefit Kansas youth and prepare them for future success. The FFA helps high school students discover the range of career opportunities available in agriculture and our college can help them achieve the career goals they set as FFA members," Cholick said.

State Career Development Events, which are held on the Kansas State University campus each spring, represent significant involvement by the College of Agriculture. More than 1,400 high school students participate in 16 events that take place over three days. The college coordinates CDE registration; provides facilities for various competitions, including livestock judging, meat judging, communications events, and horticulture competitions; and organizes the CDE awards ceremony. Professors and students put in countless hours planning and tabulating the events to ensure students are challenged and recognized appropriately.

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John Niemann, chair of the Kansas FFA Foundation board and K-State College of Agriculture alumni, says many state FFA activities would not be possible without the college's support.

"The faculty and staff at the college play an integral role in the organization and implementation of the many FFA activities that take place on the university campus. Thanks to the hard work and commitment of the college to work so closely with the FFA, Kansas FFA members benefit from superior programs and events," Niemann said.

An official check presentation in honor of the donation will be held at the State FFA Career Development Events on May 1, in Manhattan, Kan.

About the Kansas FFA Foundation

The Kansas FFA Foundation supports the quality of agricultural education programs, rewards FFA members and advisors, and builds support from FFA alumni, parents, and friends. By developing and sustaining collaborative relationships that result in financial support and service opportunities, the foundation has established a vision to serve a purpose, give with passion, and grow the legacy. More information about the foundation is available at www.ksffa.org/foundation.