The annual IAA pre-graduation reception held at the University Golf Course Club House May 20th was a family affair in more ways than one. Nearly 100 proud moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles and even five-day-old Duke Walsh--son of graduate Michael Walsh--were on hand to honor the 15 graduates.
“Creating a sense of family and community among students and staff is also what the IAA is all about,” said longtime faculty member Dr, Kevin Mathias during his pre-graduation remarks. That same sentiment was echoed by Dr. Cheng-i- Wei, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, “Even though the IAA has grown in numbers over the years it has been able to maintain a close knit atmosphere where students, faculty and alumni realize the importance of networking when it comes to employment after graduation.”
Cody Cashman, Scott Hosier and Michael Walsh represented their classmates by providing remarks. Cashman drew a laugh from the crowd when he praised IAA Director Glori Hyman, “At first we students thought she was going to be real strict, but in time we discovered she was always there for us.” Walsh, named IAA’s outstanding student of the year, applauded Business Services specialist Carole Dingess for her never ending persistence, “She was the one who actually got me through the program. Whenever I’d be there studying, she would come by and put scholarship applications in front of me. She made certain I filled out every form because Carole’s the one who mailed them all for me.” Hosier took the opportunity to single out instructor Roy Walls whom he called Mr. Everything, “From computers to welding to woodworking Roy was the man to turn to.”
Following the program there were lots of handshakes, hugs and posing for pictures. Then the graduates and their guests proceeded to the University Armory, for the graduation ceremony to officially honor the 2013 Class of the Institute of Applied Agriculture .
