CSU Among Nation's Top Producers of Peace Corps Volunteers

Colorado State University is the only university in Colorado to rank in both the top graduate and undergraduate lists for alumni serving in the Peace Corps in 2012, according to new data released today by the Peace Corps.

The University ranks sixth in the nation in the number of graduate alumni serving in the Peace Corps and in the top 15 for undergraduates, according to 2012 rankings released in January by the volunteer organization. In 2012, Peace Corps participants included 15 CSU graduate students, ranking the university sixth, and 71 undergraduates, ranking the university 13th.

CSU has a strong history of providing volunteers and support to the Peace Corps, which can be traced to the organization's beginnings. Colorado State researchers Pauline Birky-Kreutzer and Maury Albertson, answering President John F. Kennedy's famous call to service, published in 1961 one of the original feasibility studies that led to the creation of the Peace Corps.

Governor's Forum on Colorado Agriculture Explores Food Safety Issues

State and national leaders in the field of agriculture, including Gov. John Hickenlooper (invited), Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar and Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Craig Beyrouty, will speak at the annual Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture on Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Renaissance Denver Hotel, 3801 Quebec St.

The forum, themed “Exploring Ag Security and Food Safety,” will cover a variety of topics related to the food system: Curt Mann of the Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute will discuss agricultural security on the global level;  Dr. Larry Goodridge, food microbiologist and associate professor in CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, will narrow the discussion to food safety within Colorado; breakout sessions will include updates from the Food Systems Advisory Council and Farm to School Task Force, Consumer Communications: Producer to Consumer Messaging, choosing a third party auditor, and food safety at home.

To register or for additional information, visit www.colorado.gov/ag/forum or call (303) 239-4100.

Donation Boosts Renowned CSU Equine Program

Dr. Jerry Black

The owners of a premier Wyoming ranch have donated $1.5 million to Colorado State University’s renowned Equine Sciences Program to help advance the program’s excellence as a training ground for students entering the horse industry.

The donation from Art and Catherine Nicholas established the Wagonhound Land and Livestock Chair in Equine Sciences, named for their well-known horse and cattle ranch near Douglas, Wyo. Dr. Jerry Black, who heads CSU’s Equine Sciences Program, holds the new Wagonhound chair. In this position, Dr. Black has discretion to use annual proceeds from the invested donation to fulfill a variety of needs that support program development and student learning.

“The CSU Equine Sciences Program is absolutely among the best in the country, and that kind of excellence does not come free. We want to do what we can to maintain a program that benefits us and others in the agricultural community,” said Art Nicholas. “It’s gratifying to be able to help.”