A message from the President of the CALSAF Board-
Jerry Southwell, Wauchula, Florida

There has been a lot of recognition given to UF in regard to the achievement of two national championships in basketball and football. What you may not be aware of is that UF CALS’s FRE Quiz Bowl teams have won FIVE North American Quiz Bowl Championships! CALS’s 5,000 plus students (which include Tim Tebow) are among the best in the country, in the classroom and the community, and are led by some of the best faculty in the country.

This distinction doesn’t reside just on campus but is carried forth as students become alumni. I have the honor of being part of the process that recognizes our outstanding alumni and friends of IFAS/CALS annually for the past eight to 10 years. The accomplishments and dedication of these individuals to their industry, community and IFAS/CALS is truly impressive. Every day, alumni across Florida and around the world represent IFAS/CALS in a positive light, and we are proud to be Gators. We excel in areas other than the field (or court) of sports.

Maintaining and building upon our achievements requires the involvement of those who realize the importance of UF IFAS’ contributions to Florida’s agriculture and life sciences industries through its “three-legged stool” style of delivery – CALS, Research and Extension. The interaction and support of these three “legs” has provided Florida with a system which provides world class research, information delivery, and graduates ready to address the challenges of today as well as the future.

The record of accomplishments and contributions to Florida and countries around the world is impressive but should not be taken for granted. Will you join proud CALS alumni, including myself, in our commitment to organize events through which alumni can maintain their contact and support? Your involvement will ensure that the events will be meaningful gatherings. CALS Alumni and Friends’ events vary from regional gatherings which provide a social opportunity and campus update to our annual TailGATOR. Our events allow alumni to receive the latest information from campus, visit with their “old department”, see faculty, catch up with friends and meet some of the finest college students around, usually while enjoying a good meal and showing your support for the best college of agricultural and life sciences in the nation.

I urge you to accept my personal invitation to become involved in CALSAF and make UF/CALS the premier college of agricultural and life Sciences in the nation. There are many areas of involvement, and, if you wish to keep up with what is happening on a personal basis, this is an excellent way to do it. The more involved you get, the more you appreciate what UF/CALS is doing. Actively involved alumni and friends provide feedback to CALS regarding the relevance of teaching and research to the future needs of Florida stakeholders, a tremendous benefit to both the recipients and the provider.

If you have the desire to give back to an organization that has given you so much, please volunteer. You will soon experience a deeper understanding of why it’s great to be a Florida Gator!

GO GATORS!