The Pennsylvania State University

President

Patresse D. Ingram
Ag. & Ext. Educ.
208 Ferguson Bldg.
E-mail: pdil@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-7439
Fax: 814-863-4753

President-Elect

Ali Demirci
Ag. & Biological Engr.
231 Ag. Engr. Bldg.
E-mail: demirci@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-1098
Fax: 814-863-1031

Historian

Mike Saunders
Dept. Entomology
514 ASI Building
E-mail: mcs5@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-2979
Fax: 814-865-3048

Treasurer

Mark A. Brennan, Jr.
Ag. & Ext. Educ.
204C Ferguson Bldg.
E-mail: mab187@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-0387
Fax: 814-863-4753

Secretary

Mark A. Brennan, Jr.
Ag. & Ext. Educ.
204C Ferguson Bldg.
E-mail: mab187@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-0387
Fax: 814-863-4753

Chapter Web Site:

Chapter Highlights:

1. On March 18-19, 2009, the PSU chapter of Gamma sigma Delta co-sponsored the 15th Annual Graduate and Undergraduate Research Expo in collaboration with the College of Agricultural Sciences. There were 63 posters presented by graduate and undergraduate students representing 12 academic units. Posters were judged by teams of faculty, postdoctorals, and graduate students representing all disciplines. Prizes totalling $3,100 were awarded to 10 graduate and 3 undergraduate students in five categories. The awards ceremony was coordinated by the immediate past-president, Dr. Lynne Brown. 2. The Annual Initiation and Awards Ceremony was held on April 8, 2009. A reception with refreshments was held before and after the Ceremony. The keynote speaker was Dr. Robert Steele, Dean of the Colleage of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State. We initiated 60 new members, including 26 undergraduates, 20 graduate students, 3 staff and 11 faculty member. Three scholarship awards based on academic performance and funded by member donations were presented to the outstanding sophomore (Christine Rowehl), junior (Stephanie Heilman)and senior (Emily Thomas). The annual Outstanding Faculty Awards were presented to Dr. Dr. Edward Jaenicke (Teaching), Prof. of Ag Economics and Rural Sociology; Dr. Peter Romaine (Research), Prof. of Plant Pathology; and Dr. Patricia Comerford (Extension/Outreach), Prof. of Dairy and Animal Science. 3. A new display case (6 X 3 ft.) was installed in the lobby of the Agriculture Sciences and Industries Building to permanently display Gamma Sigma Delta activities and news. The display showcases photographs of participants and award winners from the Annual Research Expo, 2009 Outstanding Student Scholarship awardees and Outstanding Faculty award winners, as well as, acknowledgements of our financial supporters, chapter information, and announcements of up coming events. The display case is located adjacent to a snack bar and popular gathering spot for students, faculty, and staff. The display was funded by a grant from Gamma Sigma Delta International and matching funds from the PSU College of Agricultural Sciences.