Students, Faculty and Community Connect Through Agriculture, Learning and Fun

The Quad was filled with music, animals, activities and hands-on learning Friday as Alabama A&M University students, faculty and community members came together for the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences’ annual Ag Day.

Held Friday, Sept. 18, the event transformed the center of campus into an interactive showcase of agriculture and its connections to science, technology, natural resources, education and career opportunities.

CALNS departments and registered student organizations engaged attendees throughout the afternoon, providing opportunities to learn about academic programs, research, student involvement and career pathways. Participating organizations represented interests ranging from forestry, wildlife and environmental science to food science, animal health, fashion, urban planning and the biological sciences.

“Ag Day was a meaningful opportunity for the Animal Bio-Health Science Club to connect with the campus community and share the importance of animal science, agriculture and animal health,” said Madison Duval, a senior animal bio-health sciences major and club president. “It allowed us to showcase our organization’s passion for educating others while creating engaging conversations about the many career paths and opportunities within the agricultural industry.”

Ag Day also extended beyond the college, with participation from the AAMU ROTC Program, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, AAMU Global Initiative Program and the One AAMU Across the Hill campaign, a universitywide initiative that encourages support for academic colleges and campus programs.

“Ag Day was an outstanding celebration of agriculture, education and community,” said Dr. Martha Verghese, professor and chair of the Department of Food and Animal Sciences. “Students, faculty and staff came together for hands-on learning, interactive activities and meaningful networking while gaining a greater understanding of the vital role agriculture plays in our lives.”

While education and outreach were at the heart of Ag Day, there was plenty of room for fun. Student DJ Zach Alan provided music as attendees enjoyed games, giveaways, free food and a 360-degree photo booth. Goats and rabbits from AAMU’s Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station were also popular attractions, giving attendees an up-close look at another aspect of the college’s work.

The campus robot dog made its way across The Quad, engaging students in a hands-on demonstration of how STEM and agriculture intersect.

The combination of activities created a lively atmosphere where students and faculty could step outside the classroom, connect with one another and celebrate the broad reach of agriculture across campus.

Students took the runway in upcycled creations during the Trendsetters Fashion Club’s mini fashion show, demonstrating how creativity and fashion can support environmental sustainability.

The event also highlighted Alabama A&M’s historic role as an 1890 land-grant institution and its continuing mission to advance teaching, research and outreach in ways that serve communities and prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders.

“Ag Day brings students, faculty and staff together to celebrate the many ways agriculture touches our lives,” said Dr. Douglas Lavergne, CALNS dean and 1890 research director. “It showcases the diverse programs offered through CALNS while highlighting the teaching, research and outreach efforts that are central to our 1890 land-grant mission. We want to give students a chance to see the full scope of what we do in the College of Ag and that agriculture is much more than traditional farming.”

As an annual CALNS tradition, Ag Day brings academics, research, outreach, student organizations and entertainment together in the heart of campus, giving attendees a firsthand look at the opportunities available through the college and the evolving role of agriculture in everyday life.