2008 Senior Capstone

Tonight I rode with Bill Allen and his wife Debbie to watch the agriculture journalism capstone juniors and seniors present their capstone at the Missouri Department of Agriculture in Jefferson City. It was neat getting to watch the 11 different videos and audio slide shows done by fellow Ag J'ers. Most of the videos focused on Missouri's forest industry, with a few about farmers markets. The clips will be given to the MDA, who will post the clips on the internet. 

I learned a lot about forestry in Missouri, an area I am unfamiliar with but know feel I have some background on. Also, the MDA provided refreshments of Missouri grown foods, which was an added bonus. Attending the screening included those who had been interviewed for the videos, as well as the Ag J professors, Ag J alums, a handful of MDA staff, as well as a few faculty from Mizzou. It was a nice group with a good turn out to support Mizzou Ag J students. 

When the clips become available on the internet, hopefully I will have link to the following:

Katie Allen, AgriMissouri Program and Missouri Farmers' Markets

Sarah Jackson, Missouri Forest Products Association

Laura Chapuis, Midwest Veneer Company

Rachel Smeda, WW Cedar

Brooke Tacker, Gastineau Log Homes

Tyne Morgan, Freedom Products Company Inc. 

Taryn Dameron, East Perry Lumber

Alice Roach, NeCo Seed Farms

Allyssa Berry, Premium Ag Products

Christine Tew, Missouri Consulting Foresters Association

Reception at the Chancellor's Residence

MU Chancellor Brady Deaton invited the journalism students preparing to go to the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics for internships to his residences for supper. The dinner was catered by Hoss's who served tacos as well as meat and vegetable trays. 

I had fun getting to really meet and mingle with other Beijing participants. We were all amused how we knew each others' faces but no names. My favorite part was getting to sit on the old-time furniture, beautifully upholstered, like something I've seen in a European castle. I was also entertained that the podium in the residence is the same one that Mark Twain gave an acceptance speech at when he received an award from the University. The house was built in 1867 and is full of history. 

It was a fun experience and I didn't realize how much of an honor it was until I overheard a few professors who have been around for quite some time who had never been to the Residence before. I was amused when I went to sign the guest book that there is a pamphlet on The Residence, but in journalistic fashion (or pack rat, one of the two) I put one in my purse- proof I have been there. 

Mrs. Anne Deaton is a very nice hostess, and I was able to have a good conversation with her about the Peace Corps. This is something that I really want to do and both her husband and son have done.  Overall it was a fun experience and one to put in the book of college experiences.