Heart of a Coug
2018 Reconnect
In this issue…
![WSU CAHNRS Dean Ron Mittelhammer](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Message from the Dean
In times of change, one thing will always sustain us: the larger-than-life WSU Cougar heart.
![A worker in a crandberry bog](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Happiness in a Cranberry Bog
Stepping into a dry, crunchy cranberry bog in July, Malcolm McPhail inspects his crop every day...
![CAHNRS Cougs, Lang-Grant Loyal logo.](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
![Flats of seedlings in a greenhouse.](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Let's Build Something Together
Perseverance is a defining characteristic of a WSU Cougar. Lee Mendez knows all about it.
![Professor Elwood “Woody” Kalin in a green house.](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Gift Comes Full Circle
Through his evergreen gifts, Don tends to young people’s growth.
![Orlin Reinbold and Holly Lane in a greenhouse looking at camellia oilseed plants.](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Thrill of Learning Comes Home, with Heart
“What am I really doing here?” Orlin thought. Adventures like these, he decided, lead to deeper understanding.
![Carol Quigg and Jerry Sheffels standing in a field on the Wilke Farm](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Learning Never Stops for Brother-Sister Duo
“The farmer who does it just like his dad, who did it just like his dad—that doesn’t really cut the mustard anymore,” explains Jerry. “Farmers today have to be flexible.”
![A bronze statue of a cougar.](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Family Inspires Statue Builder
My first memories of Washington State were going to the football games, which always included a visit to Butch’s den to see the live cougar...
![Infographic showing donations came from 36 US states and British Columbia, Canada.](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Dean’s Excellence Fund
The fund fuels student passions: translating small gifts into big differences.
![Wall of Honor](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
![Metal sign with apple logo and the text: Tieton Cider Works](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Passion for Fruit Yields Business Venture
Craig Campbell loves growing apples and pears at his family-owned orchard. His love of fruit trees grew into a budding interest in hard cider.
![Patricia Veleke holding her plaque at a Cougar Football game,](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Adopt-a-Coug
Coug-shaped hearts are forged right here at Washington State University, as the Cougar spirit draws in folks from all backgrounds and walks of life.
![Two women](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Showing School Spirit with Professional Collegiate Wear
Last fall, teams of AMDT juniors competed to design professional clothing with collegiate flair for women over 30, including plus sizes.
![A football displayed with fries and a flag with logo from Washington Potatoes.](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Touchdown to Perfect Spuds
Alumni tailgate bash feeds WSU potato research.
![WSU Everything Seasoning and Espresso Seasoning and Rub bottles](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Spice it Up with WSU Seasonings & Rubs
Whether you want to infuse your kitchen creations with flavor or spice up your grillin’ game, Washington State University’s got you covered.
![Wheat grains in a pile](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Donation Seeds the Future with Genetic Diversity
Without seed banks and germplasm collections, we are left with little insurance against ecological, environmental, and economic threats to our food system.
![Lee and Hayley Mendez with their son Forest.](https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/reconnect/wp-content/plugins/cahnrswsuwp-plugin-pagebuilder/lib/images/spacer1x1.gif)
Meet Forest. He’s a future Coug.
Washington State University is where futures are forged.
reCONNECT is published yearly by the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences’ Alumni and Development Office.
Share your ideas, stories, and photos by emailing:
alumni.friends@wsu.edu
Staff
Publisher
Ron C. Mittelhammer
Dean, CAHNRS
Editor
Marta Coursey
Writers
Christina Mangiapani
Seth Truscott
Scott Weybright
Photographers
Darrell Kilgore
Christina Mangiapani
Seth Truscott
Scott Weybright
WSU Photo Services
Matt Ziegler
Graphic Design
Gerald Steffen
Digital Designer
Lesa McPeak