Artwork by
Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

An evening of good food and entertainment
Emily Melies, Corner Post Staff

March 31, 2004 - Sigma Alpha hosted the first Women in Agriculture Symposium on March 18, 2004 in the Adam's Conference Center. The banquet served as the sorority's big fundraiser for the year.

In addition to serving as a fundraiser for the group, the event was also a great promotion for the ladies' motto.

Tickets to the Symposium were $15 dollars a piece. The women of Sigma Alpha offered their guests a banquet prepared by Quintessential Catering and entertainment presented by speaker, Cyndi Young.

Cyndi Young is Farm Director for the Brownfield Network. Young spoke to the group about the future of agriculture and the positive aspects that the industry has to offer. Her speech also emphasized the roles women play in agriculture today.

"The evening was well organized and went smoothly," guest Lisa Stien said. "The speaker was really informative, but also entertaining. She had many funny stories that kept the crowd laughing and interested."

When the evening came to a close door prizes and a raffle were drawn. The14 table arrangements were donated by Allen's Flowers and five of the sorority's cookbooks were given as the door prizes.

The raffle was $1 dollar a ticket for the chance to win a quilt. The raffle raised $111 dollars and the proceeds were given to the American Cancer Society. The quilt was purchased by the women of Sigma Alpha at a Silent Auction at their regional conference. The expense the women paid for the quilt was also given to the American Cancer Society.

The idea for the fundraiser started out small and within a couple of weeks it had evolved into a realistic event. It took a lot of planning and dedication, but it turned out to be a big success.

The Women in Agriculture Symposium raised around $700 dollars with approximately 100 attendees. Those in attendance included individuals involved with Missouri Pork Producers and USDA, Parents, Grandparents, friends, faculty member, students, and more.

The comment sheets collected at the conclusion of the evening expressed all positive feedback.

"The symposium really was a success," Sigma Alpha Treasurer, Megan Cooper, said. "It was also a great way to promote our sorority and women in agriculture."

Sigma Alpha is a professional women's agricultural sorority that promotes scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship among its members. MU's chapter was chartered in 2002. Their motto is "Women Excelling in Agriculture."

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