Long-time ag communications professional speaks at Sigma Alpha Symposium
By Jessica McCormack, posted 3/27/06

A full house is the only way to describe the turn out for the 2006 Sigma Alpha Agriculture Symposium held on March 16, 2006, at the Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center.

Sigma Alpha is a professional agricultural sorority for women. Members strive for excellence in scholarship, leadership and service. The organization works to further the development of women pursuing careers in agriculture.

CAFNR students, parents, faculty, alumni and special guests gathered for the annual event

After dinner, Sigma Alpha member, Megan Cooper, introduced the guest speaker, Mrs. Colleen Callahan. She presented to “E’s of Life,” an interactive presentation full of her own professional and personal experiences in the agricultural industry.

“To communicate is the beginning of understanding,” Callahan said. “Leave no margin for misunderstanding and remember that things aren’t always what they seem.”

Callahan has been working in the communications field for more than 30 years, with most of her experience in broadcast journalism. She was the first female president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters and earned an “Oscar in Agriculture.” She grew up on a purebred Hampshire hog, Angus cattle and grain farm near Milford, Ill. Colleen was the first woman on the Illinois State 4-H Livestock Judging Team and the only woman on the University of Illinois Livestock Judging Team in 1972. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1973 with a degree in Agricultural Communications.

As the evening concluded, several lucky guests went home with door prizes provided by numerous Missouri agribusinesses. Finally, a quilt was raffled off and the $150 proceeds went to “Nathan’s Quest.” Nathan, son of Lee Crabtree, agriculture education teacher from Warrensburg, Mo., was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that is fast growing and very difficult to treat. All of the proceeds went to benefit Nathan and his family during this extremely challenging time.

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