UA Horticulture Club Recognized As Best In The Country

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas HORT Club was selected as the "Outstanding Club" in the United States for the second consecutive year by the American Society for Horticulture Science, recognizing the academic year 1999-2000.

The American Society for Horticultural Science is the largest professional scientific horticulture organization in the world with more than 5,000 members in 90 countries.

In 1997-98, the club was recognized by the University of Arkansas Registered Student Organization as the "Most Outstanding Special Interest Student Activity/Organization" on campus.

"The Horticulture Club is a great means for students gaining real-world experience, making friends and networking, and travelling. The activities of the Club enhance the classroom education and academic programs, in which our students are involved," says Curt R. Rom, associate professor of horticulture, who serves as the club advisor. "The faculty is very proud of our students. This award recognizes their outstanding accomplishments and demonstrates that this is among the best horticulture programs in the country."

The American Society for Horticulture Science award is based upon participation of students, educational activities and programming, social activities, team competitions, campus and community service, scholarships, travel to professional meetings and horticultural sites, participation in regional and national student associations, as part of the club annual programs.

Club activities last year included: monthly educational activity meetings, a monthly social/recreational activity, landscaping a Habitat for Humanity house and leading a campus-wide fund drive for the Washington County United Way with its "Club Challenge" donation of $100.

A major activity for the club was its annual Plant Sale and Garden Expo. For the Sale and Expo, students sold plants, and produced and coordinated the gardening show. More than 1,500 persons attended the Sale and Expo. Funds from the Saleawarded more than $3,000 in scholarships and travel grants to horticulture students, allowing them to conduct the annual plant sales and garden exposition in April.

The funds also allowed students to compete in the Association of Landscape Contractors in America (ALCA) annual competition and career fair in Starkville, Miss. and the American Society for Horticultural Science regional and national meetings.

The Horticulture Club is sponsored by the University’s horticulture department. It is open to the entire University community - including students, faculty and staff interested in plants and horticulture.

Club officers from 1999 to 2000 and 2000 to 2001 are:

• Jeremiah Kyle, Fayetteville, Ark., President, 1999-2000/2000-01
• Melanie Kyle, Saint Joe, Ark., Vice Pres., 1999-2000/2000-01
• Rebecca Gard, Fayetteville, Ark., Past Treasurer, 1999-2000
• Alisa Sanny, Goodman, Mo., Treasurer, 2000-01
• Cindy Still, Fayetteville, Ark., Past Secretary, 1999-2000
• Sarah E. Daboll, Cabot, Ark., Secretary, 2000-01
• Sarah E. Daboll, Cabot, Ark., Past New Recruitment/Historian, 1999-2000
• Corrin Frizzell, Fayetteville, Ark., Newsletter Editor, 2000-01
• Kris Moore, Fayetteville, Ark., Newsletter Editor, 1999-2000
• Doug Kermashek, Fayetteville, Ark,. Greenhouse Mgr./Plant Production Mgr., 2000-01

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