Monthly Achiever National Delta Tau Alpha November/December 2011

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” -Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese Poet and Novelist Hello everyone! We’ve made it through the semester and now we get a well deserved break! In this season of giving I know that many of our fellow members gave of their time and of themselves to help those in need. What a wonderful organization we serve that helps us find those opportunities to do so! We have a whole new semester to look forward to now in which we can find even more ways to serve others. And the University of Central Missouri has been busy planning for our National Convention that’s coming up April 5-7, 2012! This will be a great opportunity to learn from other chapters across our nation of other ways in which to serve our community!

From Across the Nation Arkansas State University – ASU volunteered quite a bit of their time this holiday season, volunteering at the Miracle Rodeo at the local fairgrounds as well as at a Petting Zoo hosted on their campus farm. They had a tent at a tailgating event to share with the public what DTA is and also discussed several ideas for service projects such as the Angel Tree and donating food or clothes to the Salvation Army. Missouri State University – MSU initiated new members recently, hosted a guest speaker, and also ordered DTA T-shirts for their chapter. Holding true to our purpose, they also hosted a study night for finals to help members prepare and keep their scholastic achievement soaring. They also had a wreath making night.

From Across the Nation Sam Houston State University – This chapter hosted a Haunted House and made over $1000 in profits! SHSU also participated in the Linus Project where they make and donate blankets to children with cancer who stay at the Ronald McDonald House during treatments. They collected loose change to buy Christmas gifts for needy families, and they also collected coats for Good Shepard. They discussed the Member of the Year Award and its qualifications and also participated in a chili cook- off. Tennessee Tech University – TTU hosted a guest speaker that told of a masters program at UTK that is currently looking for Ag students. The students collected money and were able to purchase and distribute over $300 worth of gifts to local children for Christmas. TTU also made plans to host a guest speaker in the Spring and participate in Relay for Life.

Mr. Dempsey is a senior at Arkansas State University and is majoring in Plant and Soil Science with a concentration in Agronomy. He is the Vice President of his DTA chapter and of the Plant and Soil Science club at ASU. He is also a member of Phi Eta Sigma, member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Student Government Association Senator, and College of Agriculture and Technology Ambassador. Randy works in a Sustainable Soil Systems Lab and presented his project on soil carbon dynamics at several international meetings in Spotlight on a National Officer Interesting things you might like to know about your National Parliamentarian, Mr. Randy Dempsey

Upon graduation, Mr. Dempsey plans on attending graduate school to continue his education. He wants to conduct research on soils in agricultural systems and look at the relationship between system management with various crops and fertilizers and their effect on the soil. His goal is to obtain a doctoral degree and either work for the National Resource Conservation Service or teach at the collegiate level. Spotlight on a National Officer Randy enjoys cooking and spending time with friends

Final Notes Remember to mark your calendars for the 2012 National DTA Convention April 5-7 at Central Missouri State University! We will be touring Bayer Facilities, the High Tunnel, and a farm where research is being conducted on aquatic and avian life. Ag Olympics and a social are being planned for our benefit as well! Registration begins February 4 and runs through March 3 so be sure to let your advisor know that you are interested in attending before then! We hope to see you there!