A partnership between Novus International and the Missouri Colleges Fund has helped some interested students see “Science in Action” for the past three years now.
The mission of the Missouri Colleges Fund is to acquire resources to help educate students at 16 member private liberal arts colleges in the state. President Mike Backer says they do that mainly through donations from companies like Novus. “Their first gift to the Missouri Colleges Fund was a check for student scholarships, but after they handed me the check, they said ‘what else can we do?'” Mike said. “This science day gives the students an opportunity to get out of the classroom and get more information about what they can do with their degree after they leave school.”
Each year, the Fund provides Novus with a book that includes student bios and photos and thank you cards, which Mike is shown here presenting to Dr. Joyce Cacho, Chief Sustainability Officer for Novus.
You can listen to my interview with Mike here: Interview With Mike Backer
So, what did you do after the Brownfield Party? Hopefully you stopped in to the After-Party hosted by Rhea+Kaiser. Midnight in the Hyatt Lobby was where it was at.
What’s the best party at the Agri-Marketing Conference? The Brownfield Party! I know, I’m biased. I was the host for a number of years once upon a time and Brownfield Ag News is my sponsor this week here at the event.
And ZimmComm Google Juice was enjoyed by all. It was one of the best NAMA Connection Point shows ever. At least in my opinion. Thanks to all of you who stopped by to say hi and visit a while. We’ll be doing it again next year.
It was a loud and exciting time during the NAMA student awards at the Agri-Marketing Conference. There are just too many to keep track and list them all here.
The 2011 Best of NAMA Awards were awarded during the Agri-Marketing Conference. You can find a full listing by 
Public Relations: RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment); agency: Fleishman-Hillard
The 2011 NAMA Marketer of the Year was awarded to Roger Reierson, AdFarm. Roger was very surprised to receive the award and says it does not mean it’s “the end.” There’s lots more to come from this man.
Students from private colleges around Missouri are having a chance to check out what kinds of career opportunities await someone with a background in science and a passion for agriculture at the third “Science in Action: A Foundation for Dynamic Careers” sponsored by 
Elanco President Jeff Simmons wants people in agriculture to speak up and make it personal when it comes to safe, abundant, affordable food.