Sept. 3, 2010

The UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will celebrate its centennial Sept. 18 with the rededication of Keim Hall, tours, displays, a barbecue lunch and panel discussions on future issues.

"The Department of Agronomy and Horticulture is celebrating a century of innovation and education in support of Nebraska's agriculture enterprise," said Mark Lagrimini, agronomy and horticulture department head. "We will recognize the historic figures who have transformed agriculture into the state's economic engine and look into the future of agriculture in the nation's economy and the role in which the department will play in the next transformation focusing on profitability and sustainability."

The celebration will begin at 9 a.m. in the Great Plains Room at the Nebraska East Union on UNL's East Campus with a reunion of departmental clubs and other groups along with tours of the newly remodeled, LEED-certified Keim Hall. Coffee and rolls will be available.

A 10 a.m. panel discussion will cover topics related to breeding and genetics, soil and water conservation, biofuels, plant biology and nutrition and sustainable landscapes.

Displays, including a history time line of the department, also will be featured throughout the day.

A barbecue lunch at noon will follow the panel discussion, and additional tours of East Campus, City Campus, demonstration plots and other displays will be continued afterward. The celebration will adjourn with displays and additional tours if needed. All activities begin at the Nebraska East Union on UNL's East Campus.

Dignitaries and UNL administrators also are scheduled to attend.

In addition to the above schedule, the rededication of Keim Hall will be at 3 p.m. on the south side of the building Sept. 17 as part of the centennial celebration. An alumni banquet that evening will start at 6:30 p.m. For more information about the banquet, call Kathy Schindler at (402) 472-1508.

A centennial scholarship also has been made available in honor of the celebration for current agronomy and horticulture students.

For more information about the scholarship or the celebration, visit the agronomy and horticulture department's centennial website at http://www.agronomy.unl.edu/newhome/centennial.html.

Sandi Alswager Karstens
IANR News Service
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