The Ag Business Club held their annual banquet Saturday, March 6^th. Professor Ron Deiter, club co-sponsor, said that the event is designed to "acknowledge achievements" of ag business majors and to "share those successes with parents and faculty."

Students were awarded scholarships and honors as outstanding members (list below). Special guest Scott Mortimer, publisher ofSuccessful Farming, was given the "Outstanding Alumni Award." Mortimer graduated from ISU's ag business program in 1987. He spoke to the group about his career, and encouraged students to take advantage of the many opportunities present at ISU.

Mike Gaul, director of career placement with Agricultural Career Services, presented employment statistics for recent college graduates. He said that 85% returned to live with their parents - in contrast, ag business majors had a 100% job placement rate and average salary in the $40,000 range.

"Right now we have a very positive story to tell in our department," said Deiter.

Read more about the entry-level employment success of ag business graduates, featured in a 2008 ISU News Service article.

Outstanding member award: Tory Mogler, freshman; Andy Chamra, sophomore; Kaci Demott, Junior; Lisa Tronchetti, senior

Key Contributor award: Darrin Rahn

William G. Murray, overall outstanding Senior award: Whitney White

Class Scholarship winners: Alicia Humphrey, freshman; Nathan Johnston, sophomore; Kurtis Dop, Junior; Ross Payne, senior

Past Committee Chair Scholarship winners: Bethany Olson, Ben Zelle, Jacob Aizikovitz, Chelsey Sonnichsen

Past Officer Scholarship winners: Amber Broulik, Carly Cummings