UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- College students around the country always are quick to lay loud claim to the "We're Number 1" mantle. But students in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences have a legitimate claim to a top national ranking that could make a difference in the nation's food industry.

The Penn State chapter of the Minorities in Agriculture and Natural Resources Association (MANRA) --one of more than 50 chapters nationwide -- was selected as Chapter of the Year for 2002-03 by the national organization at its recent convention.

"This is a well-deserved recognition for our chapter members and leadership," says Robert Steele, dean of the college. "Our college is very proud of their commitment, hard work and accomplishments."

Founded in 1985, MANRA at Penn State fosters and promotes the agricultural sciences and related fields in a positive manner among multicultural groups. Its members initiate and participate in a variety of campus and community activities to encourage minority involvement in agriculture, natural resources and related areas, while introducing other students to the range of educational and career opportunities available. MANRA also provides a networking and support group to promote recruitment and retention of minority students.

Penn State's chapter earned the top national ranking under the leadership of past president Catrina King. Members completed a series of projects, including staffing United Way service ventures, volunteering at the college's horticulture show, sponsoring a campus visit for high school student members of chapters from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and collecting money to aid a New York family affected by the World Trade Center disaster.

Members presented research papers at conferences, collaborated with the regional Farmers' Market Trust on a funding proposal for the Kellogg Foundation and participated in a student etiquette dinner with the AT&T Leadership Group. They put on fundraising events, sponsored an ice cream social, and competed in Penn State's Ag Hill Olympics. They also put on their annual "Multicultural Evening," featuring comedy, music and a variety of ethnic foods.

Chapter faculty advisor Catherine Lyons says the chapter's active style -- and ongoing success -- is a result of its dedication to developing tomorrow's agricultural leaders. "Leadership is one of the major features of the organization," Lyons says. "When you're in the minority, it can be challenging to find real opportunities to be a student leader. MANRA allows these students to interact as leaders with the broader university, with faculty and staff, and with external people who may have some interest in the things they're doing.

"To actually conceive of annual action plans, to negotiate contracts for groups coming in, to plan activities -- these are skills that are transferable to work situations. And students can learn these things in a nurturing team environment. There are opportunities throughout the year for members to take a leadership role, so everyone's a contributing member."

King says the group intentionally took on activities and projects outside of the college as a way of getting the organization noticed on a large campus for what they are: minority students in leadership. "MANRA gives us an opportunity to develop ourselves and take our leadership skills outside our little group and share them with other people," she explains.

Current president Sonya Gomes says that this year's group is ready to take up the challenge from the other chapters across the country. "For this year, we want to do everything we did last year plus other activities: a credit card seminar, a resume writing workshop and more," she says. "We want to continue to grow and develop as we become tomorrow's agricultural leaders."

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EDITORS: Contact Catherine Lyons at 814-865-7521 or cxl4@psu.edu (e-mail).

Contact: Gary Abdullah gxa2@psu.edu 814-863-2708 814-863-9877 fax #294