Welcome to the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni Network! Founded in 1973, the AGNR Alumni Network remains a vital partner for the College in the advancement of its strategic initiatives. The Alumni Network works to enhance student experiences, build professional networks, serve in communities and advocate for the college. Check out our Alumni Programs in the options below to see how you can show your support for AGNR Terp businesses or join us throughout the year at one of our many events and connect with us on social media platforms!
Congratulations to our AGNR Outstanding Alumni Awards Winners! Lindsey Jacobs (Agriculture and Resource Economics), Agricultural Impact Award; Bret Bucci, (Animal Science), Rising Terp Award; Jessica Armacost (Agricultural Science & Technology), Distinguished Service Award; Meg Smoliski (Institute of Applied Agriculture), Community Engagement Award. We also recognized Liz O'Keefe-Markham her for 5 years as AGNR Alumni Network President!
AGNR Outstanding Alumni Award Winners
This year, we’re excited to recognize four outstanding alumni award recipients:
Meg Smoliski is the recipient of the 2024 Community Engagement Award! This award honors alumni who have made significant contributions to community service, civic engagement, and social responsibility, enriching the lives of individuals and communities through their dedicated efforts. Meg graduated with a
certificate in Ornamental Horticulture in 2016 from the IAA and currently serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the UMD Arboretum. Since returning from parental leave in January 2020, she has developed the "Walk with an Arborist & Your Baby" program. This initiative encourages new parents to connect with each other and
with nature in a supportive environment. Held at the Garden of Reflection & Remembrance at the Memorial Chapel, participants learn about trees and plants while enjoying the company of their newborns.
Lindsey Jacobs, a 2020 graduate in Agriculture and Resource Economics, is the 2024 Agricultural Impact Award recipient! This award recognizes alumni who have significantly advanced agricultural practices, innovation, or sustainability, making a notable impact on the agriculture industry and related communities. Lindsey is actively involved in various associations and serves on the board of the Maryland Hereford Association. She is also an active member of the AACo Fair Livestock Auction Committee and the current Ms. Agvocate USA Queen. Lindsey participates in the Howard County Fair, MD State Fair, and AACo Fair, and has
represented the American Hereford Association Women at events like the Hereford Junior Nationals. She dedicates countless hours to supporting local 4-H youth and educating the public, all while managing her family farm, which has over 150 head of cattle.
Bret Bucci, a 2015 Animal Sciences alum, is the 2024 Rising Terp Award recipient! This award celebrates young alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and leadership in their early careers, making significant contributions to their profession and community within the first ten years of graduation. Brett has
built a robust career in the poultry industry, with experience spanning processing plants, live production, hatchery operations, and corporate planning. He also runs his own poultry farm, providing him with a unique perspective on the industry. In 2022, Brett was recognized by the International Production and Processing
Expo (IPPE) as part of its Young Leaders "30 Under 30" program. In 2024, his family farm received a JumpStart Grant from Horizon Farm Credit, awarded to only 15 out of over 100 applicants to support young farmers. In his role as Live Production Planning Manager, Brett is responsible for coordinating the poultry
supply chain and implementing innovative systems to improve operational efficiency.
Jessica Armacost, a 2008 Agricultural Science and Technology alum, is the 2024 Distinguished Service Award recipient! This award honors alumni who have shown exemplary service and leadership in their professional field, significantly contributing to the advancement of the agricultural, environmental, or related
sectors. Jessica was hired as Baltimore County’s Agriculture Business Development Specialist in March 2023 and has since been instrumental in establishing the Baltimore County Office of Agriculture and the Baltimore
County Agricultural Advisory Board. She has worked tirelessly with county leadership and stakeholders to provide essential agricultural business services and develop programs and services for the industry at the Baltimore County Agricultural Center. Jessica is a LEAD Maryland, Class XI fellow, and serves as the
Baltimore County Agriculture Representative for numerous boards, committees, and groups.
Events
Check out our Events calendar for upcoming events!
Check In
Check in with us to share professional and personal accomplishments so we can highlight your successes! Shoutouts will be shared via social and print media.
Send your Shoutout
Meet the Alumni Network Board Members
Rebecka Tetter, Gabrielle Graham, Zach Jones, Jessica Armacost, Ryan McDonald, Katrina Stacey, Brian Glenn, Kerrin Massarueh, Ariel Bourne, and Doris Ihejirika.
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Make A Gift
Help further the college's strategic initiatives and fearless ideas through a gift to AGNR.
For information on how to become involved with the AGNR Alumni Network, please connect with Amanda Brown Clougherty, our alumni relations director, to make sure you stay connected to the college and are apprised of upcoming events and opportunities. She may be reached at akbrown@umd.edu