Support Needed for ALCA Team

In March 2003, The Department of Agricultural Sciences sent three students to the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) Student Career Days in Raymond , Mississippi . This annual event brings horticulture students and faculty together with top landscape industry professionals from across the country and gives students the opportunity to network with future employers and colleagues. While a first for Sam Houston students, there were fifty-one colleges and universities represented with 671 students competing in the twenty-five events. The events ranged from landscape plant installation to wood construction to annual and perennial plant identification. In addition to the competitive events, the students also attended workshops on arboriculture, skid steer operation, irrigation, and paver installation. Additionally, over fifty-four green industry companies from around the nation were in attendance for the career fair. Potential employers interviewed students for both internships and full-time positions within their companies.

On March 24-28, 2004 our students will be traveling to Columbus , Ohio to participate in the 28 th Annual ALCA Student Career Days. Due to the distance to the competition, travel expenses will be much higher this year. The excitement upon returning from the 2003 competition has generated a wave of excitement and anticipation for more students and the team has grown from three to thirteen. Last year the students competed in six events while this year we hope to compete in all twenty-five.

"Competitive teams are a great resource for our students giving them skills to carry to the next step in life and building pride in Sam Houston State as their alma mater. Not only are the teams great for current students, this can be a great source of exposure for incoming students - something that will help both our horticulture program and university grow," says advisor, Dr. Carolyn Robinson. If you are interested in providing financial support to the SHSU ALCA Team, please contact Dr. Robinson at 936-294-1219 or agr_cwr@shsu.edu. Both the ALCA Team and Dr. Robinson greatly appreciate your time and consideration and any assistance that you may be willing and able to provide.

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