You hear it frequently this time of the year. This is the season of giving.

People are more inclined to open their hearts to those in need and to support the causes they believe in. Here in the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, we are indeed fortunate to have alumni and friends who believe strongly in our mission and are willing to give of their time, talent, and treasure to help us better serve our students and society at large.

There are many ways in which our supporters show their commitment to the college—and we are grateful for every one of them! Today I would like to acknowledge a few who have helped students this year by creating a variety of hands-on learning opportunities.

Alumnus Ernie Farley volunteered his time to make a student field trip to the Salinas Valley a success this spring. Students met with regional employers and his company, Andrew and Williamson, even hired two summer interns from the event. 

The True North Foundation’s annual support allows the Student Farm to employ more experienced undergraduate and graduate students as mentors for students new to farming. This peer-to- peer education is highly effective.

Tim Pietro established the Dr. William Weir Summer Research Award, which provides students with a summer stipend so they can stay on campus and partner on research projects with faculty members in the Department of Nutrition. 

Marq and Rachel Truscott support the Sustainable Design and Built Environment Endowment that provides money for materials and field trips for students in advanced landscape architecture classes.

Bart and Daphne Araujo created an endowment that provides an annual award for viticulture and enology students to participate in winemaking internships in locations in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

The more than 1,000 donors to the college's Annual Fund made possible participation in the first-ever Western Growers Association Careers in Ag Pathways pilot program, which allowed UC Davis students to tour regional agricultural companies, network with their employees, and learn about STEM-related careers.

Throughout the year—not just now in this traditional time of giving—many people are making a real difference in the lives of our students and our faculty who educate them. As the year winds down, I encourage you to consider joining us in supporting our cutting-edge work in agricultural, environmental, and human sciences. We are truly grateful for all the ways our supporters give to the college.

Best wishes for the holidays and a happy new year.