CANR Tailgate draws a record crowd
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EmailCollege-wide event brought together nearly 800 CANR alumni, faculty, staff, donors and friends.
Nearly 800 alumni, faculty, staff, donors and friends came together on Saturday, September 13, prior to the MSU-Youngstown State football game for the biggest College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) Tailgate yet.
Hosted by the CANR Advancement team, this event has quickly become a cherished tradition for alumni and friends, with attendance steadily increasing since the first Tailgate in 2023.
“I look forward to the CANR Tailgate, and 2025 certainly did not disappoint,” said Matt Daum, CANR Dean and Associate Provost. “It was wonderful to see so many new and familiar faces in attendance from across the college. This event highlights the strength and connection of our community, and we will continue to engage with our alumni and friends in meaningful ways.”
A free event, the Tailgate drew attendees representing CANR’s 12 academic units, as well as the Institute for Agricultural Technology (IAT), MSU Extension and MSU AgBioResearch. Guests enjoyed a variety of tailgate-inspired food options, yard games and other family-friendly activities.
View the CANR Tailgate photo gallery
In recognition of their 75th anniversary celebration, the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife was prominently showcased at the Tailgate, with a special educational exhibit highlighting the department’s history, research and outreach efforts.
The exhibit featured information about the department’s work combatting invasive sea lampreys in the Great Lakes, as well as ongoing efforts to restore the lake sturgeon population.
“We were thrilled to be part of this year’s CANR Tailgate,” said Dana M. Infante, Professor and Chair of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. “This event created a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on the many ways our world-class students and researchers make an impact conserving ecosystems that support fish, wildlife and human health.”
The Tailgate also served as an opportunity to highlight the CANR Alumni Association Scholarship, awarded annually by the CANR Alumni Board to outstanding students. This year, ten exceptional CANR students received scholarships totaling $28,000 in support of their academic and professional growth.
Funds awarded through the CANR Alumni Association Scholarship are provided by gifts to the CANR Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund. To maintain and expand the availability of these financial awards for future students, CANR recently launched a CrowdPower campaign with a goal of raising $10,000 in support of the CANR Alumni Association Scholarship.
“It was incredible to see such a strong turnout,” said Brian Kernohan (’92, Fisheries and Wildlife), President of the CANR Alumni Board. “As a Fisheries and Wildlife alum myself, I was proud to have our department represented at the Tailgate and it was inspiring to see so much energy and camaraderie across our entire CANR community. Let’s keep the momentum going by hitting our scholarship campaign goal!”
To make a gift or learn more about this campaign, visit the CANR Alumni Association Scholarship CrowdPower page today.
