Building connections at Pearce Pavilion

The Texas A&M University Department of Animal Science welcomed more than 375 students to the Louis Pearce Pavilion on Sept. 3 for the annual Howdy Event. The afternoon gave new and returning students a chance to connect with faculty, staff and fellow students while learning more about opportunities within the department.

Students spent the afternoon playing volleyball and cornhole, enjoying food and trying their hand at roping with the Texas A&M Rodeo Team. Chris Skaggs, Ph.D., associate dean for student development; and Shawn Ramsey, Ph.D., assistant head for undergraduate programs, were among the faculty members who welcomed students back for the fall semester.

Opportunities and tradition

Competitive teams, animal science clubs and programs filled the pavilion, giving students a chance to meet current members, explore their interests and find ways to get involved. The Rosenthal Meat Science and Technology Center joined the event with samples of its famous Ol’ Sarge Sticks.

Food was also a highlight of the afternoon. Students enjoyed sausage wraps made with 400 links of sausage donated by Slovacek’s Sausage. The company’s continued support helped bring students, faculty and staff together for an afternoon of connection and a new semester in the Department of Animal Science.

Student at Texas A&M Animal Science Howdy Event visiting with Dr. Chris Skaggs
Student at Texas A&M Animal Science Howdy Event visiting the Rosenthal Meat Science and Technology Center booth. They are sampling beef jerky.
3 students at Texas A&M Animal Science Howdy Event enjoying sausage wraps
3 Students at Texas A&M Animal Science Howdy Event. They are holding bags of Texas A&M Animal Science merchandise. They appear to be winners of a raffle.
Promotional poster for Slovacek's Foods next to a tray of foil wrapped sausage wraps.
Students at Texas A&M Animal Science Howdy Event playing volleyball.