Source: Chelsea Good, 303-829-4728, chelsgood@gmail.com
Website: http://bloggingfoodforthought.blogspot.com

Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010

FOOD FOR THOUGHT LECTURE SERIES HONORS DAN UPSON

MANHATTAN -- Food for Thought, a student group at Kansas State University, is launching a new lecture series in honor of Dan Upson, K-State professor emeritus of anatomy and physiology.

The lecture series will focus on bringing information about agriculture and food production to a broad audience, said Chelsea Good, a member of the group.

The new lecture series was announced prior to the Nov. 9 presentation at K-State by Temple Grandin, a world-renowned animal behaviorist and a person with high-functioning autism. Grandin was introduced as the first Upson Lecture speaker.

Upson taught at K-State's College of Veterinary medicine for 35 years before retiring with in 1994. He received numerous awards for his dedication to classroom teaching and the veterinary profession.

"When a person thinks of K-State's history in agriculture and veterinary medicine, nobody has had a bigger impact on teaching students than Dr. Dan Upson," said Dan Thomson, director of K-State's Beef Cattle Institute and Food for Thought faculty adviser. "Dr. Upson has made numerous contributions teaching on our campus and continues to work with the beef industry and veterinary profession in the state and beyond.

"As I travel across our state, almost always someone asks, 'How is Dr. Upson getting along? You know, I thought he was the best teacher. Give him my regards.' That is what it is all about as an educator: motivation for lifelong learning," Thomson said.

Upson was Food for Thoughts' first speaker in February, addressing a standing-room only crowd in the College of Veterinary Medicine's Frick Auditorium about efficient use of the earth's resources, and providing food for the world's people.

Food for Thought also is launching a 500 for $500 fundraising campaign to ensure the growth of the Upson Lecture series. Donations may be sent to Food for Thought, Trotter 1D, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506.

Food for Thought is a grassroots group of K-Staters who seek to bridge the gap between agriculture and consumers. The group includes undergraduate, graduate and veterinary students, as well as young alumni. More information about Food For Thought is available at the group's blog, http://bloggingfoodforthogh.blogspot.com; on Facebook; or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/fftgroup.