Animal science major Sage Becker named CASNR outstanding senior
Monday, April 1, 2019
Sage Becker from Keota, Iowa, recently was named Oklahoma State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Louis and Betty Gardner 2019 CASNR Outstanding Senior.
Becker was recognized at the annual CASNR Scholarship and Awards banquet March 28, where the college awarded more than $330,000 in scholarships and recognized student, faculty and alumni leaders.
Becker is an animal science major with a focus in animal biotechnology. She is a 2015 graduate of Mid-Prairie High School in Wellman, Iowa and is the daughter of Brian and Rebecca Becker.
The Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior Award is the highest honor a CASNR senior may receive from the college. The Outstanding Senior receives a bronze sculpture and a scholarship, and also represents CASNR by wearing an orange cap and gown and serving as the college gonfalon carrier at commencement. The award is supported by an endowment established by Brent and Kent Gardner, both previous recipients of the award, in honor of their parents, Louis and Betty.
During Becker’s time as an undergraduate student, she has been an extremely active participant in undergraduate research. She was a member of the Animal Science Freshman Research Scholars program, the Lew Wentz Research Scholars program and was named a Niblack Research Scholar in 2017. Becker was recently named a 2018 Barry S. Goldwater Scholar, one of the most prestigious national honors recognizing high achievers who seek research careers in STEM fields. Becker is OSU’s 21st Goldwater Scholar and the first ever named from CASNR.
“I have been able to embrace, and have enjoyed being active in, all three points of the DASNR triangle by excelling academically, conducting research and bringing research recognition to CASNR, and by researching out and working with the youth of Oklahoma,” Becker said.
Becker’s other collegiate activities included being a member of the OSU Honors College, serving as an ambassador for the Office of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research, and as an undergraduate teaching assistant in the OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences. She was also a member of Block and Bridle and Alpha Zeta. In 2017, Becker served as secretary for the OSU Swine Club.
Her hard work in the classroom is evidenced by her 4.0 GPA — an accomplishment that has given her recognition on the President’s Honor Roll many times. She was recently selected as a 2019 OSU Senior of Significance.
“Sage is such a special person, and her passion for discovering new knowledge is inspiring,” said Cynda Clary, CASNR associate dean of academic programs. “She is always connected and engaged and has the ability to get anyone excited about research. Her research at Oklahoma State University has impacted many and led her to earning the title of CASNR’s very first Goldwater Scholar. Sage is a true testament to how far a student can go through hard work and dedication.”
CASNR believes in the value of hands-on education and the importance of having a well-rounded student experience. The college’s award-winning faculty members are dedicated to developing students and are passionate about adding value to the total educational experience. With 16 majors, a variety of study options, plus more than 60 student organizations, CASNR is committed to expanding minds and inspiring purpose. Learn more at casnr.okstate.edu.
By Mandy Taylor