eCarly@CALS

Remembering Lauren Christian on a Hot Day on the Links

Temperatures in the upper 90s and a heat index over 100 didn't stop, the Lauren Christian Pork Chop Open that took place July 19, at Iowa State University's Veenker Memorial Golf Course.

This special annual event organized by Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University raises money for the Lauren L. Christian Endowment at Iowa State. Christian was a Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor of animal science professor at Iowa State from 1966 until his death in 1998.

I sat down with Nelda Christian to get some insight about the event in memory of her husband. She emphasized how happy she was to see so much of her family and friends there. Nelda said funds raised from the event support annual scholarships for undergrads and fellowships for graduate students, and a rotation each year between a visiting professor and an international professor as a guest speaker.

Over the last 12 years, the Lauren Christian Endowment has provided support for more 25 students.

When I arrived, 23 teams were already making their way around the 18-hole golf course. Shortly after visiting with a few attendees, Don Nieland stopped by the clubhouse. He was kind enough to let me join him and his team as they participated in the event. When we pulled up to the hole where they were teeing off, a long-time family friend, John Barnts, greeted me. It just so happened that John, along with the rest of his team were all from my hometown of Marion, Iowa.

"We all live on Hampshire Drive," stated Barnts. I found this very fitting considering it was the Pork Chop Open.

Barnts, who has participated in this event for many years, decided that this year he would just "coach" his team with his assistant, Jerry Brown. The Hampshire Drive Crew golfers consisted of Chad Kounty, Chad Kellog, Don Nieland and Terry Sullivan.

Left to right: Chad Kounty, Terry Sullivan and Chad Kellog watch teammate Don Nieland.

It was clear how enjoyable this event was for the participants, despite the extreme heat.

After the teams, finished the course former students, family, producers, industry professionals and scholarship winners gathered for a short program and dinner. Once everyone was welcomed and introductions had taken place, Gordon Jones, visiting professor from the University of Tennessee gave remarks. He said Dr. Christian had made a significant impact on his life when he was a student.

"Lauren's goal was to make everyone around him be as successful as possible," says Jones.

Gordon Jones reflects on Lauren Christian

As I talked with other attendees about Lauren Christian there was a consensus, and even strong opinions that described the kind of person he was. He was compassionate about his work and a great mentor to his students and colleagues. Christian also was described as someone who always had great concern and care for others. He was an excellent communicator who was able to bring enthusiasm to everything he did.

This year's scholarship recipients were Chelsey Brandershorst and Drew Lugar. Branderhorst will be a junior this fall and is majoring in animal science. Lugar is senior majoring in animal science (pre-vet). The graduate student fellowships were awarded to Nick Boddicker and Chad Yoder. Boddicker is a Ph.D. student in animal breeding and genetics. Yoder is a PH.D. student in animal science.

Following the program, awards were presented to individual golfers and teams. This year, the first flight winners were Derrick Sleezer, Denny McKilligan, Dean Jensen and Devin Leland with a score of 58.

Being a pork producer myself, it was great to be able to attend this event. Not only could I relate to it, but I also knew many of the people in attendance. Iowa State University and the Iowa Pork Producers are both grateful to have so many devoted sponsors. This year there were 29 holes sponsored as well as outright donations, donations in-kind and people who only attend the post-golf events. Each of these contributors plays a part in the event and its success.

"The sponsors of the open help keep this thing going," says Tom Baas, animal science professor.