Pat Comerford Receives Gamma Sigma Delta Faculty Award

Pat Comerford, extension horse specialist in the Department of Dairy and Animal Science, received the 2009 Gamma Sigma Delta Faculty Award for Outstanding Extension Outreach and Service. Eight undergraduates were also inducted into the honor society for agriculture, with Stephanie Heilman, Kittanning, receiving an Undergraduate Student Scholarship and certificate for her outstanding GPA. Nominated by her peers, an evaluation committee selected Comerford from all nominees throughout the College of Agricultural Sciences. Comerford is also an instructor of Animal Science and serves as an undergraduate advisor for students with an equine science interest.

Dr. Terry Etherton, Head of the Department of Dairy and Animal Science, said, "This recognition is well-deserved, and I congratulate Pat. She provides outstanding leadership in the horse program, and has uncommon dedication and commitment to helping the 4-H horse program in a myriad of ways. It is a great honor for her to receive this public affirmation of her diligence. I also commend the students whose superior undergraduate work has been highlighted."

Other recognized students include: Stacy A. Bartholomew, Effort; Shannon R. Boone, Bellefonte; Janelle A. Hartzell, Slippery Rock; Jennifer R. Rassler, Kempton; David G. Wilson, Port Royal; Laura A. Schiavo, Hershey; and Jenna L. Pannone, Flemington, NJ. Heilman is a Shreyers honor student with plans to attend veterinary school and specialize in large animal medicine. She said, "I'm so greatly honored to have received this recognition. Gamma Sigma Delta represents such a well-respected and prestigious society in agriculture, and I'm glad I have been able to become a part of it!"

In acknowledging her recognition, Comerford said, "There are so many deserving people, and I am blessed to be able to work with a lot of great people. What we do is a team effort, and I am proud to be part of it."

Comerford received a B.S. with high honors from Clemson University as an animal science major and environmental science minor. She also earned her M.S. at Clemson in Equine Nutrition, and she maintains Professional Animal Scientist (PAS) accreditation with the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) with an equine specialization.

With a primary focus on youth equine extension, Comerford's major interests include horsemanship and safety education, and applied production and management practices. Comerford provides leadership for the Pennsylvania 4-H program which involves youth in over 6,000 projects, thousands of volunteers, families and professionals including developing curriculum, coordinating and conducting educational programs, horse shows, judging contests, clinics and seminars. She also assists with state extension horse programs for adults and collaborates with equine industry groups and breed organizations. Comerford tirelessly provides her professional expertise, serving in leadership or volunteer capacities with the American Youth Horse Council, the USDA National Equine Extension Executive Council, the Pennsylvania Equine Council, the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program Development Committee, the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program Advisory Committee, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Equine Health Sub-Committee, the American Quarter Horse Association and the Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association.

Other professional organizations of which she is a member include: Equine Science Society, American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association, United States Equestrian Federation, Gamma Sigma Delta and Alpha Zeta Honorary Agricultural Fraternity.

Gamma Sigma Delta is committed to the advancement of agriculture in all its phases, the maintenance and improvement of the relations of agriculture with other industries, and the encouragement of recognition of the responsibility of those engaged in agriculture to their fellow citizens.