Name: Benjamin Rothfuchs; Major: Natural Resource Management – Wildlife Biology; Classification: Junior; Organization: Alpha Gamma Rho; Hometown: Cypress, Texas; Month: November 2019

Benjamin Rothfuchs, a junior natural resource management – wildlife biology major from Cypress, Texas, was named Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources' November Matador of the Month.

A member of Alpha Gamma Rho, an agricultural fraternity, Rothfuchs said he is honored to be chosen as the November Matador of the Month.

"It was an honor to be chosen as the Matador of the Month," Rothfuchs said. "To me it means that we are able to congratulate each other in the community on our achievements by deciding who will be the Matador of the Month representing the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources."

In addition to being able to represent the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Rothfuchs said he chose the college because of his desire to help with future agricultural problems.

"Without agriculture, we wouldn't have many of the things we do today – like food and clothes, at a minimum," he said. "It [CASNR] has helped me so much in realizing, even more, the importance of agriculture majors, and what we can do to change the future; and how we can better the world for future generations."

On top of helping future agricultural problems, Rothfuchs said he wants to make sure his future kids will be able to enjoy outdoor activities by preserving wildlife and vegetation now.

"I chose my major, natural resource management, because I love hunting, fishing, camping and the outdoors in general," Rothfuchs said. "I want my future kids to be able to enjoy the world like I have and not have to stop hunting or fishing because we didn't take the right actions to save all the wildlife on the planet."

In efforts to try and preserve the environment for future generations, Rothfuchs said after graduation, he plans on working on Game Ranches or as a Wildlife Biologist. He also said he plans on applying to become a Texas State Game Warden.

"I want to be able to help the environment as much as I can to preserve and conserve it for many generations to come," Rothfuchs said, "so they can enjoy the natural beauties and activities we can today."

CONTACT: Claire Cleveland, Administrator for Scholarships, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or claire.cleveland@ttu.edu

0127NM20