To get the spring semester off to a tasty start, members of the Dr. Bill Bennett Student Success Center in Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources held their annual 'Winter Welcome & Queso Cook-off' on Thursday (Jan. 23) at the Animal & Food Sciences' Livestock Arena.

Once again the 'Queso Cook-off' was the day's highlight event, said Stephanie Legako, CASNR's Unit Manager for Student Retention. This semester's winner was The Wildlife Society at Texas Tech University, which won the 'Golden Cheese Grater' for being the overall winner. They also took home the 'Silver Cheese Grater' for best presentation. The award was accepted by Cameron Spradlin.

Separately, Sigma Alpha Rho won the 'Bronze Cheese Grater' for People's Choice. The award was accepted by Alex Van Ravenswaay. For audience members, Legako added that all the creamy, cheesy and sometimes spicy dips in the contest were available to the public after the contest.

Following the cook-off was the "Mr. CASNR Contest," hosted by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources' Ag Council. Contestants competed in western wear, interview and talent.

This year's Mr. CASNR winner was Steven Iida, a first year student majoring in natural resource management from Spring, Texas. He represented The Ambassadors for Agriculture. In addition, Camden Wienecke, a sophomore natural resource management major from Lometa, Texas, won People's Choice representing Sigma Alpha Rho.

During the evening program student organizations within CASNR were represented, providing an opportunity to speak with students, university guests and representatives.

CONTACT: Stephanie Legako, Unit Manager for Student Retention, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or stephanie.legako@ttu.edu

0124NM20 / PHOTOS: Aspen Eaton

• Queso Cook-off: Alex Van Ravenswaay (left) and Cameron Spradlin
• Mr. CASNR Contest: Steven Iida (left) and Camden Wienecke