Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University A land-grant institution
2007 Outstanding Senior
Natalie Keene, dairy science graduate (center), is recognized by Mary Marchant, associate dean and director of Academic Programs (left) and Sharron Quisenberry , dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (right), as the 2007 Outstanding Senior.
Natalie Keene Named 2007 Outstanding Senior for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Hardworking, motivated, and goal-oriented are all terms that professors, family members, and friends would use to describe Natalie Keene, the 2007 Outstanding Student in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
From the moment Natalie first arrived on campus from Canton, Maine, it was evident she was going to make the most of her college experience. Whether it’s taking a leadership role in a club or organization, working to fund her own college education, gaining experience in the dairy industry, or being a standout student in the classroom, she has made a name for herself within the college, the university, and the dairy industry – all of which she has been able to accomplish while a member of the honors program and maintaining a 3.92 GPA. She will graduate with a major in dairy science and a minor in agricultural and applied economics.
“Few students have Natalie’s personal motivation and ability to focus on achieving their goals and succeed under pressure,” says Katharine Knowlton, associate professor of dairy science. “Her academic program is rigorous, but she has performed at the highest level in the classroom and she makes it look easy.”
During her four years at Virginia Tech, Natalie has taken on leadership positions such as president of the Dairy Club of Virginia Tech and of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Leadership Council, and she has been an active member of Alpha Zeta honors fraternity and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences ambassador program. She has conducted two undergraduate research projects and has helped Virginia Tech’s Dairy Judging and Dairy Challenge teams receive top national honors. In addition, she works 20 hours or more a week to help pay for her college education, which she has done 100 percent by herself.
Since her freshman year, Natalie has spent her summers gaining real-world experience participating in a variety of internships including Genus Breeding in England, Farm Credit of Maine, and World Wide Sires in California. Upon graduation, she will begin full-time work with World Wide Sires as a marketing specialist.
“Natalie is a natural leader …. She’s well respected by her peers because of her enthusiasm, positive attitude, and exceptional organizational skills,” says Dairy Science Professor, Bob James. “In 25 years on the faculty of this department, I have observed few individuals who have achieved more or used their time as wisely.”
While Natalie has excelled in class, she has also found time to give back to her community and Virginia Tech. Whether is it giving showmanship pointers to 4-H’ers back in Maine, reading books on tape for blind students, or promoting the dairy industry to school children, she finds time to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
“I’ve never seen Natalie back down from a challenge, and she takes criticism as a chance to improve,” says Knowlton. “She is easily the most high-capacity of our students – she’s one of those we’ll be proud to say we knew way back when. Natalie Keene’s intelligence, her drive to succeed, her polish and poise, and her strong work ethic combine to ensure her future success and is most deserving of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Outstanding Senior Award.”