Students in QANR Stay 'Rooted in Resilience' With Inaugural Week of Celebration

The S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (QANR) will celebrate its first-ever college week Sept. 22-26.

The event will bring together students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members for a week of traditions, networking and fun while honoring the legacy of the two colleges that officially merged in July 2025.

"This year is especially meaningful,” said Brinley Rhodes, QANR college senator. “The week gives us the chance to celebrate that partnership and show how much stronger we are when we work side by side."

The theme, “Rooted in Resilience,” reflects how students are adapting to change while staying true to their traditions, according to organizers. Student leaders wanted the theme to highlight the strength and adaptability of the new community.

“To be rooted in resilience is to be like the lodgepole pine, a tree that evolved to use the resources within itself to withstand wildfire, adapt and grow with challenge,” said Elijah Manwill, QANR college senator. “The lodgepole pine finds a way to grow and become stronger after big change."

Resilience in the face of change is central to the new college’s identity, according to student leaders.

“We’re constantly adapting, and I hope this theme reminds students that their roots give them the strength to grow and make a difference,” Rhodes said.

This year’s events intentionally blend old favorites with new traditions. Student leaders from both colleges (the former College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and the former Quinney College of Natural Resources) are now serving together to represent the merged group.

One of the week’s most meaningful traditions is the Tractor Parade, which will mark a 20th anniversary this year. The event began as a tribute to the students whose lives were lost in a tragic van crash in 2005 and has become a symbol of community and remembrance.

The festivities will officially kick off with the Utah Agricultural Products Barbecue at 3 p.m. Sept. 20. This scholarship fundraiser features local products from Cache Valley and across the state. All proceeds from ticket purchases will go toward QANR student scholarships, thanks to generous donations from many organizations. The event sets the stage for the Aggies’ home football game against McNeese State later that evening.

More highlights from the week:

QANR Fair — Monday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Quad. Students can explore clubs, internship opportunities and industry connections.

Cowboy Night — Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., The Caine Dairy. Activities include a cow milking contest, roping, motor ponies, yard games, belt buckle prizes and more.

Meet & Eat with Student Services — Wednesday, 8-10:30 a.m., AGRS patio. Grab-and-go breakfast and a chance to meet the team dedicated to student success.

Department Nights — Wednesday evening. Students can connect with faculty, peers and programs. Event details will be shared via email.

Snow Cones on the Patios — Thursday, noon to 2 p.m., AGRS and NR patios.

Tractor Parade — Friday, 10:15 a.m., along Lars Hansen Drive and Aggie Bull-evard. See decorated tractors, vehicles and plenty of candy.

Tailgate, Rodeos & Dirt Dance — Friday, 5 p.m., Cache County Fairgrounds. The celebration continues Saturday at 6 p.m. with another rodeo and a dirt dance to close out the week.

"QANR Week is a great way for students to step out of the classroom and connect with each other, our faculty and the community,” Rhodes said. “It’s also about highlighting what our college does best and giving people a chance to see it firsthand."

More information about QANR Week can be found here.