The Department of Agriculture and Environmental Science will kick off its third annual Barn Dance fundraiser at 7 p.m. Friday at the ACU Rhoden Farm.
Alpha Epsilon Sigma has partnered with Delta Tau Alpha to make plan the dance.
Alpha Epsilon Sigma is composed of students who either have an interest in agriculture or environmental science. Many of the members are agriculture or environmental science majors who enjoy participating in events with their classmates.
In spite of the university’s proposal to close the agriculture and environmental science department to reduce expenses, students will continue to celebrate traditions, said Morgan Ruble, junior animal science pre-vet major from Copper Canyon. This fall and into the spring semester, the university will consider closing the department and move portions to the Department of Biology.
Ruble is the president of Delta Tau Alpha and is charge of organization.
“We are still a department and a club and will continue to carry on our traditions,” Ruble said. “I think the dance will be a great way for our club to come together and return to some normalcy after being shaken up by the news. I’m looking forward to spending time with my ACU friends, dancing and having fun.”
Riley Morrow, junior animal science major from Bellvue, Colorado, was in charge of the dance last year.
“As it has been in the past, there is no specific theme for the Barn Dance,” Morrow said. “The theme is barn dance. Therefore, it will have a country atmosphere to it.”
The dance will have country, swing and two-step dancing to raise money for AES activities.
At last year’s dance, about 200 people went to the dace and raised more than $900 which made it possible for many of the students to participate in professional conventions.
Amidst all of the adversity that is taking place within the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Science, members of AES are keeping their heads up and continuing to push forward.
Kevin Coburn, junior agribusiness major from Abilene, is president of the AES club.
“Unfortunately, I cannot comment on the specific direction or plans of the club as that has yet to be determined,” Coburn said. “However, I can assure you that those decisions will be made as a collaborative effort over the next several months.”
