NDSU senior Calli Wold has a sincere message to share with her classmates.
“I hope they follow their dreams and get fulfillment. They should do something they are really passionate about,” said Wold, who has been selected as the student commencement speaker for ceremonies on Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. in the Fargodome. “No matter what their background, they have the opportunity to take whatever direction they want from here. It’s really up to us to make a difference – to try to have an impact on as many people as we come across.”
Wold, who is majoring in animal science and minoring in agribusiness, is a person of drive and determination. A student leader, she excels in her field of interest: agriculture, with a specific interest in the cattle industry.
“My passion is agriculture; that’s what I’ve known my whole life. It’s our business, but it’s also our lifestyle,” said Wold, who grew up on farm and ranch near Watford City, N.D., with her parents, Winton and Vicki Wold, and her younger brother, Blake.
Wold wants a career in the agriculture industry, would like to work closely with cattle producers and continue educating the public on what the industry has to offer. And she has her sights set on a long-term goal.
“Eventually, I’d like to back home and ranch with my family. Living in the city would not seem right,” she said. “I’m definitely going to be out in the country. It’s about being able to have your space and the freedom to do with it what you want.”
Wold is clearly prepared for her chosen career path.
Highly active in a number of organizations, Wold is a member and former officer of NDSU Agriculture Ambassadors, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Saddle and Sirloin Club and Post-Secondary Agricultural Students/Collegiate FFA. She also was the Public Speaking Chair for the Little International and the event’s queen in 2007. Wold works as a student assistant at the NDSU Animal Nutrition and Physiology Center and 4-H Club recruiter for the Cass County Extension office.
Her experiences beyond the classroom include the International Livestock Congress Calgary, International Livestock Congress USA and International Collegiate Agricultural Leadership Program. She also was an agriculture casework specialist and public service intern for Sen. Kent Conrad’s office for a year. She volunteers for Riding on Angels Wings, YWCA Shelter Service, Salvation Army and Relay for Life.
During her education at NDSU, Wold has become a respected student leader, as shown by the letters of recommendation that she be student speaker.
“She’s an intelligent young woman who approaches both her academic and organizational activities with confidence and enthusiasm. Not only does Calli excel in her class work, but she also demonstrates a real commitment to the student organizations to which she belongs,” wrote Patti Sebesta, adviser for the NDSU Agriculture Ambassadors. “She’s always eager to learn and willing to lend a helping hand.”
Russ Danielson, associate professor of animal science, wrote that he enthusiastically supported Wold’s nomination. “She came to NDSU as a talented ranch girl from the western part of the state and developed into a talented young lady with poise, confidence, academic training and communication skills during her tenure as an NDSU student,” he wrote.
An outstanding student, Wold was the recipient of the President’s Ag Club Scholarship, NDSU Freshman Scholarship and the M.L. Buchanan Memorial Scholarship.
Looking back at the last four years, Wold said that NDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources was a great choice for her. “Going to NDSU has been a very fulfilling experience for me. The people of the college have been like family to me. The students and the faculty have been exceptional,” she said.
“I’m excited and honored to be the student speaker,” Wold said. “It’s the icing on the cake.”