The University of California, Riverside today announced that Cynthia Giorgio, assistant dean of Programs and Development for the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences (CNAS), has been chosen as a fellow of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. Previous participants have included a California secretary of state, a congressman, an assemblyman, the first woman dean at Cal Poly, several agribusiness owners, and the president of an international commodity-marketing group.

"This is a well-deserved honor and opportunity for Cindy," said CNAS Dean Steven R. Angle. "People who work with Cindy rely on how informed she is about current issues in agriculture and appreciate the leadership she exhibits in making connections between UC Riverside research and the agricultural industry. Her experiences with the Ag Leadership Program will enhance our ability to develop research programs responsive to the needs of growers, consumers, and the general public."

The California Agricultural Leadership Program, sponsored by the non-profit Agricultural Education Foundation since 1970, offers a two-year educational and personal development program consisting of seven seminars a year, meetings with business and government leaders, and an annual trip. The program aims to create more effective leaders in agriculture by expanding awareness of global economic and social issues. Only thirty people a year are invited to join a class, and they dedicate 70 to 80 days over a 24-month period to their participation. Given what the program entails, the value of a fellowship is estimated at $45,000, a cost covered by the Agricultural Education Foundation.

During its first year, the program focuses on national issues, and fellows travel to Washington, D.C., and other points in the United States. For the second year, participants are exposed to issues concerning international trade and global social problems, going overseas for three weeks, meeting diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and educators.

"The program encourages critical thinking about a wide range of topics, including economics, history, culture, international trade, and public policy," said Giorgio, who will attend her first seminar November 7-9 in Fresno. "I consider it an excellent means to learn more about the factors that influence agriculture and global food supplies, and I'm eager to start."

Giorgio has been an employee with University of California, Riverside for 22 years. She joined the CNAS in 1988 after Cooperative Extension merged with the college. In 1997, she was promoted to her current position. As assistant dean, Giorgio plans academic initiatives for the college, oversees communication with legislators and industry representatives, and coordinates the college's outreach to alumni, friends, and supporters. In 1999, she received the UCR Distinguished Staff Award from the UCR Staff Assembly in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the university. Giorgio graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia with a bachelor's degree in journalism.

The University of California, Riverside offers undergraduate and graduate education to nearly 15,000 students and has a projected enrollment of 21,000 students by 2010. It is the fastest growing and most ethnically diverse campus of the preeminent ten-campus University of California system, the largest public research university system in the world. The picturesque 1,200-acre campus is located at the foot of the Box Springs Mountains near downtown Riverside in Southern California.

More information about UC Riverside is available at here or by calling 909-787-5185.