Grad Fest
ESPM GradFest, aka the Graduate Research Symposium, is an all-day annual event for showcasing accomplishments of the ESPM community and bringing people together in celebration of another wonderful year. GradFest is open to all, and is organized by a GradFest Coordinator (hired each spring semester).
Components of Gradfest:
Opening comments by CNR Dean and/or ESPM Head of Department
The primary feature of the day is graduating students' finishing talks. Finishing talks are a requirement for graduation.
In the past, different GradFests have featured: Panels by the Graduate Diversity Council, Alumni Panel, Poster contest, Karaoke, and other activities which change each year.
Keynote Speaker: a speaker whose work is broadly relevant to ESPM
Awards Ceremony: used to be a separate event, but was integrated into GradFest many years ago. Awards include: ESPM Student Service Award, ESPM Faculty Mentorship Award, Field Work Photos Awards, Golden Tongs Award, and Steel Rod Award.
Past Winners of Student Service Award: Ashton Wesner,
Past Winners of Faculty Mentorship Award: Patrick O'Grady, Nancy Peluso
Golden Tongs: Referred to as the most illustrious award given across the entire University of California system, this award goes to the department party animal.
Steel Rod Award: Second most illustrious across the system, this award goes to the author of the funniest email sent to the department listserv.
Evening Reception
Remote GradFest:
During the pandemic, GradFest is held online as a multi-day event where each day is in honor of a new graduating student. The final day has the culminating ceremonies, including the keynote speaker and awards ceremony.
GradFest Coordinator: This is a one-semester (spring), paid position which involves applying for funding, inviting a keynote, organizing and advertising for GradFest. Its a great way to get experience planning events and to be in contact with a prominent scholar - the Keynote and also your graduating colleagues ;)