MTSU’s School of Agribusiness and Agriscience and President Sidney A. McPhee were featured Aug. 30 during the 73rd annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville.

Invited to appear by Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows, McPhee presented the first-place blue ribbon to “He’s Wild Eyed & Wicked,” ridden by Mike Walden for the Mike Walden family of Chattanooga, in the Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Mares or Geldings, Five Years and Over class.

Longtime “voice of The Celebration” Bobby Sands, an MTSU alumnus (’72), then told the crowd of more than 7,000 about the University’s outstanding dairy, horse science and other agricultural programs, pointing out the new $4.3 million dairy facility.

Sands also specifically mentioned Dr. Dave Whitaker, director of the horse-science program, and the Master of Science in horse science program.

The second MTSU Ag Alumni and Friends Reception at The Celebration will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, in the Calsonic Arena’s Hall of Fame Room.

Alumnus Charles McDonald (’72), who sits on both The Celebration and MTSU ag alumni advisory boards, is providing reception attendees with Celebration box-seat tickets for Sept. 3, including the World Grand Championship class. Part of the $10 reception-ticket price helps fund an ag alumni scholarship. To make a reservation to attend the reception, call 615-898-2523 by Friday, Sept. 2.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)