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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><img width=442 height=126 id="_x0000_i1025" src="cid:part1.05010301.06040803@cals.arizona.edu" alt="Description: ASRF"><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>It is time to apply for the American Seed Research Foundation Operation Student Connection Program,</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>the deadline is May 6<sup>th</sup>!</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>American Seed Research Foundation (ASRF)</b> is pleased to announce a unique opportunity for graduate students in seed related disciplines. This program, initiated in 2001, has grown into a tremendous success for both the seed industry and the students, and will be continued in 2013.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>The program, called “<b>Operation Student Connection</b>” is an attempt by ASRF and the seed industry to reach out for more direct contact with graduate students who are potential players in our industry. <b>It facilitates the inclusion of these students at our American Seed Trade Association national convention in a coordinated program of participation and mentoring.</b> The attached application describes the program. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>We think this can be a wonderful experience for students.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Applications must be received by May 6, 2013.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Just a couple of comments from previous participants;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><i>Thank you for your hospitality at the ASTA conference this year. It was a great opportunity to meet so many people involved in the seed industry. This was the first time I'd attended ASTA and I definitely hope to return in future years.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><i>.. thank you for all help given before and over the ASTA's annual meeting. It was a fantastic experience for me. I could meet a lot of people and learn a lot about seed industry and a little bit about politics as well.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Ann B. Jorss</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Secretary/Treasurer</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>American Seed Research Foundation</span><br clear=all><br>-- <br><span style='font-size:7.5pt'>---------------------------------<br>A. Elizabeth (Betsy) Arnold<br>School of Plant Sciences<br>The University of Arizona<br>Tucson, AZ 85721<br><br><a href="http://arnoldlab.net" target="_blank">http://arnoldlab.net</a><br><a href="mailto:barnoldaz@gmail.com" target="_blank">barnoldaz@gmail.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>