GFW grad is U of M queen

Ag ed major

Beth Lauwagie

gets crown

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

MINNEAPOLIS -- A University of Minnesota senior agricultural education major with area roots was crowned Homecoming Queen on Oct. 22 at East River Flats on the campus.

Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop graduate Beth Lauwagie, the daughter of Kevin and Sue Lauwagie of rural Winthrop, made the most of her farm background to win the title, capping a week of competition. K.C. Glaser of Edina was crowned homecoming king.

She didn't take the crown lightly.

"It was a surprise and a huge honor in a university of 50,000 students," Lauwagie said Monday between classes.

Those who know Lauwagie in the agricultural world might not be surprised at her latest accomplishment.

Raised on a hog farm, she's been a strong agricultural industry advocate as a Minnesota Pork Ambassador, Minnesota Future Farmers of America State Officer, national FFA officer candidate and National Pork Board intern, to mention a few of her achievements.

Homecoming royalty hopefuls participated in a a variety of competition and volunteer work.

She entered the competition, which is open to all students, by writing a 750-word essay on the university, submitting transcripts and paying a $25 fee.

Following the first round of short answer questions, 15 men and 15 women were selected to move on to second round.

Group interviews were held and candidates sold Homecoming buttons on Oct. 15. Two days later Lauwagie was notified that she was a finalist and had the option of becoming one of six homecoming court finalists or opting out.

A 30-minute body graffiti contest and blood drive volunteer work presented challenges on Oct. 18. Lauwagie said she enjoyed meeting many students who filled her shirt with signatures.

The next day, she entered at a cow milking contest at the agricultural school's St. Paul Dairy Barn.

"It was right up my alley, growing up on the farm," Lauwagie said. She had plenty of experience with that chore as a youngster, milking cows for Cindy and Paul Swenson of rural Nicollet.

Lauwagie raked leaves and did other yard work chores for three hours on Oct. 20 with AIDS Health Care Partners in the Uptown area of Minneapolis. Afternoon events included a rock wall climbing contest at residence halls.

On Thursday, she competed in formal interviews at the Campus Club. The interviews lasted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Candidates were judged on motivation, campus involvement, academic success, sincerity, overall character, attitude, teamwork and leadership.

Following a morning Homecoming parade down University Avenue on Saturday, Lauwagie and Glaser reigned over the Gophers-Illinois football game at the Metrodome.

Setting high personal goals is not new for Lauwagie.

Last fall, she interviewed for the national FFA presidency at the organization's national convention in Louisville, Ky. She competed for central region vice president and secretary at the same time.

Along the way, Lauwagie gave group presentations, formal speeches and attended workshops.

Her future plans include working in producer and consumer education for an agricultural commodity group.

(Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).