Welcome to the new web edition of Seeds. For the first time, we are producing two versions of Seeds. The first is the one you probably received in the mail--the printed version. The second is this web version. We hope someday to convert completely over to the web. In the meantime, we're pleased that you visited Seeds Online. There are more photos--in color, and a bit more information you might find interesting. Also, you can reply to Seeds online and give us information about yourself. It really quite easy. Just click here. Also, we'd like to know your email address. We're compiling a list of alumni email addresses so that we can more easily contact you to pass on alumni news and events here at Tech. If you would like to send us your email address, either click here, or send a note to mcduff@vt.edu and that will take care of it. Make sure to include your name.

Dear Alumni, It is my great pleasure to write this note as a new head of the Department of Horticulture. Having come from Nova Scotia, the warm temperatures of Virginia have been quite welcome. This warm welcome was exceeded only by the one I have received from the faculty, staff and students. Upon arriving in Blacksburg, I was filled with anticipation of what the future holds along with the knowledge that much has been accomplished here long before I stepped foot on campus. In the global economy, we have a great task ahead of us. This task we accept eagerly, because of the industry partnership and support of our alumni--the people who make that partnership work. I have felt a real sense of pride from our faculty when they speak of our graduates. Having been a department head before, I know the importance of alumni. They give us support and inspiration, the bread and butter of professional accomplishments. I have already had the pleasure of meeting many of you, and I look forward to meeting others as my work begins. I hope to see you when you visit campus and at meetings across the state.