Mary L. Buehler
Anna, OH
Agribusiness and Applied Economics
Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics
2020 Distinguished Senior Award Celebration Program (.pdf)
2020 Distinguished Senior Award Recipient Showcase Poster (.pdf)
As a first-generation college student from rural Ohio, Mary Buehler was apprehensive about enrolling at the Columbus campus. Her concerns quickly subsided once she became engaged in campus life, most specifically by getting involved in a diverse and welcoming Buckeye community. Mary has taken full advantage of the opportunities to connect with others and demonstrated a great desire to pay forward throughout her time in college.
Mary’s academic honors include: SPHINX Senior Class Honorary | Mid-America CropLife Association | Young Leader Scholarship Program | Bucket & Dipper Junior Class Honorary | Farm Credit Mid-America College Scholars Program | Dean’s List.
Referring to her internship experiences as her most valuable learning experience, Mary interned with Ohio Agribusiness Association as well as with Farm Credit Mid-America. During these internships she gained experience in navigating an office environment, learned about the influence of culture in a company, and developed her skillset in project management. The internship experiences brought about opportunities to utilize problem-solving when facing challenging situations, and connected Mary with two industry mentors, role models who will undoubtedly assist her as she begins her career in the agriculture industry.
Mary has had extensive participation in volunteer work and community engagement experiences as an undergraduate. She has been active as a CFAES Ambassador representing the college at many events and recruiting new students. Mary’s leadership and passion for helping others was also enhanced during her education abroad experience with Alpha Zeta Partners, a leadership honorary that traveled to Brazil for six weeks, where she learned crucial lessons about service, cultural intelligence, diversity, and inclusivity. She has collaborated with other leaders, served as a reliable teammate, and bolstered her knowledge of business strategies as a member of the National Agri-Marketing Association Team. Mary also served as a representative on the CFAES Sesquicentennial Planning and Engagement Committee to help plan and lead college celebration events.
Mary’s life’s mission is to connect people to the resources they need, specifically within agriculture. Upon graduation, Mary will be moving with her fiancé Matthew, who is also being recognized this evening, to Illinois. Mary is excited that at the end of May she will begin working with Illinois Farm Bureau as their Youth and Collegiate Program Coordinator. She also plans to be an active member in her new community by engaging with local FFA chapters and 4-H clubs to help build leaders of tomorrow. Additionally she looks forward to finding the local Ohio State Alumni Association as she believes being a Buckeye is not just about the college experience, it is for life!
Ms. Amy Jo Baughman was identified as Mary’s mentor. Mary said, “Amy Jo is someone who has always been there for me, and many other students for that matter, to support us in and far beyond our academic careers. She’s a smile I can always count on, the perfectly timed pep talk, the queen of listening, and the voice of optimism.” Mary is grateful for Ms. Baughman’s influence and is hopeful one day she will be able to emulate her wisdom and kindness to others.