Colorado State University was the last school Willow Werlhof visited during her college search four years ago.

Werlhof, who grew up in central California, wanted to attend a school with a strong agriculture program. She had her mind set on another university before her mother convinced her to give Fort Collins a try. Seeing the campus, and the Temple Grandin Equine Center and the Agricultural Research, Development and Education Center, all set against the backdrop of the stunning foothills — it didn’t take long for Werlhof to change her mind.

“That’s kind of how I ended up here,” Werlhof said. “Originally it wasn’t the plan. I didn’t even know CSU existed — and then I came here and I was like, ‘holy cow.’”

Now, Werlhof, an equine sciences major, will graduate from the College of Agricultural Sciences, having left a mark on the school that made such an immediate impact on her. Werlhof has held leadership positions in her sorority, Sigma Alpha, and has worked with the dean’s office at the college of ag.

“Willow is a great leader and a hard worker,” said Shannon Wagner, executive assistant to the dean of the college, who nominated Werlhof for this year’s recognition. “She is conscientious and compassionate, and will do great things in the world of agriculture after she graduates.”

A third-generation rancher, Werlhof always knew she wanted to somehow remain in the business. As a kid, she helped her father with everything from tagging trees to adjusting sprinklers on their walnut, pistachio and prune operation. She also participated in 4-H and FFA. Later, Werlhof’s family purchased a cattle ranch, and she developed a fondness for those animals.

One of the most memorable experiences Werlhof had during her time at CSU was working on her horse training skills while in the Legends of Ranching program. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the first hands-on class she’d had in two years. What’s more, the class helped her build patience and self-confidence.

“I learned a lot about myself personally, about my own weaknesses,” Werlhof said.

After graduation, Werlhof is headed to Lexington, Kentucky, for a six-month internship with the ambulatory care unit at the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. She’s also applied to veterinary schools, including CSU, and hopes to attend either vet or graduate school.