In October the Agricultural Operations staff gathered to host the annual Silva barbecue, celebrating the many students who support agricultural operations on campus. The student jobs are funded by the Edward W. & Helen E. Silva Memorial Internship Endowment, which was established by his family in 1989 upon the passing of Mr. Silva as a way of honoring him. His wife, Helen Silva, who passed away in August, was added to the endowment this year honoring her long support of Cal Poly. The couple farmed in the Santa Maria area. The endowment began providing internships to students in 1999 and continues to offer students the opportunity to have the Learn by Doing experience at Cal Poly. It is awarded to exceptional student assistants recognized by the Agricultural Operations staff, providing recipients the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and expand their work skills.