King of the Gourds
The mighty pumpkin is also known as king of the gourds. It is estimated that approximately
25 million tons of pumpkins are grown annually worldwide. Competitions exist for giant
pumpkins in which some of the entries can weigh in at over 2,000 pounds. Ripening
in the fall, the pumpkin is used for fall decorations, it is carved into Jack-O-Lanterns
for Halloween, and of course is used to make pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving.
It is believed that the pumpkin originated in North America around 9,000 years ago. Every part of a pumpkin is edible. Native Americans utilized the pumpkin as an important food source, often growing them alongside corn and beans. Today, Texas is one of the largest pumpkin producing states in America. According to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, “Texas is the fourth leading state in commercial pumpkin production, and generates $2.4 million for farmers, with an economic impact of $7.4 million in the state.” The pumpkin is iconic, it is synonymous with fall, and it is highly versatile in its use.
As strange as it sounds, there are parallels between the pumpkin and Weatherford College. Just as each mature pumpkin contains hundreds of seeds that can produce the next generation of pumpkins, Weatherford College has thousands of students who will become the next generation of productive citizens, business owners, and community leaders. Just as pumpkin farming and sales delivers positive economic impact, Weatherford College has a profoundly positive economic impact on the region. Just as the pumpkin is versatile, Weatherford College provides students with a myriad of educational opportunities that lead to jobs that pay family sustaining wages.
As we approach the holiday season, I find myself pondering seemingly simple things like the pumpkin and affordable access to high-quality higher education. I find myself thinking about how fortunate we are to live in a land of plenty with abundant opportunity. And as the weather continues to cool, I find myself increasingly thinking about a hot cup of coffee and a big slice of pumpkin pie.
Tod Allen Farmer
President, Weatherford College