The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is hosting Roundup 2025—bringing together alumni, faculty, friends, staff and students for a family reunion of events, including the football game between Ole Miss and the Kentucky Wildcats on Sept. 6.

“We invite every member of our community to Roundup to celebrate our shared history and experience the exciting future we’re building together,” said Laura Stephenson, dean of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and vice president for land-grant engagement. “With innovative facilities underway and a deep commitment to serving Kentucky, we look forward to sharing the next chapter of our story with you.”

Roundup 2025 offers a variety of events, activities, reunions and celebrations, including: 

Sept. 4 – Build A Better Burger Competition
Think Top Chef, but with burgers. Teams comprised of students, staff and faculty will present their custom burger creation to a panel of judges and explain the inspiration behind their ingredients and theme. It’s a fun, friendly competition that brings the community together in a delicious way. Register by Friday, Aug. 29, at noon. Location is Roundup tents by Cooper House from 4 – 7 p.m.  

Sept. 5 - Future Wildcat Day
Learn about the college's programs, student life, scholarships and more. Geared toward high school and transfer students interested in attending Martin-Gatton CAFE. Location is Roundup tents by Cooper House from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Sept. 5 – Alumni and Food Sciences Alumni Reception
Reconnect with fellow alumni, meet current faculty and students and celebrate the Department of Animal and Food Sciences community. Location is E.S. Good Barn from 6 – 8 p.m.  

Sept. 6 – Alumni and Friends Tailgate
Let’s all rally together to cheer the Wildcats to victory against Ole Miss!

• Tents open at 11 a.m. at Cooper House 
• Meal lines open at 12 p.m. 
• Program starts at 1:30 p.m. 
• Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. at Kroger Field

Exclusive hard-hat tours of the new Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building will also be offered. Participants will be among the first to explore the future student hub and teaching center, which is set to open in 2026. Wearing close-toed shoes and long pants will be required.

For many graduates, like Melissa Tomblin, alumni association president at Martin-Gatton CAFE, Roundup means more.

“Whether you’re meeting up with friends, reconnecting with past professors, or just looking for a fun tailgate, this is the place to be,” Tomblin said. “I enjoy coming every year to celebrate our legacy, reignite lifelong connections and experience the spirit, pride and energy that makes CAFE feel like home. I invite you to join me in making memories at Roundup!”

Event registration can be found at https://alumni.ca.uky.edu/roundup. 

For questions, contact McKenna Hulette, director of alumni relations at Martin-Gatton CAFE, at mckenna.hulette@uky.edu or (859) 257-7211.  

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Writer: Christopher Carney, Christopher.Carney@uky.edu    

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.