The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) Scholarship Foundation announced the recipients of its 2016-2017 undergraduate scholarship awards. Nine high-performing undergraduate students received a combined total of $27,000 dollars to pursue degrees in animal, meat and food science, or in a culinary arts program.
Brian Klopf received the Frank DeBenedetti Memorial Scholarship to continue his studies in food science at Iowa State University. Brogan Horton, who is majoring in animal science at Texas A&M University, received the John Duyn award, while Kiersten Scott, an animal and meat science major at Texas Tech University, earned the Florence Smith Powers scholarship. Austin Hunt was awarded the Al Piccetti scholarship to pursue his bachelor of science in animal science and agricultural business at Colorado State University. Monique A. Allen received the Robert Hatoff “Center of the Plate” Memorial Scholarship to advance her studies in culinary sustainability at Kennesaw State University.
Meanwhile, Jeananne Mosher, animal science major at Colorado State University; Cole Perkins, animal and meat science major at Texas Tech University; Morgan Weinrich, animal science major at Colorado State University; and Luke Fuerniss, animal science major at Colorado State University each received NAMI Undergraduate Scholarships.
“The North American Meat Institute Scholarship Foundation congratulates these exemplary students on their impressive record of academic achievement, leadership and service,” said NAMI Scholarship President Ron Gustafson of Coast Packing Co in Vernon, California. “These high-performing students represent the bright future of our industry and we hope the scholarships will help them achieve their academic and extracurricular goals.”
The award recipients also received funding to attend the Meat Institute Annual Meeting and Outlook Conference, scheduled to take place September 27-29, 2016, in Washington, DC, where they will be recognized with a plaque and given an opportunity to network with industry professionals.
Each year, the NAMI Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships to eligible sophomores, juniors and seniors attending accredited four-year colleges or universities who are enrolled in an approved animal, meat or food science degree or culinary arts program. Award recipients must remain in good academic standing and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
In addition to President Ron Gustafson, the Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors includes Mike Gangel, vice president, Birko-Chad Co.; Mike Satzow, North Country Smokehouse; Michael Strauss, industry consultant; and Jimmy Maxey, Certified Meat Products.
The NAMI Scholarship Foundation is supported by Institute members and industry allies. Donations, which are tax deductible, should be sent to NAMI Scholarship Foundation, 1970 Broadway Suite 825, Oakland, California 94612.
Source: NAMI
