This year 38 dairy students from both universities and technical schools are receiving a total of $45,000 in scholarships from the National Dairy Shrine. These awards will recognize the young leaders at the National Dairy Shrine Awards Banquet on Monday, September 30 in Madison, Wisconsin.
The National Dairy Shrine is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Over that time span the organization has provided more than 1,000 scholarships to future dairy leaders totaling more than $1 million. The National Dairy Shrine plans to expand its scholarship program as it enters its next 75 years, creating increasingly valuable scholarship opportunities.
Recipients from Wisconsin include:
Senior Student Recognition Scholarships
The Senior Student Recognition Scholarships recognize outstanding leadership, activity participation, academic ability and a sincere interest in the dairy industry. The university nominates individuals to earn these. The Dairy Shrine recognizes six graduating university/college seniors; the highest honoree receiving $2000, the second $1500, and other honorees receiving $1000 each.
Nicole Broege (dairy science, University of Wisconsin-Madison) was a $1,000 award winner.
Merton Sowerby Junior Merit Scholarships
The Merton Sowerby Scholarships recognize five junior level undergraduate students at a four-year college or university who are planning a career in the dairy industry. They are given in honor of Merton Sowerby, a National Dairy Shrine Pioneer and former Klussendorf winner from Michigan. The highest honoree receives $1500, with the remaining honorees receiving $1000 each.
The $1500 recipient is Ben Styer of Menomonie, Wisconsin (animal science – dairy production emphasis – University of Minnesota). Natalie Roe (dairy science and life sciences communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison) was a $1,000 recipient.
Mike Lancaster Sophomore Merit Scholarships
The Mike Lancaster Scholarship recognizes undergraduate sophomores at a four-year college or university and encourages their pursuit of a career in the dairy industry. It is named in honor of former NDS Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder and Klussendorf winner, Mike Lancaster of Washington. One student is recognized at the $1500 level, and five students receive a $1000 award.
Lauren Breunig of Sauk City, Wisconsin (life sciences communication with a certificate in agricultural business management, University of Wisconsin-Madison) is the $1500 recipient. The $1000 recipients included Clarissa Ulness (dairy science with certificates in life sciences communication and art studio, University of Wisconsin-Madison), and Jenna Gries (dairy science, University of Wisconsin-Madison).
NDS / DMI Education & Communication Scholarships
The National Dairy Shrine and Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) established these scholarships to support sophomore and junior level students in a four-year college or university pursuing education or communication careers in the dairy or food-related industries. These awards are open to students majoring in marketing, food science, nutrition (human), public relations, education, social media and communications. The top honoree receives $1500, and five additional winners receive $1000 each.
Kylie Konyn of Escondido, California (dairy science with certificates in ag business management and
science communications, University of Wisconsin-Madison) receives the top honor. Ainsley Noble (agricultural education, University of Wisconsin-River Falls) was an additional winner.
Maurice Core Scholarships
The friends of Maurice Core, longtime Executive Secretary of the American Jersey Cattle Association and former Dairy Shrine Secretary/Executive Director donated the funds for these awards. This year, the Maurice Core Scholarships recognize four freshman level college or university students majoring in dairy or animal science, or an industry-related field.
Receiving $1000 each are Natalie Clemenson (dairy science, University of Wisconsin-River Falls), Alexis Hoefs (animal science – dairy production, University of Minnesota) and Garrett Ulness (dairy science,
agricultural business certificate, University of Wisconsin-Madison).
Dairy Shrine Dairy Production Scholarship
This scholarship encourages qualified undergraduate students to pursue a career related to dairy production. It’s available to an undergraduate student currently enrolled in their final year in a two-year college, a certificate program, or a four-year college with an explicit interest in a management role on a dairy farm. The winners are nominated by their advisors and receive $2500 through a sponsorship from Cargill.
Hunter Holewinski of Pulaski, Wisconsin is this year’s recipient. He attends the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in dairy science with a certificate in science communication.
