By Scout Nelson
More than 280 South Dakota State University students have received scholarships totaling more than $650,000, providing financial support for students preparing for careers in agriculture, food and environmental sciences.
The scholarships were recognized during the South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Scholarship and Recognition Banquet Nov. 5 in Brookings.
The annual event celebrates student achievement across every department within the college while also recognizing the donors and agricultural organizations helping students pursue their education.
“We are excited to once again gather to celebrate our talented, intelligent and motivated students. Thank you to our incredible donors who make celebrations like this possible,” said Joe Cassady, SD Corn Endowed Dean for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
“Congratulations to all of our students being honored tonight, and congratulations to their parents, friends and family. I’m sure you’re very proud of your student, and we are very proud of them, too.”
Scholarships Support Future Agriculture Leaders
Scholarships awarded through the college ranged from $2,000 to $10,000.
Selection requirements vary depending on the scholarship sponsor. Some awards target students enrolled in particular programs, while others recognize academic achievement or contributions students make outside the classroom.
More than 160 scholarships were awarded through the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences this year to help students cover tuition costs.
Many scholarships are named in honor of college alumni, supporters or members of donor families. The annual banquet gives scholarship recipients an opportunity to meet donors and, in many cases, learn more about the people for whom their awards were named.
Agricultural organizations also sponsor scholarships as an investment in students who could eventually become part of the industry's workforce.
Scholarships Ease Financial Pressure
Among this year's recipients was Ashlyn Kovarna, a senior from Hinton, Iowa, majoring in agricultural science.
Kovarna is also pursuing minors in agricultural business, agribusiness marketing and animal science. She is active in Collegiate Cattlemen, Block and Bridle and Little International at SDSU.
She received the Farmers National Company Foundation Scholarship and the Ag PhD Scholarship.
“Receiving these scholarships is an honor and a true testament that hard work pays off,” Kovarna said. “I am very grateful for this opportunity and the generosity of the donors who make scholarships like these possible.”
Kovarna said scholarship assistance reduces some of the financial pressure associated with attending college, allowing her to devote more time to academics and campus activities.
She also hopes to provide similar support to another generation of students in the future.
“I hope one day to pay this generosity forward by supporting and encouraging future students in the same way,” she said.
For students pursuing agricultural careers, donor support can have an impact extending beyond paying tuition. Reducing the financial demands of college can give students more flexibility to participate in student organizations, gain leadership experience and focus on developing skills they can bring to the agriculture industry after graduation.
“Knowing that these donors are investing in our futures is encouraging and something that I will always appreciate,” Kovarna said.
Financial Aid Remains Important for SDSU Students
Additional scholarships are awarded annually by individual departments within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and through the university's general scholarship fund.
Despite the substantial support already available, SDSU says additional financial assistance for students continues to be needed.
More than 90% of students attending South Dakota State University receive some form of institutional financial aid.
The continuing support of farms, agribusinesses, agricultural organizations, alumni and individual donors provides another way for South Dakota's agricultural community to invest in students who could become the industry's future farmers, researchers, agronomists, animal scientists, agribusiness professionals and agricultural leaders.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-brzozowska
Categories: South Dakota, Education, General