Fourteen selected in National Alpha Zeta Scholarship ProgramHigh grade point averages, leadership skill and community service experience dominated the qualifications of the applicants to the National Alpha Zeta Scholarship Program. Yet, the Alpha Zeta Foundation scholarship committee managed to selected 14 students of exceptional leadership, scholarship and character - the best of the best - as this year's honorees.
Burkett-Cunningham-Dennis ScholarshipVernon Dryden
Arizona, '01
Veterinary Science
Due to his outstanding scholastic achievements, continuing community service, strong work ethic and dedication to Alpha Zeta, Vernon Dryden of the Arizona Chapter was awarded Alpha Zeta's top honor, the Burkett-Cunningham-Dennis Scholarship. Dryden, Arizona Chapter chancellor, maintains a 3.6 GPA in the Veterinary Science program while researching Cryptosporidium, a costly cattle parasite, and working part-time as a Certified Ferrier to put himself through school. He also works on his family's ranch in Thatcher, Ariz., to help his father, who suffered a serious back injury in the summer of 2000. Since his initiation in 2001, Dryden has organized several chapter events and helped increase Arizona Chapter membership from two to more than 30. He was also instrumental in conducting an alumni fundraising drive to send two Arizona Chapter members to the 2003 Conclave. Outside of Alpha Zeta, Dryden also volunteers as a Junior Leader for 4-H and is involved in several organizations such as the Pre-Vet Club, Aggie House, Boys and Girls Club, Arizona Cattle Growers Association, Animal Damage Control, his church, Boy Scouts, intramural sports and the University of Arizona Boxing Club. "Vern's academic, professional and personal strengths are compelling," said Michael Riggs, one of Dryden's professors in the Veterinary Science Department. "He has been an outstanding student-citizen...Vern's intelligence, leadership skills, sense of duty, unparalleled core values, moral principles and commitment to professionalism will carry him through the career ranks in future years." Dryden, who was also named Outstanding Senior for the College of Agriculture and the Veterinary Science/Microbiology Department this year, plans to pursue a doctorate of veterinary medicine at Washington State University through a cooperative program between WSU and the University of Arizona. G.W. Roach ScholarshipJustin Nelson
Oregon, '02
Agribusiness Management; Land Policy and Resource Law
As a freshman at Oregon State University, Justin Nelson began taking courses in agriculture and water law, an unusual step according to advisor Fredrick Obermiller. But Nelson had a plan and did well in those classes. "My primary interest is in environmental law," he said in his scholarship application. "Farmers lack a legal voice in environmental issues. As a lawyer, I want to help farmers fight unfair federal regulations and protect them from attacks by environmental groups." He's already fighting for farmers in Oregon. He was selected for a government affairs internship with the Oregon Farm Bureau. Nelson maintains a 3.86 GPA while continuing to be active in Alpha Zeta, the Policy and Law Society, Mortar Board, Agribusiness Management Club, Golden Key, OSU Alumni Marching Band and Chi Alpha, a campus Christian youth group. Leasure Memorial ScholarshipMiranda Smith
Kedzie, '02
Horticulture
Personifying her fiery red hair, Miranda Smith took to turning around the Kedzie Chapter like a fireball. As chancellor, vice chairman of recruiting and delegate to the 2003 Conclave, she has been instrumental in revitalizing one of Alpha Zeta's oldest chapters. Yet, she manages to maintain a 3.45 GPA in Horticulture - earning a spot on the Dean's List - She also raised more than $55,000 for Michigan State University through her job at the University Development Department. She's an Ag in the Classroom presenter, member of the Horticulture Club, Read to Succeed volunteer, resident mentor, Special Olympics volunteer and, as a former Michigan FFA Region 5 State Vice President, a contributing writer for Michigan FFA Creed Magazine. "Miranda is a talented and committed individual who will work diligently to be successful," said Jeff Hawes, Michigan FFA Projects Consultant. "She is the type of person who will be sought after by future employers." Following graduation in May 2004, Smith plans to delve into a mentally and physically challenging career as a green house or nursery manager. Her goal is to start her own green house operation. Townshend Alumni Memorial ScholarshipNathan Goodell
Townshend, '02
Animal Sciences
A college education is preparing Nathan Goodell for whatever the future holds. Although he hopes to return to the family dairy farm and maple syrup business following graduation in June 2005, if that does not work out he'll be well prepared to face any challenge with a 3.72 GPA and a degree in Animal Science. "I hope to gain a well-rounded education by maintaining a high academic standard while being active in several organizations and creating a network of friends, which will help me throughout life," he said. "My career goal is to successfully manage my family's farm." Goodell has worked hard to ensure his well-rounded education pays off. Through his involvement in the Townshend Chapter's Alpha Zeta Partner's program he has participated in a variety of leadership seminars including hands-on experience in Washington, D.C., and Brazil. "The opportunities afforded him through Alpha Zeta have had a significant impact on [Goodell's] outlook," said Faculty Emeritus Peter Spike. Goodell is also active in the Buckeye Dairy Club, Animal Science Academic Quadrathalon, University Lutheran Church and for four years has repaired homes in Appalachia as part of a continuing service project. Lindley H. Dennis Memorial ScholarshipAndrew Flinchbaugh
Morrill, '02
Agriculture Business Management
Few young men and women set goals like Andrew Flinchbaugh. "Upon graduation I plan on returning home to join the family farm operation," the Morrill Chapter chancellor said. "My heart is in farming, and it has always been my career goal." With a 3.26 GPA and extensive leadership experience the Flinchbaugh Family Farm will continue to be successful. In addition to his duties as Chancellor, Flinchbaugh is also president of the Penn State Chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association, treasurer of the Dairy Science Club and vice president of the Coaly Society, an honor society for the College of Agriculture. "He is the kind of person who always asks how he can help," said Mark Anderson, Flinchbaugh's Ag Science teacher and FFA advisor at Eastern York High School. "And you can rely on him to make sure the job is done right the first time." Flinchbaugh is not just putting in his time on campus. This summer he interned with Monsanto as a field crop research assistant. "Andrew sets lofty goals for himself and plans ways to achieve them," Anderson added. "If an obstacle gets in his way he just finds a different way to solve the problem." Kent L. Wells Memorial ScholarshipArun Mohan
Cornell, '02
Biological Sciences
At the recommendation of the Cornell Alumni, Arun Mohan, a junior at Cornell University, will receive the Kent L. Wells Memorial Scholarship. "Arun has shown tremendous conviction in his ideals for the Fraternity and a great love for Alpha Zeta," the Cornell committee stated. "He strives to always do his best and to be considerate with everyone." Mohan is the current Pledge Master for the Cornell house and helped organize Cornell's Ag Festival. National Alpha Zeta Scholars Amber Ball
Cornell, '01
Animal Science Christine Brodman
Morgan, '01
Pre-teaching Science Kathryn Dickinson
Texas Delta, '01
Animal Science Jennifer Anne Gasque
North Carolina, '02
Agriculture Business Management and Communications Mary Ann Parsons
Georgia, '00
Master of Agriculture Leadership Erin R. Schendel
Texas Alpha, '03
Nutrition Chad Steinkamp
Wilson, '01
Agricultural Business Amanda Victory
Alabama, '01
Animal Science; Pre-med
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