National Alpha Zeta Scholars 2005

"The applicants represent a great cross-section of the membership, chapters and the majors within agriculture," said Eryn Cramer, High Council Student Representative and Scholarship Committee member. "These recipients personify the founding principles of Alpha Zeta: scholarship, leadership, character and fellowship."

With the number of qualified applicants increasing in recent years, the selection process has become much more difficult, according to selection committee members.

Alpha Zeta scholarship applicants received high honors from other fraternal societies. Many served as officers for several campus groups - including Alpha Zeta - simultaneously, won prestigious scholarships from other organizations, held part-time jobs and attended leadership events nationally and on campus.

Most had internship and research experience in their desired career field, maintained rigorous academic schedules and all held grade point averages above 3.25 - four of scholarship recipients maintained a 3.5 GPA or better. Outstanding candidates organized chapter events, recruited new members, spearheaded new chapter initiatives and helped to plan the National Agricultural Leadership Conference.

"It's a difficult decision," said Weston McCorkle, High Chronicler and committee member. "Alpha Zeta's reputation as the brightest students in agriculture shines through in all the applicants."

Scholarship recipients receive a monetary award, an honor stole, plaque and discounted registration to the National Agricultural Leadership Conference in San Luis Obispo, Calif., March 16-18, 2006.

The Alpha Zeta Foundation annually awards outstanding Alpha Zeta student members scholarships based on scholastic achievement, leadership abilities, character, community service and financial need. The students who apply for the scholarships are the best of the best.

To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria: be a member in good standing, enrolled as an undergraduate with at least two semesters remaining or, if pursing an advanced degree, an undergraduate at the time of application.

Thank you to all of our loyal donors whose generous contributions allow Alpha Zeta to recognize and reward these outstanding students. Since the scholarship fund was created, Alpha Zeta has awarded more than 800 scholarships to members who exemplify the founding principles of Alpha Zeta - Scholarship, Leadership, Character and Fellowship.

Contributors can feel proud that donations to the Alpha Zeta Foundation will assist the best and brightest students in agriculture. Plus, the Alpha Zeta Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; contributions are tax-deductible.

Congratulations to the 2005 National Alpha Zeta Scholarship recipients!

Jason Haegele

Wilson Chapter, Iowa State University

Burkett-Cunningham-Dennis Scholarship

Although a quiet and reserved leader, Jason Haegele produces results by building consensus and allowing others to share in any success. As chancellor of the Wilson Chapter, Mr. Haegele spearheaded the effort to bring the National Agricultural Leadership Conference and 49th Alpha Zeta Conclave to Iowa State University in 2005, and helped coordinate the outstandingly successful conference. It was the best attended Alpha Zeta conference in five years.

The senior Ag Engineering and Agronomy double major will graduate in May. Following graduation, he plans to seek a graduate degree in plant breeding and hopes to work in the seed industry, a career for which he is already well-prepared. Mr. Haegele served as an intern with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center and Pioneer Hi-Bred and as a research assistant with Syngenta and the Center for Crops Utilization Research.

"His attitude, work ethic and detail orientation...would bring great value to Pioneer," said Barry Nelson, Pioneer Hi-Bred Senior Research Associate. "I have always challenged my interns and Jason was solid in meeting those challenges."

Besides his active participation in Alpha Zeta, Mr. Haegele is also involved in the Iowa State University Ag Ambassadors, College of Agriculture Student Council, Horticulture Club, Agronomy Club and the International Agriculture Club. He also volunteers as a chemistry tutor.

Mr. Haegele plans to continue his activity in Alpha Zeta after graduation.

"The organization has a tremendous potential for growth in the coming years, but will also face challenges," he said. "These challenges will require strong leadership and I will remain dedicated to Alpha Zeta through the Wilson Chapter and by taking an active role on a national level."

Kiley Harper

Auburn Chapter, Auburn University

G.W. Roach Scholarship

Kiley Harper graduated in May with a degree in Agricultural Communications, and is currently pursuing master's degree in Agricultural Education. The Dutton, Ala.-native maintained a 3.617 grade point average through her undergraduate career at Auburn.

Ms. Harper's resume reflects her enthusiasm for Auburn and Alpha Zeta. She chaired several of the chapter's committees, led various activities, attended two national Alpha Zeta conferences and was elected censor. Outside of Alpha Zeta, she served as an Ag Ambassador for the College of Agriculture, secretary for the college Ag Council, vice-president of Collegiate 4-H, secretary-treasurer of Auburn Young Farmers and was a member of Collegiate FFA, Alpha Lambda Delta, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Block and Bridle and Gamma Sigma Delta. Additionally, Ms. Harper was the College of Agriculture's representative - and top ten finalist - for Miss Auburn.

"She is one of the most energetic and highly productive students that I have seen in my 32 years in the academic profession," said W.E. Hardy, associate dean for resident instruction at Auburn University. "She is already a great agricultural leader who will have significant influence on the future of our agricultural industry."

Following completion of her master's degree, Ms. Harper hopes to teach high school agriculture while working towards a juris doctorate. Eventually, Kiley said she'd like to be an agricultural lobbyist or attorney specializing in agricultural law.

"Being named an Alpha Zeta Scholar will help me achieve my career and educational goals," she said.

Amanda Zelasko

Illinois Beta Chapter, Southern Illinois University

Centennial Scholarship

Amanda Zelasko took an active roll in the Illinois Beta Chapter since her initiation in 2003. She served as secretary and has been an asset in helping to launch a satellite AZ chapter at Rend Lake Community College.

"She is just generally a go-to type of person who is eager to pitch in and get the job done," said Dr. Dick Steffen, Illinois Beta advisor. "On top of that she is a pleasant person, friendly, helpful and cheerful; always with a smile."

Ms. Zelasko is currently pursuing a master's degree in soil morphology at North Carolina State University. She graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Plant and Soil Science carrying a 3.5 grade point average.

She built on her classroom knowledge with lab and field experience at the Southern Illinois University Nematology Lab, CII Laboratories in Kansas City and the Soil Survey Office in Alexander City and Luvern, Ala.

In addition to her studies, work experience and participation with Alpha Zeta, Ms. Zelasko was involved with Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, Collegiate FFA, Agricultural Future of America, Perry County Homemakers Education Association and the Association of Women Soil Scientists.

"I believe she will be successful in all of her efforts at NCSU and will continue to be a credit for Alpha Zeta," said Brian Klubek, Interim Chair, Plant, Soil and Agricultural Systems, Southern Illinois University. "Without reservation, I highly recommend Amanda."

Aimee Rueber

Oklahoma Chapter, Oklahoma State University

National Alpha Zeta Scholar

Although the trend in veterinary medicine is towards small animal practice, Aimee Rueber desires a career working with large animals, specifically sheep.

"In a time when most veterinarians are retiring from large animal practices, I would like to specialize in large animals," she said. "Ideally, I would like to open my own clinic in a rural area as my career progresses."

Ms. Rueber grew up on a livestock farm in Sumner, Iowa, and has been around sheep all her life. When school is not in session, she helps maintain her family's flock of 55 sheep and continues to show sheep during the summer.

In the classroom, Ms. Rueber maintains a 3.915 grade point average. She plans to graduate in May with a degree in Animal Science then continue at the Oklahoma State University for a doctorate in veterinary medicine.

"Aimee is one of those students who the entire faculty knows, and for the right reasons," said W. Stephen Damron, professor and scholarship director for the OSU department of animal science. "She is straightforward, honest and sincere. She approaches her education and life with purpose."

Ms. Rueber currently serves as the treasure for the Alpha Zeta and Golden Key honor society.

"It has been comforting to have a person of Aimee's responsibility, dependability and motivation to control our treasury," said Dr. Bob Kropp, Oklahoma Chapter advisor. "She has been a strong leader in our chapter and has performed in exemplary fashion."

Dr. Kropp added, "[She is] one of the most talented and outstanding young ladies to ever attend Oklahoma State University and major in Animal Science."

Amy Starinski

Green Mountain, University of Vermont

National Alpha Zeta Scholar

Amy Starinski is an excellent example of how agriculture and Alpha Zeta is evolving. Although her degree in Dietetics, Nutrition and Food Sciences is not traditional agricultural, the interaction between food and health is of great importance to agriculture as consumers demand more nutritious foods.

"By becoming a professional in dietetics, I will continue to be involved and promote leadership in American agriculture," she said. "Nutrition and dietetics are closely related with agriculture in all aspects of society."

Ms. Starinski graduated in May. She is currently completing a dietetics internship at University Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz., which is necessary to become a registered dietitian. Her course of study includes clinical, community and food service rotations. Ms. Starinski is also fluent in Spanish, and aims to open a nutritional counseling practice for multicultural populations or work in a culturally diverse setting.

During her academic career at University of Vermont, Ms. Starinski maintained a 3.6 grade point average while studying in Seville, Spain, working as an office support staff member in the university human resources department and as a research assistant in the UVM Behavioral Weight Management Program.

Ms. Starinski was indispensable according to Beth Casey Gold, clinical coordinator for the Behavior Weight Management Program. "My first thought is: ‘What am I going to do without Amy,'" Ms. Casey Gold said. "Amy is the once-in-a-great-while student that supersedes the expectations that most supervisors have of student employees."