National Alpha Zeta Scholars 2006

Scholarship winners announced at NALC

Alpha Zeta members represent the best in agriculture. Competitors for Alpha Zeta's top scholastic awards represent the best of the best.

"The applicants are so closely matched academically," said scholarship committee member Jonathan Kui (Cornell, '01). "It was an incredibly difficult decision to narrow it to a list of 10, let alone determine the recipients."

Six Alpha Zeta members were named National Alpha Zeta Scholars on March 18 at the National Agricultural Leadership Conference in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Three of the six scholarship recipients hold a 3.9 GPA or better. All are active in multiple campus organizations, most serving as an officer for Alpha Zeta and at least one other organization, club or council while maintaining a full academic schedule, holding a job, working on the family farm or tutoring other students.

"Their work ethic, commitment to scholarship, service to the community and ambition are awesome," said Alan Krob, Alpha Zeta executive director. "These are truly the future leaders of agriculture."

Selection for a National Alpha Zeta Scholarship is based on four weighted categories: leadership, character, academic achievement and financial need. The scholarship committee considers the applicants activity in Alpha Zeta and other campus and community organizations, work experience, goals, references, grades, other honors and the applicant's financial situation.

Thanks to the generous support of Alpha Zeta alumni, the Alpha Zeta Foundation can recognize and reward these outstanding students.

This year the Alpha Zeta Foundation will award $4,250 in scholarships. If you would like to establish a national Alpha Zeta scholarship through a planned gift, memorial or endowment please contact the national office at (800) 225-3629.

Fahran Robb

(Illinois Beta, '04)

Burkett-Cunningham-Dennis Scholar

Fahran Robb leaves no doubt about her aspirations: dual majors, law school, doctorate from Yale University and, one day, United States Secretary of Agriculture.

In her third year of a double major in Agriculture Information Systems and Political Science at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill., Ms. Robb matches an impressive list of activities with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

"Fahran is truly an exceptional student," said Associate Professor and Alpha Zeta advisor Richard Steffen. "Few students have the abilities, ambition or the courage to attempt a dual major, let alone excel at it."

While carrying classes in agriculture, environmental policy, communications and history, Ms. Robb has been active in several campus and community organizations in addition to Alpha Zeta.She served as public relations chairperson for the SIU Ag Council, recruiter for Agbassadors, historian for Ag Ed Club, secretary for Collegiate FFA, president of her residence hall council and was named to the 2005 Homecoming court.

Ms. Robb will complete her undergraduate studies in May 2007. She plans to continue her studies with a graduate degree in agribusiness economics and law degree emphasizing agriculture and environmental policy, and then attend Yale University for a doctorate in Forestry and Environmental Studies focusing on Policy, Economics and Law.

"To be chosen as an Alpha Zeta Scholar is indeed an honor I appreciate, cherish and will never forget," Ms. Robb said.

Kristina Grebner

(Morrow, '04)

G.W. Roach Scholar

Being named a National Alpha Zeta Scholar means the individual demonstrated outstanding scholarship and leadership ability. Kristina Grebner, a junior at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, has established herself as a scholar and a leader.

"Kristina is an outstanding person who strives to develop her career goals with each leadership opportunity," said F. William Simmons, acting assistant dean at the University of Illinois. "Kristina has blended academic, leadership, service and social activities in an admirable way."

She maintains a 3.27 GPA in a rigorous agribusiness program focused on farm and financial management while serving as chancellor of the Morrow Chapter and interviewing chairperson for the 4-H House Cooperative Sorority.

In addition to serving her chapter, Ms. Grebner has been active with the Alpha Zeta national office. She was one of eight presenters at the National Agricultural Leadership Conference for the Pioneer-sponsored workshop "Leading from Any Chair."

After graduation Ms. Grebner plans a career in agribusiness finance. In the meantime, she hopes to continue to increase the prestige and activity of the Morrow Chapter at University of Illinois and continue her involvement with Alpha Zeta on a national level.

"I respect her knowledge, honesty and compassion," said Jeanne Brennan of Zobrist/Scheirer Insurance, where Ms. Grebner has worked since April 2001. "Her selflessness and integrity, tempered with her quest for knowledge, are an asset."

Abigail Radcliff

(Wisconsin Gamma, '05)

Centennial Scholar

Abigail Radcliff is one of many exceptional students in Alpha Zeta. What sets her apart, besides a 3.97 GPA, is a willingness to support her peers.

Since March 2003 she has been a chemistry tutor at University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

"Abigail is a creative tutor and able to explain the material in several different ways," said Rose Rude, UW-RF tutoring coordinator. "She often goes the extra step in helping her students learn the material. She has helped other students be successful."

Ms. Radcliff was accepted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in March. There she will study mixed animal medicine in pursuit of her goal to become a veterinarian.

Since joining Alpha Zeta last April, Ms. Radcliff has been active in putting together the Wisconsin Gamma Chapter's main project: Farm Day. A day of educational activities at the campus lab farm for local elementary students.

Besides Alpha Zeta, she is also involved in Rodeo Club, Block and Bridle, Agriculture Education Society, Chemistry Club, Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Alpha, of which she is a founding member for the UW-RF chapter.

"Abi calls little attention to herself," said David Rusterholz, chemistry professor at UW-RF. "But just quietly turns in work of excellent quality."

April Madison

(North Carolina, '04)

National Alpha Zeta Scholar

Being named a National Alpha Zeta Scholar caps an impressive list of Alpha Zeta activities and accomplishments for April Madison.

Since joining the North Carolina Chapter of Alpha Zeta, she has been active in many of the chapter's service projects and activities. She served as chair for Agriculture Awareness Week, the chapter's largest project, and was chair of the NALC committee. Ms. Madison was instrumental in fundraising for and coordinating 15 North Carolina members attendance at the NALC in San Luis Obispo, Calif., March 16-18.

"My heart has been in this Fraternity since the day I attended my first rush event," she said. "I love begin part of a group that has such a love for agriculture and willingness to serve agriculture."

Beyond Alpha Zeta, Ms. Madison is active on campus and in the community. She is president of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Council, vice president of the Agricultural and Extension Education Club and volunteer for North Carolina Commission of Agriculture Steve Troxler.

Ms. Madison will complete a Master's of Agriculture Education in December after student teaching this fall. She holds a bachelor's degree in Agriculture Extension with a double minor in Animal Science and Ag Business.

Following her student teaching, she plans to be a high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor in North Carolina.

Maggie Hoenig

(Illinois Gamma, '04)

National Alpha Zeta Scholar

Maggie Hoenig "sets the bar" academically according to Gerald Vigue, advisor for the Illinois Gamma Chapter. She maintains a 4.0 GPA in a rigorous pre-veterinary medicine program at Western Illinois University.

Though currently a junior, Ms. Hoenig was accepted to Iowa State University School of Veterinary Medicine. She will begin classes there in August. After completing her doctorate, she hopes to return to southeastern Iowa, near her parent's farm in Donnellson, and work for a large and small animal practice.

"I plan on providing veterinary assistance to farmers," Ms. Hoenig said. "And hopefully some education and knowledge about agriculture."

Beyond her studies and involvement in Alpha Zeta, Ms. Hoenig is active in many campus and community organizations including Collegiate FFA and Sigma Alpha.

"She is highly organized, strongly motivated, precisely directed and very intelligent," Dr. Vigue said. "She is leading an exceptionally well-rounded college life while preparing for an exceptional career in veterinary medicine."

Lena Smith

(Cornell, '04)

Kent L. Wells Scholar

In January Lena Smith became one of a select few women to be elected as chancellor of the Cornell Chapter. She carries significant responsibility as the ranking officer of the co-ed house.

"I will be working with my officer team to continue to build our membership base and maintain the high standards of the founding principles of Alpha Zeta," she said.

It's a task she is well prepared for according to Cornell Chapter Advisor Tim Oonk (Cornell, '86).

"Since her first semester as member of Alpha Zeta, Lena has had an impact with the chapter," he said. "She exemplifies the leadership, character and scholarship that the Fraternity strives for among its members."

Ms. Smith is a junior majoring in communications. She has volunteered extensively with the Girl Scouts and other youth programs, and hopes to continue that work serving in AmeriCorps or Teach for America after completing her bachelors degree.

Eventually, she plans to return to the classroom to work towards a Masters of Business Administration and put her communications skills to use working in public relations for an agricultural organization.