National Alpha Zeta Scholars

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 29 at the National Agricultural Leadership Conference in St. Louis.

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 $5,000 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.

Andrew Bowman (Morrow, '05)

Burkett-Cunningham-Dennis Scholarship

Andrew Bowman is a man with options. He is a fifth-generation farmer pursuing a bachelor's degree in crop science and a master's in political science. He carries a 3.95 grade-point average while participating in several campus organizations including Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Zeta, FFA, Inter-Fraternity Council and several ACES (College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Science) committees. His future plans include a second master's degree in agricultural economics.

Currently, Bowman is a fellow in the University of Illinois' Civic Leadership Program - he was one of only 10 selected for the fellowship. Although he acknowledges political science is a departure from production agriculture, he intends to leverage the experience into a possible career in agricultural policy. But that is just one option.

"I have a strong desire to farm," Bowman said. "However, I am interested in many different careers in agriculture. The one constant is my interest and involvement in agricultural policy."

Assistant Dean Charles Olson describes Mr. Bowman as one of the top students in the college. Regardless of Mr. Bowman's career path, Dr. Olson sees a bright future.

"His commitment to production agriculture and public policy is extremely high," Dr. Olson said. "He will have a significant impact on our industry."

Academic success and career opportunities aside, Mr. Bowman retains a servant attitude: "I will only be a success if I can give back to my faith, my friends and my community."

Nicki Humphrey (California Eta, '03)

G.W. Roach Scholarship

From the classroom to the workplace, when an individual can set goals, follow through and exceed expectations, he or she will stand out as a leader.

"Nicki gets things done," according to California Eta Advisor Cynthia Daly. Ms. Humphrey is a charter member of the California Eta Chapter and has been instrumental in helping establish the chapter as an outstanding campus organization. She served the chapter as scribe and on several committees throughout her undergraduate career. Outside Alpha Zeta, she was also involved with the Young Cattleman's Association, Chico State Stock Dog Association, Professional Animal Science Society and an agricultural ambassador for the college of agriculture. She received several scholarships and grants throughout her tenure at California State University-Chico and graduated with honors in May.

Ms. Humphrey is currently enrolled at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Science. Following completion of her doctorate, she plans to practice with a large animal veterinarian then open her own mixed animal practice in a rural area after gaining some experience.

"Ms. Humphrey is a truly exceptional individual with determination to excel in agriculture and in her community," said CSU Chico professor Brandi Asmus.

Monica Galli (California Eta, '05)

Centennial Scholar

Monica Galli is another outstanding member from Alpha Zeta's newest chapter. She is pursuing a double major in agricultural business and plant science at California State University-Chico where she is carrying a 3.97 grade-point average.

"(Monica) is incredibly passionate about agriculture, which is obvious from her involvement and leadership within so many different groups," said Barbara Kopicki, associated students recycling coordinator, who supervised Ms. Galli as an intern.

Besides participating in Alpha Zeta's FFA Field Day, National Agricultural Leadership Conference, Ag Day, softball tournament and Adopt-A-Heifer fundraiser, she has been involved with several agricultural clubs and leadership activities on campus.

Over the last two summers, Ms. Galli has held internships with the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington D.C. "Public service in agriculture is something I am passionate about," she said. "Ideally, I would like to work on pesticide regulation or international trade issues." She plans to pursue a masters of business administration with an emphasis in agribusiness following graduation in May.

Brittany Mosher (Cornell, '06)

National Alpha Zeta Scholar

Brittany Mosher brought enthusiasm and energy into leadership roles in her chapter and nationally. As a sophomore she became one of only a handful of women to be elected chancellor of the Cornell Chapter.

"Brittany has been one of the hardest working and most involved members of Alpha Zeta I have seen," said Cornell Chapter Advisor Peter Davies.

Along with her work locally, Ms. Mosher participated in the National Service Project in January where she helped farmers and ranchers still recovering from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Then in March she was elected High Council Student Representative during the National Agricultural Leadership Conference and 50th Biennial Conclave.

Ms. Mosher carries a 3.85 grade-point average in her program - Natural Resources with a concentration in applied mathematics, which places her among the top five percent in the college of agriculture at Cornell.
Ms. Mosher currently works as a laboratory assistant and teaching assistant. This summer she was a field research assistant in Yellowstone National Park and will travel to Juno, Alaska, next summer for an internship with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She plans to pursue a master's degree in mathematics and hopes to become an environmental science teacher or go into production agriculture.

Kinsey Park (Morrow, '05)

National Alpha Zeta Scholar

Kinsey Park and the Morrow Chapter launched an ambitious event last spring. Under her leadership as chancellor and the help of many volunteers, the chapter held an Ag Day Meal to promote awareness of agriculture. The chapter served lunch for $0.35 to show students how little farmers receive from each dollar spent on food in America. Several speakers including the Illinois Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Hartke were on hand to discuss the importance of agriculture.

"She has made a strong commitment to the future of Alpha Zeta," said Chuck Olson, advisor to the Morrow Chapter. "And has enthusiastic buy-in from her fellow members."

Ms. Park is a senior animal science major following a pre-veterinary medicine concentration in the University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.

Ms. Park said she has long dreamt of becoming a veterinarian. In pursuit of that goal, she has attended the National Pre-Vet Symposium, worked and volunteered at veterinary clinics, on farms and in the lab. In particular, her experience as an intern at the Lazy E Ranch in Guthrie, Okla., has reinforced her desire to work with large animals, specifically horses. "Work within the field of large animal medicine is where my heart lies," she said. Next fall she will begin her veterinary medicine program at University of Illinois.

Michael Oak (Cornell, '05)

Kent L. Wells Memorial Scholarship

Michael Oak is a Graduate Student at Cornell University pursing a master's degree in Applied Statistics. He graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in Biometry & Statistics from Cornell. He also holds an associate's degree in Agricultural Business from the State University of New York at Cobleskill.

During his time with the Cornell Chapter, Mr. Oak held several leadership roles in the chapter, participated in the National Agricultural Leadership Conference and attended the National Service Project in January. Currently, he is a facility manager for the house and serves as one of six graduate fellows in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs at Cornell. He serves as adviser to seven greek chapters and facilitates the greek judicial process. Mr. Oak hopes to find a career where he can combine his education in statistical methods with his love for agriculture.

Robert Farnham (Cornell, '07)

Kent L. Wells Memorial Scholarship

Robert Farnham is currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Agriculture Sciences with a concentration in Agricultural Finance and Agronomy at Cornell University. He is a transfer student from SUNY Cobleskill, where he received an associates degree in Agricultural Business.

Mr. Farnham was born and raised on an 800 acre crop farm in Lockport N.Y. He is the last of seven children, and is the only one pursuing a career in agriculture. Robert is interested in experiencing many other areas of agriculture before potentially returning home to continue the farm that his father started more than 45 years ago. His activities at Cornell include, but are not limited to: Farm Credit Fellows, AZ Rush committee, working at the Cornell Dairy Teaching and Research Center, bowling, fishing and line dancing. His plans for the upcoming year include a Farm Credit trip to NYC and an internship with Monsanto next summer.

Dael Householder (Montana, '06)

Keith Memorial Scholarship

Dael Householder was born and raised on a cattle ranch in the southeastern Montana town of Ismay. He attended high school in Terry, Mt., where he participated in football, basketball, big champs/little champs, 4-H, student government, National Honor Society and other community activities.

"I have been active in the cattle industry ever since I can remember," Mr. Householder said. "My childhood in agriculture and a desire to continue in the cattle industry led me to pursue my doctorate in veterinary medicine."

At Montana State he was active in Alpha Zeta, Preveterinary Club and Ag Student Council. Mr. Housholder completed his undergraduate degree in May and has started his at Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine this fall where he plans to follow the food animal track.

"My wife and I hope to return to Southeastern Montana to open a veterinary practice and raise our family."

Melissa Richert (Montana, '05)

Keith Memorial Scholarship

Melissa Richert calls the small town of Big Timber, Mt., home. The rural community takes pride in its strong values. Her family owns a sawmill, an outfitting business and a small herd of Angus cattle.

She attended Sweet Grass County High School and was actively involved in the FFA program, Aim Higher, National Honor Society, journalism, track and chorus. Throughout high school Melissa worked on a guest ranch south of Big Timber as a wrangler. She enjoys the hard work of ranch life and being outdoors.

Melissa is currently seeking a range science degree at Montana State University in Bozeman. She hopes to work as a private consultant in the range management profession when she graduates in May. At school, she is active not only active in Alpha Zeta, but also range club, agriculture ambassadors and Golden Key club.