 First Keith Scholarship awarded
BOZEMAN, Mt. - Two members of the Montana Chapter of Alpha Zeta were named the first recipients of the James and Florence Keith Memorial Scholarship Fund April 28. Jennifer Janitell and Chase Brady were selected by the Montana State University College of Agriculture to receive the first scholarships. Each will receive a $6,000 award. In 2002, Florence E. Keith bequeathed $470,000 to the Alpha Zeta Foundation in memory of her husband Dr. James L. Keith, D.V.M. The gift established the James and Florence Keith Memorial Scholarship, an endowment designated to award scholarships to Alpha Zeta members at Montana State University, particularly those continuing to professional degrees in Veterinary Medicine. "With this gift, Mrs. Keith ensured the Montana Chapter would always represent the best and brightest students on campus," AZ Foundation President Ed Fehnel said. As an animal science student at MSU, Dr. Keith was inducted into the Montana Chapter of Alpha Zeta in 1940. He graduated in 1942 and went on to practice veterinary medicine in the White Sulphur Springs area. Unfortunately, both Dr. and Mrs. Keith have passed away and Alpha Zeta cannot thank them in person for their amazing gift. Dr. Keith died in 1980, Mrs. Keith died in 2002. Yet, the legacy of their gift will have a profound meaning for the beneficiaries. "I am extremely excited about this scholarship," Ms. Janitell said. "It's going to help me financially, and it will help the chapter and future Alpha Zeta members." Ms. Janitell graduated May 6 with a bachelor's degree in Animal Science. She maintained a 3.99 GPA while serving as mentor to an elementary school student, chancellor of the Montana Chapter, vice president of the Pre-Vet Club and as an MSU cheerleader. She will begin her doctorate at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine this fall. "I don't remember a time when I didn't want to be a vet," she said. "I've always had a passion for animals and I wanted to remain involved in agriculture. I feel like I'll be able to serve a purpose for farmers and producers while doing something that I love." After graduation she intends to return to eastern Montana, near her family's wheat farm, in Miles City, and establish or join a mixed animal practice. Besides recognition as a Keith Scholar, Ms. Janitell was named Outstanding Senior in the College of Agriculture and received several additional scholarships. "Scholarships will make a huge difference as I go through school," she said. "Anything helps, but the Keith Scholarship, it's amazing." Mr. Brady was elected chancellor of the Montana Chapter for next year. He and Ms. Janitell hope the Keith Scholarship helps encourage, inspire and motivate members of the Montana Chapter and reestablish Alpha Zeta as a prominent organization on campus.
"I'd like to thank the Keith's for myself but also for the chapter and people who will be able to use [the endowment] in the future," Mr. Brady said. "The scholarship is a great opportunity for me and the chapter. It will have a huge impact. It's unbelievable." The endowment will help many outstanding students. For Mr. Brady, who plans to return to the family's malt barley operation in Fairfield, Mt., the Keith Scholarship means he won't have to compromise his desire to farm full-time to pay off student loans. "I'm not interested in sitting in an office," he said. "Farming is in my blood." Besides Alpha Zeta, Mr. Brady is involved in the Ag Student Council, National Honor Society and Collegiate FFA. He also is a teaching assistant and is working on market research with an Ethanol consulting business in Bozeman. "I wish I could express my appreciation to the Keith's for giving back to agriculture, Alpha Zeta and Montana State. It's greatly appreciated and it is not going unnoticed," Ms. Janitell added. "I hope one day I can give back in a similar way."
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