FORT ATKINSON, WI — This year 38 dairy students from both universities and technical schools are receiving a total of $45,000 in scholarships from the National Dairy Shrine. The young leaders who received these awards will be recognized at the National Dairy Shrine Awards Banquet on Monday, September 30^th in Madison, Wisconsin.

The National Dairy Shrine is celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year, and over that time span the organization has provided more than 1,000 scholarships to future dairy leaders totaling more than $1 million. The National Dairy Shrine is poised to grow its scholarship program as it enters its next 75 years, creating more, and more valuable, scholarship opportunities.

Kildee Scholarship

The Kildee Scholarship is a $3000 scholarship that recognizes a graduate student studying a dairy related field. It’s named in honor of H.H. Kildee, Dean Emeritus at Iowa State University and was the first scholarship offered by Dairy Shrine starting back in 1949. The 2024 winner is Garrett Hastings of Chardon, Ohio, who received a Bachelor of Science in animal sciences from Ohio State University. He’ll continue his studies at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine this fall. 

Senior Student Recognition Scholarships

The Senior Student Recognition Scholarships recognize outstanding leadership, activity participation, academic ability and a sincere interest in the dairy industry. These are earned by nomination from the university. The Dairy Shrine recognizes six graduating university/college seniors; the highest honoree receiving $2000, the second $1500, and other honorees receiving $1000 each.

The $2000 recipient is Jack Hammock of Chatham, Virginia, whose degree is in dairy science with a dairy business management certificate from Virginia Tech. Paige Peiffer of Lebanon, Pennsylvania received the $1500 award. She studied animal science at Penn State University. The $1000 award winners are Nicole Broege (dairy science, University of Wisconsin-Madison), Kendal Jenkins (animal science, Penn State University), Madalyn Palmer (animal science with a certificate in dairy cattle production management, Iowa State University), and Isaac Rott (animal science, University of Minnesota).

Merton Sowerby Junior Merit Scholarships

The Merton Sowerby Scholarships recognize five junior level undergraduate students at a four-year college or university who are planning a career in the dairy industry. They are given in honor of Merton Sowerby, a National Dairy Shrine Pioneer and former Klussendorf winner from Michigan. The highest honoree receives $1500, with the remaining honorees receiving $1000 each.

The $1500 recipient is Ben Styer of Menomonie, Wisconsin (animal science – dairy production emphasis – University of Minnesota). The $1000 recipients are Natalie Roe (dairy science and life sciences communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison), Megan Ratka (animal science, University of Minnesota), Irene Nielsen (dairy science, agricultural communications and international agriculture, Iowa State University), and Haley Beukema (agricultural communication and marketing with minors in animal science and agriculture and food business management, University of Minnesota).

Mike Lancaster Sophomore Merit Scholarships

The Mike Lancaster Scholarship recognizes undergraduate sophomores at a four-year college or university and encourages their pursuit of a career in the dairy industry. It is named in honor of former NDS Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder and Klussendorf winner, Mike Lancaster of Washington.

One student is recognized at the $1500 level, and five students receive a $1000 award. Lauren Breunig of Sauk City, Wisconsin (life sciences communication with a certificate in agricultural business management, University of Wisconsin-Madison) is the $1500 recipient. The $1000 recipients are Laken DuRussel (animal science, Michigan State University), Delana Erbsen (dairy science, Iowa State University), Regan Jackson (nutrition and food science with a minor in biology, Louisiana State University), Clarissa Ulness (dairy science with certificates in life sciences communication and art studio, University of Wisconsin-Madison), and Jenna Gries (dairy science, University of Wisconsin-Madison).

NDS / DMI Education & Communication Scholarships

The National Dairy Shrine and Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) established these scholarships to support sophomore and junior level students in a four-year college or university pursuing education or communication careers in the dairy or food-related industries. These awards are open to students majoring in marketing, food science, nutrition (human), public relations, education, social media and communications. 

The top honoree receives $1500, and five additional winners receive $1000 each. Kylie Konyn of Escondido, California (dairy science with certificates in ag business management and science communications, University of Wisconsin-Madison) receives the top honor. Additional winners are Makenzie Alberts (agricultural communications and agricultural leadership, South Dakota State University), Reagan Kime (ag and rural policy, international agriculture and public relations, Iowa State University), Gracie Ash (agricultural communications and marketing, University of Minnesota), Ainsley Noble (agricultural education, University of Wisconsin-River Falls), and Lauren Wangsness (agricultural communication and marketing, minor in international agriculture, University of Minnesota).

NDS / DMI Milk Marketing & Dairy Products Scholarships

DMI and the Dairy Shrine support sophomore and junior-level students in a four-year college or university with these awards. The Milk Marketing and Dairy Products Scholarships encourage students to pursue careers in the marketing of milk or dairy products, dairy product development, quality control, nutrition or related roles in the dairy and food industries. One student is recognized at the $1500 level, with three additional recipients at the $1000 level.

The $1500 honoree is Sarah Hagenow of Poynette, Wisconsin (agricultural and food business management, University of Minnesota). The three $1000 winners are Jordan Anderson (agriculture communications, University of Wyoming), Haven Hileman (animal sciences, The Ohio State University), and Anthony Agueda (agricultural business, California State University, Fresno).

Maurice Core Scholarships

The friends of Maurice Core, longtime Executive Secretary of the American Jersey Cattle Association and former Dairy Shrine Secretary/Executive Director donated the funds for these awards. This year, the Maurice Core Scholarships recognize four freshman level college or university students majoring in dairy or animal science, or an industry-related field.

Receiving $1000 each are Natalie Clemenson (dairy science, University of Wisconsin-River Falls), Alexis Hoefs (animal science – dairy production, University of Minnesota), Tyler Ratka (animal science – dairy production, University of Minnesota), and Garrett Ulness (dairy science, agricultural business certificate, University of Wisconsin-Madison).

Marshall McCullough Communications Scholarships

Marshall McCullough was a respected nutrition researcher, educator and journalist from Georgia. These scholarships are given in his memory to freshmen majoring in agricultural journalism or communications at a four-year college or university.

Three students receive $1000 awards this year: Allison Foss (agricultural and food business management, agricultural communication and marketing, University of Minnesota) Sara Kennedy (animal science, nutritional science, Penn State University), and Rachel Visser (agriculture communications and marketing, agriculture and food business management, University of Minnesota).

Iager Scholarships

The Charles Iager family of Fulton, MD donated the funds that established these scholarships. This year, the Iager Scholarship is given to two second-year students in two-year agricultural schools, majoring in animal or dairy science, based on academic standing, leadership, interest in the dairy industry and future plans. Anthony Diniz (dairy science, Modesto Junior College) and Aubrey Montgomery (dairy production and management, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute) receive $1000 each.

Dairy Shrine Dairy Production Scholarship

This scholarship encourages qualified undergraduate students to pursue a career related to dairy production. It’s available to an undergraduate student currently enrolled in their final year in a two-year college, a certificate program, or a four-year college with an explicit interest in a management role on a dairy farm. The winners are nominated by their advisors and receive $2500 through a sponsorship from Cargill.

Hunter Holewinski of Pulaski, Wisconsin is this year’s recipient. He attends the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in dairy science with a certificate in science communication.

If you are passionate about supporting future dairy leaders, consider contributing to the National Dairy Shrine scholarship fund. Donations can be made online at www.campaign75.org.