{"id":8058,"date":"2019-10-07T18:21:43","date_gmt":"2019-10-07T22:21:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences-new\/?p=8058"},"modified":"2019-10-09T19:41:36","modified_gmt":"2019-10-09T23:41:36","slug":"annual-scholarship-gifts-cultivate-student-excellence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/news\/annual-scholarship-gifts-cultivate-student-excellence\/","title":{"rendered":"Annual Scholarship Gifts Cultivate Student Excellence"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Gift of Focus<\/b><\/h2>\n

NC State\u2019s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences awards 350 student scholarships totaling over $1mm each year.\u00a0 Crop and Soil Sciences\u2019 donors enable our department to award 45 of these directly to students in our degree programs. Some donations come in the form of endowments – an ongoing legacy of generosity benefiting students for years to come, for which we (and they) are grateful. But many gifts are smaller personal contributions expanding the financial assistance pool and providing welcomed aid. “Almost half of our department’<\/span>s undergraduate scholarships come from annual contributions made by commodity groups, businesses, and individuals,” said David Crouse Department of Crop and Soil Sciences’ Director of Undergraduate Programs. “Their annual gifts complement larger endowments enabling us to award scholarships to more students in our department.” This financial assistance frees many students to focus their studies and to excel.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"NC State
Graduates throw up their Wolf hands at Commencement.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Knowledge Investment<\/b><\/h2>\n

Annual gifts come to us from a variety of sources but share some common ground – a penchant for cultivating the next generation of ag professionals – those poised and trained to tackle the global challenges of food and environmental security.\u00a0 Annual donations aren’t recurring commitments, although many donors give consistently. The contributions vary widely in frequency and amount, from 3 to 5-figure sums, and are a mainstay of support to students who gratefully apply these resources as a knowledge investment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Annual giving allows donors the flexibility to choose their level of financial commitment and tailor scholarship criteria to reflect their passions and values.\u00a0 Some stipulate that a student demonstrates a proven financial need, while others are merit-based; some are even both. Donors often specify a particular field of study or geographical requirement to reflect their history or career field.\u00a0 While multiple filters can make it difficult to match-make a scholarship recipient, some required criteria assure donors that their investment is seeded in alignment with their interests.\u00a0 \"Yogev<\/span><\/p>\n

Not All Who Wander<\/b><\/h2>\n

Yogev Erez is a Crop and Soil Sciences\u2019 senior and recipient of one such award. Yogev is a self-described \u2018non-traditional student\u2019 as a 36-year-old undergrad with a young daughter.\u00a0 \u201cI started college kind of late after working around the country in the dairy goat world for about 13 years. I began [my studies] at community college but quickly found that things just wouldn\u2019t line up.\u00a0 It was going to take me much longer to reach my goal,\u201d Yogev said. His interest in soils came from a family history in agriculture. His father worked for the University of Maryland Extension in dairy research. <\/span><\/p>\n

Yogev\u2019s time at NC State has solidified a clear career path with the US Department of Agriculture.\u00a0 His strong academic performance earned him a dream internship with the Natural Resources Conservation Service<\/a> (NRCS) writing ecological site descriptions, something new, challenging, and stable for his future.\u00a0 \u201cThe scholarship assistance I\u2019ve gotten takes the pressure off me to work constantly. I treat my studies as a job. Doing really well in class brings in the same financial benefit as part-time work and allows me to do better.\u00a0 Those grades helped me get the internship that will translate into a full time job,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving Back Home\"NC State<\/b><\/h2>\n

Eighteen-year-old Kaitlyn Howard, a traditional 4-year freshman, has a similar story with a different origin.\u00a0 She grew up on a diversified family farm in rural Onslow County, NC, surrounded by neighboring hog farms. Ag-bound from the start, she learned from her parents and grandparents to mow hay and work turkeys on their family land.\u00a0 She was active in high school FFA, sought out high school ag classes, and attended NC State\u2019s Resource Conservation Workshop, which led to an internship with an NRCS Soil Conservationist. That experience piqued her interest in conservation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kaitlyn hopes to take her college learning back to her community. \u201cI want to do something related to agriculture and natural resources.\u00a0 I like educating people about farming and dispelling myths. A lot of people don\u2019t think hog farmers are concerned with environmental impacts.\u00a0 But they are – it\u2019s a top priority \u2026 It would be cool to help those farmers implement environmental protection practices,\u201d she said with a smile.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kaitlyn was awarded funds from the Corn Grower\u2019s Association of NC<\/a> Scholarship.\u00a0 Rhonda Garrison is the group\u2019s Executive Director. \u201cOur group was chartered in 1977 – our relationship with NC State goes back that far.\u00a0 Most of our board members are ardent NC State supporters in thought, word, and deed,\u201d Garrison noted.\u00a0 There are many ways commodity groups, like the Corn Grower\u2019s Association of NC, contribute to university research and advancement.\u00a0 So why do they choose to support Crop & Soil Sciences scholarships? \u201cThe cost of higher education can be detrimental, especially for rural families \u2026 We know the future of farming is in knowledge and the best place to get it is at NC State.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Financial student aid was a game-changer for Kaitlyn.\u00a0 \u201cMy parents are excited that I want to get educated in agriculture and work in this industry.\u00a0 But [without aid] college would have been a big financial burden. I still work on the farm and do jobs in my hometown when I go back – right now about every two weeks.\u00a0 My dad is a farmer and my mom is a school teacher. The scholarship money has made a big difference to me and my family,\u201d she stated. Her agricultural heritage and dedication to scholastic achievement will continue opening doors for her.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It Doesn\u2019t Feel Like Work\"Crop<\/b><\/h2>\n

Turfgrass major, Marcus Davenport already has one foot out the door.\u00a0 As a December-graduating senior, he is flying high. An Eagle Scout from Alamance County, NC, Marcus loves the outdoors and became enamored with golf from frequent visits to his grandmother who lived on a course.\u00a0 He worked at a local golf course throughout high school, enjoying the opportunity to be outside and learn the game. From age 16 he knew he wanted to pursue a turf career. \u201cMy mom encouraged me to choose a 4-year program. I don\u2019t regret it.\u00a0 I\u2019ve gained a competitive edge on others wanting to get in the business,\u201d Marcus said.<\/span><\/p>\n

During his time at NC State Marcus has learned the power of the NC State brand and its deep industry connections.\u00a0 Marcus shared a lesson he\u2019s taken to heart from NC State Turf alumni Jimmy Simpson, <\/span>Facilities Management Coordinator for the Town of Cary<\/a><\/span>.\u00a0 \u201cHe told [our class] \u2018Remember, we\u2019re in the memory-making business\u2019,\u201d which resonates with Marcus.\u00a0 \u201cI love the atmosphere of a golf course management team. We\u2019re creating a backdrop for the sport I love and helping people enjoy themselves and make memories together,\u201d he said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Marcus\u2019s scholarship money was gifted by the Carolinas Golf Foundation,<\/a> the non-profit educational foundation of the Carolinas Golf Association.\u00a0 The financial aid has mitigated the stress of student debt. \u201cIt has freed me so I could work less and focus on my school work,\u201d he said.\u00a0 His hard work paid off through an internship with Old Chatham Golf Club last summer that will morph into a full-time position as an Assistant Superintendent when he graduates.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve always enjoyed the work – but when you enjoy it, it just doesn\u2019t feel like work,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jack Nance is the Executive Director of the Carolinas Golf Association <\/a>(CGA).\u00a0 “Our educational foundation was established in 1977.\u00a0 The main impetus was to fund turfgrass research and scholarships.\u00a0 Our goal is to support students we hope will end up managing turfgrass at golf courses across the Carolinas,” he said.\u00a0 Their foundation focuses their research funding through Rounds 4 Research, a fundraising program of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.<\/a><\/span>\u00a0“Getting to meet these [scholarship] students is really rewarding for us.\u00a0 It’s great to see the kids benefiting from our program and know that they’ll be out on Carolina golf courses giving back to the game and to the CGA,” Nance commented.<\/p>\n

Marcus\u2019s internship with Old Chatham Golf club positioned him to make connections. \u201cOnce at a tournament event, I got a chance to meet Jack Nance. I got to shake his hand and thank him personally. It is amazing to meet these alumni who care about you. In our industry people love to give back. That\u2019s what it\u2019s all about … and [NC State] has the best program in the world,\u201d he smiled. As a senior on the doorstep of graduation with a dream job in-hand, it would appear his work has paid off.<\/span><\/p>\n

These students come to our department from different paths and with a host of aspirations.\u00a0 But they are in agreement on the power of focus from scholarship generosity. Those gifts changed their college experience, one which they look forward to spreading throughout the landscape.<\/p>\n

Considering a Financial Gift?<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you are interested in sharing a financial or in-kind gift with students in our department, please visit our department’s <\/span>donor site<\/span><\/a> or contact De Teague<\/a><\/span>, CALS Executive Director, Major and Leadership Gifts at <\/span>919-513-2950<\/span>.\u00a0 Thank you for supporting our students and degree programs which are growing the future.\u00a0 If you are a high schooler interested in studying agriculture or environmental science visit our student site<\/a> for information on financial assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"

The Gift of Focus<\/b><\/h2>\r\nNC State\u2019s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences awards 350 student scholarships totaling over $1mm each year.\u00a0 Crop and Soil Sciences\u2019 donors enable our department to award 45 of these directly to students in our degree programs. Some donations come in the form of endowments - an ongoing legacy of generosity benefiting students for years to come, for which we (and they) are grateful. But many gifts are smaller personal contributions expanding the financial assistance pool and providing welcomed aid. \"Almost half of our department'<\/span>s undergraduate scholarships come from annual contributions made by commodity groups, businesses, and individuals,\" said David Crouse Department of Crop and Soil Sciences' Director of Undergraduate Programs. \"Their annual gifts complement larger endowments enabling us to award scholarships to more students in our department.\" This financial assistance frees many students to focus their studies and to excel.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_8090\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"857\"]\"NC Graduates throw up their Wolf hands at Commencement.[\/caption]\r\n

A Knowledge Investment<\/b><\/h2>\r\nAnnual gifts come to us from a variety of sources but share some common ground - a penchant for cultivating the next generation of ag professionals - those poised and trained to tackle the global challenges of food and environmental security.\u00a0 Annual donations aren't recurring commitments, although many donors give consistently. The contributions vary widely in frequency and amount, from 3 to 5-figure sums, and are a mainstay of support to students who gratefully apply these resources as a knowledge investment.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAnnual giving allows donors the flexibility to choose their level of financial commitment and tailor scholarship criteria to reflect their passions and values.\u00a0 Some stipulate that a student demonstrates a proven financial need, while others are merit-based; some are even both. Donors often specify a particular field of study or geographical requirement to reflect their history or career field.\u00a0 While multiple filters can make it difficult to match-make a scholarship recipient, some required criteria assure donors that their investment is seeded in alignment with their interests.\u00a0 \"Yogev<\/span>\r\n

Not All Who Wander<\/b><\/h2>\r\nYogev Erez is a Crop and Soil Sciences\u2019 senior and recipient of one such award. Yogev is a self-described \u2018non-traditional student\u2019 as a 36-year-old undergrad with a young daughter.\u00a0 \u201cI started college kind of late after working around the country in the dairy goat world for about 13 years. I began [my studies] at community college but quickly found that things just wouldn\u2019t line up.\u00a0 It was going to take me much longer to reach my goal,\u201d Yogev said. His interest in soils came from a family history in agriculture. His father worked for the University of Maryland Extension in dairy research. <\/span>\r\n\r\nYogev\u2019s time at NC State has solidified a clear career path with the US Department of Agriculture.\u00a0 His strong academic performance earned him a dream internship with the Natural Resources Conservation Service<\/a> (NRCS) writing ecological site descriptions, something new, challenging, and stable for his future.\u00a0 \u201cThe scholarship assistance I\u2019ve gotten takes the pressure off me to work constantly. I treat my studies as a job. Doing really well in class brings in the same financial benefit as part-time work and allows me to do better.\u00a0 Those grades helped me get the internship that will translate into a full time job,\u201d he said.<\/span>\r\n

Giving Back Home\"NC<\/b><\/h2>\r\nEighteen-year-old Kaitlyn Howard, a traditional 4-year freshman, has a similar story with a different origin.\u00a0 She grew up on a diversified family farm in rural Onslow County, NC, surrounded by neighboring hog farms. Ag-bound from the start, she learned from her parents and grandparents to mow hay and work turkeys on their family land.\u00a0 She was active in high school FFA, sought out high school ag classes, and attended NC State\u2019s Resource Conservation Workshop, which led to an internship with an NRCS Soil Conservationist. That experience piqued her interest in conservation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nKaitlyn hopes to take her college learning back to her community. \u201cI want to do something related to agriculture and natural resources.\u00a0 I like educating people about farming and dispelling myths. A lot of people don\u2019t think hog farmers are concerned with environmental impacts.\u00a0 But they are - it\u2019s a top priority \u2026 It would be cool to help those farmers implement environmental protection practices,\u201d she said with a smile.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nKaitlyn was awarded funds from the Corn Grower\u2019s Association of NC<\/a> Scholarship.\u00a0 Rhonda Garrison is the group\u2019s Executive Director. \u201cOur group was chartered in 1977 - our relationship with NC State goes back that far.\u00a0 Most of our board members are ardent NC State supporters in thought, word, and deed,\u201d Garrison noted.[pullquote align=right, color=red]We know the future of farming is in knowledge and the best place to get it is at NC State.[\/pullquote]\u00a0 There are many ways commodity groups, like the Corn Grower\u2019s Association of NC, contribute to university research and advancement.\u00a0 So why do they choose to support Crop & Soil Sciences scholarships? \u201cThe cost of higher education can be detrimental, especially for rural families \u2026 We know the future of farming is in knowledge and the best place to get it is at NC State.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nFinancial student aid was a game-changer for Kaitlyn.\u00a0 \u201cMy parents are excited that I want to get educated in agriculture and work in this industry.\u00a0 But [without aid] college would have been a big financial burden. I still work on the farm and do jobs in my hometown when I go back - right now about every two weeks.\u00a0 My dad is a farmer and my mom is a school teacher. The scholarship money has made a big difference to me and my family,\u201d she stated. Her agricultural heritage and dedication to scholastic achievement will continue opening doors for her.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

It Doesn\u2019t Feel Like Work\"Crop<\/b><\/h2>\r\nTurfgrass major, Marcus Davenport already has one foot out the door.\u00a0 As a December-graduating senior, he is flying high. An Eagle Scout from Alamance County, NC, Marcus loves the outdoors and became enamored with golf from frequent visits to his grandmother who lived on a course.\u00a0 He worked at a local golf course throughout high school, enjoying the opportunity to be outside and learn the game. From age 16 he knew he wanted to pursue a turf career. \u201cMy mom encouraged me to choose a 4-year program. I don\u2019t regret it.\u00a0 I\u2019ve gained a competitive edge on others wanting to get in the business,\u201d Marcus said.<\/span>\r\n\r\nDuring his time at NC State Marcus has learned the power of the NC State brand and its deep industry connections.\u00a0 Marcus shared a lesson he\u2019s taken to heart from NC State Turf alumni Jimmy Simpson, <\/span>Facilities Management Coordinator for the Town of Cary<\/a><\/span>.\u00a0 \u201cHe told [our class] \u2018Remember, we\u2019re in the memory-making business\u2019,\u201d which resonates with Marcus.\u00a0 \u201cI love the atmosphere of a golf course management team. We\u2019re creating a backdrop for the sport I love and helping people enjoy themselves and make memories together,\u201d he said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nMarcus\u2019s scholarship money was gifted by the Carolinas Golf Foundation,<\/a> the non-profit educational foundation of the Carolinas Golf Association.\u00a0 The financial aid has mitigated the stress of student debt. \u201cIt has freed me so I could work less and focus on my school work,\u201d he said.\u00a0 His hard work paid off through an internship with Old Chatham Golf Club last summer that will morph into a full-time position as an Assistant Superintendent when he graduates.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve always enjoyed the work - but when you enjoy it, it just doesn\u2019t feel like work,\u201d he said.<\/span>\r\n\r\nJack Nance is the Executive Director of the Carolinas Golf Association <\/a>(CGA).\u00a0 \"Our educational foundation was established in 1977.\u00a0 The main impetus was to fund turfgrass research and scholarships.\u00a0 Our goal is to support students we hope will end up managing turfgrass at golf courses across the Carolinas,\" he said.\u00a0 Their foundation focuses their research funding through Rounds 4 Research, a fundraising program of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.<\/a>[pullquote align=right, color=red]It's great to see the kids benefiting from our program and know that they'll be out on Carolina golf courses giving back to the game.[\/pullquote]<\/span>\u00a0\"Getting to meet these [scholarship] students is really rewarding for us.\u00a0 It's great to see the kids benefiting from our program and know that they'll be out on Carolina golf courses giving back to the game and to the CGA,\" Nance commented.\r\n\r\nMarcus\u2019s internship with Old Chatham Golf club positioned him to make connections. \u201cOnce at a tournament event, I got a chance to meet Jack Nance. I got to shake his hand and thank him personally. It is amazing to meet these alumni who care about you. In our industry people love to give back. That\u2019s what it\u2019s all about ... and [NC State] has the best program in the world,\u201d he smiled. As a senior on the doorstep of graduation with a dream job in-hand, it would appear his work has paid off.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThese students come to our department from different paths and with a host of aspirations.\u00a0 But they are in agreement on the power of focus from scholarship generosity. Those gifts changed their college experience, one which they look forward to spreading throughout the landscape.\r\n

Considering a Financial Gift?<\/b><\/h2>\r\nIf you are interested in sharing a financial or in-kind gift with students in our department, please visit our department's <\/span>donor site<\/span><\/a> or contact De Teague<\/a><\/span>, CALS Executive Director, Major and Leadership Gifts at <\/span>919-513-2950<\/span>.\u00a0 Thank you for supporting our students and degree programs which are growing the future.\u00a0 If you are a high schooler interested in studying agriculture or environmental science visit our student site<\/a> for information on financial assistance.<\/span>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Almost half of our undergraduate scholarships come from annual contributions made by commodity groups, businesses, and individuals. This financial assistance frees students to focus their studies and to excel.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2196,"featured_media":8061,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[30,28],"tags":[264,263,8,164],"class_list":["post-8058","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scholarships-and-awards","category-students","tag-annual-donors","tag-scholarship","tag-students","tag-undergraduate"],"displayCategory":null,"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8058","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2196"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8058"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8058\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8123,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8058\/revisions\/8123"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8058"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8058"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8058"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}