The following Alpha Zetans were recently awarded for their leadership, educational pursuits and dedication to the agricultural industry. In all, Alpha Zeta awarded close to $7,000 in scholarship money.
Charitable Trust Scholarship ($2,400) through Corporation Board
Cassandra Curry
Hometown: Linesville, Pa.
Major/Minor: Animal Science, Science Option / Equine Science Minor
Future plans: To become a nutrition consultant for the equine or livestock industry.
What this scholarship means to me: The scholarship meant a lot to me because it is a representation of how much the Alpha Zeta alumni network supports us as we go through our schooling. I would like to thank my scholarship donors for the financial gift. It will help me tremendously as I work towards my degree and continue being an active member in the College of Agricultural Sciences.
Tim Seipt
Hometown: Easton, Pa.
Major/Minor: Animal Sciences Business Management Option
Future plans: Upon my graduation here this December, I will be returning home to my family’s dairy farm and going into partnership with my parents. We currently milk 60 cows with a robotic milking system and raise all our replacements. After I return, we are planning to expand the herd to 100 or 120 cows. We also crop farm around 200 acres.
What this scholarship means to me: Receiving the AZ scholarship was very rewarding for me. I was honored to be selected as one of this year’s recipients. Alpha Zeta has become and will remain a second family to me. All of us strive to reach our highest academic potential here at Penn State as well as give back to the house the best we can. As a recipient of the AZ scholarship, it is very rewarding. You feel as if your hard work is paying off, and we are being acknowledge by this organization for doing so. I want to thank all of the supporters and contributors of the scholarship and let you know that your contribution is very much appreciated by us all.
Meagan Slates
Hometown: Hickory, Pa.
Major: Agricultural and Extension Education
Future plans: After completion of student teaching in the spring semester, I plan to graduate in May. I then hope to get a job as a high school agricultural educator or in the agricultural sales industry. Regardless of whether or not I stay in formal education, I always plan to be involved by being a 4-H educator or part of a county junior livestock committee.
What this scholarship means to me: I am very grateful to receive a scholarship from Alpha Zeta. Next semester, I will be moving to Perry County to complete my student teaching at West Perry High School. This scholarship is extremely important to me because moving and living out of State College will be a large expense on top of college.
Meagan Slates, recipient of the Charitable Trust Scholarship through the AZ Corporation Board.
Lindley Hoag Dennis Scholarship ($1,055)
Derek Wasson
Hometown: Centre Hall, Pa.
Major: Animal Science
Future plans: My future plans are to get a job in the ag industry.
What this scholarship means to me: Receiving this scholarship was a great honor, and it goes a long way in helping me afford the remainder of my schooling. I would like to say thank you to all the supporters, and I hope they continue to support this wonderful organization into the future.
Lindley Hoag Dennis Scholarship recipient Derek Wasson thanks Alpha Zeta Corporation Board President Art Keen ’68 and his wife Rose for their support of scholarships.
Dr. David A Morrow Alpha Zeta Memorial Scholarship ($3,540)
Dustin Gates
Hometown: Warriors Mark, Pa.
Major: Animal Sciences, Business Option
Future plans: To join the dairy industry in a field that relates to dairy genetics and reproduction with the hope of someday becoming a classifier for Holstein USA.
What this scholarship means to me: The AZ scholarship is important to me because it shows that I have the qualities that the alumni and current leaders are looking for in Alpha Zetans. This money has helped me pay for my tuition, so the contributors have all been a part of helping me complete my college education. I want to give a big thank you to all who support these scholarships and make it possible for Alpha Zetans to broaden their horizons and achieve their goals while in college.
Rebecca Shaw
Hometown: Williamsburg, Pa.
Major/Minor: Agribusiness Management / Minor in International Ag
Future plans: To work in sales or marketing within the dairy industry.
What this scholarship means to me: AZ has been a huge part of my college career. Since joining as a freshman, I have been presented with opportunities that have challenged me and allowed me to grow into a more responsible young woman. I have built a network through the alumni of AZ not only within the College of Agriculture here at Penn State but also out in the work force. It is an honor to receive a scholarship from an organization, brotherhood and, most importantly, family that has already done so much for me. I would like express my sincerest thanks to those who contributed to all of the scholarships given this year to the brothers and sisters of AZ.
Taylor Young
Hometown: Harleysville, Pa.
Major/Minor: Animal Sciences- Science Option, Minor in Poultry and Avian Science
Future plans: I currently have applied to veterinary schools and hope to be studying large animal medicine in veterinary school starting in the fall of 2014.
What this scholarship means to me: I would like to thank those who support scholarships. Scholarships allow students to focus on the important parts of school and not worry about money. I hope that one day I am able to contribute to scholarships and help future students like me.
Rebecca Shaw (left, standing) and Taylor Young (right, standing) received the Dr. David A. Morrow Alpha Zeta Memorial Scholarship.