NEWS

The Association of Women in Agriculture Benefit Corporation (AWABC) awarded 18 scholarships to Association of Women in Agriculture (AWA) members totaling $16,750 during their annual meeting on Saturday, April 10 held virtually. One additional $500 award was presented by friends of AWA in memory of a student member.

Sophy Heinsz received the Dr. Larry Satter Memorial Scholarship. She is a dairy science and spanish major with with an agricultural business management certificate from Philadelphia, Pa. Dr. Larry Satter was a world-renowned dairy scientist who served as a long-time campus advisor to AWA.

Mikayla Haack, a food science student from Algoma, Wis., was awarded the Delma Woodburn Memorial Scholarship. Delma Woodburn shared interest in women’s success in agriculture and provided encouragement and resources to AWA.

The Dr. David Dickson Scholarship was presented to Kelsey Maurer of Newton, Wis., who is studying dairy science with an agricultural business management certificate. Dr. David Dickson was known around the world for his dairy cattle evaluation and coaching skills. He made significant contributions to AWA and mentored many members.

The Cynthia Benevenga Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Alexis Kwak from Prairie Farm, Wis., who is studying political science, international studies and Chinese. Cynthia Benevenga was an avid supporter of women’s education and AWA.

AWA House Resident Scholarships were awarded to five young women: McKenzie Trinko of Shawano, Wis. studying animal science, Kat Eugster of Stoughton, Wis. studying agricultural business management, Alexis Luedtke of Beaver Dam, Wis. studying biochemistry with a certificate in global health, Megan Baker of Yorkville, Wis. studying biology, and Grace Vos of Maribel, Wis. studying dairy science with a certificate in agricultural business management.

Five AWA Active Member scholarships were awarded to Olivia Spaight, Anne Runde, Kylie Nickels, Jaden Henneman, and Nicole Broege.

Spaight hails from Waterford, Wis. and is studying dairy science and life sciences communication with an agricultural business management certificate. Runde is from Janesville, Wisc. and is studying agricultural business management with a certificate in entrepreneurship. Nickels of Watertown, Wis. is studying dairy science with an agricultural business management certificate. Henneman of Whitewater, Wis. is studying agricultural business management and psychology with a criminal justice certificate. Broege of Janesville, Wis. is studying dairy science.

Sabrina Servais, Taylor Schaefer, and Sara Johnson each received $1,000 scholarships supported by Demeter. Demeter is a non-profit organization that provides fellowship and supports scholarships for students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and staff. Servais is from Stoddard, Wis. and is studying dairy science and life sciences communication with certificates in agricultural business management and theatre. Schaefer is from Franksville, Wis. and is studying animal sciences and life sciences communication with a certificate in digital studies. Johnson of Delavan, Wis. is studying biology.

A newly established fund at the UW-Foundation is the Nicole Bangart Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2015 as the Bangart Family and Brady Keys provided a scholarship directly to a deserving AWA member. Now awarded through the Foundation, the Nicole Bangart Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Olivia McDonald of Clinton, Wis. who is studying life sciences communication with certificates in agricultural business management and entrepreneurship.

AWABC is proud to award scholarships to help the student members achieve their goals and support their education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

In addition, one memorial scholarship was given in honor of a former AWA member. The Kelsey Jo Olson Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Olivia Spaight of Waterford, Wis. This award was made possible by the Olson family.