MMPA Awards 10 Scholarships to MSU Agriculture Technology Students

The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard¹s Dairyman.

As a long-time supporter of Michigan State University (MSU) and dairy education, MMPA annually sponsors scholarships for MMPA members, their children and employees enrolled in the Dairy Management program in the Institute of Agricultural Technology at MSU.

For the 2016-2017 academic year, MMPA awarded 10 scholarships, totaling $23,250. The scholarships recipients were honored and introduced to MMPA members at the annual Leaders’ Conference on Nov. 21 in East Lansing.

MMPA Scholarship recipients were recognized at the 2016 Leaders’ Conference. Pictured, back row (L-R): Casey Tebos,, Seth Hulst, Mason Smith and Shelby Berens. Front row (L-R): Cameron Cook, Morgan Luoma, Evelyn Okkema, Rachel Ekkel and Hope McAlvey.

The scholarship fund aims to assist young students pursuing a career in the dairy industry. Scholarships are awarded based on academics, involvement in the dairy industry and letters of recommendation.

According to the Institute of Agricultural Technology, the program delivers innovative, educational programs that develop career-ready graduates through intensive, practical learning and skill enhancement. Students in the dairy management program, advised by Dr. Joe Domecq, undergo a two-year, hands-on training program for careers in the dairy industry.

“We invest in scholarship and leadership programs annually to ensure a bright future for the dairy industry,” says Ken Nobis, dairy farmer from St. Johns and MMPA president. “We encourage young people to explore careers in this industry, and scholarships are a primary mechanism to inspire these students to seek careers in dairy.”

The following students received an MMPA scholarship:

Second-Year Scholarships

Shelby Berens from Holland, Michigan
Rachel Ekkel from Fremont, Michigan
Evelyn Okkema from Blanchard, Michigan

Second-Year Employee Scholarships

Zeke Breuninger from Dexter, Michigan
Seth Hulst from Coopersville, Michigan
Mason Smith, a native of Homer, Michigan

First Year Scholarships

Cameron Cook from Pewamo, Michigan
Morgan Luoma from East Leroy, Michigan
Casey Tebos from Falmouth, Michigan

First-Year Employee Scholarship

Hope McAlvey from Carson City, Michigan

Scholarship applications for the 2017-2018 academic year are due Sept. 1, 2017. MMPA offers scholarships to members or children of members attending Purdue University. In continuation of MMPA’s efforts to support youth development and education, MMPA is a supporter of the Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership program and the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation.

MMPA is a member owned and controlled dairy cooperative serving nearly 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana.