DAS Students Provide Leadership at Scholarship Banquet

Two students majoring in Animal Sciences from the Department of Dairy and Animal Science (DAS) were selected to provide leadership at the 2007 College of Agricultural Sciences Scholarship Banquet. Rachel Ebert, Blairsville, Pa, served as Master of Ceremonies at the banquet which was attended by scholarship winners and their sponsors.  More than 670 students received scholarships totaling $1.81 million.

Debbie McAllister, Centre Hall, PA, was selected to represent the College speaking on behalf of the student scholarship recipients.  In her remarks, she expressed gratitude for the generosity of the donors who make it possible for students to obtain their education. Equally as important, she said the scholarship support allows and encourages students to have time to participate in the more than 30 clubs, in service projects in the community, on judging teams and other campus activities. As the recipient of the Vernon E. Hazlett Memorial award, she said the scholarship is especially meaningful to her because of her personal connection with the family through showing market hogs in 4-H.  McAllister will graduate in December.

Dr. Terry Etherton, Head of the Department of Dairy and Animal Science, said, "It is gratifying to have two DAS students selected to such prominent leadership roles in the annual scholarship banquet. We are always proud of the outstanding abilities of our students, and Rachel and Debbie are representative of our very talented students.

"Congratulations also to Ron Kensinger. It is with pride that we acknowledge his tremendous talents as a teacher, impacting the lives of so many.  And, I also thank the tremendous generosity of the donors who support our educational endeavors."

Dr. Ron Kensinger, professor of animal nutrition and physiology, and undergraduate adviser, was one of five recipients of the 2007 Community of Teaching Excellence Awards. The awards are designed to recognize educators who significantly contribute to Penn State's national reputation for excellence in teaching and learning.

New scholarships established in 2007 include: the D. Bruce Stauffer Scholarship for DAS Students; the J. Lloyd Ebersole Dairy Cattle Judging Team Award; the Henry and Dona Bergfeld Trustee (with a preference for Animal Sciences); and, the Larry Hilgendorf Trustee Scholarship (with a preference for Animal Sciences).