Animal Sciences Senior Receives Student Leadership Award

Kyle G. Grim, senior in animal sciences in the Department of Dairy and Animal Science, received a 2007-2008 Student Leadership and Service Award by The Pennsylvania State University at its annual awards program. Grim received the Craig Millar award at ceremonies at University Park on Saturday.

The award honors and recognizes outstanding achievement by a senior who holds a leadership position in a group or club on campus and who has attained a minimum 3.3. grade point average. Millar retired from Penn State after 26 years, having been associate vice president emeritus for Student Affairs and affiliate assistant professor of education.

Dr. Terry Etherton, Head of the Department of Dairy and Animal Science said, "We are extremely proud of Kyle's receiving this University recognition.  It is an outstanding honor, and I extend my most sincere congratulations to Kyle who has shown exceptional leadership."

Grim was also named Ag Man of the Year in the College of Agricultural Sciences at its 3rd annual ball. He said, "I am very thankful for the awards, but the most rewarding part of being at Penn State is the education and the opportunity to network with students and faculty. I can now truly appreciate the opportunities that Penn State provided me."

During his four years at Penn State, Grim was active in many student activities mostly within the Block and Bridle Club. He served as president, vice-president and marshall, and participated on many committees. His hard work was recognized with many awards including Hardest Working Award and Rookie of the Year in 2005, Outstanding Junior Award and Kean Award in 2007, and American Society of Animal Science Scholastic Award in 2008. In the North East Student Affiliate competition he was runner-up in judging and on the Quiz Bowl Team in 2007 and was on the high overall team in 2008.

He was a member of the high collegiate team overall at the Keystone International Livestock Expo in 2007, and is a member of the Penn State Coaly Honors Society.

Block and Bridle Advisor Vivian Baumer said, "As a senior, Kyle demonstrated the leadership qualities combined with other requirements for the Craig Millar Award.  I am proud of Kyle for his leadership as president and his dedication to Block and Bridle.  His leadership with the other great officers have made Block and Bridle a strong active club."

Grim's academic advisor Dan Kniffen said, "I have had the privilege to serve as Kyle's academic adviser during his four years at Penn State. He is the type of student that makes every day enjoyable to come to the office. Additionally as a student in class he is the exceptional student that is a pleasure to work with. As a future leader in agriculture, we will be in good hands." 

Grim served as president and vice president of the Pennsylvania Jr. Angus Association and received their PA Farm Show Scholarship, the PA Cattleman's Association Scholarship, Outstanding Boy Award and Family of the Year Award. He was active in the National Jr. Angus Association, and received the Greg Kreuger Memorial scholarship, the Angus Foundation Scholarship, Atlantic National Merit Scholarship and the Colvin Scholarship.

Grim worked at the PSU Beef Barns, with Rishel Angus in Nebraska, and on a dairy and Angus farm as well as raising his own cattle as part of the Beaver Creek Angus herd in East Berlin. Beaver Creek Angus was premier breeder and exhibitor at the 2008 Pennsylvania Farm Show, and received a stated herdsman award in 2008.

 He participated in York County 4-H and was a member of FFA at Bermudian Springs High School. His father is Greg Grim. 

 Following graduation, Grim will return home to grow the Beaver Creek Angus herd, of which he owns 35 head, and be an Angus seed-stock producer, providing affordable genetics to improve efficiency, productivity and profitability for the cattle producer. He will farm with an uncle.