Twelve students pursuing livestock industry-related programs of study for the 2016-2017 academic year will get a little help with tuition thanks to the Michigan Livestock Industry Scholarship Foundation (MLISF). In total, the foundation awarded $34,500 in scholarships to deserving Michigan State University students.  The honor’s criteria include academic achievement, extracurricular activities involvement, oral and written communication skills, and a deep motivation to pursue a livestock (beef cattle, sheep, swine, meat products, or equine) industry career.

Listed are the students and their home towns, and the designated award:

$34,500 in scholarships given to 12 MSU students

•Emily Middleton  Mayville, David Morris
•Olivia Child  St. Clair, Michigan Horse Council
•Jared Sanderson  Sandusky,  Harlan Ritchie
•Brooke Rupprecht  Vassar, Bim Franklin
•Alycia Drwencke  Adrian, Gerald Haarer
•Kellie Rizzolo  Stockbridge, Harold Lein
•Lilia Fingas  Marshall, Arabian Horse Association of Michigan
•Amy Leitch  Elkton,  David Arnold
•Courtney Gordon  Croswell, James Rooker
•Jamie Timmer  Holland, Dick & Glenda Braman
•Hailey Sharrard  Peck, Michigan Cattlemen’s Association
•Nathan VanKley  Hudsonville, Michigan Polled Hereford Association

Since awarding the first scholarships in 1967, the MLISF has played an influential role in advancing the education of talented and dedicated students.  The MLISF was organized for the purpose of collecting and administering funds contributed by any person, business, or organization wishing to honor persons in the livestock and allied industries, living or deceased, who have performed distinguished services for the livestock industry of Michigan; and to provide scholarships for worthy young people pursuing training in the field of animal science.

For information on contributions to support student scholarships, please contact the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources External Relations at 517-355-0284.  To learn more about the Michigan Livestock Industry Scholarship Foundation, contact Dr. Dan Buskirk in the MSU Department of Animal Science at 517-432-0400.

Source: MSU Extension