Ten College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources students recently were awarded scholarships from the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Scholarship Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agricultural and Natural Resources.
"The Engler Program began in 2010 with a generous gift of $20 million over 10 years by the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation,” said Mark Gustafson, the founding director and Paul Engler Chair of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program.
The purpose of the program is to identify students with the entrepreneurial drive and then teach them the skills necessary to succeed. “It has been extremely exciting to see the program develop and grow rather quickly, which indicates that students are interested in learning how to start and run their own businesses,” said Gustafson.
Enrollment has more than doubled in just its second year. “Last year there were 19 students in the EAEP working towards a minor in entrepreneurship. This year an additional 40 students joined the program,” said Gustafson.
Four of the students were designated Engler Scholars and received scholarships of up to $10,000 based on their need and existing scholarships and grants. These scholarships are renewable for up to three years based on student performance.
Students designated as four-year Engler Scholars are:
--Joseph Duba, a freshman majoring in agronomy, is from Wilber, where he attended Wilber-Clatonia High School. Duba served as FFA and class president. He also was a State FFA winner with his Grain Entrepreneurship Proficiency award. Joseph’s parents are Doug and Angie Duba.
--Doug Grotrian, a freshman majoring in mechanized systems management, is from Johnson, and attended Johnson-Brock Public Schools. Grotrian graduated first in his class and was involved in 4-H, FBLA and Quiz Bowl, and served as president of his FFA Chapter and National Honor Society. Doug also received first place in the State FFA Ag Mechanics competition and was a National Top 10 Finalist in the Chevron Delo Tractor Restoration contest. His parents are Ron and Deb Grotrian.
--Matthew Rozic is a freshman majoring in animal science. He is from Mead and attended Mead Public High School. Rozic served as an FFA officer, was awarded the Star Agribusiness Award, and placed at District and State FFA in Vegetable Production and Outdoor Recreation Proficiency awards. Rozic is the son of Bryan and Sharon Rozic.
--Rachel Stevens is a freshman majoring in horticulture and is from Falls City. She attended Falls City High School and graduated Summa Cum Laude and ranked first in the class. In addition to serving as a class officer, Stevens also held officer roles in 4-H, FFA and youth group. She received second place at the District Land Judging Contest and also earned a Congressional Youth Leadership nomination. Rachel’s parents are Dean and Deb Stevens.
In addition, six students were awarded one-year Engler Scholarships of up to $5,000. The scholarship amount students actually received is based on student need and their existing scholarships and grants.
Students receiving one-year Engler Scholarships are:
-- Landon Keller, a freshman majoring in animal science/ag business is from Eustis. In high school Keller was a member of the National Honor Society, a science fair winner and academic all state in football. Landon served in leadership roles in Eustis community youth activities and in his church. While in H.S. he, along with his brother, owned and operated a fencing business. Landon is the son of Bill and Julie Keller.
--Haylie Lechtenberg , a sophomore agricultural business major from Butte, where she attended West Boyd High School. At UNL, Lechtenberg is a member of the Agricultural Economics Agbusiness Club and also a Teammates Mentor. Her parents are Russell and Susan Lechtenberg.
--Matraca Meyer is a sophomore agricultural business major from Edgar, where she attended Sandy Creek High School. At UNL, Meyer is first vice president of National Agri-Marketing Association and a member of the Agricultural Economics Agbusiness Club. She is also a member of the Nebraska Ag Youth Council. Meyer is the daughter of Chris and Teresa Meyer.
--Jessie Nielsen, a freshman majoring in horticulture is from Deshler and attended Trinity Christian Home School. Nielsen was involved with Thayer County Entrepreneurship Investigation and Community Connections as well as numerous leadership and community service projects. Jessie’s parents are Phil and DeAnn Nielsen.
--Paul Rezac is a freshman agricultural business major from Valparaiso, where he attended East Butler High School. Rezac was a member of FBLA and also served as FFA and class officer. He was awarded the FFA Star Greenhand Award and the Chapter and Greenhand degrees. Paul is the son of David and Barbra Rezac.
--Emila Woeppel, a freshman food science and technology major is from Firth and attended Norris High School. Woeppel was a member of 4-H, 4-H Teen Council, National Honor Society, and was an FFA chapter officer. Currently, she is serving as the Nebraska State FFA Vice President. Woeppel is the daughter of Ed and Lisa Woeppel.
More details at: http://casnr.unl.edu/engler