Kansas Corn Recognizes Collegiate Honors During Annual Symposium
During the virtual 2021 Kansas Corn Symposium, Kansas Corn recognized students who excelled in its collegiate programs. Seventeen college students who received 2021 Next Generation Scholarships and six graduates of Kansas Corn Collegiate Academy Class Three were honored. These programs are part of an effort by the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Corn Commission to provide opportunities for college students of all majors to learn more about the corn industry, explore issues facing agriculture and embrace the ways they can impact the industry through their future career paths.
2021 Next Generation Scholarship Winners
To be considered, students or their parents must be members of the Kansas Corn Growers Association, be from Kansas or attend college in Kansas and complete the application process. Applications for both programs were reviewed by a committee of Kansas Corn leadership and industry representatives.
“Our scholarship program recognizes outstanding students who are already making contributions to agriculture and have great potential as experts in farming or providing support to our industry,” said Greg Krissek, Kansas Corn CEO. “This past year has tested these students beyond what they had ever faced before, and they have overcome these challenges with grit and determination. Corn plays a big role today in Kansas agriculture and these recipients’ impacts hold great promise for our future success.”
Full list of 2021 Kansas Corn Next Generation Scholarship Recipients:
Tatum Brunkow, Wamego, KS, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bachelors in Agriculture Economics
Kate Cooper, Greenwood, NE, Kansas State University, Bachelors in Agricultural Economics
Garrett Craig, Clay Center, KS, Kansas State University, Bachelors in Agricultural Education
Max Harmon, Inman, KS, Kansas State University, Bachelors in Biochemistry
Shelby Hattrup, Kinsley, KS, Kansas State University, Bachelors in Agronomy
Maria Kimzey, Fredonia, KS, Kansas State University, Bachelors in Agricultural Economics
Nicki Kirchhoff, Byron, NE, Kansas State University, Bachelors in Agribusiness
Kate Langworthy, Lawrence, KS, Washburn University School of Law, Juris Doctorate
Trevor Mullen, Salina, KS, Kansas State University, Bachelors in Agronomy
Luciana Nieto, Bueno Aires, Argentina, Kansas State University, Doctorate in Agronomy
Carlos Pires, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Kansas State University, Doctorate in Agronomy
Victor Sharma, Lawrence, Kansas, University of Kansas, Doctorate in Chemical Engineering
Zoe Shultz, Grainfield, KS, Kansas State University, Bachelors in Agricultural Communications and Journalism
Mardi Traskowsky, Herington, KS, Kansas State University, Bachelors in Milling Science and Management and Agricultural Economics
Rachel Veenstra, Hartville, MO, Kansas State University, Masters in Agronomy
Nan Wang, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, University of Kansas, Doctorate in Chemical Engineering
Victoria White, Humboldt, KS, Allen County Community College, Associates in Animal Science
Collegiate Academy Class 3 Graduates Recognized
Members of the third Collegiate Academy class were recognized during this year’s virtual Kansas Corn Symposium for completing their program. Despite challenges brought on by COVID-19, participants expanded their knowledge about ethanol, livestock, trade, policy, education, agronomy, conservation and consumer engagement. After two in-person sessions and several Zoom sessions, the students completed a capstone project to complete the program.
The first session of the Collegiate Academy was held in person in January 2020 when students were able to learn about the agricultural industry in Kansas City. They learned about direct trade, consumer education through advocacy, and agronomic practices. While their day at the state capitol in March was moved to a virtual format, students still were able to talk with their local representatives and learn about the role government plays in the agriculture industry. The third session took place in northwest Kansas in June as students toured an ethanol plant, a water technology farm and a cattle feedyard. In December, the students participated in a final online session featuring speakers from the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council and celebrated the completion of their program over dinner.
“I initially joined Collegiate Academy to gain new connections and learn more about the corn industry as a whole,” said Ellie Katzer, Collegiate Academy Class 3 graduate. “While I accomplished both, I also feel like I was part of a program that truly cares about educating the general public and supporting Kansas corn producers. Learning about different aspects of the corn industry such as ethanol or livestock production allowed me to see the bigger picture and the several different forms in which corn is utilized in the agriculture industry.”
Kansas college students enrolled in 2-year or 4-year post-secondary schools are eligible to apply. For more information on the collegiate academy and other collegiate programs visit kscorn.com/corn-on-campus/
Collegiate Academy Class 3 Graduates:
- Shelby Hattrup, Kinsley, KS, Agronomy
- Austin Hobbs, Fredonia, KS, Agronomy
- Ellie Katzer, Louisburg, KS, Agribusiness
- Reile Meile, Ulysses, KS, Agribusiness
- Zoe Schultz, Grainfield, KS, Agricultural Communications and Journalism
- Kourtney Weingartner, Topeka, KS, Agricultural Economics