Association transfers student scholarships to Bumpers College
By the U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
- OFPA offers 5 endowed student awards to food science students
- OFPA, Division of Ag and Bumpers College have long history of cooperation
- As OFPA dissolves, scholarships are transferred to the U of A
(537 words)
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Ozark Food Processors Association is contributing more than $190,000 to five endowed student awards in the department of food Science in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
The five endowed awards are named for individuals and organizations involved with the association and the Department of Food Science. These include:
- The Ozark Food Processors Association Carolyn S.Q. Sharp Award
- The Ozark Food Processors Association Claude and Patty Todd Memorial Award
- The Ozark Food Processors Association F&H Food Equipment Company Award
- The Ozark Food Processors Association Jerry Dickson Award
- The Ozark Food Processors Association Justin R. Morris Award
Undergraduate students in the department of food science who demonstrate great promise for successful careers in the food industry and a special aptitude for research will be the primary beneficiaries of these awards.
“The Ozark Food Processors Association has supported research and education efforts at the University of Arkansas for over a century,” said Renee Threlfall, research scientist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and director of operations and industry relations for the association. “We are proud that the OFPA legacy will continue these efforts by establishing five endowments that will support U of A department of food science students with intent to pursue a career in the food industry. OFPA hopes that other industry sponsors will donate to increase these endowments to support students involved in our industry.”
The Ozark Food Processors Association was founded in 1906 as Ozark Canners and Freezers, a nonprofit organization to support food processors, suppliers and associated industries in the Ozark region. The organization began its relationship with the department of food science in the 1960s, when it took an interest in the research being done by Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station faculty and Bumpers College students.
“Our college, and specifically students in food science, have benefitted from a long-standing relationship with the Ozark Food Processors Association,” said Deacue Fields, dean of the Bumpers College. “We are very appreciative of this gift and the five student awards. Our graduates are successful in career areas of food science and engineering, product development, nutrition, business and more. Thank you to the OFPA for this very generous support of our students and our program. Bumpers College focuses on all aspects of the food industry, and this will enable us to advance our efforts.”
In October 2018, the organization’s board voted for the dissolution of the Ozark Food Processors Association, so the awards previously given by the organization are now being transferred to the university for permanent awarding.
Andrea Dunigan, former acting president of the association, said, “The Ozark Food Processors Association has always supported students over the years. It was a difficult decision to discontinue this organization, but it was an easy decision to take the remaining funds and establish endowments that will last for years to come. We hope the industry will also find value in students who intend to pursue a career in the food industry and continue to donate and support what this organization started.”
To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uark.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearchand Instagram at ArkAgResearch.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
By the U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Fred Miller
U of A Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
(479) 5755647
fmiller@uark.edu
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