AFE awarded seventeen students in 2016 with scholarships totaling more than $39,000.
“Thanks to the generosity of donors, AFE is able to distribute more than 20 scholarships each year to deserving and well-qualified students. These students are worthy of our recognition and support,” said Dwight Larimer, AFE Chairman-Elect and Education Committee Chair.
“Each of the scholarship recipients give us a glimpse of our industry’s bright future, and I believe that all of the applicants are passionate leaders who will help the industry progress.”
More than 65 applications were received for this scholarship cycle, down slightly from last year.
AFE otorga becas anualmente, y las solicitudes deben presentarse antes del 1 de mayo de cada año.
Click here for full scholarship descriptions.
 
Beca de la Asociación de Floristas Americanos — $2,400
Destinatario: Erin Hsu, Universidad de California en Davis
Hsu is a senior studying environmental horticulture with a focus on floriculture, and wants to work in the floral design industry. “I would like to work in floral design or production, since my main interest is in the aesthetic aspect of ornamental crops and how they affect our environment and direct surroundings,” said Hsu.
The Original Los Angeles Flower Market was established in 1921 and is now part of the largest wholesale flower district in the U.S. Eligible scholarship recipients are juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, majoring in agriculture with an emphasis on a future in floriculture. This scholarship provides tuition assistance to students attending a college or university in California or student residents of California attending a college or university in other areas of the U.S.
Beca Julio y Sarah Armellini — $2,200
Destinatario: Terah Kalk, Universidad de Florida
A senior majoring in anthropology, Kalk is interested in investigating the preferences and needs of consumers regarding horticulture. “I utilize psychophysics to gather information on what the population is interested in pertaining to horticulture and floriculture,” said Kalk. She plans to enter a Ph.D. program to continue her research.
Julio “Toots” Armellini es el fundador de Armellini Express Lines, el mayor servicio de transporte de flores de EE. UU. Armellini se alistó en la Marina como “Seabee” y estuvo destinado en todo el mundo como mecánico, donde aprendió las habilidades que utilizó para modernizar el transporte por carretera refrigerado. Cuando comenzó a expandir sus líneas a principios de la década de 1950, la refrigeración era nueva y poco desarrollada, por lo que estableció una forma más eficaz de enfriar sus suministros utilizando un sistema de flujo de aire constante. ThermoKing finalmente convirtió sus contribuciones a los sistemas de refrigeración en estándar. Hoy en día, Armellini cuenta con casi 70 años de experiencia en la industria, y Armellini Industries, Inc. abarca numerosos negocios: Armellini Express Lines, Inc., J.A. Flower Service, Inc., Fresco Service, Inc. y NorthStar Transportation, Inc. La beca Julio y Sarah Armellini está destinada a estudiantes de segundo, tercer o cuarto año con un interés profesional en la comercialización o distribución de productos florales.
Beca de Ball Horticultural Company — $1,000
Destinatario: Gray Simpson, University of Georgia
A University of Georgia (UGA) senior majoring in horticulture, Simpson hopes to become head grower at a greenhouse production operation. He is Vice President of the UGA Horticulture Club. “I am interested in new and unusual taxa, as well as emerging production techniques such as automation, water re-use and controlling bloom time in herbaceous perennial plants,” said Simpson.
Ball Horticultural Company es un obtentor, productor y distribuidor mayorista de plantas ornamentales de renombre internacional. Empresa familiar desde su fundación en 1905, Ball ha introducido muchas variedades innovadoras y galardonadas en el mundo de la horticultura, incluida la familia de petunias Wave® y las alegres de la casa (impatiens) Super Elfin®. Ball está comprometida con las prácticas sostenibles y ha destacado sus logros ecológicos en su “Informe de Sostenibilidad”. La empresa cuenta con producción, ventas y marketing en todo el mundo a través de sus numerosas filiales en seis continentes. La beca Ball Horticultural Company está destinada a estudiantes de tercer o cuarto año que persiguen una carrera en floricultura comercial.
Beca Harold Bettinger — $2,000
Destinatario: Nathan Nordstedt, The Ohio State University
Nordstedt is a graduate student whose research focuses on molecular genetics in floriculture crop improvement. “My goal is to enter the public sector in floriculture crop education, working at a university where I can make a difference in the education of young professionals in the floriculture industry and continue my research,” said Nordstedt.
Harold Bettinger era socio de Bettinger Farms en Swanton, Ohio. A mediados de los años 50, fue uno de los primeros productores progresistas en convertir su producción de plantas de almácigo de charolas de madera a charolas de plástico. Bettinger Farms ahora cultiva verduras de invernadero y de campo. La beca Bettinger está destinada a estudiantes de horticultura, desde segundo año hasta estudios de posgrado, que tengan una especialización o subespecialización en negocios y/o mercadotecnia con la intención de aplicar su educación a una carrera o negocio relacionado con la horticultura.
BioWorks IPM/Sustainable Practices Scholarship ($1,300) and the National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) Scholarship — $600
Destinatario: Alexander Schaller, University of Arizona
Schaller is a senior with a double major in sustainable plant systems and agriculture economics and management. He is interested in ornamental and floriculture crop breeding and crop physiology. “After I receive an advanced degree, I will continue to find ways to improve methods, production and distribution of goods in the field of floriculture,” said Schaller.
La beca BioWorks IPM/Sustainable Practices está destinada a estudiantes de segundo, tercer o último año que sigan una carrera en floricultura. Los estudiantes se seleccionan sobre la base de un buen rendimiento académico y un promedio de calificaciones de 3.0 o superior. Aunque no es obligatorio, es muy deseable que el estudiante tenga interés en promover el uso del manejo integrado de plagas (MIP) o prácticas sostenibles.
La NGMA es una organización profesional del sector que agrupa a fabricantes y proveedores de invernaderos y componentes para invernaderos, construidos de acuerdo con la normativa y diseñados para satisfacer las necesidades de los productores. La beca de la NGMA está dirigida a estudiantes matriculados en las especialidades de horticultura y bioingeniería, o equivalentes, que cursen al menos su tercer año en una universidad acreditada de cuatro años y mantengan una nota media de 3,0.
JaBeca Memorial James Bridenbaugh — $500
Destinatario: Courtney Phillips, Universidad de Georgia

A senior studying horticulture at the University of Georgia (UGA), Phillips was elected as President of the UGA Horticulture Club and is particularly interested in floral design. “After graduation, I plan to work in a large design facility and eventually have my own florist shop. I want people to see the positive impact that the green industry has on our society,” said Phillips.
Jim Bridenbaugh era un especialista en flores y plantas frescas, que diseñaba y comentaba en exposiciones de diseño y seminarios. Su conocimiento de la industria floral, sus narraciones cómicas y su conexión con el público lo convirtieron en un favorito. Fue presidente de OFA de 1989 a 1991. La beca Br.

Emily Teng

Beca Memorial John Carew — $2,000
Destinatario: Emily Teng, Universidad de Hawái en Mānoa

Teng is a graduate student whose research project analyzes anthocyanin qualities in poinsettia bracts in response to changes in temperature, light intensity and plant growth regulator use. “After receiving my doctorate, I would like to work in floriculture production and variety improvement research. I hope to work in a university as an educator, but no matter what position I have, I want my work to connect scientific research with practical industry applications,” said Teng.
John Carew, exdirector del Departamento de Horticultura de la Universidad Estatal de Míchigan, dedicó su carrera a alentar y guiar a los jóvenes horticultores. Fue fundamental en la creación de Bedding Plant International (BPI) en 1969. La beca Carew está abierta a estudiantes de posgrado en horticultura con interés en cultivos de invernadero.
Carlson-Johnson Scholarship for Nontraditional Students ($1,100) and the Long Island Flower Growers Association (LIFGA) Scholarship — $1,400
Destinatario: Ariel Churnin, State University of New York-Farmdale

Churnin is completing her associate’s degree in landscape development and is interested in urban gardening and design, with a plant-based approach. “My academic work and hands-on experience have contributed to my desire to work in landscaping in metro areas where I can promote sustainability and native species,” said Churnin.
Barbara Carlson and her husband Will were instrumental in the establishment of BPI. Fran Johnson enjoyed a long, productive career with the John Henry Company, a horticultural printing firm in Michigan. Johnson also made many significant and practical contributions of time and talent through BPI to advance the greenhouse industry. The Carlson-Johnson Scholarship for Nontraditional Students is awarded to students re-entering school after a minimum five-year absence who have an interest in bedding and/or floral crops.
La beca LIFGA se creó en 2010. Los miembros de la LIFGA representan a productores y minoristas que promueven la investigación, la formación y la venta de plantas ornamentales en el mercado local. La beca está destinada a estudiantes de la zona de Long Island/Nueva York que cursen estudios de horticultura ornamental en un centro de formación profesional o en una universidad de cuatro años.
Beca Conmemorativa Earl Dedman — $2,000
Destinatario: Steven Wagner, Universidad de Florida

Wagner is a senior studying at the University of Florida’s West Florida Research and Education Center. He is majoring in plant science and minoring in soil and water science, and has worked as a nursery manager and landscaper. “My goal is to operate my own wholesale nursery,” said Wagner. “My specific interest is in evaluating varieties for their use in residential and commercial landscapes throughout Florida’s gulf coast, which imposes a unique set of challenges with its long, hot summers and high disease and insect pressure.”
Earl Dedman fue propietario y operador de Mountainview Greenhouses en Woodinville, Washington, y expresidente de BPFI. Además de su participación en BPFI y BPI, estuvo involucrado con los.
Beca Internacional Markham-Colegrave — $4,500
Destinatario: Angel Matthews, Universidad de Misuri-Columbia

Matthews is a sophomore majoring in biological engineering and minoring in chemical engineering. “My crop focus area is in agricultural engineering. I hope to find different crops and enhance their nutrition or yield for countries that suffer from nutrient deficiencies. I will do whatever I can to help conserve the bio hotspots left in the world,” said Matthews.
Ed Markham was an international horticulturalist. He began a career in horticulture sales after graduating from the Horticulture Department at Cornell University in 1942. Ed’s interest in providing scholarship funds to study marketing through international travel stemmed from his first trip abroad in the early 1960s. The Markham-Colegrave International Scholarship operates in cooperation with The David Colegrave Foundation in London, England. Each year there is an exchange of students between the U.S. and Europe, alternating between the two countries. U.S. students should apply for this scholarship in even numbered years (2016, 2018, etc.).

Joshua Henry

Beca Richard T. Meister — $4,100
Destinatario: Joshua Henry, Universidad Estatal de Carolina del Norte

Henry is a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in horticultural science. His crop focus is in bedding plants and flowering pot plants, specifically floriculture crop nutrition. “I find crop nutrition incredibly fascinating and complex, so I am excited to study the major issues relating to the nutrition of floriculture crops. I hope to work in a university setting in extension, where I can help growers diagnose problems and share with them research findings,” said Henry.
Dick Meister construyó una empresa familiar de publicaciones para productores especializados en horticultura comercial. Es un firme partidario del sistema universitario de concesión de tierras y, a lo largo de los años, trabajó en estrecha colaboración con muchos líderes de la horticultura y la floricultura. Esta beca está dedicada a los destacados logros de quienes trabajan en la extensión universitaria y, especialmente, a Will Carlson en floricultura. La Beca Meister está abierta a estudiantes de posgrado en floricultura que tengan la intención de seguir su carrera en el sistema universitario de concesión de tierras con interés en la investigación, la extensión o la enseñanza.
Beca Mike y Flo Novovesky — $2,600
Destinatario: Katlyn Major, Utah State University
Major, a junior studying plant science with a horticultural emphasis, is particularly interested in fruit crops including orchards, use of high tunnels and greenhouse plants. “I plan to own and operate an orchard and greenhouse and provide services to the community that help them preserve produce,” said Major.
Mike y Flo Novovesky han disfrutado de más de 30 años de participación activa en la industria de la floricultura. Los Novovesky comprenden las dificultades que una pareja joven debe superar al equilibrar una carrera y una familia. Su fondo de becas tiene como objetivo ayudar a los estudiantes jóvenes casados que trabajan para pagarse la universidad y tienen un promedio de calificaciones de 2.5 o superior. Dependiendo de la disponibilidad de solicitantes casados, la beca también puede otorgarse a un estudiante de pregrado que se trabaje para pagar sus estudios con necesidad financiera y obligaciones familiares. Las claves son un fuerte interés en la horticultura y la necesidad financiera.
Lawrence “Bud” Ohlman Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) and the John L. Tomasovic Sr. Scholarship — $1,000
Destinatario: Mary Lewis, Universidad de Georgia
Entering her senior year, Lewis is majoring in horticulture with a focus on greenhouse production. She has pursued several internships, including one with the French Heritage Society where she learned horticultural practices of different cultures and countries. This summer she is an intern at the Disney Horticulture Production Facility in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., through the AFE Vic & Margaret Ball Internship Program. “After I graduate I would like to work in greenhouse production or floriculture. I hope to work in bedding, where there is a high expectation in excellence,” said Lewis.
Bud Ohlman fue un agricultor práctico en el negocio familiar, y amplió la operación de cultivo a campo abierto para incluir invernaderos, producción de plantas de cama y anuales de floración. Dirigió proyectos de expansión incluso en sus años 70. Su ética de trabajo era insuperable, inspirada por Dios, su familia y la industria. Su beca se destina a estudiantes con la meta profesional de convertirse en cultivadores de plantas de cama para un negocio establecido.
Past president of BPFI John Tomasovic has grown his family business, John L. Tomasovic, Sr. Florist Inc., in St. Louis, Mo., which includes a greenhouse from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. They produce geraniums, pot mums, hardy mums, bedding plants, ground covers, poinsettias, Easter lilies, bulb crops and foliage, carrying on the business his father began in 1931. The Tomasovic Scholarship offers special consideration for sophomore, junior or senior undergraduate students with financial need and grade point averages between 3.0 and 3.5.

QiuXia Chen

Beca de Compañías de Semillas — $2.500
Destinatario: QiuXia Chen, Universidad Estatal de Míchigan
Chen is pursuing her master’s degree in plant breeding, genetics and biotechnology (horticulture). Her research focuses on the genetic mapping of flowering and branching traits in petunias. “My career goal is to be a plant breeder for annual and perennial crops and to incorporate outreach to share what I learn, especially with middle and high school students so that they become interested in floriculture,” said Chen.
Seed companies — Ball, Pan-American, Goldsmith and Syngenta — are leaders in the seed production and breeding industry, providing new and improved varieties. These seed companies cooperatively sponsor this scholarship, which requires students to have a career goal within the seed industry and be junior or senior undergraduate or graduate students.
Beca Memorial Edward Tuinier — $4,700
Destinatario: Melissa Eggleston, Universidad Estatal de Míchigan
Eggleston is a sophomore at Michigan State University (MSU) majoring in horticulture and minoring in agribusiness, and is Treasurer of the Student Horticulture Association at MSU. She hopes to become a greenhouse grower after graduation. “I hope to have a greenhouse growing operation specializing in herbs,” said Eggleston. “I envision that the green industry will continue to grow as companies and members find new niches and markets to fill.”
Ed Tuinier, owner of Post Gardens, loved the greenhouse business, building his firm to one of the top 50 U.S. companies and inspiring his children, all of whom work in one of the two Post Gardens locations. A graduate of MSU, Tuinier was a major benefactor of the MSU horticulture program and demonstration gardens. The Tuinier Scholarship is awarded to sophomore, junior or senior undergraduate students enrolled in the floriculture program at MSU.

Jaclyn Nelson

Beca de Marketing Jacob y Rita Van Namen — $1.100
Destinatario: Jaclyn Nelson, Universidad de Nebraska-Lincoln
Nelson is a senior majoring in horticulture-entrepreneurship and minoring in agribusiness. She is owner of Marie’s Floral in Wallace, Neb. She interned last summer at Tessfresh Flowers in San Diego, Calif. and this summer she is working at Bachman’s in Minnesota. “I look forward to gaining the experience and education I need to make my business a success and then expand my business into the high-end weddings and events market,” said Nelson.
The Jacob and Rita Van Namen Marketing Scholarship, established in January 1997, is named for Jacob Van Namen, a true entrepreneur who built a multimillion-dollar business in wholesale floriculture. This award is intended to develop knowledgeable, creative individuals who will improve the floriculture industry. The Van Namen Scholarship requires students to have a career interest in agribusiness marketing and distribution of floral products and be a sophomore, junior or senior.
Becas Vocacionales (Bettinger, Holden y Perry) – $1.500
Destinatario: Caitlin Redpath, City College of San Francisco
Redpath is a senior pursuing her associate’s degree in commercial cut flower and greenhouse production, with a minor in floral design. Her crop focus is on commercial cut flowers, with an emphasis on unusual and unique flowers and those that are native, drought tolerant or otherwise beneficial crops for local ecosystem/environment. “I dream of being a farmer-florist, and being part of a changing floriculture industry that takes into account the health of crops, workers, waterways and our soil,” said Redpath.
The Vocational (Bettinger, Holden and Perry) Scholarship requires students to be in a one or two-year program with the intent to become a grower or greenhouse manager. The Vocational Scholarship awards a scholarship in honor of: LEONARD BETTINGER, who was a successful greenhouse grower in the Bettinger Farms family business in Toledo, Ohio, and was President of BPI from 1974-76; JOHN HOLDEN, who had a long, helpful career at Ball Seed Company and was active in BPI since its inception, attending the very first “pre-BPI” conference in 1968; JIM PERRY, who was a respected wholesale nurseryman, who grew Perry’s Plants of La Puente, Calif., into one of the largest bedding plant operations in the U.S. and was President of BPI from 1972-74.