News
Inspiring the Next Generation of Floral Designers at Texas A&M’s Benz School of Floral Design
November 12, 2025
Earlier this Fall, AFE Program Manager Candice Musgrove and members of the Vic & Margaret Ball Committee had the opportunity to visit Texas A&M University’s Benz School of Floral Design, one of the many programs supported through AFE’s James & Helen Phillip Floral Design Grant The visit offered a firsthand look at how AFE’s educational funding is helping students grow their skills, pursue their passions, and build meaningful futures in the floral industry.
Founded by M. Buddy Benz, the Benz School is built on a legacy of excellence in floral design education. Its curriculum emphasizes both artistry and business acumen, teaching students the elements and principles of design alongside essential skills in retail management, event coordination, and entrepreneurship. Under the leadership of Mrs. Wendy Osburn, a passionate educator with more than 30 years of teaching experience, the program continues to inspire students to combine creativity with professionalism.
“Every student brings their own story and reason for pursuing floral design,” said Osburn. “Our goal is to give them the tools, knowledge, and confidence to turn that passion into a lifelong career.”
The AFE team met several students who are directly benefiting from the James & Helen Phillip Scholarship Grant, including Mackenzie Ceballos, Emileigh Rodabaugh, and Ashley Taylor – each pursuing degrees in horticulture and certifications in floral design. Their enthusiasm for the craft and commitment to advancing the industry were clear throughout the visit.
For Mackenzie, floral design began as a creative outlet in high school and has since evolved into a professional pursuit. Emileigh, deeply involved in the Student American Institute of Floral Designers (SAIFD), shared how the scholarship helped her gain hands-on experience through competitions and research. Ashley, now serving as SAIFD’s Outreach Officer, is already using her skills to bring floral artistry into her community.
Their stories exemplify how AFE’s educational grants are shaping the next generation of floral leaders: making education more accessible, nurturing talent, and ensuring that students have the opportunity to thrive in a growing and evolving field.
This year, Mackenzie, Emileigh, and Ashley also joined AFE’s Young Professionals Council (YPC), which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2025. Established in 2015, the YPC offers free opportunities for young industry members to connect, grow, and get involved through leadership, networking, and volunteer activities. YPC members participate in meetings, webinars, and events that foster collaboration and career development across the floral and horticultural industries. Learn more and join for free here.
Visits like this underscore AFE’s mission to invest in education, research, and development across all segments of the floral industry. By supporting institutions like the Benz School of Floral Design, AFE ensures that the art, science, and business of flowers continue to flourish – one student at a time.
The James & Helen Phillip Floral Design Grant was established in 2008 by Lee Phillip Bell to honor her parents and support aspiring floral designers. Through a $500,000 endowment, the Fund provides annual block grants to institutions with established floral design programs, primarily in the Great Lakes region but extending to schools like Texas A&M that demonstrate exceptional commitment to floral education. These grants offer vital tuition assistance and help programs expand their reach to more students across the country.
