The Pyle Center was buzzing with excitement this past Thursday, April 24, 2025, as proud parents, friends, and donors watched exceptional Life Sciences Communication (LSC) students receive scholarship awards for the next academic year. Held annually, the LSC scholarship and donor recognition reception highlights the department’s exemplary students, generous donors, and departmental accomplishments from the 2024-2025 academic year. Larry Meiller, a professor emeritus in LSC, was the emcee of the reception.
A total of 26 LSC students were honored with scholarships this year, made possible by the support of donors, alumni, previous faculty, and other friends of LSC. Beyond investing in the future of science communication, these scholarships serve to recognize the hardwork and dedication of LSC students.
“We are deeply grateful to our donors for investing in the success of our graduate students,” said Nan Li, LSC associate professor and Director of Graduate studies. “Their support creates opportunities that empower our graduate students to advance their research in science communication and make a meaningful impact in the field.”
Students attending this event were given the opportunity to connect with their donors, as well as share their stories and gratitudes.
“The annual scholarship reception in LSC is truly one of my favorite events of the year for so many reasons,” said Mike Xenos, LSC professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies. “It really brings our whole community together – donors and scholarship recipients, staff and faculty, as well as our terrific students and their wonderful families. “
One of the key topics of the night was how a degree in LSC prepares students above and beyond for their post-graduation careers or further studies. This point was highlighted by keynote speaker Holly Cho, who graduated with her M.S. in Life Sciences Communication in 2019. In her speech, Holly spoke on how her degree prepared her not just for her career as a STEM education researcher, but how it changed her approach to everyday life. Additionally, Holly emphasized the role of donors in supporting students in all aspects of their educational journey, shaping both their skills and who they are as a person.
“I would like to express my gratitude to LSC’s donors for their support of both our students and our program,” said Dominique Brossard, LSC professor and chair. “Your generosity is supporting the next generation of science communicators who will shape how science is understood and valued in society.
2024-2025 Scholarships and Awardees
Robert Bjorklund Scholarship – Gracie Haensgen, Sara Kronberg, Evan Loftus, Laila Smith
Lloyd & Genevieve Bostian Scholarship – Justyne Frisle, Alicia Lopez
Farm Journal/Andy Weber Ag Media Awards – Isabelle Combs
Jean W. Fewster Scholarship – Ashley Cate
Brian Howell Scholarship – Morgan Ramsey
William and Cynthia Kennedy Family Scholarship – Olivia Nygaard
Lenore Landry Internship – Catie Stumpf
Frank Lessiter Ag Media Scholarship – Kelly Herness
Nellie McCannon Scholarship – Dayeon Eom, Emma Longo, Erika Zhu
Larry R. Meiller Scholarship – Nalina Cherr
NAMA Marketing Leader Scholarship – Renata Monroy
NAMA President Scholarship – Lauren Breunig
John E. and Elizabeth B. Ross Science Writing Scholarship – Erica Kallas, Mara Schneider, Delaney Wells
Thomas P. and Gail G. Schomisch Scholarship – Alexis Udell
Jean A. Shipman Scholarship – Jiseong Yang
Claire H. Sink Scholarship – Julianne Renner
W. Watt Agricultural Journalism Memorial Scholarship – Steven Awve
Maurice E. and Grace Witter White Scholarship – Emma Peterschmidt