LINCOLN, NEB.– The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded the Ron Hanson Collegiate Leader Scholarship to two members of Collegiate Farm Bureau at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) who are pursuing degrees from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR).
Tatum Brunkow, a senior, and Weston Svoboda, a junior, each received a $1,500 scholarship.
Dr. Ron Hanson, professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, established the scholarship to reward students who prioritize leadership building activities while on campus.
“Dr. Hanson chose to continue his legacy of service through this scholarship, and we are so proud to steward his generous gift,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “A longtime Farm Bureau member, Dr. Hanson recognizes the value of getting involved to make a difference, and this scholarship supports the next generation of leaders who will make their voices heard and better their communities.”
This year’s recipients rose to the top of a strong candidate pool. Applicants were judged based on their involvement with UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau, volunteer and leadership activities, and their goals for the future.
Brunkow is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Economics. She is involved in volunteer organizations including UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau, where she serves as the Policy Chair, and the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Committee, where she serves as a student at-large representative. Brunkow represented Nebraska Farm Bureau in the Collegiate Discussion Meet at the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference in Atlanta. After graduation, Brunkow plans to continue her education at UNL and work towards a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and then pursue a career in agricultural policy.
Svoboda is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Economics. He has been active in UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau for three years and currently serves as president of the chapter. Svoboda also served as a voting member of the delegate body at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting representing the Collegiate Farm Bureau. Svoboda is passionate about his community service with Safe Quarters, which raised awareness and money for abused women and children. He also served as the Vice President/Philanthropy Chair of Alpha Gamma Sigma fraternity. Svoboda plans to attend law school and become an attorney focusing on agricultural issues.
“My congratulations to Tatum and Weston as recipients of the 2022 Nebraska Farm Bureau Collegiate Leader Scholarship. It is my privilege to help recognize their outstanding leadership contributions and campus involvement to the Nebraska Farm Bureau and its collegiate chapter. I applaud their efforts and goals as young ag leaders to be difference makers for the future of agriculture,” said Hanson.
The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit www.nefbfoundation.org.
