EQUINE SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWED
Submitted by: VTA
Phone:
Email Address: vta(at)vabred.org
Date Added: 2/11/2008
The Virginia Tech office of university Development has confirmed that a new scholarship has been recently endowed -- the Dr. Arden N. Huff Endowed Equestrian Scholarship.
This will be an annual award to an undergraduate student with major or minor in equine studies within the Animal and Poultry Science Department and the College of Agriculture and Life Science.
The scholarship will be open to all students having completed at least one successful year in the program. Special emphasis will be placed on interest, service and involvement to the equine industry.
A volunteer committee formulated the grass roots effort to fund this endowment. Diane Sutphin served as the volunteer coordinator for three years. Bette Brand of Roanoke, Virginia,was the official donor representative. Hundreds of volunteers worked on the project.
The scholarship was designed to encourage and recognize equine students, to promote and develop the program and to honor Dr. Arden N. Huff. Dr. Huff has been recognized for thirty years of service to youth, volunteers, and the equine and livestock industries in the state and across the nation. Dr. Huff has noted the appreciation to all donors and workers and reflected with pride on this effort.
Ninety-two recorded donors from thirteen states made gifts to the fund and numerous anonymous donors including 4-H members at the State 4-H Horse Show supported the effort. Many gifts were from judging team members, 4-H clubs, volunteers, friends, and family. There was also a considerable industry input. This included The Virginia Horse Council, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Hanover County Farm Bureau, The Roanoke Valley Horsemans Association, The Virginia Equine Educational Foundation, and The Virginia Thoroughbred Association.
Virginia Tech has a very large enrollment of students interested in the equine industry. Virginia Tech fields judging teams, riding teams and has a comprehensive equitation program. The college hosts numerous educational events in the new Alphin-Stuart indoor arena. Students also prepare animals for sale and manage an annual beef cattle and horse marketing program.
The college maintains a sizeable horse herd and also operates a quality horse program at the Middleburg Research Station. Thoroughbreds produced at Middleburg also are sold at an annual auction and several have gone on to racing careers. The program is based on all breeds, and invites industry support through the donation of horses to the various phases of the comprehensive program.
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