Seven outstanding collegiate dairy students will each receive a $1500 scholarship through the Klussendorf Association and the McKown/Klussendorf Fund at the Dairy Shrine Awards banquet during World Dairy Expo this fall.

These students demonstrate the highest level of leadership, participation in extracurricular activities and a special interest in showing dairy cattle in their true-to-breed form. Award winners are in their first, second or third year of study at a two or four-year college or university in the U.S. or Canada, majoring in a field that will lead them to a career in the dairy industry.

Klussendorf Scholarship

The Klussendorf Scholarship is representative of the late, legendary showman and dairy cattle fitter Arthur B. Klussendorf. It was made possible through a gift from the late Chris Kampf, along with other members of the Klussendorf Association. Three students who most nearly exemplify his character and ethics each receive a $1500 award.

Hayley Daubert of Dayton, Virginia plans to study dairy manufacturing with a minor in health science at South Dakota State University. Growing up in the dairy industry, Daubert was heavily involved in 4-H and the Holstein Association. In addition to her studies, she will work in the SDSU Dairy Plant, with ambitions to start her own farmstead cheese business. Daubert also intends to work as an emergency medical technician, with the unique perspective to serve rural populations.

Regan Jackson of Boyce, Virginia attends Louisiana State University, majoring in food science and nutrition. She’s also pursuing certifications in CPR, certified nursing assistant and lactation consultant certification. Jackson is an accomplished dairy cattle judge and has been active in 4-H and FFA for many years. Her goal is to be an advocate of dairy health benefits for children, a leading voice for the safety of production agriculture.

Regan Kramer of Wauzeka, WI is majoring in agriculture studies and international agriculture at Iowa State University. In 4-H and FFA she participated in state-placing teams in dairy judging and dairy quiz bowl. She maintains an active leadership role in the Iowa State University Dairy Science Club. Kramer says the dairy industry has been an integral part of her life as long as she can remember and couldn’t imagine pursuing a career in any other field.

McKown Scholarship

Four students will receive $1,500 scholarships, thanks to the friends and family of the late Robert “Whitey” McKown. The group established the McKown scholarship to honor Whitey, the 1992 Honorary Klussendorf recipient and long-time Holstein enthusiast.

One 2023 recipient is Emory Bewley of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. She was raised on her grandparents’ farm, milking 50 registered Holsteins and Jerseys, and raising 50 heifers. Leadership experiences include the Penn State Dairy Science Club, PA Holstein Association, Alpha Zeta Fraternity and 4-H. Bewley is currently studying at Pennsylvania State University, completing internships involving show cattle, dairy nutrition and dairy product marketing.

Another winner is Delana Erbsen of Lanark, Illinois. With a long list of accomplishments in 4-H, FFA and cattle breed associations, Erbsen says she was blessed to have been born into an industry that she feels passionate about, where her future includes making a positive impact and seeing that agriculture remains successful and prosperous. She currently attends Iowa State University, studying dairy genetics.

Garrett Hastings of Chardon, Ohio will also receive a McKown Scholarship. He developed a passion for working with cows through his family’s dairy farm. With extensive experience in large animal health, he plans to pursue veterinary medicine after completing his bachelor’s degree in animal sciences at The Ohio State University. His plans also include opening up his own veterinary practice while continuing to develop the genetics on his family’s farm.

The final recipient is Clarissa Ulness of Valders, Wisconsin. She grew up on her family’s dairy farm, actively involved in 4-H, FFA, county, state and national Junior Holstein Associations. Ulness aspires to be an active industry professional, coach, leader and mentor. She attends the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in agricultural marketing.

For more information about the students being recognized by National Dairy Shrine, or to obtain tickets for the Awards Banquet on Monday, October 2^nd in Madison, Wisconsin, contact the Dairy Shrine office at [email protected]. Additional information on Dairy Shrine membership and its many activities is available at www.dairyshrine.org. Dairy enthusiasts are encouraged to become part of this respected dairy organization whose mission since 1949 has been to inspire future dairy leaders, honor current and past dairy leaders, and preserve the history of the dairy industry.

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Photos available on request by contacting Dairy Shrine at [email protected]