Scholarships and Financial Aid

2023-24 Scholarship Recipients

The Department of Animal Science offers scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students, as well as students at the sophomore, junior and senior level within the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Animal Science Program. More than $140,000 was awarded to 84 students in 2023-24. The criteria, qualifications and application process varies according to the scholarship.

In addition to the departmental scholarships listed below, there are also scholarship opportunities through CASNR, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, commodity groups at both the state and national level, and even in your local area. If you are an incoming freshman student, speak with your high school guidance counselor to explore what scholarship opportunities are available for you. Additional financial assistance and resources can be found at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Office of Financial Aid.

Departmental Scholarships

The Department of Animal Science annually awards scholarships to our students through the generosity and support of our donors.

Learn More

Judging Team Scholarships

Judging Team Scholarships are awarded to students who are actively participating in and/or have completed one of the senior Animal Science Judging Programs at Nebraska.

Learn More

Block and Bridle Club Scholarships

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Block and Bridle Scholarships are presented to students who are a member of and are actively participating in Block and Bridle Club.

Learn More

Feedlot Management Scholarship

Feedlot Management Scholarships are available to University of Nebraska-Lincoln Animal Science, Diversified Ag, or Agribusiness majors.

Learn More

Departmental Scholarships

ELTON D. & CARRIE R. ABERLE SCHOLARSHIP

Elton (Abe) and Carrie Aberle, Madison, WI, established this scholarship because of their association with the Department of Animal Science from 1983 to 1998 when Abe served as department head. Awarded to an Animal Science major expressing a desire to pursue a career in the area of food animal production or in any area of industry or science that supports food animal production.

DR. CHARLES H. & BERYLE I. ADAMS SCHOLARSHIP

Funded by a donation from the late Berlye Adams in memory of her husband, Charles. Dr. Adams was a faculty member of the Department of Animal Science from 1947 to 1984. Over the years, he taught nearly every aspect of meat science and livestock production. He coached the meat judging teams for 20 years and was a faculty advisor to the Block and Bridle Club. He served Assistant Dean of Agriculture from 1973 until his retirement in 1984.

BALTZELL SCHOLARSHIP

Established in 1990 by Robert Baltzell of Sirius Nutrition LLC of Omaha. It is awarded to students who are interested in pursuing a career in animal agriculture.

MAURICE E. BOECKENHAUER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Established in 1998 by Dee Boeckenhauer of Wakefield, to commemorate the life of her husband, Maurice, in recognition of his lifelong involvement in lamb and wool production and marketing.

ROBERT BOECKENHAUER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Established in 1996 by Robert Boeckenhauer's children to honor his contributions as a livestock producer and community leader in Wayne, Brown, & Cherry counties.

ANDY BRUNTZ BEEF INDUSTRY SCHOLAR PROGRESSIVE SCHOLARSHIP

Funded by David and Ann Bruntz of Friend, Nebraska in memory of their son, Andy. David and Ann are strong supporters of Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars.

DOANE SCHOLARSHIP

Established by Ted and Alice Doane of Waverly, Nebraska at the time of Ted's retirement in 1996 as Professor of Animal Science. Dr. Doane was involved in extension, research, teaching, and international activities during his 41 years with the University. He was added to the Nebraska Ag Hall of Fame in 2013.

RICHARD & JOYCE FRAHM SCHOLARSHIP

Established by Dr. Richard and Mrs. Joyce Frahm. Dr. Frahm was raised on a farm near Lyman, Nebraska, and received his B.S. in Animal Science at Nebraska. His career in the animal sciences included academia positions at Oklahoma State and Virginia Tech and a position with USDA.

DON AND RAY GARD SCHOLARSHIP

Established by brothers Don Gard of Greenfield, IN, and Ray Gard of Beaver Crossing, NE, both alumni of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Animal Science.

WILLIAM J. GOLDNER SCHOLARSHIP

Established by the late William Goldner, an M.S. alum of Animal Science. Bill received his M.S. in Meat Science in 1975.

DR. ARDYCE HARING SCHOLARSHIP

Established in 2010, by the late Dr. Ardyce Haring. As an undergraduate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dr. Haring was one of the first women to major in the predominately male Department of Animal Science. She was a member of Block & Bridle, serving as Historian from 1957-1959. She went on to receive graduate degrees at University of Wisconsin (MS and PhD) and at Pace University (MBA).

ROBERT H. HATCH SCHOLARSHIP

Mrs. Toni Hatch established this scholarship in memory of her husband. Bob completed his M.S. degree in Ruminant Nutrition from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and after completing his Ph.D. degree at Wyoming, he returned to Nebraska and served as Beef Specialist at the Panhandle Research & Extension Center in the 60's and 70's. During his career, he was also on the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and held numerous agribusiness positions.

DON J. KUBIK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Established to commemorate the life of Don J. Kubik. He was a proud alumnus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he received both his bachelor's and master's degree in animal science. He went on to become an award-winning Emeritus Professor of Dairy Extension in University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Department of Animal Science. He was recognized for excellence in Extension Programming and received an Extension Award from Gamma Sigma Delta, the honor society of agriculture. He was a leader in the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Association and authored multiple publications that advanced knowledge in dairy production. He grew up on a dairy farm in Elkhorn Nebraska. He was a first-generation college student and received a scholarship to attend University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He remained grateful for that assistance throughout his career and life.

HARRY J. LATOUSH SCHOLARSHIP

Established by Harry LaToush, Scott City, Kansas. Harry graduated with his Masters degree in the 1960s before going into a career in the feedlot consulting business.

DR. TIM & FLORENCE LEON SCHOLARSHIP

Funded by a donation from the late Dr. Tim & Florence Leon.

LINCOLN COCA-COLA BOTTLING COMPANY SCHOLARSHIP

Supported by an endowment established by the Lincoln Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Awarded to students with interest in poultry science and the poultry industry.

WILLIAM J. & HAZEL J. LOEFFEL SCHOLARSHIP

Established in 1948 by Prof. and Mrs. Loeffel of Lincoln and continued by their sons, Frank and the late William. The gift is in honor and recognition of the many years of devoted service of William J. Loeffel to the University of Nebraska. Prof. Loeffel served as Chair of the Department of Animal Science from 1938-1959.

NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

Funded by the Nebraska Cattlemen Research & Education Foundation for Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars or students who have demonstrated an interest in beef-related majors.

NUTRITION SERVICE ASSOCIATES SCHOLARSHIP

Established in 1992 by Dr. R. Hollis Klett, president of XF Enterprises, Inc. of Greeley, Colorado and is awarded to a student with an interest in ruminant nutrition or feedlot management.

PARR FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Established by Jim and Marilyn Girardin, of Broken Bow, in honor of Marilyn's parents who were poultry farmers for many years.

WAYNE L. PHILLIPS SCHOLARSHIP

Established in 2016 by the late Wayne L. Phillips. Awarded to an undergraduate majoring in Animal Science who was born and raised in Nebraska.

ART & RUTH RAUN SCHOLARSHIP

Funded by a donation from Dr. Art and Mrs. Ruth Raun, Elbert, CO, in support of Animal Science programs. Art, a native Nebraskan and a B.S. graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Animal Science, had a long and distinguished career in the animal nutrition industry.

CHRIS & SARAH RAUN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Established by the late Ned and Esther Raun to commemorate the contributions to the advancement of educational values by the donors' parents, Chris and Sarah Raun, Minden, NE.

WALTER A. & ALICE V. ROCKWELL SCHOLARSHIP

Alice Rockwell established this scholarship in memory of her husband, Walter to recognize their lifetime involvement in the purebred Duroc industry and pork production.

FRANK J. & SHIRLEY SIBERT SCHOLARSHIP

Funded by a donation from Frank & Shirley Sibert, Kearney, Nebraska. Frank, the 2004 Block & Bridle Honoree, has served the livestock industry for over 50 years as a rancher, banker, cattle feeder, county agent, and through many other roles.

MAX & ORA MAE STARK SCHOLARSHIP

Established by Ora Mae Stark, North Platte, Nebraska and is awarded to a student from Lincoln, Frontier or Hayes counties in Nebraska.

D.V. AND ERNESTINE STEPHENS SCHOLARSHIP

Established in the memory of D.V. and Ernestine Stephens. Mr. Stephens graduated with a B.S. from the Department of Animal Husbandry in 1919 and spent his career in the real estate business in Lincoln.

DWIGHT F. & MINNIE L. STEPHENS SCHOLARSHIP

Mr. Stephens served as Director of the USDA Ag Research Station in El Reno, OK, from 1949-1973. He came to the University of Nebraska in 1974, serving until 1984 as Academic Coordinator and Instructor of Beef Production for the Japanese Agricultural Training Program. During his lifetime he was recognized as an Animal Science Distinguished Graduate at OSU and earned membership in Alpha Zeta and Gamma Sigma Delta agricultural honor societies. Mrs. Stephens was hired in 1961 to work in the Poultry Science Department (later became part of Animal Science). She worked for University of Nebraska-Lincoln until 2006 when she retired after 45 1/2 years of service including a period of time working with her late husband. In 2004 Minnie received the Board of Regents KUDO award recognizing her for meritorious service and dedication to improving the quality of the University.

ARTHUR W. & VIOLA THOMPSON SCHOLARSHIP

Established in 1947. Colonel Art Thompson was a nationally recognized beef cattle industry leader and livestock auctioneer. His name was added to the Nebraska Hall of Fame in 1991.

RICHARD C. & LARAYNE F. WAHLSTROM SCHOLARSHIP

Funded by an endowment established by Dr. Richard and Mrs. LaRayne Wahlstrom of Brookings, South Dakota. Dr. Wahlstrom is a native of Craig, NE, and he received his B.S. in Animal Science in 1948.

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN COMPANION ANIMAL SCIENCE EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP

Established by Dr. Lisa Karr to recognize students who are majoring in Animal Science with a Companion Animal Option and are involved in companion animal related activities.

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN MEAT SCIENCE EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP

Established by Dr. Gary Sullivan and Dr. Brook Yuan Xi to recognize students who are planning to pursue a career in the meat industry that has holistically prepared themselves to excel as demonstrated through academic success, leadership experience, and extracurricular/co-curricular learning experiences.

Freshmen Scholarships

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Animal Science Freshmen Scholarships are awarded to incoming students. Scholastic performance and extracurricular activities in high school, especially those relative to animal science, are taken into consideration. Award recipients are selected during the spring of their senior year in high school and receive the scholarship during their freshmen year at the University. Applications are due January 3 for current high school seniors.

Apply Here

Transfer Scholarships

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Animal Science Transfer Scholarships are provided through funds from Nebraska Cattlemen and other sources. These scholarships are awarded to incoming transfer students from other schools and universities. Applications are due April 1 for students starting in the fall semester.

* Students transferring from another department or college within University of Nebraska-Lincoln are not eligible for these scholarships.

Apply Here

Upperclassmen Scholarships

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Animal Science Upperclassmen Scholarships are awarded to current students majoring in Animal Science for their outstanding scholastic achievements. Applications are due April 1.

Apply Here
 
Questions about freshmen, transfer, or upperclassmen scholarships?

Judging Team Scholarships

HORSE JUDGING TEAM SCHOLARSHIPS

FRANK E. CARD SCHOLARSHIP 

Established in 1980's to promote and encourage exhibitions, competitions and exercises of horsemanship and equitation for student. Awarded to an outstanding individual on the Horse Judging Team.

HORSE JUDGING TEAM FUND

Established in 2003 to benefit the Horse Judging Team including, but not limited to, travel expenses, scholarships and equipment purchases.

LIVESTOCK JUDGING SCHOLARSHIPS

DERRICK FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Established in 1970 by William Derrick, a retired Animal Science faculty member, and his children. Awarded to outstanding members of the Senior Livestock Judging Team participating in American Royal and International Contests.

R. B. AND DORIS WARREN SCHOLARSHIP

Established by Doris Warren to commemorate the life of her late husband who had a long and fruitful teaching career. R.B. successfully coached and mentored Livestock Judging Teams for six years at Michigan State University and then from 1956 until his retirement in 1990 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Awarded to students who are actively participating in and/or have completed one of the senior University of Nebraska-Lincoln Animal Science Judging Programs.

G. H. FRANCKE LIVESTOCK JUDGING SCHOLARSHIP 

Established in 1982 by Mr. & Mrs. Gervase Francke of Lincoln, Nebraska. Awarded to senior ranking members of Livestock Judging Team.

DEL KOPF MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Joan (Raun) Kopf, Minden, established this scholarship to commemorate the life of her husband, Del, a 1954 graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln who participated in many student activities including the Livestock Judging Team, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, Innocents Society, student government, as well as pitching for the Cornhusker baseball team. Del spent most of his life as a farmer near Upland, Nebraska.

NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN LIVESTOCK & MEAT JUDGING TEAM SCHOLARSHIP 

In 2006, the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation established the Nebraska Cattlemen's Excellence Fund of which a subfund is to be used for the benefit and support of the Livestock Judging Team and the Meat Judging Team including scholarships.

WINKLER MEMORIAL LIVESTOCK JUDGING SCHOLARSHIP 

Established in 1982 by Robert M. Howard, Alliance, Nebraska to commemorate the life of Cyril W. Winkler, a 1931 graduate of the University of Nebraska, who spent his working career in livestock promotion, as a consultant and promoter of commercial and purebred beef cattle throughout the nation. Scholarship is awarded to junior members of the Livestock Judging Team.

MEATS JUDGING SCHOLARSHIPS

NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN LIVESTOCK & MEAT JUDGING TEAM SCHOLARSHIP

In 2006, the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation established the Nebraska Cattlemen's Excellence Fund of which a subfund is to be used for the benefit and support of the Livestock Judging Team and the Meat Judging Team including scholarships.

ERIC PETERSON MEMORIAL AWARD

Established by Eric's family in his memory to recognize a Meats Judging Team member who provided leadership, good character, positive attitude and team spirit. Eric was a member of the 1975 Meats Judging Team who was killed in an accident in 1976.

Judging Team Scholarships

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Animal Science Judging Team Scholarships are awarded to students who are actively participating in and/or have completed one of the senior University of Nebraska-Lincoln Animal Science Judging Programs. Questions about these scholarships should be sent to the coaches of their respective judging programs.

 
Questions about judging team scholarships?

Block and Bridle Scholarships & Awards

WILLIAM & BARBARA RISHEL BLOCK & BRIDLE HONOREE SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was created to honor a member of the Block and Bridle Club who promotes animal agriculture and Animal Science; demonstrates excellence in academics, leadership, and teamwork in Block and Bridle activities; and is respected among their peers.

BLOCK AND BRIDLE CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is funded by proceeds from the Cake auction held at the Block & Bridle Honors Banquet. Applicants must have at least one semester as a full time student left to complete. Determination is based on 50% scholarship, 30% Block & Bridle Activities and 20% other University activities.

MIKE CULL JUDGING & ACTIVITIES AWARD

The Cull Family established this award to commemorate the life of her husband, Mike Cull, a 1986 Animal Science major and graduated in 1986. He was on the 1984 Livestock Judging Team and was President of the Block and Bridle Club. This award will go to an outstanding undergraduate student majoring in Animal Science, whose breadth of achievement and service exemplify Mike’s spirit. Determination of award is based on involvement in club activities, non-club activities and academics. Applicant must be an Animal Science student.

DON GEWEKE MEMORIAL AWARD

Applicant must be an Animal Science student. First preference will be given to Block & Bridle members attending National Block & Bridle meetings. Second preference will be given to candidates participating in other Animal Science livestock judging teams or leadership development activities.

PARR YOUNG SENIOR MERIT AWARD

This fund was established in 1976 by Mrs. Parr Young-Murray to provide a merit award, annually to a senior Block and Bridle Club member who has demonstrated scholarly attributes, leadership in club activities and in extracurricular activities. Provide a paragraph on your background prior to college and your plans upon graduation. Applicant must be a completing senior (May or December of the application year).

JUNIOR HONORS AWARD

This is awarded to a member in junior standing showing active involvement in the club and high scholarly achievement.

OUTSTANDING FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORE, JUNIOR, SENIOR ACTIVITIES AWARD

This is awarded to a member in recognition of having been involved in, and showed strong dedication to the club.

SWINE INDUSTRY AWARD

Applicant must have at least one semester as a full-time student left to complete and has demonstrated participation and a strong interest in the Swine Industry.

BEEF INDUSTRY AWARD

Applicant must have at least one semester as a full-time student left to complete and has demonstrated participation and a strong interest in the Beef Industry.

Block and Bridle Scholarships and Awards

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Block and Bridle Scholarships and Awards are presented to students who are a member of and are actively participating in Block and Bridle Club. Questions about the scholarships and awards should be directed to the Block and Bridle Club advisors.

Apply Here
 
Questions about Block and Bridle scholarships?

Feedlot Management Scholarships

FEEDLOT MANAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP

Funded by the Klopfenstein Student Excellence Endowment which was established in 2002 in honor of Terry Klopfenstein's contributions to research and teaching.

Feedlot Management Scholarships

Feedlot Management Scholarships are available to University of Nebraska-Lincoln Animal Science, Diversified Ag, or Agribusiness majors. They are also available to incoming students from the Nebraska College of Tech Ag, two-year schools, other four-year schools, and secondary schools. Applications are due April 1. 

Apply Here
 
Questions about feedyard management scholarships?