R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America
For Immediate Release Contact: Shae Dodson, Communications Coordinator
April 24, 2006 Phone: 406-672-8969; e-mail:
[email protected]
Leo and Sam McDonnell Scholarship Fund Established
Applications available now for July 1 deadline
(Billings, Mont.) – R-CALF USA’s charitable foundation, the United Stockgrowers of America Foundation for Research, Education and Endowment (USA FREE), is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2007 round of Leo and Sam McDonnell Scholarship Foundation awards. Four $2,500 scholarships will be awarded during the 2007 R-CALF USA annual convention in Denver.
The scholarship program is a tribute to Leo and Sam McDonnell and their legendary leadership of R-CALF USA. Leo McDonnell is a co-founder of the organization, as well as immediate past president and previous director for Region I.
The 2007 scholarship deadline is July 1, 2006. All applications must be postmarked no later than July 1, 2006. Applications can be printed from the “USA FREE” link on the R-CALF USA website at www.r-calfusa.com. All applications must be fully complete, with the required supporting materials included, for consideration.
Applications will be accepted from graduating high school seniors or students currently attending an eligible postsecondary institution. The applicant, or an immediate family member, must be an R-CALF USA member in good standing. Finalists must be available for a personal interview, either on-site or by telephone conference call.
Charlie Stevenson, of Wheatland, Wyo., and Leesa Zalesky, of Hesperus, Colo., co-chair the USA FREE Scholarship Committee. Stevenson also serves as president of the USA FREE board of directors.
“It is our hope future generations of cattle producers will follow in the footsteps of R-CALF USA’s great leaders,” noted Stevenson. “We’re thrilled to provide an opportunity for youngsters to achieve their educational goals.
“We encourage all interested applicants to apply,” Stevenson continued. “The criteria have been carefully designed to let the best overall candidates succeed.”
“On behalf of the entire scholarship committee, I want to express our deep gratitude to those who are supporting this program so generously, allowing the committee to make available such significant awards this first year,” Zalesky commented. “R-CALF USA is a family of people working hard to ensure a bright, hopeful future for generations of ranchers to come.
“Through sheer hard work, determination and sacrifice, Leo and Sam set a standard of leadership for the rest of us to follow,” Zalesky said. “We’re proud to honor them in this way and we look forward to helping future leaders achieve their goals.”
To make a tax-deductible donation to the USA FREE scholarship fund, or one of its other projects, contact R-CALF USA Membership Services Coordinator Jenni Ries, at 406-252-2516.
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The United Stockgrowers of America Foundation for Research, Education and Endowment (USA FREE) is a non-profit agricultural foundation committed to the restoration of a strong, independent producer-based system of agriculture. USA FREE provides research and education for the advancement of cattle production and rural communities.
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R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America) represents thousands of U.S. cattle producers on domestic and international trade and marketing issues. R-CALF USA, a national, non-profit organization, is dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry. R-CALF USA’s membership consists primarily of cow/calf operators, cattle backgrounders, and feedlot owners. Its members – over 18,000 strong – are located in 47 states, and the organization has over 60 local and state association affiliates, from both cattle and farm organizations. Various main street businesses are associate members of R-CALF USA. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or, call 406-252-2516.