Fred Perlak, vice president of research and business operations, Monsanto Hawaii; Virginia Hinshaw, chancellor, University of Hawaii at Manoa; Gerry Dill, MSP lead, Monsanto Hawaii; Stacie Sasagawa, project lead, Monsanto Hawaii; Andy Hashimoto, dean, College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa; and Donna Vuchinich, president and CEO, University of Hawaii Foundation. (Photo courtesy of University of Hawaii Foundation)

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With a $100,000 gift, Monsanto Company has established the Monsanto Scholarship Fund in the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Their goal is to support the education of students interested in the plant sciences, including plant biotechnology and biological engineering.

The scholarship award can be used for costs associated with attendance including tuition, books, fees, and supplies.

“The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources certainly appreciates Monsanto’s generosity in establishing this scholarship in support of our students. I anticipate that this scholarship will be an incentive for students to major in programs that are at the cutting edge of plant sciences and biological engineering,” said Andrew “Andy” Hashimoto, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources dean.

Monsanto, with headquarters in St. Louis, Mo., is an agricultural company that applies innovation and technology to help farmers around the world produce more while conserving more.

The company’s farm stations in Hawaii assist in the development of better-quality seeds to help farmers grow crops sustainably so the farmers can be successful; produce healthier foods, better animal feeds and more fiber; and help reduce agriculture’s impact on our environment.

The company is part of Hawaii’s growing seed crop industry, which employs approximately 2,000 people in the state and generates $13.8 million per year in tax revenue. Counting direct and indirect expenditures, the industry’s economic impact is at least $342 million.

“Hawaii is the gateway to the future of worldwide agriculture, and we want to support and encourage as many local students who are interested in pursuing an exciting and meaningful career in agriculture,” said Fred Perlak, vice president of research and business operations for Monsanto Hawaii. “Agricultural researchers and workers use science and technology to make farming better, and seek solutions to some of our planet’s most pressing challenges – environmental and economic sustainability, food security, drought, malnutrition and hunger, to name a few.”

Perlak continued: “For that, we need and want highly skilled, well educated workers who are passionate about making a difference. It is our hope that many Hawaii students will take advantage of this new program with the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and go on to fulfilling careers in agriculture.”

This scholarship will benefit full-time undergraduate or graduate students studying agricultural plant sciences, biotechnology or biological engineering and pursuing a degree in Agricultural Sciences at the College.

Recipients will need to have a grade point average of 3.0 or above. Students interested in applying for the scholarship can get more information from CTAHR’s Academic and Student Affairs Office, 3050 Maile Way, Gilmore 211, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822.

Monsanto Hawaii is a strong supporter of science and technology education in the state. This scholarship program with the University of Hawaii at Manoa is the newest addition to the company’s educational support programs, which also include an annual life sciences scholarship for graduating Hawaii high school seniors, biannual science education grants to Hawaii public schools, special grants to colleges and environmental organizations for educational and stewardship endeavors, and volunteerism for local and state science fairs.

The University of Hawaii Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawaii System. Our mission is to unite our donors’ passions with the University of Hawaii’s aspirations to benefit the people of Hawaii and beyond. We do this by raising private philanthropic support, managing private investments and nurturing donor and alumni relationships. www.uhfoundation.org

The University of Hawaii at Manoa serves approximately 20,000 students pursuing more than 225 different degrees. Coming from every Hawaiian island, every state in the nation, and more than 100 countries, UH Manoa students matriculate in an enriching environment for the global exchange of ideas. www.manoa.hawaii.edu

The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) is committed to the preparation of students and all citizens of Hawai‘i for life in the global community through research and educational programs supporting tropical agricultural systems that foster viable communities, a diversified economy, and a healthy environment. CTAHR actively helps Hawai‘i diversify its economy, ensure a sustainable environment, and strengthen its communities, and serves as the premier resource for tropical agricultural systems and natural resource management in the Asia-Pacific region.

— Find out more:
Monsanto Hawaii: www.monsanto.com/hawaii
University of Hawaii Foundation: www.uhfoundation.org
University of Hawaii at Manoa: www.manoa.hawaii.edu
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources: www.ctahr.hawaii.edu