Neil Dierks Scholarship for Grad Students in Pork Industry

By Andi Anderson

The National Pork Industry Foundation has announced the opening of applications for the Neil Dierks Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a college student pursuing a graduate degree at a land-grant university in a field related to the pork industry. This scholarship is named in honor of Neil Dierks, the previous longtime CEO of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). Here are key details about the scholarship:

• Scholarship Amount: The Neil Dierks Scholarship is valued at $5,000 and is awarded to a deserving graduate student.
• Purpose: The scholarship is designed to support college students who are pursuing advanced degrees in fields related to the pork industry.
• Foundation Leadership: The National Pork Industry Foundation is a nonprofit research and educational organization led by leaders within the pork industry and is managed by the National Pork Producers Council.

The scholarship is a tribute to Neil Dierks, who served as the CEO of the NPPC for over 30 years. His contributions to the pork industry, which included nurturing future leaders and promoting individuals with a diverse range of skills to serve as industry resources and decision-makers, are recognized through this scholarship opportunity.

Applications for the Neil Dierks Scholarship are due by the end of December. The recipient for the year will be announced at the National Pork Industry Forum, which is scheduled to take place in Chicago, Illinois, from March 5-7, 2024.

The Neil Dierks Scholarship complements the Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship, which is also sponsored by the National Pork Industry Foundation in collaboration with the CME Group. The Lois Britt Scholarship is aimed at providing $2,500 scholarships to ten college undergraduates who plan to pursue careers in the pork industry. The winners of this scholarship are announced at the National Pork Industry Forum.

Complete eligibility and application requirements for the Neil Dierks Scholarship can be found on the foundation's website.

If you have questions about the scholarship or the application process, you can reach out to Lucy Russell, the NPPC Manager of Producer Engagement, at 515-864-7983 or via email at russelll@nppc.org.

The scholarship is an opportunity for graduate students pursuing careers in the pork industry to receive financial support while honoring the legacy of Neil Dierks and his contributions to the industry.

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