From left: Lew Nakamura, Judy Schilling (Secretary), Sean Spellicy (President), Phil Langager (Vice President), William Steiner (CAFNRM Dean), Laura Girdner, and Roy Shigenaga. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)

MEDIA RELEASE

The Big Island Association of Nurserymen, Inc. (BIAN) pledged $15,000 to establish the BIAN Excellence Scholarship Endowment for students pursuing a degree in agriculture.

The $15,000 contribution will be equally matched thanks to a special scholarship matching program currently available at UH Hilo.

“We’re excited to do our part and plant the much-needed seeds for the future generation of horticulturalists,” BIAN president Sean Spellicy said.

The College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM) dean William Steiner said the timing for this new scholarship is opportune with increasing tuition and growing college enrollment.

“The number of students pursuing agricultural degrees has been growing and we are especially grateful for the BIAN endowment that will provide ongoing support for CAFNRM students,” Steiner said.

There are approximately 190 students currently enrolled in the CAFNRM, with many of the students in the College specializing in Tropical Horticulture.

This new scholarship will provide financial aid for students who have graduated from a high school in Hawaii and are enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management. Students must achieve a minimum 3.5 GPA.

BIAN was organized in 1968 and includes 73 members. Since the BIAN began, the Big Island has grown to be the hub of a $70 million dollar floriculture and nursery products industry statewide.

— Find out more
www.uhfoundation.org/GiveToUHH