ALEXANDRIA, USA - January 16, 2010 - Feb. 1 is the deadline for applications for the American Floral Endowment's (AFE) Paul Ecke Jr. Scholarship. The prestigious, merit-based scholarship is designed to fund the education of graduate students (MS or PhD) who will become leading floricultural scientists and educators.
The scholarship honors Mr. Paul Ecke, Jr. of Encinitas, Calif., who made indispensable contributions to the advancement of the global floriculture industry. Among his many interests was concern for the future of floriculture, as influenced by innovative research and educational programs. He recognized that creative scientists and educators are required to lead the floral industry in the 21st century and beyond.
Funds for the scholarship have been made possible through contributions to AFE by members of the floral industry and other sources.
All U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and qualified international students are eligible to apply. The applicant must either have completed or be in the process of successfully completing either a BS or a MS degree in Horticulture or a related field, e.g., Agricultural Engineering, Entomology, Agricultural Marketing and Economics, Plant Pathology, etc. at a U.S. Land-Grant University, e.g., Cornell, Michigan State University, NC State University, Ohio State University, Texas A & M University, UC-Davis, University of Florida, etc. He/She must have the intention of pursuing a MS or PhD degree on a full-time basis in a selected floricultural area and under the direction of a world-renowned floriculture scientist.