CANR Alumni Association student club grants support learning opportunities
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EmailFor 18 years, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Board has awarded grants helping CANR student organizations offset the costs of special projects and experiential learning opportunities.
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Board plays an important role in supporting initiatives that promote the college and strengthen the CANR community. One of the most direct ways the Alumni Board makes an impact is by providing financial support to CANR student organizations.
Twice a year, the CANR Alumni Board awards funding to eligible student organizations for special projects, events, conference travel, supply purchases and other experiential learning opportunities. Student groups can apply in the fall and spring semesters and grants up to $1,000 are awarded by the Student Grant Committee. Special consideration for additional funding requests is possible for unique circumstances, such as the potential to host a national event at MSU, and grants can be requested up to one year in advance of the intended use date.
To date, the Alumni Board has awarded nearly 200 student club grants, totaling more than $150,000 in direct funding for CANR student organizations. Beyond unlocking academic and experiential opportunities, CANR Alumni Board member, Katie Ockert (’05, Agriculture and Natural Resources Communication) believes these grants strengthen the collective CANR community by connecting current students with alumni who are committed to their success.
“It is extraordinary to see what this funding empowers,” said Ockert. “I am proud that our alumni board is committed to helping students pursue their passions and build meaningful connections that will benefit them throughout their careers.”
This spring, nearly $4,500 in grants was awarded to five different student organizations. These grants ranged from $700-$1,000 and supported a variety of undergraduate and graduate student-led initiatives, including:
- Horticulture Organization of Graduate Students: Funds used to host their annual Plant Science Graduate Student Research Symposium (PSGSRS)
- MSU Food and Nutrition Association: Supported the Top Chef Badge Program for Girl Scouts event in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Experimental Food Laboratory
- MSU Block & Bridle Club: Supported the Spartan Showdown Sheep Show.
- Animal Science Undergraduate Research Student Association (ASURSA): Supported the 15th annual Animal Science Undergraduate Student Forum (ASURF) event on campus.
- Coalition of Packaging Professionals & Academic Connections (CoPPAC): Grant used to help cover the cost of travel to Pack Jam, a student packaging conference hosted at University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, WI
"The Horticulture Organization of Graduate Student group is responsible for the largest plant science event for graduate students on MSU's campus.” said Alex Engelsma (’28, Horticulture), president of Horticulture Organization of Graduate Students. “The wonderful generosity of CANR Alumni Association made this event not only possible, but also made it fun, engaging and enjoyable for all participants."
Students club grants are made possible by gifts to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. This year, CANR is also partnering with GreenStone Farm Credit Services and Michigan Farm Bureau to make additional grants available during the 2024-2025 academic year. More information can be found by visiting the Student club grant webpage.
Help the CANR Alumni Board support student learning opportunities by making a gift to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.
