A special anniversary recently recognized Plains Cotton Cooperative Association’s (PCCA) commitment to ensuring a bright future for students interested in the agricultural industry. For 25 years, the Howard Alford Memorial Scholarship has helped young people in Texas Tech University‘s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) pursue their education.
The original scholarship endowment, which totaled $36,675, was established by the PCCA Board of Directors in 1974 in memory of Howard Alford, a past chairman of the board. Today, that original endowment has grown to $41,016. Since its establishment, the scholarship has awarded a total amount of $55,900 benefiting 134 students.
The 1998-99 recipients are freshman agribusiness major Deann Brosch from Slaton, TX, and senior animal science major Clayton Roberts from Lamesa, TX. The students were recognized at the April meeting of PCCA’s Delegate Body. Also attending were CASNR Dean Dr. John Abernathy, Associate Deans Dr. Bob Albin and Dr. Marvin Cepica and Assistant Dean Dr. Norm Hopper. Abernathy presented PCCA Chairman Jackie Mull with a plaque acknowledging PCCA for supporting students through the Alford scholarship for 25 years.
Brosch is a fourth-generation agriculturist. Her family produces cotton and jalapeno and paprika peppers. After graduation, Brosch hopes to operate her own business or continue farming. Along with concentrating on her studies, Brosch works as a secretary at a crop spraying business in Slaton. She says the award was very helpful in paying her college expenses.
“It helps out a lot,” Brosch emphasizes. “It paid for most of my education for my first year, and it is really nice to receive PCCA’s support.”
Roberts comes from a family three generations strong in producing cotton. He is undecided upon a future career but is interested in anatomical research in animals. Roberts is involved in Baptist Student Ministries, where he will serve as co-president next year, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Fraternity, and Texas Tech’s Honors Program.
“This scholarship means a lot to me,” Roberts expresses. “It is an investment, not only in my education, but also in me as a person, and that pushes me to excel.”
