LINCOLN, NEB. – The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation has awarded the Ron Hanson Collegiate Leader Scholarship to four University of Nebraska–Lincoln students in recognition of their leadership, deep engagement in agriculture, and commitment to serving the agriculture industry.
This year’s recipients are Morgan Bonifas of Hamilton County, Addy Donelson of Platte County, Rachel Marensen of Platte County, and Zoe Ordway of Foresthill, California. These students are actively involved in the UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau and are pursuing academic and professional pathways connected to agriculture, agricultural policy, and rural development. Each recipient was awarded a $1,750 scholarship.
Established by Dr. Ron Hanson, professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the scholarship honors Collegiate Farm Bureau members who demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership, service, and advancing the future of agriculture.
“The Ron Hanson Collegiate Leader Scholarship reflects Dr. Hanson’s long-standing commitment to developing student leaders in agriculture,” said Megahn Schafer, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation executive director. “These recipients are putting leadership into action, and that is exactly what this award is meant to recognize.”
Recipients were selected based on their sustained involvement in Collegiate Farm Bureau, demonstrated leadership across campus and industry organizations, and dedication to careers that support and strengthen agriculture.
Morgan Bonifas, a sophomore majoring in agricultural and environmental sciences communications, is actively involved in agricultural leadership and youth development initiatives through Collegiate Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council. She also contributes to statewide efforts that introduce agriculture to younger audiences and strengthen public understanding of the industry.
Addy Donelson, a junior majoring in agricultural and environmental sciences communications, has built extensive experience in agricultural policy and communications through her leadership in Collegiate Farm Bureau and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, as well as her work with Nebraska Farm Bureau. She has participated in numerous state, regional, and national Farm Bureau conferences and holds leadership roles that connect students directly with agricultural advocacy and industry engagement.
Rachel Martensen, a freshman majoring in agribusiness, is engaged in multiple agricultural organizations on campus and in her community, including Sigma Alpha and Collegiate Farm Bureau. Her involvement reflects a strong interest in agricultural systems, rural community engagement, and service-oriented leadership.
Zoe Ordway, a freshman majoring in agricultural economics, is actively involved in agricultural policy and leadership development programs at the university and state level. She has pursued opportunities in government affairs, advocacy, and agricultural organizations focused on strengthening representation for rural communities.
“I am pleased to help recognize these four outstanding student members of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Collegiate Chapter for their involved leadership contributions to Nebraska agriculture,” said Hanson. “With the current challenges to food production, as well as the policy regulatory issues being directed at the agricultural industry, young ag leaders will be a vital resource for searching out the needed solutions and policy planning directions for keeping rural America strong and vibrant into the future.”
The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit www.nefbfoundation.org.