American Floral Endowment Announces 2023 Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family Scholars

Posted by Brian Sparks|June 20, 2023

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) recently announced this year’s Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family Scholars. These six individuals have a plethora of accomplishments in the industry and have their sights set on even further growth.

AFE strives to uplift young professionals and support them as they pursue futures in our industry. The Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family scholarships specifically help fund the education of full-time graduate students pursuing a career in horticulture or floriculture – the next generation of floricultural scientists, educators, and leaders. These scholars represent the best of the best in their fields, and AFE is excited to highlight each of their unique experiences, passions, and accomplishments that led them to where they are today.

The Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholar awards $5,000 a year for two years ($10,000 total) to a dedicated MS/Ph.D. student attending a U.S. land grant university. The scholarship is in honor of the late Paul Ecke, Jr., who contributed vital knowledge to the industry through innovative research and education programs. The recipient is recognized as a passionate graduate student dedicated to research and education in the floriculture and horticulture industry.

Created in 2015 by Ken and Deena Altman, the Altman Family Scholarship seeks to support improvement in horticulture education and research by investing in outstanding, young industry professionals. The Altmans believe in the power of giving back and do so through the reach of this scholarship and Altman Plants programs that offer growing expertise to the industry. This scholarship provides an annual scholarship ($5,000) to promising and dedicated graduate students pursuing a career in horticulture.

The six winners are:

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