American Floral Endowment Awards More than $54,000 to 20 New Scholarship Winners
July 26, 2022 
The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has awarded 20 students with scholarships totaling $54,400. In this 2022 scholarship cycle, which introduced a new online application platform, 65 applications were received from 40 colleges and universities. AFE offers a special thank you to the 47 industry members who reviewed and scored the applications.
AFE is aware the floral industry faces significant and ongoing challenges to its labor force. Now more than ever, these programs are imperative in helping support new professionals as they prepare to enter the industry workforce and launch a successful career. With these scholarship opportunities, AFE is keeping floriculture and horticulture competitive with other career paths by granting avenues for financial support ensuring that the industry can continue to attract and retain new students.
Among the scholarship winners are:
Richard T. Meister Scholarship Recipient: Brandan Shur, North Carolina State University
Brandan Shur is a Graduate Research Assistant at North Carolina State University’s Horticultural Substrates Lab pursuing his Master’s of Science in Horticulture. His research will focus on soilless substrate production of ornamental and edible greenhouse/nursery-produced crops.
“My main emphasis will be evaluating different soilless substrate components and formulations on controlled strawberry and other soft fruit production,” Shuar says. “In particular, my project will have a heavy focus on further understanding the potential of engineered wood fiber substrates in soilless cultivation systems.”
Inspired by his undergraduate research position with Dr. Brian Jackson, Shur states, “The future of soilless plant cultivation cannot be reliant on the same products and practices of the past that are now known to not be as environmentally, socially, or economically sustainable as we once thought. Investigation into new soilless substrates and growing practices that are more localized and sustainable is of great interest to me and has a major benefit to all fields within our industry.”
Julio and Sarah Armellini Scholarship and Suntory Flowers Scholarship Recipient: Landon Erbrick, Auburn University
Landon Erbrick is a Junior and Undergraduate Research Assistant at Auburn University and has conducted research impacting ornamental horticulture, including the nursery and greenhouse industries. He has a great interest in nursery and greenhouse production. On his career goals, Erbrick notes, “No matter where I end up after Auburn, I know one thing for certain: I want to have the opportunity to work hands-on in the production or research field, continuously gaining valuable knowledge and experience.”
He is passionate about the floral industry and looks forward to sharing his passion with others.
“As a horticulture major, I plan to carry determination, work ethic, and excellence with me into my career,” adds Erbrick.
When asked about the impact that these scholarships will have on his education and career, Erbrick says, “These scholarships help remove some of the financial burden from my shoulders and allow me to focus even more on my grades and undergraduate research.”
National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) Scholarship Recipient: Parker Dearing, North Carolina State University
Parker Dearing is a Senior at North Carolina State University studying Horticulture Science with a concentration in Production Systems and Entrepreneurship. He is interested in herbaceous perennials and growing cut flowers. For his future goals, Dearing states, “I hope to one day open my own plant nursery that sells ornamental and cut flowers.” His goal is to do this in his hometown of Monroe, NC, so that he can provide jobs and boost the local economy.
“Being the motivated person that I am, this scholarship will not only help a student pay for college, but it will be a part of starting a small business.”
Additionally, Dearing notes, “I would also like to start a nonprofit organization that works with the plant nursery to provide assistance and horticulture therapy to people with special needs. The special needs community is close to my heart because of my special needs brother.”
Learn more about each scholarship winner here.
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