Overview

The Dairy Associates Program provides experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates to acquire hands-on experience in dairy management and science and develop an appreciation for the scientific process. These experiences encourage students to broaden their perspective beyond the scope of their classroom education.

Purpose

By complementing classroom instruction with experiential learning, the Dairy Associates Program will increase students’ knowledge in dairy science and management and improve skills in public speaking, organization, teamwork, communication, and decision-making.

Background

Dr. G.C. and Gwendolyn Graf contributed the initial endowment for this program.  Dr. Graf grew up on a dairy farm in Stockbridge, Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University (B.S., Agriculture) in 1934. Dr. Graf dedicated his professional life to serving the dairy industry in a variety of ways.  It is his wish that tomorrow’s leaders can similarly develop an integrated perspective of dairy science through participation in dairy-related extracurricular activities.

Additional support and opportunities in the Dairy Associates Program are provided through the G.C. and Gwendolyn Graf Memorial Student Enhancement Program, the Frederick Pierce Halbert Dairy Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, the Roger and Marjorie Mellenberger Dairy Associates Program Enhancement Fund, the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Department of Animal Science.

Elements of the Program

1. Dairy Industry Employment or Internship Experience
2. Attendance at Dairy Industry Conferences
3. Participation in the MSU Dairy Challenge
4. Senior Thesis Project
5. Selected Courses

Donor Recognition

Participants in the Dairy Associates program shall express their written appreciation for financial support of travel and research expenses to donors.

Plaques recognizing donors as well as participants in Dairy Associates are maintained in the lobby of the Department of Animal Science in Anthony Hall.

Additional Information

Contact Dr. Miriam Weber Nielsen for more information on participating in one or more elements of the program.