Helena, Mont. (June 10, 2024)- The Raymond Ansotegui Family, in partnership with the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF), has selected three recipients for the 2024 Overeducated Cowboy Scholarships, a scholarship formed in memory of Dr. Ray Ansotegui, who passed away on March 2, 2023, after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s.
After his passing, the Ansotegui family established a memorial fund through MSF to honor Ray’s passion of combining education and the ranching lifestyle. Applicants must be seeking a profession in the field of animal husbandry, such as Animal Science, AgBusiness, Ag Education, Ag Technology, Ag Production, Farm & Ranch Management or Ranching Systems. If an applicant has another major or field of study, they must be able to explain why it would be beneficial to the field of animal husbandry.
Congratulations to the 2024 Overeducated Cowboy Scholarship Recipients:
Nik Pierson is from Livingston, Montana and is a junior at the University of Wyoming majoring in animal science with a concentration in production and a double minor in neuroscience and philosophy. He plans on going into behavioral research of livestock.
Charles Graveley, is a fifth generation rancher from Avon, Montana. Currently going into his final year at Montana State University-Northern, where he is studying Agricultural Operations Technology and Welding. After college, he plans to stay in agriculture and go back to cowboying and ranching.
Mataya Veverka is from Richey, Montana where she grew up on her family’s farm and ranch. She is currently attending Miles Community College in pursuit of an agricultural degree. Upon graduation she hopes to continue to be involved in the agriculture industry.
This years recipients were recognized at Montana Stockgrowers Foundation’s Sunset Banquet, held in conjunction with Montana Stockgrowers Association’s MidYear Meeting.
Dr. Raymond “Ray” P. Ansotegui was the consummate ambassador to the cowboy way of life. He supported the future of ranching by balancing the best of tradition with the newest research. Ansotegui was always instilling confidence into youth who would become the next generation of cattlewomen and men. His initial one-time, one-year position at Montana State University stretched into thirty-two years where he won numerous teaching awards and led groundbreaking research for the university.
For Ansotegui, it was of the utmost importance that students not just learn “book facts,” but came away with directly applicable knowledge, skills, and a healthy dose of common sense. Having students get a ‘hands on’ taste of ranching was a top priority. His contributions to ranching in Montana and beyond are unquantifiable.
The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and was established to ensure the future of Montana’s cattle industry through producer and public education, and promotion of MSGA programs. The Foundation supports the next generation by offering educational programs, academic scholarships and providing leadership opportunities.
CONTACT:
Keni Reese
Director of Marketing & Communications
406-442-3420
[email protected]
To view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/
