The BC Cattlemen’s Association is pleased to continue to help students from rural areas further their education after graduation. The BCCA directors have long been involved in delivering a variety of bursaries to worthy students, and this year the total available is $18,000.
BCCA President, Lary Fossum said: “We are always impressed with the high quality of the applications and the students’ contribution to their communities. What a privilege to be able to announce two new awards that have been established by the ranching industry to recognize the volunteerism and historic contributions of the cattle industry to B.C.”
Last year, the ranching community was saddened at the loss of their colleague and friend, rancher, Rob Starr from Miocene in the Cariboo. Family and friends have come together to support a bursary of $1,000 named for Rob to recognize his commitment to 4-H and the ranching industry as a volunteer in many areas.
Another new award has been announced by the establishment of the Bostock and Fallis Families of Monte Creek Heritage Fund. This fund on deposit at the BC Interior Community Foundation will provide two, $2,000 bursaries on an annual basis for students who come from the Interior of B.C.
Also available are several other bursaries. Every year at the BCCA annual meeting, an auction of items and services generates funds to support six BCCA bursaries, and two Martin Riedemann bursaries – eight awards of $1,000 each are available to students who come from BCCA member families.
Martin Riedemann, a rancher from Alkali Lake, was vice-president of BCCA when he died in an accident. The award was named to honour his memory and has continued for forty years — during the last year, a special financial donation was received when an antique buggy from Alkali Lake Ranch was sold.
The Criterion Capital Group at RBC Dominion Securities has been sponsoring a bursary $1,000 through BCCA for several years, and the Gung Loy Jim Memorial Scholarships (two, $2,000) provided by the Jim Family of Little Fort Herefords are also continuing this year.
The BCCA Public Affairs and Education Committee will be reviewing the applications in early May; sixteen awards are available this year. Application forms can be printed, or students can apply online at http://www.cattlemen.bc.ca/bursarygrant.htm.
Deadline for applications is April 15.