Wisconsin native named Oklahoma State University top ag senior

The daughter of Frank and Wendy Kuzma of Lodi, Wis., she will graduate in May with a dual major in animal science and agribusiness, and minors in finance and leadership. She has accomplished this with a perfect 4.0 grade average throughout her four years of academic study.

Kuzma being named outstanding senior was the highlight of April 4 ceremonies in which CASNR officials presented $434,100 in scholarships and awards to many of the college’s best and brightest, part of $967,075 in scholarships that CASNR and its academic departments will present to OSU agriculture students for the 2008-2009 school year.

“CASNR has allowed me to individualize my experience to classes, competitions, clubs and activities that make the most of my abilities and aspirations, while simultaneously forcing me to grow, change and improve as a person,” Kuzma said.

Flanked by her parents, the thrilled and pleasantly surprised Kuzma accepted a Remington bronze statue that is presented to CASNR’s outstanding senior during the college’s annual awards and scholarship banquet.

Kuzma also was named a CASNR Top Ten Senior and was a recipient of a 2008 Dean Fred LeCrone Senior Leadership Award.

She was honored as one of the university’s 41 Seniors of Significance last fall by the OSU Alumni Association awards and selection committee.

Lindsey Kuzma (center) accepts her awards from being named the 2008 Paul and Mary Hummer Outstanding Senior in CASNR recipient while her parents Frank and Wendy look on. (Photo by Todd Johnson)

Her collegiate activities include holding the office of secretary in the OSU Horseman’s Association, serving as the OSU 4-H Equine Extension intern and on the Animal Science Quadrathlon team.

She has chaired horse clinics for youth, participated in the university’s Ag Roundup activities, been captain of OSU intramural sports teams and volunteered at numerous OSU equine events.

Kuzma has been inducted into Iota Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi, the prestigious collegiate honor societies that recognize academic excellence. She is a past member of the President’s Leadership Council.

Her community involvement includes volunteer work at the Stillwater Humane Society, Color Breed Council, Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association, Spruce Street Elementary School of Sauk City and Wisconsin Buckskin Horse Association.

She has been the recipient of many awards and honors, including CASNR’s Charles and Magda Browning Outstanding Freshman Award, the National FFA American Degree, being a National FFA Equine Entrepreneur Proficiency winner and earning American Paint Horse Association Spring Sweepstakes Reason Top Individual honors.

Kuzma has accepted a position with Koch Industries Inc. following graduation.

The OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources places a great emphasis on celebrating the accomplishments of students, said Ed Miller, DASNR associate dean of academic programs.

“Awards for leadership and academic performance and the presentation of scholarships build pride in our students and their families, the faculty, donors and other supporters of the college and the division as a whole,” he said.

DASNR is comprised of the college and two statewide agencies: the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station system and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

“The exceptional amount of scholarship support we are able to award students to further their education would not be possible without the generosity of our many donors, who recognize the value of the division’s teaching, research and Extension programs,” Miller said.

The college provides 16 majors and more than 40 study options to students interested in pursuing a career in science, business, education, engineering, technology development, natural resources or communications. Prospective students can uncover and explore opportunities through CASNR at http://www.casnr.com on the Internet.

###

REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Donald Stotts
News and Media Relations Manager
Agricultural Communications Services
143 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-4079
Fax: 405-744-5739
E-Mail: donald.stotts@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating.  Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures, and is an equal opportunity employer.