Henry C. Gardiner Scholarships have been awarded to elite undergraduates since 2012. This year, 28 applicants competed for six scholarships. The applicants represent diverse interests throughout animal science and industry, production agriculture and the beef industry.
The applicants are academically elite undergraduates enrolled at Kansas State (K-State) University planning to continue careers in agriculture. In addition to written applications, applicants compete in an intense, in-person interview with a panel of K-State faculty and industry leaders. Academic excellence, work ethic, community service, written and verbal communication skills and future goals are considered.
Dr. Dave Nichols, professor emeritus in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, and a faculty representative on the selection committee since 2012, recently offered, “The Henry Gardiner Scholarships are the largest scholarships we give in the department. The students that have received the scholarships are the who’s-who in their collegiate endeavors and have become young industry leaders. It is a strong selection process, but the rewards are phenomenal.”
The 2025-26 Henry C. Gardiner Scholars are Kenedy DeVoe, Justin, TX; Elizabeth Schafer, Owaneco, IL; Lauren Wolter, Aviston, IL; Skyler Ward, New Paris, OH; Weston Schrader, Wells, KS; Cambree Schmaltz, Bayard, NE.
When asked to comment on the Henry C. Gardiner Scholarship winners, Mark Gardiner said, “As agriculture is challenged to provide viable options for the next generation of decision makers, these students are embracing the challenge by taking advantage of every opportunity. Their curiosity, critical thinking, community service and extensive resumes, even before they launch their careers, is remarkable. Henry Gardiner believed in hard work. But he also believed in curiosity, lifetime learning and using those skills to improve, leaving his sphere better than he found it. The 2025-26 Henry Gardiner scholars are examples of his perpetual pursuit for excellence.”
The Henry C. Gardiner Scholarship is made possible through the generous contributions of Gardiner customers, friends and family continuing the legacy of Henry Gardiner. To date,
60 undergraduate students have received $286,500 in scholarships.
Gardiner Angus Ranch is a family-owned ranching operation that produces registered and commercial Angus cattle. The original ranch was homesteaded near Ashland, KS, in 1885 by Henry Gardiner’s grandfather. Today, the ranch encompasses more than 48,000 acres. The Gardiner operation sells approximately 2,500 bulls and 2,000 registered and commercial females each year. One hundred percent of the sale offering each year is the result of artificial insemination or embryo transfer.
Gardiner Angus Ranch is a founding member of U.S. Premium Beef, the producer-owned limited liability corporation with minority ownership in National Beef, the nation’s fourth largest beef processing company. By providing access to a proven, value-added processing system through GAR delivery rights, Gardiner Angus Ranch customers have received more than $15.2 million in premiums and dividends. — Gardiner Angus Ranch
