Gordon Receives Genex-Merle Starr Scholarship

SHAWANO, Wis. - In support of the continuing education of agricultural-focused youth, Genex Cooperative, Inc. sponsors the Merle Starr Scholarship at The Ohio State University (OSU). The scholarship, presented annually since 1971, was established in memory of Merle Starr, a former sales manager of the Tiffin, Ohio-based Noba, Inc. which is now part of Genex. Each year, the $1500 scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student with an interest in dairy science. This year's recipient is Laura Gordon of Shreve, Ohio.

This fall, Gordon will be a junior at OSU where she is majoring in animal science and agricultural systems management. She is an active member of the Buckeye Dairy Club, serves as a tour guide at the university's Waterman Dairy Farm, and excels in collegiate dairy quiz bowl and dairy cattle judging.

Gordon has also demonstrated her interest in and dedication to agriculture through employment on a dairy farm and participation in several ag-related organizations. While in 4-H, she achieved success in dairy quiz bowls and cattle judging competitions. She was actively involved in the National FFA Organization, participating in FFA dairy cattle judging and serving as an Ohio State FFA Officer. In addition, she was a member and officer of the Ohio Junior Ayrshire Club, and represented Wayne County, Ohio, as both a junior and senior dairy princess.

With her combination of experience and education, Gordon's plans for the future include "entering into a career field in which I can work directly with farmers to help them improve efficiency and increase profit."

Genex is a subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International (CRI). CRI, a member-owned holding cooperative, is comprised of three subsidiaries: Central Livestock Association, AgSource Cooperative Services and Genex. The CRI Mission Statement summarizes the goal of CRI: "To provide products and services as effectively as possible to maximize the profitability of members and customers worldwide while maintaining a strong cooperative."

###