More than 150 Texas Tech University's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources students, faculty and guests took a moment to thank and express their appreciation to 17 representatives from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at a special scholarship luncheon on Oct. 19 at the university's Merket Alumni Center.

Each year, nearly 2,000 students attend Texas colleges and universities thanks to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and the fall semester will see more than 560 new students as part of that group, with nearly $9 million in scholarships.

Included in that number are 137 Texas Tech students, including 62 students from the College of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources. "Providing students with a financial aid outlet is more important than ever with the cost of education on the rise," said R.H. 'Steve' Stevens, show chairman of the board.

Additionally, CASNR has 100 students on Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo endowed scholarships and six graduate assistantships. Since the scholarship program's inception in 1957, 792 rodeo scholars have attended Texas Tech with direct rodeo scholarships valued at $7.3 million.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials stressed that its educational program is a significant part of the show's mission "" benefiting youth, supporting education, and facilitating better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Although the show promotes agriculture and Western heritage, show scholarships are for students from any background and with any choice of college major.

"Show volunteers, staff, patrons and supporters drive our success each year "" and that success translates into tremendous support for Texas students," said Skip Wagner, show president. Beginning with just one scholarship, the show's program has expanded to almost $265 million committed to the education of Texas students.

Written by Norman Martin

CONTACT: Becky Bram, Coordinator of College Development, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806)742-2802 or becky.bram@ttu.edu

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Editor's Note: For more information related to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo educational program, see "Scholarship Application" at http://www.rodeohouston.com/about/scholarship/apply.aspx