Texas Tech has awarded a President's Interactive Scholarship to an outstanding junior from the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications. Faith Jurek of Goldthwaite was one of three scholarship recipients honored at a special award luncheon on Friday (May 11) in Lubbock.

"We're excited about these new scholarships, and thrilled to have another opportunity to reward students who excel both in and outside the classroom," said Texas Tech President Guy Bailey. "Faith embodies what Texas Tech University wants in a student: commitment, excellence and a desire to be the best."

The $2,500 President's Interactive Scholarship is designed to encourage student participation in one of the following: study abroad, internships or undergraduate research. This is the first year the scholarship has been offered.

Other honors for Jurek include being a member of the 2011 National Champion Meat Judging Team, as well as receiving the Department of Animal and Food Sciences' Katie Robinson Perseverance Award (2012); and the first place award for short feature personality profile and second place news release in public relations division, National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow Critique and Contest (2011).

Jurek was named freshman of the year for Ambassadors for Agriculture and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, in addition to winning a Forest Bassford travel award (2012). While as Tech she has served as a member of CASNR Ambassadors for Agriculture, CASNR Agri-Techsans, Collegiate FFA, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Block & Bridle, Texas Tech's Meat Science Association, and the Agriculture Council. After graduating she plans to attend graduate school in meat science and eventually obtain a job as a public relations specialist in the meat industry.

"We encourage all of our students to participate in at least one of the following activities during their time at Texas Tech: undergraduate research, study abroad, and internships," Bailey said. "We know that these activities broaden our students' educational experience and success, leading to exceptional opportunities upon graduation."

Written by Norman Martin

CONTACT: Michael Galyean, Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or michael.galyean@ttu.edu

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