- Candidates
- Login
- Set Up Account
- Create a Job Alert
- Search Tools
- Resources
- Employers
Bonnie Johnson
November 21, 2025
Media ArticleSouth Dakota State University recently awarded more than 125 scholarships worth over $650,000 during the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Scholarship and Recognition Banquet. The annual event celebrates student success across every department within the college and highlights the donors who help make these awards possible.
Joe Cassady, South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean for the college, welcomed guests and spoke about the dedication of SDSU students and supporters. “There have been many changes in the past year, but what has remained the same is that we have bright, talented and motivated students,” he said. “We have faculty and staff who are committed to the success of those students, and we have generous donors who are willing to give of their time and treasure to better enable the success of those students.”
Scholarships ranged from $2,000 to $10,000 and were created by donors who believe in strengthening the next generation of agriculture professionals. Some awards recognise academic achievement, while others support students in specific programs or honour leadership and service beyond the classroom. Many awards are named after individuals connected to SDSU, allowing students to learn about the history and impact of their scholarship donors.
One meaningful example is the Estebo Family Scholarship, created by a family with a long legacy at SDSU and in agriculture. Perry Estebo, a territory manager for Corteva, explained the family’s motivation for giving back. “We are feeling blessed, and sometimes you need to reflect and understand how to give back,” he said. For the Estebo family, supporting agriculture students felt like “a natural way to honor someone within the college, to help a student through school.” Perry and his mother Carol attended the banquet and shared how meaningful it was to meet the student recipient in person.
This year’s Estebo Family Scholarship went to Hunter Gloden, a senior studying conservation planning and park management. He is one of more than 250 students across the college receiving financial support this year.
Associate Dean Jim Connors emphasized the growing need for scholarships. He noted that rising education costs can be a challenge for students, making donor support essential to helping them prepare for careers in agriculture.
SDSU continues to encourage individuals and families to support scholarships through the SDSU Foundation, helping students succeed in their academic and professional journeys.
Photo by: www.sdstate.edu
