IMAGE: PI CHI OMEGA
Pi Chi Omega, the international fraternity for pest management professionals, continues its legacy of supporting entomology students with its annual scholarship program. Established in 1976, Pi Chi Omega has awarded 177 scholarships, totaling over $269,000, to students studying entomology or a closely related field.
Pest Management Professional (PMP) Hall of Famer Dr. Bobby Corrigan (Class of 2008) was the first Pi Chi Omega scholarship recipient, and many other industry professionals today credit Pi Chi Omega scholarships for their career success.
Each year, the Fredericksburg, Va.-based organization awards six scholarships to deserving students who show exceptional dedication and talent in advancing the field of pest management.
Dr. Stephanie Hill, chair of the scholarship committee and a recipient herself in 2010, said in a news release: “The scholarship committee was deeply impressed by the dedication, talent and commitment demonstrated in all the applications received. We are proud of each of the applicants and their meaningful contributions to the pest management industry.”
Dr. Hill thanked the scholarship committee for their time and dedication in discerning the recipients, stating, “It was a difficult decision to choose just six recipients out of a field of 16 deserving applicants.”
The six students awarded scholarships in 2024 are:
- Dr. John Osmun Scholarship awarded to Simona Principato, University of Kentucky for $3,000
- Founders Endowment Scholarship awarded to Hannah Blevins, University of Kentucky for $2,000
- Alain VanRyckeghem Memorial Scholarship awarded to Olivia Katz, University of Kentucky for $2,000
- Dr. Austin Frishman Scholarship awarded to Emily Ta, UC Riverside for $2,000
- Norm Ehmann Scholarship awarded to Samantha Dilday, Washington State for $2,000
- R. Randall Rollins Memorial Scholarship awarded to Morgan Wilson, Virginia Tech for $2,000
“These students represent the future of pest management and entomology research, and Pi Chi Omega is pleased to support their academic endeavors,” said Pi Chi Omega President Desiree Straubinger, who is also a PMP Editorial Advisory Board member. emphasized. “The scholarship program is an integral part of Pi Chi Omega’s mission to advance the pest management industry through education and research. Each year, the scholarship committee carefully reviews applications and selects recipients based on academic merit, dedication to the field, and potential to make significant contributions.”
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, visit PiChiOmega.org/scholarship for more information. Scholarship applications are accepted each spring in mid-March, reviewed by the scholarship committee, and then awarded to six deserving students who are studying urban and industrial pest management or some closely related plan of study.
If you would like to make a contribution to the Pi Chi Omega Scholarship program to support and encourage students to pursue a career in our industry, learn more at PiChiOmega.org/scholarship-grants.
About the Author
Heather Gooch is the editor-in-chief for PMP magazine. She can be reached at hgooch@northcoastmedia.net or 330-321-9754.
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