Pi Chi Omega grants, scholarships ensure industry innovation

Pi Chi Omega, the international fraternity for pest control professionals, proudly announces the awarding of six scholarships to outstanding students pursuing careers in urban and industrial pest management. Since the scholarship program’s inception in 1976, Pi Chi Omega has awarded 183 scholarships totaling more than $285,000.

The organization’s first scholarship recipient, Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer Dr. Bobby Corrigan, rodentologist and Pest Management Professional (PMP) Hall of Famer (Class of 2008), credits Pi Chi Omega with helping launch his career in the pest management industry. It’s a sentiment shared by many professionals who have received the award over the years. Each spring, Pi Chi Omega continues this tradition, recognizing six students whose work demonstrates a clear commitment to advancing the science and practice of pest management.

“These students represent the future of pest management and entomology research,” said Pi Chi Omega President Desiree Straubinger, BCE. “We are proud to support their academic endeavors and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in our industry.”

Industry grant supports professional growth

Pi Chi Omega also awarded its Spring 2025 Daniel A. Baldwin Industry Grant to Samantha Malone, a second-generation pest management professional based in Olympia, Wash. The $1,650 grant will support Malone’s goal of achieving her associate certified entomologist (ACE) certification and help fund her travel to the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA’s) PestWorld conference in October.

Malone wears three hats in the industry: She owns Olympia Pest Management, is executive director of the Washington State Pest Management Association, and is the director of public relations and marketing for the Guarded Harvest Project. She regularly gives back through local outreach and education programs, promoting awareness and encouraging professional excellence.

Pi Chi Omega’s industry grant program is designed to support active professionals in achieving career development goals that benefit both the individual and the industry. Malone’s commitment to lifelong learning and community impact makes her a fitting recipient.

Learn more about upcoming industry grant and scholarship opportunities — including sponsorships — online at the newly redesigned PiChiOmega.org.