Alessandro Rocchi, University of Arkansas, was named the Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year during the USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program, held in conjunction with the 2023 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). The scholarship is named in Frank Perdue’s honor, for his dedication to aspiring young people studying for careers in the poultry industry. Perdue was a long-time supporter of the College Student Career Program and attended the program and interviewed students for many years. Kasey Young and Marie Muffoletto, both of Texas A&M University, were recognized in second and third place.
Mandy Klopp, senior head of operations for fresh foodservice at Pilgrim’s, USPOULTRY board member, and College Student Career Program Advisory Committee chair commented, “We had a great selection of applications for Student of the Year, making judging difficult. We are excited to see these high-quality applications, as well as all of the students participating in the College Student Career Program.”
Students also participated in Club of the Year and Scrapbook of the Year competitions. Pennsylvania State University was named Club of the Year, which is based on year-long activities and community engagement by the club. Texas A&M University took home second place and Auburn University placed third. Auburn University won the Scrapbook of the Year contest.
The USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program gives companies an opportunity to interview top students for industry-related jobs and internships in one location, during a three-day period. The program involves students from national colleges and universities and has been an important part of the hiring process for poultry and egg industry companies for many years.
