Announcing 10 Student Scholarship Recipients
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2026
ELMHURST, IL – The American Dairy Products Institute (ADPIAmerican Dairy Products Institute More) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 ADPIAmerican Dairy Products Institute More Scholarship Program Awards, recognizing outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional promise and commitment to the future of the dairy industry.
The scholarship presentations continue to be among the most inspiring and energizing highlights of the ADPIAmerican Dairy Products Institute More Annual Conference — offering a powerful reminder of the meaningful impact ADPIAmerican Dairy Products Institute More members make through their investment in the next generation of industry leaders.
This year, ADPIAmerican Dairy Products Institute More received more than 35 applications, reflecting both the strong interest in the program and the bright future of the dairy industry. In recognition of this momentum, the ADPIAmerican Dairy Products Institute More Board of Directors voted in February to increase funding for the program — doubling the number of scholarships awarded.
“It was truly a challenging process to select recipients from such a competitive pool of applicants,” shared ADPIAmerican Dairy Products Institute More Vice-Chairman Kevin Quinn. “Each of these individuals impressed us with their genuine passion and unwavering dedication. We believe they have the potential to make a significant and positive impact in the dairy industry, and we are excited to support their journey.”
Jim Page Memorial Scholarship Recipients
Since 2009, ADPIAmerican Dairy Products Institute More has awarded the Jim Page Memorial Scholarship in honor of James J. Page, who served as CEO of ADPIAmerican Dairy Products Institute More from 2002 to 2008 and had a distinguished career in dairy marketing. The following five students have been named 2026 recipients:
- Trell Amoss, Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University
- Natalie Haase, Agricultural Business, South Dakota State University
- Anna Kennedy, Agricultural Business Management, Pennsylvania State University
- Imeldo Macedonio, WheyLiquid obtained from cheese manufacture. More Plant Supervisor at Darigold and Computer Science student, Oregon State University
- Elle Ruffner, Agricultural Communications (minor in Animal Science), Iowa State University
Phillip Tong Educational Scholarship Recipients
Established in 2022, the Phillip Tong Educational Scholarship honors Dr. Phillip Tong’s legacy in advancing education and workforce development in the dairy industry. Dr. Tong served as ADPI’s Director of Dairy Science, Education, and Research from 2016 to 2021 and is Professor Emeritus at Cal Poly State University. The following students have been selected as 2026 recipients:
- Oscar Bomgaars, Food Science, University of Missouri
- Johanna Gebbia, Food Science and Technology, New Mexico State University
- Libby Lansing, Food Science (minor in Business), Iowa State University
- Tyler Ratka, Animal Science and Agricultural & Food Business Management, University of Minnesota
- Kathryn Rittmeyer, Animal Science, Kansas State University
ADPI’s scholarship program reflects its broader commitment to professional development, industry collaboration, and building the dairy industry’s future workforce. Through initiatives like these, ADPIAmerican Dairy Products Institute More continues Bringing People Together. Leading the Way. Setting the Standard.
For more information on the ADPIAmerican Dairy Products Institute More Scholarship Program, visit ADPIAmerican Dairy Products Institute More.org.
Contact: Beth Holcomb, VP of Communications & Membership
630.530.
