SMA Foundation

The SMA Foundation was formed in 1987 using donations from SMA members interested in assisting students pursuing meat industry careers. Through the generosity and support of many contributors over the years the Foundation’s growth has enabled it to award over $1.2 million in scholarships since 2000. In 2023, the SMA Foundation awarded over $140,000 in scholarships.

The Bob Ondrusek Memorial Scholarship

The Bob Ondrusek Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of the longtime SMA member, leader and passionate advocate of young people and education. The recipients are selected based upon their qualifications by the Foundation’s board of Trustees.

The SMIKIDS Ltd. Scholarship

The SMIKIDS Ltd. Scholarship is donated by the family of longtime SMA member, Burley Smith of Lone Star Beef Processors in San Angelo, TX. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding meat science students at Smith’s alma mater, Texas A&M University.

SMA Foundation Scholarship

SMA Foundation Scholarship funds are generated by donations and proceeds from the Foundation’s annual golf tournament.

SMA Convention Scholarships

SMA Convention Scholarships are funded by fundraising events at the annual convention as well as private donations.

The funds for the Foundation Scholarships, the Supplier Scholarships and the SMA Convention Scholarships are disseminated to universities within the traditional SMA membership area and are awarded through those universities’ internal procedures in accordance with the Foundation’s criteria.

The SMA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and donations to it are tax deductible. If you are interested in making a contribution, please contact us at info@southwestmeat.org.

2023 Scholarship Winners

Bob Ondrusek Memorial Scholarship Recipients:

Anna Wyle, Texas Tech

Abigail Tack, Texas A&M

Elizabeth Meal, Texas Tech

SMA Hall of Honor Scholarship Recipients:

Gage Walsh, Texas A&M

Hunter Nevlud, Texas A&M

Kinley Cernosek, Texas A&M

Tristan Cernosek, Texas A&M

Kami Digby, Angelo State

Sage Boleman, Texas A&M

Sarah Shoup, University of Arkansas

SMIKIDS Scholarship Recipients
Funded by the Burley Smith Lone Star Beef family:

Dylan Sione, Texas A&M

Audrey De La Zerda, Texas A&M

Abigail Tack, Texas A&M

SMA Foundation Scholarship Recipients:

Undergraduates:

Megan Sorenson, Angelo State

Anabel Villarruel, Angelo State

Aubrey Glasscock, Angelo State

Hailey Spray, Oklahoma State

Olivia Greenwood, Prairie View A&M

Taylor Beasley, Tarleton State

Shane Menz, Tarleton State

Madison Montgomery, Tarleton State

Bailey Lamb, Texas A&M

Nathan Kerth, Texas A&M

Dalton Skarovsky, Texas A&M

Channing Pieniazek, Texas A&M

Bonnie Morgan McKinzie, Texas A&M

Fritz Anton, Texas A&M

Jolie Zimmerman, Texas A&M

Brittley Bowers, Texas A&M

Cassity Brown, Texas A&M

Shelton Luedke, Texas Tech

Macy Lawrence, Texas Tech

Meagan McMurray, Texas Tech

Jacob McMillan, West Texas A&M

Ryan Heitschmidt, West Texas A&M

Thomas Petit, West Texas A&M

Shannon Anderson, West Texas A&M

Ambri Harrigal, West Texas A&M

Analize Porras, West Texas A&M

Bryce Hutson, West Texas A&M

Helene Keiser, West Texas A&M

Mikayla Hudnall, West Texas A&M

Daniel Raab, West Texas A&M

Masters Students:

Abigail Krikorian, Auburn

Aime Mvuyekure, Texas A&M

Jacob Bagby, Texas Tech

Reagan Wagner, Texas Tech

Rafael Martinez, Texas Tech

Preston Twilligear, Texas Tech

Doctoral Students:

Lauren Lee, Texas A&M

MacKenzie Chapman, Texas A&M

Zachariah Vice, Texas A&M

Taylor McKinzie, Texas Tech

Karla Rodriguez Flores, Texas Tech

Megan Eckhardt, West Texas A&M

Contact us

9696 E. Hwy 21, Ste. 200
Bryan, TX 77808
Telephone: 979-846-9011
Fax: 979-846-8198

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