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First-ever recipient of Hammer Scholarship

July 24, 2017  By Dave Harrison



July 25, 2017, Columbus, OH – Michael Del Valle, Jr., an undergraduate student studying horticulture at the University of Georgia, is the first-ever recipient of the Dr. P. Allen Hammer Scholarship.

The $5000 award is presented in recognition of exemplary academic achievement in the field of horticulture, and is intended to support the next generation of floriculture students towards the completion of their horticulture-related academic pursuits.

The scholarship, founded in 2016 by Dümmen Orange in acknowledgement of the contributions Hammer has made to the floriculture industry, was awarded based on a variety of indicators.

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“We selected Michael for his academic performance, floriculture experience, UGA Horticulture Club participation, Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society membership and career goals, all of which aligned with the intent of the scholarship to support an outstanding university student in the field of floriculture,” said Hammer.

“I sincerely hope this award makes his senior year at UGA just a little easier, allowing him to focus on his education and preparing him to join the industry as a respected and successful professional.”

UGA HORTICULTURE RESEARCH FARM

Del Valle, who is working at the UGA Horticulture Research Farm for the summer, plans to find a job in either a local production facility or garden centre after graduation.

“Ultimately, I would like to purchase land and begin a fresh cut-flower growing operation,” he said. “I am so honoured to have been chosen as the first recipient of the Dr. P. Allen Hammer Scholarship.

“The news of this great achievement could not have come at a more opportune time in my life as I’m finishing up my final year in college and preparing for the financial responsibilities that will come post-graduation. I cannot thank the committee at Dümmen Orange enough for their generosity.”


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