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LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation has awarded the 2025 Ron Hanson Collegiate Leader Scholarship to three University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) students. All are members of the Collegiate Farm Bureau and are pursuing degrees in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
This year’s recipients — Addy Donelson of Newman Grove, Carson Maricle of Albion, and Morgan Bonifas of Aurora — each received a $1,500 scholarship in recognition of their leadership, involvement, and commitment to the future of agriculture.
Established by Dr. Ron Hanson, professor emeritus at UNL, the scholarship honors students who make leadership a priority during their college careers.
“Dr. Hanson chose to continue his legacy of service through this scholarship, and we are proud to steward his generous gift,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “He’s a longtime Farm Bureau member who understands the power of involvement, and this scholarship supports students who are stepping up to lead and make a difference in their communities.”
Applicants were evaluated on their involvement with UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau, leadership and volunteer activities, and career goals.
Addy Donelson, a sophomore studying agricultural and environmental sciences communication, serves as vice president of public relations and communication for UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau and as the public policy intern for Nebraska Farm Bureau. A dedicated advocate, she has represented Nebraska at national Farm Bureau conferences, served as a voting delegate at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, and promotes membership in her community. She also leads Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and is involved in Sigma Alpha and the Nebraska Corn and Soybean Ambassador program. Donelson plans to pursue a career in agricultural policy.
Carson Maricle, a junior majoring in agricultural economics, currently serves as president of the UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter. He also represents students on the state Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Committee. Maricle helped create a new scholarship in partnership with Lancaster County Farm Bureau to support student participation in national conferences. After graduation, he plans to return to his family’s diversified farm and launch an ag technology company.
Morgan Bonifas, a freshman studying agricultural and environmental sciences communication, is already an active member of Collegiate Farm Bureau, attending events and growing her professional network. She is involved in the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, the Ag Sack Lunch Program, and serves as a Corn and Soybean Ambassador. Bonifas aspires to open a greenhouse business in rural Nebraska.
“My congratulations to Addy, Carson, and Morgan,” said Schafer. “It’s a privilege to recognize their outstanding leadership and commitment to agriculture. These students represent the next generation of changemakers for our industry.”
The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit www.nefbfoundation.org.
— Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation
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