Cal Poly Students Honored with Salmonson-BRANDT Scholarships
The John and Carol Salmonson Scholarship for Excellence in Agriculture provides support to sophomore or above level students for any major in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences with a minimum 2.75 GPA. The Salmonsons and BRANDT, a leading manufacturer of specialty agriculture products, fund the annual scholarship. Recipients must be a California resident, and each student receives $10,000.
Citlali Garcia
Major: Agricultural Business
Class Level: Senior
Hometown: San Miguel
Garcia chose Cal Poly for its agriculture program and aspires to find a career that gives back to the community. She is grateful to the Salmonson family and BRANDT for this scholarship and says, “This scholarship helps alleviate the financial burden of tuition and supplies, allowing me to continue my education and pursue my goals with a greater focus.” Garcia wants to pursue a career in administration or weights and measures. She volunteers as a garden leader for local 4-H chapter and has worked as assistant manager at Dollar General since 2022.
Kasper Gailey
Major: BioResource and Agricultural Engineering
Class Level: Second Year
Hometown: Visalia
Gailey chose Cal Poly because of the university’s focus on Learn by Doing and hands-on learning and has been heavily involved working at the BRAE labs. He appreciates the Salmonson’s and BRANDT for their support, which has afforded him the ability to focus on his education. “Your scholarship motivates me to succeed, and I want to emphasize my gratitude for everything you have done for me.” Gailey works at the BRAE labs assisting students with the machinery. Since he is still completing his second year, he is exploring career options.
About BRANDT
A leading agricultural company, BRANDT serves growers around the globe. Founded in 1953 by Glen Brandt and his sister Evelyn Brandt Thomas to help Illinois farmers adopt new and profitable technologies, the company has experienced aggressive growth under the leadership of President and CEO Rick Brandt. BRANDT’s focus is providing the products and services that give growers the best opportunity for return while building a stronger, healthier and more abundant food supply.