ALBANY — In celebration of National Dairy Month, Chobani and Cornell University are pleased to
announce the first group of Chobani Scholars to enroll in classes at the university.
Four New York students attended Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) this past academic year, aided by scholarship support from Chobani. They will pursue a variety of careers as the next generation of New York dairy professionals, with interests ranging from animal science and dairy management, genetics, and herd management.
The Chobani Scholars program was established at Cornell University in 2018 and funds four
$20,000 scholarships annually ($5,000 per year, per student). The scholarships are for New York
students with family connections to dairy farming and who intend to pursue a career in the dairy
farming industry.
“We believe one of the best ways to help farmers today is to equip tomorrow’s dairy leaders with the
tools they need to succeed in an increasingly complex and challenging environment,” said Peter
McGuinness, President of Chobani. “The Chobani Scholars program is one way we’re investing in the
future of dairy in our home state of New York.”
“The Chobani Scholars program is a fantastic way for our young people to prepare for all of the diverse
career options available to them within New York dairy and lead as the next generation on the farm,”
said Richard Ball, New York State Agriculture Commissioner. “Our dairy industry is not only critical to New York’s agricultural economy but it is so important to our communities across the State. I know that the Chobani Scholars will help to ensure the future of our dairy tradition in New York for years to come.”
“Chobani is a critical part of the New York state dairy economy, and we look forward to building on this strong partnership to bring continued success to our students and the industry,” said Kathryn J. Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of CALS. “Here at Cornell CALS, we prepare our students to be next-generation dairy leaders in New York. The Chobani Scholars program will empower young people from local farm families to access a world-class education.”
The first class of Chobani Scholars who are enrolled at Cornell include:
- Caroline Lafferty of Schodack Landing, New York. “CALS has shaped my understanding of animal science and dairy management,” Lafferty said, “and it has diversified my perspective on dairy farming. Coming from a small town with a limited number of people involved in the dairy
industry to a large campus with a whole new network of dairy people has shaped my understanding at a new speed.” - Emily Starceski of Sherman, New York. She has worked on her family farm since middle school, and said it’s important for people outside of the industry to realize that family farms aren’t competing against each other. “We are all on the same team, trying to provide consumers with a pristine product.”
- Blake Wadsworth of Charlton, New York. Wadsworth is especially interested in pursuing herd
management as it relates to genetics. “CALS has helped me think on a larger scale and look at
bigger pictures,” he said, “since there is a large diversity of student and professor backgrounds,
which all give unique insights to certain problems.” - Cassandra Wilbur of Fabius, New York. Wilbur grew up on the family farm and joined the local 4-H group when she was 9. “Being active within the 4-H group enabled me to apply for the Beginner Dairy Leadership and Junior Dairy Leader groups through Cornell,” she said. “I wouldn’t be a part of the Cornell community if I hadn’t started 4-H all those years ago.”
In addition to the scholarship, the Chobani Scholars will also have an opportunity to intern with Chobani during their college careers.
About Chobani
Maker of America’s No. 1–selling Greek Yogurt brand and the second largest yogurt manufacturer in the U.S., Chobani, LLC, was founded on the belief that people have great taste—they just need great
options. Chobani produces high-quality authentic yogurt made with only natural, non-GMO ingredients from its plants in New Berlin, New York, Twin Falls, Idaho and South Victoria, Australia. Chobani is committed to using milk from regional farms and strengthening its surrounding local economies.
Chobani gives a portion of its annual profits to charities worldwide. All Chobani products—including
Chobani® Greek Yogurt and Greek Yogurt Drink, Chobani® Flip®, Chobani® Squeezable Greek Yogurt, Chobani® Less Sugar Greek Yogurt, Chobani® GimmiesTM, Chobani® Greek Yogurt with Nut Butter products, Non-Dairy ChobaniTM Coconut Blends and Drinks, ChobaniTM Oat Drink and Barista Edition, Chobani® Oat Blend, Chobani® Oat Blend with Crunch, Chobani® Greek Yogurt with Oatmeal, and ChobaniTM Coffee Creamers—are kosher certified, contain live and active cultures, and are made without any artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. All Chobani dairy products are made with milk from cows not treated with rBST.* Chobani products are available nationwide in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Australia, and in countries in Asia and Latin America. For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and www.facebook.com/chobani. *According to the FDA, no significant difference has been found between milk derived from rBST-treated and non-rBST-treated cows.
–Chobani
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