News Releases - Shinoda Scholarship Foundation

News Releases

SHINODA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

San Luis Obispo, Calif., Dec. 15, 2008 - The Trustees of the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc. have announced a new scholarship award for 2009, the Shinoda Scholar of the Year. The scholarship will be awarded to the highest-ranking applicant as determined by the Shinoda trustees. The winner of the Shinoda Scholar of the Year will receive $5,000, a plaque, and a letter of recognition.

The scholarship is open to any student studying floriculture, horticulture or a related field. Applications for the Scholar of the Year award are available on the Shinoda Foundation website at www.shinodascholarship.org. Information about applications will also be sent in January to horticulture and floriculture departments at universities across the nation. Applications for the new award will be accepted from Jan. 1, through March 30, 2009.

"We are extremely proud to offer this prestigious new award from the Shinoda Foundation," said Paul Ecke, III, president of the foundation. "The Scholar of the Year will be an enduring award, both for the recipients and for the future of our industry."

The first winner of the Shinoda Scholar of the Year will be announced in spring 2009. The award will be presented at the OFA Short Course held July 12-13 in Columbus, Ohio. Transportation and accommodations for the scholarship recipient will be provided by Ball Horticulture. The student will also receive complimentary Short Courses and Trade Show registration from OFA.

About the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation
The Shinoda Foundation was established in 1964 under the auspices of the California State Florists' Association in memory of the late Joseph Shinoda, a highly regarded pioneer of that state's floral industry. Its purpose is to encourage educational opportunities for young people interested in entering the industry. Incorporated as a separate entity in 1972, the foundation has awarded scholarships valued at over $694,000 to 600 undergraduate floriculture students since 1965.

Information about making contributions to the foundation or about its scholarship program can be obtained from its website (www.shinodascholarship.org) or by writing to: Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc., 234 Via La Paz, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401, or Barbara McCaleb at bmccaleb@calpoly.edu.

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RECIPIENTS OF 2008-09 SHINODA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS NAMED

San Luis Obispo, Calif., June 27, 2008 - The Trustees of the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc. have named the recipients of the 2008-09 Shinoda Foundation Scholarships. These scholarships are given to students studying floriculture, horticulture, and related fields. Seven students received a total of $12,000 to assist in funding their upcoming academic year.

"The Shinoda Foundation congratulates each of its 2008-09 scholarship recipients," said Paul Ecke III, president of the foundation. "These students are the future of the horticulture industry and the foundation is proud to continue its support of this next generation of leaders."

In 2005, the Board of Trustees increased the Shinoda Scholarship awards, in part to help defray the increased costs of attending school. However, the board also believes that increased scholarship awards will attract the highest quality students, encouraging them to apply for the funding and pursue careers in floriculture.

The recipients of the 2008-09 Shinoda Scholarships are:

$3,000 to Leann Kootz, senior, horticulture major, Kansas State University;
$2,000, Jessica Goeble, senior horticulture, Kansas State University;
$2,000, Nathan Lang, senior, horticulture, University of Wisconsin, River Falls;
$2,000, Kimberly Oellerich, senior, horticulture, The Pennsylvania State University;
$1,000, Christopher Shogren, junior, environmental horticulture, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo;
$1,000, Christopher von Kohn, sophomore, horticulture, Texas A&M University;
$1,000, Amanda Rosa, senior, environmental horticulture, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Rosa was designated the recipient of the California Floral Council Scholarship. The CFC Scholarship which was established in 2005 by the council to help offset the rising costs of education. It was created with an initial gift of $15,000 presented to the Shinoda Foundation by Hardy Neuendorff, president of the CFC, and enhanced by an additional $5,000 this year. Neuendorff established the CFC Scholarship in perpetuity.

In addition to the $12,000 in scholarship awards, a grant equal to 10 per cent of each scholarship will be sent to the awardees' departments as an incentive for them to encourage students to apply for future Shinoda Scholarships. This additional funding totaled $1,200 in 2008, bringing the total funding awarded for 2008-09 to $13, 200.

About the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation
The Shinoda Foundation was established in 1964 under the auspices of the California State Florists' Association in memory of the late Joseph Shinoda, a highly regarded pioneer of that state's floral industry. The foundation's purpose is to encourage educational opportunities for young people interested in entering the industry. Incorporated as a separate entity in 1972, the foundation has awarded scholarships valued at over $694,000 to 600 undergraduate floriculture students since 1965.

Information about applications for the Shinoda Foundation's scholarships is sent each January to horticulture and floriculture departments at universities across the nation. Applications are available on the foundations website and accepted from January until March 30 each year.

Information about making contributions to the foundation or about its scholarship program can be obtained from its website at www.shinodascholarship.org or by writing to: Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc., 234 Via La Paz, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401, or Barbara McCaleb at bmccaleb@calpoly.edu.

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Shinoda Foundation Announces New Named Scholarship Program

San Luis Obispo, Calif., Feb. 27, 2008 – The Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc. has been awarding scholarships to deserving floriculture students for more than 40 years. In 2008, the foundation will broaden its reach to college students who are pursuing careers in floral design with the establishment of the Shinoda Design Center Floral Design Scholarship program.

The Shinoda Design Center Floral Design scholarships are named scholarships established by the Shinoda Design Center of Santa Ana and San Diego, Calif. According to James Kasuda, great-great-nephew of Joseph Shinoda and general manager for the Shinoda Design Center’s San Diego facility, the reasoning for the new scholarship program is to recognize the efforts of floral design students pursuing a Certificate of Achievement or Associate of Arts Degree in floral design or floral management.

“Retail and floral design drive the whole floral industry,” Kasuda says. “With the Shinoda Design Center Floral Design Scholarship program, the Shinoda Design Center wishes to award and aid students who mostly study at community or junior colleges to obtain their floral design education.”

“Many students studying floral design in junior colleges are doing so as part of a vocational training program and alongside a full-time job,” said Paul Ecke III, president of the Shinoda Foundation. “They have families and many other obligations. This scholarship is especially important to them and could mean the difference between continuing or dropping their studies. We’re extremely grateful and honored the Shinoda Design Center has stepped up on behalf of these students.”

The Shinoda Design Center Floral Design Scholarship program will award two $500 scholarships to students enrolled in an accredited university or community college and working toward a certificate or associate degree in floral design or floral management. Recipients are limited to institutions within Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties in California. Students entering their second year with a clearly established career intent will be given preference. Scholarships will begin for the 2009-10 academic year.

Students interested in applying for the Shinoda Design Center Floral Design Scholarships may obtain application forms from the Shinoda Foundation at www.shinodascholarship.org.

About the Foundation

The Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation was established in 1964 to provide financial assistance to deserving students who are pursuing a career in the floricultural industry. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $682,000 to 593 worthy college and university students, as well as an additional $187,000 in grants to floriculture departments and programs. For more information on the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc. or the named scholarship program, visit www.shinodascholarship.org.

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Call for Updates from Former Shinoda Recipients

   San Luis Obispo, Calif., Nov. 6, 2007 – If you are a former recipient of a Shinoda Foundation Scholarship, the Trustees of the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc. would like to hear from you.

   Since 1965, the foundation has awarded scholarships valued at over $682,000 to 593 undergraduate floriculture students. Many of those students have gone on to take positions in floriculture companies, establish their own floriculture businesses, and become leaders in floriculture’s academic community.

   Where are you in your career today? How has the Shinoda Scholarship contrib-uted to your career?

   “The Shinoda Foundation is proud of the number of students we’ve been able to assist since 1965,” says Paul Ecke III, president of the foundation. “Former recipients have literally spread across the globe. Our goal in requesting updates from our former winners is to get an idea of how wide-reaching the Shinoda Scholarship has become, and the affects it’s had on the floriculture industry.”

   The Shinoda Foundation would like to hear your story. Former Shinoda Scholarship recipients are encouraged to contact the foundation with updates on when and where you received your scholarship, how it affected your floriculture education, and where you are in your career today.

   Updates can be sent via e-mail to bmccaleb@calpoly.edu or via mail to Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc., 234 Via La Paz, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401.

About the Foundation

   The Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation was established in 1964 under the auspices of the California State Florists’ Association in memory of the late Joseph Shinoda, a highly regarded pioneer of that state’s floral industry. The founda-tion’s purpose is to encourage educational opportunities for young people interested in entering the industry. It was incorporated as a separate entity in 1972.

   Information about applications for the Shinoda Foundation’s scholarships is sent each January to horticulture and floriculture departments at universities across the nation. Applications are available on the foundation’s web site and accepted from January until March 30 each year.

   Information about making contributions to the foundation or about its scholarship program can be obtained from its internet site at www.shinodascholarship.org, or by writing to: Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc., 234 Via La Paz, San
Luis Obispo, CA, 93401, or by e-mail to: bmccaleb@calpoly.edu.

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Shinoda Scholarship Recipients for 2007 - 08 Announced

San Luis Obispo, Calif., June 20, 2007 -- The Trustees of the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation have announced the recipients of the 2007-08 Shinoda Foundation Scholarships. These scholarships are given to students studying floriculture, horticulture, and related fields. Eight students received a total of $20,000 to assist in funding their upcoming academic year.

"The Shinoda Foundation is delighted to be able to offer these students assistance with their horticultural studies," says Paul Ecke, III, president of the Shinoda Foundation. "Our industry is dependent on this next generation of students, and the foundation recognizes that helping them now helps us all in the future."

In 2005, the Board of Trustees approved an increase in the Shinoda scholarship awards. The move was due in part to help defray the increased costs of attending school. The board also believes that increasing the scholarship awards will attract the highest quality students, encouraging them to apply for the funding and pursue their careers in floriculture.

The recipients of the 2007-08 Shinoda Scholarships are:

$5,000 to Jessica Goeble, senior, horticulture major, Kansas State University
$3,500 to Kimberly Oellerich, junior, horticulture, Pennsylvania State University
$3,500 to Jessica Pries, senior, horticulture and agriculture education double major, University of Wisconsin - River Falls
$2,500 to Janelle Burkard, senior, horticulture major, South Dakota State University
$1,500 to Kristin Phillips, senior, horticulture major, Texas Tech University
$1,000 to Heather Moore, senior, environmental horticulture science major, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
$1,000 to Kestrel Lannon, senior, environmental horticulture science major, North Carolina State University
$1,000 to Christopher Shogren, sophomore, environment horticulture major, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

In addition to the $1,000 Shinoda Scholarship, Heather Moore also received the $1,000 California Floral Council Scholarship. The CFC Scholarship was established in 2005 with a gift of $15,000 presented to the Shinoda Foundation by Hardy Neuendorff, president of the CFC. Neuendorff established the CFC Scholarship in perpetuity to help offset the rising costs of education.

In addition to the $20,000 in scholarship awards, 10 per cent of each scholarship will be sent to the awardees' departments. This additional funding is for the purpose of encouraging students to apply for future Shinoda Scholarships. This incentive funding totaled $2,000 for 2007, bringing the total amount awarded by the foundation for 2007-08 to $22,000.

About the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation

The Shinoda Foundation was established in 1964 under the auspices of the California State Florists' Association in memory of the late joseph Shinoda, a highly regarded pioneer of California's floral industry. The foundation's purpose is to encourage educational opportunities for young people interested in entering the industry. Incorporated as a separate entity in 1972, the foundation has awarded scholarships valued at over $682,000 to 593 undergraduate floriculture students since 1965.

Information about applications for the Shinoda Foundation's scholarships is sent each January to horticulture and floriculture departments at universities across the nation. Applications are available on the foundation's website and accepted from January until March 30 each year.

Information about making contributions to the foundation or about its scholarship program can be obtained from its internet site www.shinodascholarship.org or by writing to: Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc., 234 Via La Paz, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

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Recipients of 2006-07 Shinoda Scholarships Announced

San Luis Obispo, Calif., Aug. 22, 2006 - The Trustees of the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc. are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2006-07 Shinoda Foundation Scholarships. These scholarships are given to students studying floriculture, horticulture, and related fields. Six students received a total of $18,000 to assist in funding their upcoming academic year.

"The pool of applicants becomes more competitive each year," says Paul Ecke III, president of the Shinoda Foundation. "We are thrilled to see the next generation have such interest in a career in horticulture, and we are pleased to support them in their studies."

In 2005, the Board of Trustees approved an increase in the Shinoda Scholarship awards. The move was due in part to help defray the increased costs of attending school. The board also believes that increasing the scholarship awards will attract the highest quality students, encouraging them to apply for the funding and pursue their careers in floriculture. This year's recipients are the first group to benefit from this increased scholarship funding.

The recipients of the 2006-07 Shinoda Scholarships are:

$5,000 to senior Jamie K. Mastright, 24, Ventura, Calif., an environmental horticulture science major at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.
$3,500 to sophomore Kelly D. Norris, 19, Bedford, Iowa, a horticulture major at Iowa State University.
$3,500 to senior Jessica D. Ritter, 22, West Point, Neb., a horticulture major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
$3,000 to senior Russ P. Newman, 27, Nipomo, Calif., an environmental horticulture science major at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
$2,000 to senior Krystle L. Peelen, 21, Sanborn, Iowa, a horticulture major at South Dakota State University.
$1,000 to senior Heather R. Ephraim, 23, Quartz Hill, Calif., an environmental horticulture science major at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Heather Ephraim was designated as the recipient of the California Floral Council Scholarship. This is the first year this scholarship has been awarded by the Shinoda Foundation. A gift of $15,000 was presented to the Shinoda Foundation by Hardy Neuendorff, president of the CFC, in 2005 to establish the CFC Scholarship in perpetuity. According to Neuendorff, education is critical to help young people meet the expanding demands of the floral industry. The CFC gift, Neuendorff hopes, will help offset the rising costs of education.

In addition to the $18,000 in scholarship awards, 10 percent of each scholarship will be sent to the awardees' departments. This additional funding is for the purpose of encouraging students to apply for future Shinoda Scholarships. The additional scholarship funding totaled $1,800 for the current year, bringing the total funding awarded in 2006-07 to $19,800.

The Shinoda Foundation was established in 1964 under the auspices of the California State Florists' Association in memory of the late Joseph Shinoda, a highly regarded pioneer of that state's floral industry. The foundation's purpose is to encourage educational opportunities for young people interested in entering the industry. Incorporated as a separate entity in 1972, the foundation has awarded scholarships valued at over $662,000 to 585 undergraduate floriculture students since 1965.

Applications for the Shinoda Foundation's scholarships are distributed each January to horticulture and floriculture departments at universities across the nation.

Information about making contributions to the foundation or about its scholarship program can be obtained from its Internet site (www.shinodascholarship.org) or by writing to: Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc., 234 Via La Paz, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

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Shinoda Foundation Increases Award Levels for Floriculture Students

San Luis Obispo, Calif., Oct. 6, 2005 - It's a fact of life that as time moves on, even the most basic necessities rise in price. This hasn't escaped the notice of the Trustees of the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc.

The board has approved an increase in the Shinoda scholarship awards, in part to help defray the increased costs of attending schools. The foundation awards these scholarships to students studying floriculture, horticulture, and related fields, and has given over $644,000 in scholarships to 579 undergraduate floriculture students since 1965.

"The trustees made a decision to increase the amounts of the scholarships for several reasons," says Paul Ecke III, president of the Shinoda Foundation. "An increase in the cost of school - and living in general - was one very important factor." For the current academic year, the award levels have been increased to $1,500-$3,500. The six scholarships awarded for 2005-06 totaled $15,000. The foundation's goal is to give even larger scholarships in the future.

Cost of living was just one reason for adjusting award levels. The trustees hope that increasing the scholarship awards will attract the highest quality students, encouraging them to apply for the funding and pursue their careers in floriculture. "We also hope the higher award values will raise the prestige of the Shinoda Scholarships in the eyes of the students and their departments," Ecke says.

"The late Joseph Shinoda, in whose memory these awards are given, was a highly regarded man in the field. These awards, too, are respected in the industry and will go a long way toward creating horticulture's future great leaders."

About the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc.

The foundation's purpose is to encourage educational opportunities for young people interested in entering the industry. The foundation was incorporated as a separate entity in 1972, and, in addition to the more than $644,000 in scholarships, has also given $160,000 in grants to floriculture departments and programs.

Information about making contributions to the foundation or about its scholarship program can be obtained from its Internet site, www.shinodascholarship.org, or by writing to: Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc., 234 Via La Paz, San luis Obispo, CA, 93401, 805-544-0717, bmccaleb@shinodascholarship.org.

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Shinoda Awards Offer Unique Benefits to Colleges & Universities

San Luis Obispo, Calif., Oct. 6, 2005 - Over the past 30 years, the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc. and its trustees have supported the future of horticulture through academic scholarships to outstanding students in the field. The foundation's reach extends even further with its support of academic departments.

Paul Ecke III, president of the Shinoda Foundation, said additional funding is available to horticulture-related academic programs in conjunction with the Shinoda memorial funds. "In addition to the set dollar amount awarded with the scholarships, 10 percent of each scholarship will be sent to the awardees' departments to help them encourage students to apply for the Shinoda funds," Ecke added.

This additional support going toward the academic program is unlike any other scholarship award currently available to horticulture students. It is in addition to the award received by the student. For example, if a student is awarded $3,000, the student's department will receive $300 in support of efforts to spread the word about Shinoda scholarship opportunities.

Ecke and the Shinoda trustees feel the true beneficiaries of these funds will be the students. "The Shinoda Scholarships make a big difference in the lives of students hoping to pursue careers in horticulture," Ecke said.

"We want to make sure that students are aware these funds exist, and encourage them to apply for what could be much needed resources at a critical time in their lives. Partnering with academic departments is a great way to help increase awareness of the Shinoda Foundation among those who need it most."

For 2005-06, $15,000 was awarded among six students nationwide. The Shinoda Foundation awarded another $1,500 divided among those students' horticultural programs in order to raise awareness among students of the foundation's scholarships and its mission.

About the Joseph Shinoda Scholarship Foundation

The foundation's purpose is to encourage educational opportunities for young people insterested in entering the industry. Incorporated as a separate entity in 1972, the foundation has awarded scholarships valued at over $644,000 to 579 undergraduate floriculture students since 1965, as well as an additional $160,000 in grants to floriculture departments and programs.

Information about making contributions to the foundation or about its scholarship program can be obtained from its Internet site www.shinodascholarship.org or by writing to Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc., 234 Via La Paz, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401, 805-544-0717, bmccaleb@shinodascholarship.org.

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Shinoda Foundation Announces $15,000 Gift From California Floral Council

San Luis Obispo, Calif., Sept. 2, 2005 - The Trustees of the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc. have received a gift of $15,000 from the California Floral Council (CFC). These funds were presented to Paul Ecke III, president of the Shinoda Foundation, by Hardy Neuendorff, president of the CFC, on July 21 to establish a CFC Scholarship. The CFC gift is the single largest donation to the Shinoda Foundation since its incorporation in 1972.

"It's only through education that the interests and potential of young people can be developed to meet the expanding demands of the floral industry," said Neuendorff. "With the costs of education escalating yearly, the need for scholarships is critical. It's our honor to make this contribution."

Ecke Said CFC's gift is a greatly appreciated donation to the Shinoda Foundation's mission. "The foundation encourages individuals, companies, and other groups to consider establishing a named scholarship like CFC," Ecke added. "A gift such as theirs pays homage to a person's past dedication while furthering floriculture's future."

About the California Floral Council

California Floral Council was formed in 1959 to provide legal support and advice to California growers with labor-related problems. The CFC Board of Directors has always been carefully selected to represent both the Northern and the Southern California growers.

For many years, the floral council has provided Workers Compensation coverage, newsletters, seminars, and other useful information to its grower members, as well as represented grower interests on legislative issues in Sacramento.

About the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation

The Shinoda Foundation was established in 1964 under the auspices of the California State Florists' Association in memory of the late joseph Shinoda, a highly regarded pioneer of that state's floral industry. The Foundation's purpose is to encourage educational opportunities for young people interested in entering the industry. The Foundation's purpose is to encourage educational opportunities for young people interested in entering the industry.

Incorporated as a separate entity in 1972, the foundation has awarded scholarships valued at over $644,000 to 579 undergraduate floriculture students since 1965, as well as an additional $163,000 in grants to floriculture departments and programs.

Information about making contributions to the foundation or about its scholarship program can be obtained from its Internet site www.shinodascholarship.org or by writing to: Joseph Shinoda Memorial Foundation Inc., 234 Via La Paz, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, 805-544-0717, bmccaleb@shinodascholarship.org

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Shinoda Foundation Announces Winners of 2005-06 Scholarships

San Luis Obispo, Calif., June 24, 2005 - The Trustees of the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc. have announced that six students will share the $15,000 in its awards for the 2005-06 academic year. These Shinoda Scholarships are given to students studying floriculture, horticulture, and their related fields.

"We're pleased to see students from across the country work toward a career in the horticulture industry," says Paul Ecke III, president of the Shinoda Foundation. "The foundation is honored to support their studies in a field that brings such satisfaction to us all."

The recipients of the 2005-06 Shinoda Scholarships are:

$3,500 to senior Julia C. Brotton, 21, Bartlesville, Okla., a horticulture major at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla.

$3,000 to senior Ryan A. Pekarek, 21, Dwight, Neb., horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Neb.

$3,000 to senior Natalie M. Thomas, 22, Riley, Kan., horticulture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan.

$2,000 to senior Elizabeth L. Brown, 22, Red Bluff, Calif., environmental horticultural science, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

$2,000 to senior Matt A. Novak, 21, Modoc, Kan., horticulture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan.

$1,500 to senior Jennifer K. Boldt, 22, Melbourne, Fla., environmental horticulture/business administration, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., graduating in December.

Ecke also announced additional funding in conjunction with the scholarships. "In addition to the $15,000 in scholarship awards, 10 percent of each scholarship will be sent to the awardees' departments to help encourage other students to apply for Shinoda Scholarships," Ecke said. "For 2005-06 that equals $1,500 going toward raising awareness among students of the foundation's scholarships and its mission."

About the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc.

The Shinoda Foundation was established in 1964 under auspices of the California State Florists' Association in memory of the late Joseph Shinoda, a highly regarded pioneer of that state's floral industry. The foundation's purpose is to encourage educational opportunities for young people interested in entering the industry. Incorporated as a separate entity in 1972, the foundation has awarded scholarships valued at over $644,000 to 579 undergraduate floriculture students since 1965.

Applications for the Shinoda Foundation's scholarships are distributed each January to horticulture and floriculture departments at universities across the nation.

Information about making contributions to the foundation or about its scholarship program can be obtained from its Internet site www.shinodascholarship.org or by writing to: Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc., 234 Via La Paz, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401.

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SHINODA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NAMED SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (4/4/05)

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF. – In keeping with its 40-year tradition of awarding scholarships to deserving students preparing for careers in the commercial floriculture industry, the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc. will now offer companies and individuals the opportunity to donate funds for a "named" scholarship program.

The program would allow donors, through their contributions, to name scholarships and determine the qualifications for their recipients. The Shinoda Foundation will solicit the student applications for the scholarships, as well as administer the selection process, manage the funds, and publicize the contributors' efforts.

"This program will allow the foundation to award even more students each year," said Paul Ecke, III, president of the Shinoda Foundation. "It will help ensure that our industry has a consistent supply of creative and well educated students to take leadership roles for the future, while giving donors well-deserved recognition for their generosity."

The minimum donation to qualify for the named scholarship program is $1000. Contributors will have the option of donating one time, or being billed annually. Memorial scholarships may be collected from multiple sources and then awarded in the name of an individual.

The foundation will provide contributors with a simple form to assist them in determining their desired qualifications for the named scholarship.

The Shinoda Foundation was established in 1964 to provide financial assistance to deserving students who are pursuing careers in the floriculture industry. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $644,000 to 579 college and university students, as well as an additional $160,000 in grants to floriculture departments and programs.

More information on the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation or the Named Scholarship Program is available on the foundation's Internet site at www.shinodascholarship.org.

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2004-05 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS NAMED BY SHINODA TRUSTEES ( 8/5/04)

SAN LUIS OBISPO , CALIF. – Twelve students at eight universities across the nation have been awarded scholarships for the 2004-05 academic year by the trustees of the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation.

All enrolled in floriculture, horticulture, and related programs, the recipients will share the $13,000 being awarded by the foundation this year.

Paul Ecke III, president of the foundation and chairman of its board of trustees, said Kimberly M. Terrell and Natalie M. Thomas, both enrolled at Kansas State University , will receive $2,500 scholarships.

Terrell, from Kearney , Mo. , is a 21-year-old senior, majoring in horticulture, and Thomas, of Riley , Kan. , is 21 and a senior horticulture major.

The other recipients of Shinoda Scholarships for 2004-05 are:

$1,500 – Kendra O. Hutchins, Northampton , Mass. , 29, senior, plant and soil science, University of Massachusetts .

$1,000 – Jessica L. Boldt, Melbourne, Fla., 21, senior, environmental horticulture, University of Florida; Ryan A. Pekarek, Dwight, Neb., 20, junior, horticulture, University of Nebraska; and Michael D. Von Weihe, Carson, Iowa, 21, senior, horticulture, Kansas State University.

$750 – Allison C. Cyrus, Appomattox, VA., 19, senior, horticulture, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and Brian C. Henriott, Danville, Calif., 24, junior, environmental horticultural science, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

$500 – Audrey M. Chaney, Atascadero, Calif., 20, junior, agricultural education, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; Matthew S. Helgeson, Lake Mills, Iowa, 19, sophomore, horticulture, Iowa State University; and Lacy L. O’Connell, Menomonie, Wis., 20, senior, horticulture, University of Wisconsin, River Falls; and Robb J. Smith, San Luis Obispo, Calif., 20, junior, environmental horticultural science, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Also announced by the Shinoda Foundation were incentive grants totaling $1,300 to the various departments in which the 2003-04 scholarship recipients are studying and a $5,000 grant to the Horticulture and Crop Science Department at California Polytechnic State University , San Luis Obispo .

Ecke, who also is president of Paul Ecke Ranch, Encinitas , Calif. , said the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc. is an educational entity headquartered in San Luis Obispo , Calif.

It was established in 1964 under auspices of the California State Florists’ Association in memory of the late Joseph Shinoda, a highly regarded pioneer of that state’s floral industry. Its purpose is to encourage educational opportunities for young people interested in entering that industry.

Incorporated as a separate entity in 1972, the foundation has awarded scholarships valued at over $629,000 to 573 undergraduate floriculture students since 1965.

Applications for the Shinoda Foundation’s scholarships are distributed each January to horticulture and floriculture departments at universities across the nation.

Information about making contributions to the foundation or about its scholarship program can be obtained from its Internet site www.shinodascholarship.org or by writing to: “Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc., 234 Via La Paz , San Luis Obispo , CA , 93401 .”

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SHINODA TRUSTEES NAME 2003-04 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS (7/3/03)

SAN LUIS OBISPO , CALIF. -- Trustees of the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship foundation have designated ten students from universities across the nation to receive the foundation’s scholarship awards for the 2003-04 academic year.

All enrolled in floriculture, horticulture, and related programs, the recipients will share the $13,250 being awarded by the foundation this year.

Paul Ecke III , president of the foundation and chairman of its board of trustees, said Emily A. Stefanski of Tekonsha , Mich. , will receive a $3000 Shinoda Scholarship. She is a 21-year-old senior majoring in horticulture at Michigan State University .

Other recipients of Shinoda Scholarships for 2003-04 are:

$1,750 – Larkin G. Moore, Ames , Iowa , 39, senior, horticulture, Iowa State University .

$1,500 – Karyn A. Traum, Hartsburg , Ill. , 21, senior, horticulture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

$1,250 – Kimberly M. Terrell, Kearney, Mo., 20, junior, horticulture, Kansas State University, and Natalie M. Thomas, Riley, Kans., 20, junior, horticulture, also Kansas State University.

$1,000 – Andria M. Hesnard, Roca, Neb., 21, senior, horticulture, Oklahoma State University; Megan A. Moody, Bixby, Okla., 20, junior, horticulture, Oklahoma State University; and Elizabeth St. Pierre, Lawrenceburg, Ky., 20, senior, plant and soil science, University of Kentucky.

$750 – Amanda L. Schott, Brogue, Pa., 20, senior, horticulture, Pennsylvania State University, and Janice L. Smith, Julian, N.C., 55, senior, landscape design and horticulture, North Carolina A&T State University.

Also announced by the Shinoda Foundation were incentive grants totaling $1,325 to the various departments in which the 2003-04 scholarship recipients are studying.

Ecke, who also is president of Paul Ecke Ranch, Encinitas , Calif. , said the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc. is an educational entity headquarted in San Luis Obispo , Calif.

Incorporated as a separate entity in 1972, the foundation has awarded scholarships valued at over $616,000 to 561 undergraduate floriculture students since 1965.

Applications for the Shinoda Foundation’s scholarships are distributed each January to horticulture and floriculture departments at universities across the nation.

Information about making contributions to the foundation or about its scholarship program can be obtained from its Internet site www.shinodascholarship.org or by writing to: “Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc., 234 La Paz , San Luis Obispo , CA , 93401 .”

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SHINODA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS FOR 2002-03 ANNOUNCED (7/3/02)

SAN LUIS OBISPO , CALIF. – Twelve students at eight universities and colleges across the nation have been selected by trustees of the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc. to receive scholarships during the 2002-03 academic year.

The recipients are enrolled in floriculture, horticulture, and related programs. They will share the $14,250 being awarded by the foundation this year, according to Paul Ecke III, its president and chairman of its Board of Trustees.

Ecke, who is president of Paul Ecke Ranch, Encinitas , Calif. , said two of the 2002-03 recipients will receive $2000 Shinoda Scholarships.

They are Dru N. Bernthal of Frankenmuth , Mich. , a 21-year-old senior majoring in horticulture at Michigan State University , and Melanie L. Welles, Ixonia , Wis. , 22, senior, horticulture, University of Wisconsin , River Falls .

In addition the foundation designated Gina Armas of Merced , Calif. , 22 and a senior environmental horticultural science major at Cal Poly State University , San Luis Obispo , to receive the $2,000 ETFA (Extra Touch Floral Association, formerly the FTD Association) District 15B Scholarship for 2002-03.

Other recipients of Shinoda Scholarships for 2002-03 are:

$1,250 – Susan H. Raker, Jonesville , Mich. , 21, senior, horticulture, Michigan State University .

$1,000 – Janna E. Hogue, Odebolt, Iowa, 23, senior, horticulture, Iowa State University; Amy L. Dykstra, Middleville, Mich., 20, junior, horticulture, Michigan State University; and Rose C. Graef, Santa Ynez, Calif., 21, senior, environmental horticultural science, Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo.

Also Holly L. Laures, Rochester, Minn., 21, senior, horticulture, University of Wisconsin, River Falls; Tracey L. Payton, Bartlesville, Okla., 22, senior, horticulture, Oklahoma State University; and Jennifer L. Yarbrough, Winston Salem, N.C., 20, junior, horticultural science, North Carolina State University .

$500 – Jacqueline M. Bergquist, Hayward, Calif., 19, sophomore, environmental horticulture, University of California, Davis, and Margaret M. Haener, Aurora, Ore., 20, junior, horticulture, Oregon State University.

Also announced by the Shinoda Foundation were incentive grants totaling $1,425 to the various departments in which the 2002-03 scholarship recipients are studying.

Ecke said the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc. is an educational entity headquarted in San Luis Obispo , Calif.

The foundation was established in 1964 under the auspices of the California State Florists’ Association in memory of the late Joseph Shinoda, a highly respected pioneer of California ’s floral industry. It has the express purpose of encouraging educational opportunities for young people interested in entering that industry.

Incorporated as a separate entity in 1972, it has awarded scholarships valued at $603,000 to 551 undergraduate floriculture students since 1965.

Officers of the foundation, in addition to Ecke, are Susan Koch Snyder of Koch California Ltd., Nipomo , Calif. , vice president; Dan Vordale, Ocean View Flowers LLC, Lompoc , Calif. , secretary; and Paul Nielsen, Central Coast Wholesale Florist Inc., Santa Barbara , Calif. , treasurer. Barbara McCaleb of San Luis Obispo, Calif., is its executive secretary.

Applications for the Shinoda Foundation’s scholarships are distributed each January to horticulture and floriculture departments at campuses across the nation.

Information about making contributions to the foundation or about its scholarship program can be obtained from its Internet site <www.shinodascholarship.org> or by writing to: “Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc., 234 Via La Paz , San Luis Obispo , CA , 93401 .”

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