UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Some students in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will benefit from a new scholarship this fall, thanks to a $60,000 gift from the Sterman E. and Geraldine F. Masser and Keith Masser families, and the trust fund established by their Schuylkill County community.

The Kim L. Masser Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to qualified full-time undergraduates majoring in agricultural and biological engineering or agricultural systems management. Students will be chosen based upon their academic record, and preference will be given to the graduates of several Schuylkill County high schools. Each student will be awarded a minimum of $1,500 and also will be given an opportunity to pursue an internship or cooperative experience at Sterman Masser Inc.

Masser Potato Farms is an eighth-generation, family-owned operation located in Sacramento, Pa. In 1967, Sterman and Geraldine Masser purchased 100 acres from family, and in 1970, they formed Sterman Masser Inc., a firm specializing in the farming and distribution of potatoes. Since then, the business has expanded to 4000 acres of potatoes and cash grains within three states and has recently added a computerized processing and packing line. The family now packs and distributes 70 million pounds of potatoes each year, including popular varieties of round white, russet and red potatoes. Sterman since has entered the anthracite coal industry, while Keith and his wife, Helen, run the family potato company.

The Massers have a strong history at Penn State. In 1973, Keith graduated from the College of Agricultural Sciences with a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering, while Helen graduated in Penn State's nutrition program. Their son, David, earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural systems management in 1998; daughter Julie earned hers in agricultural and biological engineering in 2001 and now is studying for a master's degree in wood engineering. Other Masser family members have studied in Penn State programs including industrial engineering, animal science and poultry science.

To provide support to students in the agricultural and biological engineering department, the Massers arranged a transfer of the community trust to the College of Agricultural Sciences' scholarship and awards program. The Kim L. Masser Memorial Scholarship will now be awarded to one student annually, beginning with the 2003-04 academic year.

Individuals or organizations wishing to contribute to the Kim L. Masser Memorial Scholarship may contact the college's development office at 814-863-1373.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact John Krumrine, Office of Development, at 814-863-1168 or jqk4@psu.edu.

Contact: Amanda Yeager aby104@psu.edu 814-865-3636 814-863-9877 fax #111

Chuck Gill cdg5@psu.edu 814-863-2713 814-863-9877 fax