University of Delaware Office of Public Relations The Messenger Vol. 5, No. 1/1995 Recognition: A Special Report Agricultural Scholars: Take Time to Say 'Thanks' to Their Sponsors Eric Benson, Delaware '96, was thrilled to meet John E. Burris, chairman of the board of Burris Foods Inc., during an event last spring planned by the College of Agricultural Sciences. "I couldn't believe that I was actually getting a chance to meet the person who was instrumental in setting up my scholarship," says Benson, son of Stephen D. and Victoria F. Benson of Wilmington. "He's a really great guy, too!" Burris and other donors were invited to meet with students at the Agricultural Sciences Scholars Recognition Dinner, which featured presentations by President David P. Roselle and John C. Nye, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences. "My mom always told me that when people give you something, you should write them a thank-you note," explains event coordinator Karen Roth Aniunas, the college's assistant dean for student services. "I thought the dinner would be a nice way for the students to thank their donors, and for donors to learn more about the young people they're supporting." Donors were introduced to students, including Eva Santana of Wilmington, who is the first person in her family to pursue a university degree. Like Benson, Santana benefits from a four-year Carvel Agricultural Sciences Scholarship, named in honor of former Gov. Elbert N. Carvel. At Delaware, Santana is currently studying a parasite that infects the larvae of crop-destroying corn borers. Ultimately, she hopes to parlay her entomology major into a career in wildlife conservation. Benson is mastering advanced agricultural machinery design and maintenance. Recently, for example, he worked with an adviser to develop an environmentally friendly hydraulic lubricant based on soybean oil. Such research is made possible by many dedicated University supporters like Burris, who together established 20 Carvel scholarships of $5,000 per year. The Carvel awards are funded by numerous private donors and a $1 million matching gift from the state of Delaware. Burris also supports the Burris-Marshall Scholarship, named for his father, John W. Burris, and his father-in-law, Joseph L. Marshall, Delaware '11. Because his grandfather made baskets for a living and his father never had a chance to finish high school, Burris was especially grateful to receive an education. He also recognizes the need for more highly skilled employees within the agricultural industry. "Farming's not done with a plow and a team of mules anymore," Burris says in this year's annual report from the College of Agricultural Sciences. "Fertilizers, insecticides, tillage methods have changed, " he says. "Yields have increased....These improvements happen, not by chance, but by educated people applying their skills."