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."