The Illinois State University Department of Agriculture is proud to announce the scholarship recipients for this year’s Harvey Woods Scholarship. This scholarship honors Harvey Woods, a former Department of Agriculture chairperson and professor at Illinois State.
The fundraiser is fueled by donations and the annual golf outing. This year the golf outing will take place June 21. Please visit Agriculture.IllinoisState.edu/giving/harvey-s-woods-golf-classic and contact us if you would like to partner as a sponsor, golfer, or join for lunch on that day. This year, five students were offered the Harvey Woods Scholarship: Ainsley Jacobus, Whitney Stiverson, Calin Gaulrapp, Mackenzie Brackett, and Jacob Holtgrave.
Ainsley Jacobus
I am currently going into my senior year at Illinois State University. I am from a small town outside of St. Louis where I live during most university breaks with my parents, twin brother, three dogs, and one cat. My major is in animal science with intentions of attending veterinary school after my undergraduate. I will be applying in September to multiple veterinary schools. With that, I am constantly working toward building my application with hands-on experience. I have been working at a small animal practice in Normal for over a year, and I will be shadowing at a large animal practice near my hometown over the summer as well as helping with a research project based out of Illinois State University. Not only am I always searching for experience within the animal industry, but it is my priority to put my academics first in my busy life.
Whitney Stiverson
I was raised in Dunlap, I’m an incoming senior at Illinois State University for the fall of 2024 and am majoring in animal industry management. My agriculture background is limited to grandparents who used to farm, but one reason I shifted toward agriculture at ISU was due to my 15-plus years of equine experience. My time at ISU did not start out in agriculture, and I have been so happy and fulfilled since making the switch. This summer I will be conducting research through an ISU grant with an agricultural economics professor, which I am thrilled about. My plans after I graduate are to potentially pursue graduate school or head off into a role in the equine industry.
Mackenzie Brackett
I am originally from LeRoy, and I previously graduated from a community college and veterinary technology program in 2020, but decided to expand my education at Illinois State through the Department of Agriculture as an undergraduate student. While at Illinois State, I have been involved with different registered student organizations, as well as held active employment at the University Farm in Lexington. I plan to graduate with a degree in animal industry management, with the career goal of working in the cow-calf sector of the beef cattle industry.
Jacob Holtgrave
I’m from the town of Edwardsville, about two hours south of Bloomington where I spent much of my time working on the family farm. I am currently pursuing an agribusiness degree as a sophomore at Illinois State University with hopes to continue the family farm for another generation. While at school I help another local farmer in the fall and a seed dealer in the spring. In my leisure time, I enjoy shooting sporting clays and hanging out with friends. I also cherish moments spent on adventures with my family, fostering a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle outside of work. Whether it be on the farm or on campus I’m always eager to learn and meet new people.
