Major: Animal Science - Business Option

Campus: PSU - University Park

Hometown: Long Island, NY

Kieran Schug is a junior at Penn State and was selected as the Walter S Anderson Scholarship Winner. She anticipates to graduate in the Spring of 2026.

Throughout high school, she was involved in 4-H and gained valuable experience from working on a small-scale farm. This operation had dairy cows, beef cattle, dairy goats, and chickens for egg production. From the farm, Kieran was able to teach herself how to speak Spanish, being I am pursuing another major in Spanish.

I am reaching out to express my deepest gratitude for your economical contribution to my college career. Your support has allowed me to pursue my educational goals and explore the vast opportunities within Animal Science.

Starting at Penn State I realized how wonderful the Animal Science Program was, but did not know of the endless opportunities. At first, I came in imagining that I was going to strictly focus on dairy breeds, however, I have developed an interest for all production animals. Although I am not entirely sure which species I would like to work with post-graduation, I know that I would like to enter industry immediately after and combine my passions for animal science, business, and Spanish.

On Penn State’s large campus, I have involved myself in a variety of activities, most of which are due to my passion for the animal agriculture industry. Within the Poultry Science Club, I am the president for this school year. In this role, I will act as the liaison between industry professionals and club members and work alongside club members participating in hands-on educational activities. Additionally, I am the current treasurer of the Dairy Science Club, where I can use various skill sets that I have obtained in business administration classes to help make financial decisions for the club and manage our accounts. This club also offers hands-on experiences and is deeply rooted in youth community outreach within the Pennsylvania Dairy Industry. Some of my other involvements include being one of the Co-Fundraising Chairs for the Meat Science Club, Secretary of the Agriculture Student Council, and an active member of the Ag Advocates. Through the Ag Advocate group, I work alongside the dean and other students to promote our college programs to prospective students.

Other than the academic and extracurricular activities that I participate in, I have also gained practical experience working at the Penn State Meat Laboratory. I am gaining hands-on experience and applying what I am learning in some of my real-world classes.

Thank you for supporting my career goals through the scholarships you provided me with. Your continued support to my academic career has made me be able to continue my education and will certainly further my future career aspirations.

We look forward to seeing all that Kieran can accomplish in the Food Safety Industry and what she will do in the future! Congratulations Kieran!