Bryan A. Champion Memorial Scholarshi

Scholarship Sponsored by Horticulture Research Institute

Description
**Overview**
Bryan A. Champion was a fifth‑generation nurseryman and president of Herman Losely & Son, Inc. in Perry, Ohio, who devoted his career to the nursery and landscape industry. He was active in local, state, and national industry associations and worked collaboratively with Ohio State University and the U.S. Agricultural Research Service to address practical industry problems. A 1987 graduate of Ohio State University, Champion valued education and research as drivers of industry improvement. He passed away on November 10, 2011, after a four‑year battle with cancer, and is remembered for leadership, volunteerism, and peer education.
Key takeaways
- Fifth‑generation nurseryman and industry leader from Perry, Ohio.
- Collaborated with OSU and USDA‑ARS on industry research and problem solving.
- Strong advocate for education, networking, and volunteer leadership.
- Passed away in 2011; scholarship preserves his legacy.

History of the Award
**Establishment**
Peers and colleagues of Bryan Champion established the Bryan A. Champion Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor his contributions to horticulture and the green industry. The fund was created through donations and is dedicated to awarding at least one student scholarship each year in his name. The scholarship is intended to perpetuate Champion’s commitment to industry education, research, and professional development. Recipients are expected to reflect the passion Champion demonstrated throughout his life.
Key takeaways
- Scholarship created by donations from Champion’s peers and colleagues.
- Fund awards at least one annual memorial scholarship.
- Purpose: honor Champion’s legacy and encourage commitment to the green industry.

Eligibility
**Who can apply**
Applicants must be enrolled and in good standing in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in landscape, horticulture, or a closely related discipline at a two‑ or four‑year institution; vocational agriculture students are also considered. Applicants must carry a full‑time course load at the time of application and during any semester for which the scholarship is granted. For undergraduates, applicants must have at least sophomore standing in a four‑year curriculum or senior standing in a two‑year curriculum as of the fall semester of the application year; graduate students of any year are eligible. The institution attended must be located in Ohio (actual Ohio residency is not required). Academic minimums are a 2.25 cumulative GPA and a 2.7 GPA in the major, both on a 4.0 scale.
Key takeaways
- Must attend an accredited two‑ or four‑year Ohio institution (enrollment location matters, not residency).
- Full‑time enrollment and good academic standing required during application and award semesters.
- Undergrads: ≥sophomore (4‑yr) or ≥senior (2‑yr); graduate students eligible regardless of year.
- Minimum GPAs: 2.25 overall and 2.7 in major (4.0 scale).

Selection & Preferences
**Priority considerations**
Selection gives preference to applicants who plan to work in the green industry after graduation, including nursery operations, landscape architecture/design/construction/maintenance, interiorscape, horticultural distribution, or retail garden centers. Previous recipients of the Bryan A. Champion Memorial Scholarship are eligible to reapply and may receive additional funding. While academic criteria are required, selection also emphasizes alignment with Champion’s values—commitment to the industry, leadership, and practical engagement.
Key takeaways
- Preference for candidates intending careers in the green industry.
- Previous winners may reapply and be considered for additional awards.
- Selection balances academic eligibility with demonstrated industry commitment.

Award Value
**Amount and frequency**
The fund provides one scholarship each year of up to $2,000. The award is intended to help cover educational expenses for a deserving horticultural or landscape student and to reinforce the recipient’s engagement with the industry. Exact disbursement and whether the award covers tuition, fees, or other expenses are determined by the scholarship administrator.
Key takeaways
- One annual scholarship available.
- Maximum award amount: $2,000.
- Disbursement details are set by the scholarship administrator.

Application Timeline & Process
**How to apply**
Specific application deadlines and required materials are set annually by the scholarship administrator; the original announcement does not include fixed dates. Prospective applicants should contact the scholarship sponsor, the financial aid office at their Ohio institution, or visit the administering organization’s website for current application forms, deadlines, and submission instructions. Prepare to verify full‑time enrollment and academic standing, and to document your program of study and career intentions in the green industry if applicable.
Key takeaways
- Deadlines and application materials are determined annually—confirm with the administrator.
- Check sponsor or institutional financial aid office for current instructions.
- Be ready to document enrollment status, transcripts, and career intent in the green industry.