By Barb McBreen, CALS Communications Service
Kayla Kaalberg is one of 10 finalists receiving the Cardinal Court Scholarship, which is part of the Iowa State University Homecoming activities that begin on Oct. 20. Students nominated to the Cardinal Court are recognized for their academic achievements, campus leadership, character and service to community.
Kaalberg has a triple major in global resource systems, agriculture and society and Spanish. She will graduate Summa Cum Laude in December. She said her involvement with advisers, mentors and friends at Iowa State has created a genuine and energizing community that has empowered her to advocate for others.
“I am grateful for the freedom and encouragement I have had to chart my own path at Iowa State. My support system and experiences have taught me how to creatively and compassionately solve problems, and pursue goals with conviction and energy for the betterment of communities here and beyond,” Kaalberg said.
Kaalberg grew up on a farm outside of West Liberty, Iowa, and has been an influential leader and learner in the agri-food industry. Her passion for agriculture, leadership development and service are reflected in her service and leadership positions in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassadors, Iowa and National FFA Organization, The Salt Company and as a participant in the inaugural Cargill-GRS Leadership Academy.
Kaalberg has participated in seven study abroad experiences in Latin America, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. She completed her required global internship for her global resource systems major with John Deere Financial as the global strategy intern. Her international experience also included her internship at the World Food Prize and helping teach English at a local school while studying in Spain.
She also was selected to join the Cardinal Key Honor Society and received the National FFA American Degree. Kaalberg is a Fred Foreman and Dean’s Global scholarship recipient, which is awarded to top students who serve the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as peer mentors, club officers and represent the college in capacities that recruit prospective students.
The Cardinal Court finalists will participate in the ISU Homecoming Parade on Oct. 20. On Oct. 25 during the Pep Rally,two cardinal court students will be named as the royalty for this year’s homecoming activities.
Qualified applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, a minimum of 90 Iowa State credits, and will graduate in December 2019 or May 2020.
– October 18, 2019