2023 Recipients of the FCV Memorial Scholarship at Virginia Tech

In 2022, Farm Credit of the Virginias (FCV) conceived a scholarship program with the goal of supporting students enrolled in Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, while paying homage to the life of one of its esteemed alumni. The fund honors the legacy of the late Brian Wilkerson (‘06), a graduate of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and a 10-year Farm Credit of the Virginias employee, who passed away in October 2021. The $100,000 endowment supports scholarships for students majoring in any program within the college. “We know that this investment is just one way to further our commitment to the future of agriculture, while also honoring Brian’s legacy and passion for his alma mater,” said CEO of FCV, Brad Cornelius. 

"Farm Credit of the Virginias and Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences have maintained a long-standing partnership benefiting agriculture throughout the commonwealth,” said Alan Grant, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “We are delighted that they have established the Farm Credit of the Virginias Memorial Scholarship in our college, honoring Brian Wilkerson and supporting our students for years to come."

The first recipients of the memorial scholarship were announced in the fall of 2023: Hannah Chambers, Rheannon Fultz, Mehreen Rahman and Gabe Wiggins, (Pictured below: L to R). Learn more about each scholarship recipient below.

Hannah Chambers

• Major: Landscape Horticulture and Design
• Minor: Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship
• Graduation: May 2024
• Hometown: Roanoke, VA
• “I am immensely grateful for your invaluable contribution to my education in the green industry at Virginia Tech. Your generosity has made it possible for me to fully engage in my academic studies in Landscape Horticulture and Design. Additionally, it has allowed me to more actively participate in meaningful campus initiatives, honor societies, and clubs including the Annual Plant Sale through VT’s Horticulture Club, VT’s Big Event, the National Collegiate Landscaping Competition, Phi Alpha Xi, and Transfer Student Support Workshops. I am deeply thankful for the opportunities that your support has made possible.”

Rheannon Fultz

• Major: Crop and Soil Science
• Graduation: May 2024
• Hometown: Weyers Cave, VA
• “Because of the Farm Credit of the Virginias Scholarship, I have been able to pursue my crop science education with greater confidence, connect with experts in the field, and participate in research projects that have helped me realize my passion.”

Mehreen Rahman

• Major: Environmental Science 
• Minor: Wetland Science
• Graduation: December 2025
• Hometown: Dumfries, VA
• “Having the honor of receiving this scholarship gave me the ability to not need to find a work-study job or overburden my parents' finances. Without the added stress of having to figure out how to pay for my college experience, I get to fully enjoy and take advantage of all of the opportunities at Virginia Tech. Whether it be undergraduate research or discovering a new lifelong passion through the student organizations, I don't have to worry about how to pay for it all!”

Gabe Wiggins

• Major: Environmental Economics, Management and Policy
• Graduation: May 2024
• Hometown: Boulder, CO
• “The Farm Credit of the Virginias Memorial Scholarship has had a profound impact on my educational experience at Virginia Tech. The financial support allows me to invest more time into my classes and research projects without having concern over loans. I’m incredibly grateful for this scholarship and the opportunities it has allowed me to pursue beyond the classroom.”

This story was originally published in the June 2024 Leader Magazine. Access the full magazine (digital version) HERE.