Rogue’s Jack Joyce Scholarship awards $60,000 to fermentation science students (check out these great photos)

Career aspirations for six Oregon State University Fermentation Science students received a boost from brewing industry advocates last Friday night. Each student was awarded a Jack Joyce Scholarship for a combined total of $60,000 distributed among the winners.

The scholarship, established by Columbia Distributing and Rogue Ales and Spirits as a tribute to Rogue Founder Jack Joyce, has given away $245,000 in four years. Each year the scholarships are built from generous donations from influential organizations in the beer industry. This year’s partners included Hop Valley Brewing, Crux Fermentation Project, Coleman Agriculture, National Beer Wholesalers Association, Fremont Brewing Co., 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Tri-S, John I. Hass, Gopher Kegs, Ss Brewtech, the Beer Institute, Great Western Malting Co., KG Specialties, Saxco International LLC, Indie Hops LLC, Georgia-Pacific, Umpqua Bank and the Rogue Foundation.

“Proud is an understatement of what it feels like to help out the next class of fermenters while carrying on the spirit of my dad,” said Rogue President Brett Joyce. “These students have earned it.”

“My favorite aspect of fermentation science is how liberating it is. It really gives you an opportunity to pool in science and flavor,” said Jack Joyce Scholarship winner Keisha Harrison. “It really allows you to explore the world through your eyes and most importantly through your tongue.”

“This wouldn’t be possible without a strong partnership with OSU’s Dr. Thomas Shellhammer as well as industry partners that help us fund it,” said Columbia Distributing’s Senior Vice President of Oregon Sales Mike Specht. “Seven additional partners came on board this year and gave generously. They know what it means to the students’ success and what their success means for the future of our industry.”