Capital Farm Credit has established the Sally Lawson Memorial Scholarship for Cooperative Excellence, an annual scholarship designed to honor the life and professional legacy of former Chief Financial Officer Sally Lawson. The new scholarship was announced on August 31.

Created in partnership with the Texas Ag Cooperative Council (TACC), the scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential and commitment to the cooperative business model within agriculture. The scholarship reflects Lawson's passion for financial stewardship, cooperative values and service to rural communities throughout Texas.

"Throughout her career, Sally Lawson exemplified the values that define cooperative agriculture: integrity, leadership, fiscal responsibility and a deep commitment to serving others," said Capital Farm Credit President and CEO Jeff Norte. "This scholarship honors her remarkable legacy by helping future leaders pursue careers that strengthen agricultural cooperatives and the rural communities they serve."

The scholarship will be awarded annually beginning in August and will provide $2,500 to a qualifying student pursuing study related to agriculture, agribusiness, finance, accounting, agricultural economics, cooperative management or a related field. The scholarship program is expected to expand over time.

Eligible applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited Texas college or university, be classified as a senior or within 12 months of graduation and demonstrate an intention to work within an agricultural cooperative. Applicants must also have completed an internship with a Texas agricultural cooperative.

Applications are being accepted between now and Oct. 31.

As part of the application process, students will submit a resume, academic transcript, letter of recommendation and an essay addressing the importance of cooperative excellence in agriculture and how their career goals align with cooperative principles and values.

Recipients will be selected based on academic performance, demonstrated commitment to cooperative principles, leadership potential and alignment with the scholarship's mission.

“The cooperative model continues to play a vital role in the success of Texas agriculture,” said TACC Executive Vice President Christy Lewis. “By supporting students who are committed to that tradition, we are honoring Sally's legacy in a way that will create lasting impact for generations to come.”

For more information about the Sally Lawson Memorial Scholarship for Cooperative Excellence, including eligibility requirements, visit the application website at https://cfc.smapply.us/prog/sally_lawson_memorial_scholarship_for_cooperative_excellence_/

About TACC

The Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council (TACC) is a voluntary statewide industry association created by Texas co-ops in 1934. For more than 90 years, TACC has been a voice for cooperatives, serving as a catalyst, resource, and clearinghouse for cooperative activities across Texas.

About Capital Farm Credit

For more than 100 years, Capital Farm Credit has supported rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services that include home, land and agribusiness lending; equipment and facilities leasing, and insurance for crops and livestock. Capital Farm Credit is a proud member of the Farm Credit System with more than 600 employees, serving over 24,500 members and more than $13 billion in loan volume.

Since 2006, CFC has returned $3.1 billion in combined cash and allocated equities to its members. Headquartered in College Station, Capital Farm Credit has offices serving 192 of Texas’ 254 counties. For more information about financial services or our cooperative returns program, visit CapitalFarmCredit.com.