Kaleigh Duffy and Heer Patel were among six students awarded the Emily H. and Erwin G. Agthe Endowed Scholarship at a luncheon on November 6.
The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (DAFRE) at Rutgers University held a luncheon on November 6 to celebrate the recipients of this year’s Emily H. and Erwin G. Agthe Endowed Scholarship. The $3,000 scholarships, open to full-time juniors and seniors majoring in environmental and business economics, are based on both merit and need.
DAFRE awarded six students the scholarship this year, up from five in previous years, for their academic excellence, character, and potential to make an impact in environmental science, policy, and economics. The recipients, who display an unwavering commitment to their studies and a drive to contribute meaningfully to the field, are Gabriel Coimbra Viana da Costa, Kaleigh Duffy, Mitchell Lane, Ulyses Paiz, Heer Patel, and Faith Van Wart.
“I’m super honored and thankful to be recognized for my hard work. It feels great to have this support and it motivates me to keep pushing toward my goals,” said Heer Patel, a senior from Edison, NJ, now in her last semester.
“I’d like to start a career in sustainability and data analysis since using data to make better decisions is so important, especially in this field,” said Patel. “Eventually, I want to pursue a master’s degree in data analytics to build on what I’ve learned.”
“This scholarship motivates me to continue striving for excellence in both my academic and professional pursuits,” said Kaleigh Duffy, a junior from East Brunswick, NJ. “I’m incredibly grateful to the Agthe family for their generosity, which will enable me to pursue my passions with greater focus and determination.”
Duffy said that she owes her success to her support network of professors, mentors, and family. While still at Rutgers, she plans to deepen her understanding of sustainable business practices and economic modeling through hands-on projects and internships.
“I would like to take advantage of all Rutgers has to offer while being a student here to set my future up for success with a solid academic foundation,” said Duffy, who is keeping an open mind to post-graduate career plans. “I see myself traveling the world and finding ways to learn more about the environment and what I can create with that information for my business.”
Duffy and Patel, the two recipients who attended the luncheon in person, are exemplary of the Environmental and Business Economics major, which prepares students for impactful roles in environmental policy, resource management, and sustainable business.
“This year’s Agthe Scholars highlight the exceptional caliber of students in the environmental and business economics major,” said Dr. Ramu Govidasamy, chair of the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics. “They’ve showcased commitment to advancing sustainability, economic innovation, and impactful solutions for a better future.”
About the Emily H. and Erwin G. Agthe Endowed Scholarship
Established by Rutgers alumnus Donald E. Agthe, AG ’62, in loving memory of his parents, this scholarship reflects a heartfelt commitment to fostering educational opportunity and promoting academic excellence within the Environmental and Business Economics program at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.
This scholarship stands as a tribute to Emily H. and Erwin G. Agthe, ensuring their legacy endures as a beacon of opportunity for Rutgers students. Their story and commitment will continue to inspire and live on through the impactful work of students like Gabriel, Kaleigh, Mitchell, Ulyses, Heer, and Faith—each of whom embodies the mission to drive positive change and champion sustainable solutions in an increasingly complex world.
