Letter to the editor

Feb. 10, 2005
By Rose Puenta
Guest Writer

Dear Editor:

I am currently a St. Ambrose senior majoring in Biology with aspirations of being accepted to the Physical Therapy program.

I have had the privilege of receiving a prestigious scholarship award of which I take great pleasure to write about.  The Iowa College Foundation awards scholarships annually to students attending private higher education schools.  This award is given in honor of two exceptionally influential agriculturalists from Iowa, George Washington Carver and Henry A. Wallace, both of whom have contributed greatly to our agricultural economy.  The Pioneer/George Washington Carver/Henry A. Wallace Scholarship gift has given me the opportunity to continue my education by relieving me of a significant amount of tuition debt.  

George Washington Carver and Henry A. Wallace are deemed today as world-renowned plant geneticists who broke ground in the agricultural economy and changed the face of agriculture.  Prior to receiving this award, my knowledge of George W. Wallace and Henry A. Wallace was as rudimentary as the next person.  Not only have I gained financial assistance, but also have gained the utmost respect for the unprecedented achievements these two men have contributed to Iowa agriculture and moreover to global agriculture.  Because of the vast new technologies they both attained, myriads of businesses now profit from lucrative agricultural techniques and products. 

The average consumer also benefits in the everyday use of numerous products such as rubbing oils and shampoo as well as better prices for farm-derived foods thanks to the more efficient ways of farming.  Were it not for Carver and Wallace, our country may not have recovered from the Great Depression resulting in a weakened country vulnerable to attack.  The United States of America as we know it, could have been a totally different world.   Because of Carver and Wallace’s immense accomplishments and their love and devotion to both agriculture and humanity, we are able to live more affluent lives.  Just as George Carver and Henry Wallace were of inspiration and examples of true determination, I recognize that I must devote my time and knowledge humanity and especially to my community as a future Physical Therapist in order to enhance our way of life as mankind. 

Sincerely,

Rose Puenta, SAU Senior

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