Michael Del Valle, Jr. awarded inaugural Dr. P. Allen Hammer Scholarship

COLUMBUS – The first-ever recipient of the Dr. P. Allen Hammer Scholarship was announced as Michael Del Valle, Jr., an undergraduate student studying horticulture at the University of Georgia. The $5,000 award is presented in recognition of exemplary academic achievement in the field of horticulture, and is intended to support the next generation of floriculture students towards the completion of their horticulture-related academic pursuits.

The scholarship, founded in 2016 by Dümmen Orange in acknowledgement of the contributions Dr. P. Allen Hammer has made to the floriculture industry, was awarded based on a variety of indicators. “We selected Michael for his academic performance, floriculture experience, UGA Horticulture Club participation, Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society membership and career goals, all of which aligned with the intent of the scholarship to support an outstanding university student in the field of floriculture,” says Dr. Hammer, according to a press release. “I sincerely hope this award makes his senior year at UGA just a little easier, allowing him to focus on his education and preparing him to join the industry as a respected and successful professional.”

Del Valle, who is working at the UGA Horticulture Research Farm for the summer, plans to find a job in either a local production facility or garden center after graduation. “Ultimately, I would like to purchase land and begin a fresh cut-flower growing operation,” he says. “I am so honored to have been chosen as the first recipient of the Dr. P. Allen Hammer Scholarship. The news of this great achievement could not have come at a more opportune time in my life as I'm finishing up my final year in college and preparing for the financial responsibilities that will come post-graduation. I cannot thank the committee at Dümmen Orange enough for their generosity.”