The Brenda Bernstein Butner Award in Botany funds outstanding student research projects on native plants. This award provides a stipend of up to $500 for a semester-long or summer project.

Dr. Alfred Butner, a surgeon in California and a loyal Alfred alumnus, established this award in memory of his wife Brenda, also an Alfred alumnus and an avid botanist. Brenda had a keen interest in education and preservation of native plants and their habitats. She was very active in the California Native Plant Society and was widely respected for encouraging others to pursue their interests in this field. Her memory lives on with this generous gift. Awards granted for excellent research proposals provide opportunities for AU students to study native plants in New York, California, and beyond.

Each year three $1000 merit-based awards are given to one sophomore, junior and senior students interested in either animal or human medicine who by their academic, extracurricular and health-related practical experiences have demonstrated a strong motivation and potential for pursuing a career in a health profession.

Diana Mossip entered Alfred University in 1994. She was a National Merit Scholar and a member of the Honors Program. Diana was majoring in biology and had planned a career in veterinary medicine. While at Alfred, she was a member of the biology club and assisted with blood drives. Diana enjoyed living in the Brick Residence Hall, and horseback riding and was never without a book in her hand.

In 1996, while returning to Alfred University, she lost her life in an auto accident. Following her wishes, she became an organ donor, saving many lives by her gift. In 1997, the Diana Mossip Scholarship was established in her memory by her family. The scholarship is now awarded annually to two students planning future careers in veterinary, human or dental medicine.

Previous Recipients of the Diana Mossip Memorial Scholarship are:

1997 – Sarah Holler
1998 – Sarah Holler
1999 – Beth Skwarecki
2000 – Gretchen Jeitler
2001 – Julie Hunt and Gretchen Jeitler
2002 – Julie Hunt and Sean McLay
2003 – Allison Kae Bliss and Kaitlyn Morse