Mentor Recognition Programs


Current Mentor Recognition Funds

Sherry Olsen, Ph.D., Candidate for Mentor Recognition

AMSA is proud to announce the formation of a Mentor Recognition fund in honor of the late Dr. Sherry Olsen. 

The goal of the Dr. Sherry Olsen “Aunt Sherry” Mentorship Recognition Fund is to honor her enduring legacy by supporting initiatives that reflect her passion for mentorship and education. This fund will provide vital programmatic support for regional and university-level meat judging contests, professional development opportunities for new or student coaches, and the advancement of emerging meat judging programs.

Dr. Sherry Olsen, of Iowa State University, devoted her career to the growth and success of her students—many of whom credit her as a transformative influence in their lives. She mentored with deep compassion and unwavering commitment, helping her students become not only accomplished professionals but also thoughtful citizens, devoted parents, and community-minded individuals. Dr. Olsen often remarked that her students taught her far more than she taught them, a reflection of the humility and grace with which she approached every aspect of her life and career.

Specific Purpose of Funds: Proceeds from this endowment fund and the current use contributions will be used for programmatic support for the support of regional/university contests, professional development for new or student meat judging coaches, or toward the development of new and or emerging meat judging programs.

Recognition of a Meat Science Mentor

  • A formalized fully funded Meat Science Mentor Recognition established with the AMSA Development Council will provide the following:
  • Public recognition for the professional accomplishments of a member of AMSA whose contributions to meat sciences have been national/international in scope.
  • Both recognition of and on-going financial support for an area championed by the honoree in the form of an endowment established for a specific purpose. ($25,000 or greater)
  • Recognition of honored individuals and donors in an annual publication of the Association.
  • A plaque presented to the honoree.

Procedures and Polices for Establishing a Mentor Recognition

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mentor Program