The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) Scholarship Foundation announced the establishment of the Ron Gustafson Scholarship, a $5,000 award honoring Scholarship Foundation Founding President and meat industry leader Ron Gustafson. Each year, the NAMI Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships to eligible sophomores, juniors and seniors attending accredited four-year colleges or universities who are enrolled in an approved animal, meat or food science degree or culinary arts program.
Gustafson currently serves as president and chairman of the board of the Vernon, California-based Coast Packing Company, the number one supplier of animal fat shortenings in the Western United States. Gustafson played an integral role in building the company’s executive and management team, improving its facilities and modernizing production. He also previously served as a director of both the Western States Meat Association (WSMPA) and National Meat Association, a predecessor organization to NAMI.