Viva Fresh Scholarship

Each year we remember and celebrate those individuals who have had a major impact in our region. This year’s Viva Fresh scholarship will posthumously honor Mr. Craig Fox of Fox Packaging. Craig Fox passed away on February 1, 2023, after dedicating over four decades of service to the produce industry. After graduating from Texas Christian University in 1982, Fox started his career at his family’s business, Kenneth Fox Supply Co. (now Fox Packaging). As Vice President of Sales at Fox Packaging, Craig’s innovative approach and dedication to building relationships propelled the company to new heights – with a passion and vision for the industry that were unmatched.

Described as a visionary and a friend to many, Craig’s impact extended far beyond the industry. He was known for his deep understanding of the market challenges and his unwavering commitment to his customers. Craig’s legacy lives on through his sons, Jacob, and Dylan Fox, who continue in his footsteps at Fox Packaging.

Objective of the Scholarship

The program will provide one-year scholarships to family of TIPA members, Viva Fresh exhibitors & sponsor companies for students who intend to pursue a degree or certification program relevant to the fresh produce industry.

Allow all scopes and job areas that could be of benefit of the fresh produce supply chain to apply, not only the traditional agriculture degrees.

Support the broad range of skills and job functions needed by the next generation of fresh produce professionals.

  • The amount of the scholarship is $2,000 per recipient ($1,000/semester)
  • Applicant must plan to obtain a degree or certification from a college/university/vocational school that can be applied to the produce-industry supply chain.
    • If pursuing a bachelor’s degree; must be enrolled in 12+ hours of coursework.
  • Applicant must be a high school senior or presently enrolled in a college/university/vocational school.
  • High school applicants and college applicants must have maintained a minimum of 2.5 GPA or higher.

  • Emphasis in judging will be placed on the responses to essay questions listed in the scholarship application, as well as on grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
    • Only one application is allowed per student in this scholarship competition.
    • Applicants must be employees of or the respective family of TIPA-members and Viva Fresh-contributor companies, such as exhibitors and sponsor companies.
    • Applicants must intend to enroll in an accredited educational institution for the 2023-24 academic year in a field pertaining to the fresh produce supply chain. This includes, but is not limited to agriculture, horticulture, crop science, logistics, mechanical engineering, ag sales, and ag marketing.
    • Applicants must complete all required information on the entry form. Applications that fail to meet the requirements or are incomplete will not be reviewed.
    • Answers must be the applicants’ original work and no more than 100 words in length per question.
    • Applications must be submitted via email to info@texipa.org or via fax (956) 581-3912 on or before 11:59 p.m. CST on 07/31/2024.
    • Questions regarding the scholarship should be directed to info@texipa.org.

    The decision of the judges is final.

    The deadline for the Viva Fresh scholarship submissions is July 31, 2024.

    Incomplete applications will be returned to applications, with a request to rectify missing information within 5 days of the request or they forfeit the application. Applications are then reviewed by the Viva Fresh Open Golf Committee for final selection of qualified candidates. TIPA personnel will then contact the scholarship recipients, requesting the appropriate supporting documentation as well as a photograph for promotional and advertising purposes. Applicants who are not chosen during the initial application year may be considered for future years and are encouraged to apply again if qualification terms continue to apply.

For more information, contact:
Texas International Produce Association
Attn: Viva Fresh Scholarship Committee
901 Business Park Drive, Suite 500 Mission, Texas 78572
(Office) 956.581.8632
info@texipa.org

Scholarship Awardees

Anthony E. VasquezFarmer's Marketing Services
Texas A&M Univ.-Kingsville, Agriculture
Science – General Agriculture, B.S.
Brittany M. St. GeorgeDole Fresh Vegetables
UC Irvine,
Education &
Global Cultures, Agriculture Teacher
James MurrayTex-Mex Recycling / Tenaza Organics
UT at Austin,
Biology & STEM
– Freshman Polymathic Honors
Mariela ElizondoInternational Paper
The University of Oklahoma, Agricultural
Marketing