2026 Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family Scholarship Recipients Announced

Jennifer Zurko

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) announced the 2026 recipients of the Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family scholarships. Created to support the next generation of horticultural scientists and industry leaders, the scholarships recognize graduate students whose work is poised to shape the future of floriculture through innovation, research and education.

Emily Eldridge, a master’s degree student at North Carolina State University, is the recipient of the 2026 Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship. Emily will receive a total of $10,000 ($5,000 each for two consecutive years) to help fund her education.

Four students received the 2026 Altman Family Scholarship, each receiving $5,000 to further their graduate work. Those students are Charlie Smith, a doctoral student at Michigan State University; Luke Finn, a master’s degree student at North Carolina State University; Rajesh Vavilapalli, a doctoral student at the University of Georgia; and Tatiana Osorio Montoya, a doctoral student at North Carolina State University.  GT