Dr. Leonard Perry Scholarship Fund
Dr. Leonard Perry Scholarship Fund
On January 5, 2023 the VNLA Board of Directors voted to establish the Dr. Leonard Perry Scholarship Fund. This fund is in honor of Dr. Perry’s career working at the University of Vermont and because of his service and support of the VNLA. Since 1962, the University has served in partnership with the VNLA connecting Horticulture students with industry professionals, and Dr. Perry has been greatly influential in that effort.
Dr. Leonard Perry worked as Extension Greenhouse and Nursery specialist for 35 years before retiring (somewhat!) in 2016. Many in the public know him for his TV appearances on the regional Across The Fence program, radio interviews and news articles. We at the VNLA know him for his many contributions to the Association from leading twilight meetings and bus tours to beautiful gardens as well as overseeing our VT Certified Horticulturist Program by updating our manual and proctoring/grading VCH exams. Dr. Perry writes a column in our quarterly publication, The Dirt. Students know him for his work leading research programs on perennial production, overwintering and well, all things perennial! Beyond his decades of work at UVM, Dr. Perry also served as Horticulturist in Residence for the King’s Garden in Fort Ticonderoga.
As a part of the VNLA mission, we provide educational opportunities and award scholarships to college students studying in Vermont. Currently we offer two $500 scholarships – one for a UVM student and one for a VTC student. This new fund will allow us to increase this amount. You can donate by filling out the form below.
It is our great pleasure to announce the establishment of this fund in recognition of Dr. Leonard Perry’s legacy and recognize his dedication to the horticulture industry in Vermont.