Ben Grubbs, a Soil and Water Sciences Department student, is a finalist for the Larry J. Connor Medal of Excellence from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). The award is given to an outstanding senior based on scholarship, leadership, and fostering diversity.

Grubbs is majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“After I graduate, I plan to pursue a career in agricultural and life sciences in my hometown of Tallahassee,” he says.

Grubbs has worked in the Horticultural Sciences and Soil and Water Sciences departments and volunteered at the Florida Museum of Natural History during his time at UF. He also served as the marketing director for Solar Gators, a club that designs and builds a solar-powered racecar. In that role, Grubbs organized outreach events and helped raise funds for the club.

Enrolling at UF has allowed him to expand his base of knowledge and his world view.

“I’ve enjoyed working with and getting to know the exchange students from China who are in the Horticultural Sciences Department,” Grubbs says. “We’re hoping that I’ll be able to go visit them in China someday.”

He is one of three finalists and, if selected, would be the first Soil and Water Sciences student to receive the award since it was created in 2000. The winner will be announced at the CALS Scholarship and Leadership Awards Banquet on April 18, 2019.

The excellence award is named for former CALS Dean Larry J. Connor. He held the position from 1991 until his retirement in 1999.

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