AAAP Spring 2026 Foundation President Letter

As my term as AAAP Foundation President concludes this summer, I have reflected on the past six years. When I joined the Foundation’s leadership, my son was a freshman in high school, I had just started at Simmons Foods, and we were all navigating the challenges of COVID-19. Much has changed since then, but one thing has remained constant: the remarkable commitment of our AAAP members to the Foundation.

During this period, you have contributed more than $315,000 to support future generations—an extraordinary testament to your dedication to our professions.

Thanks to the passion and generosity of our members, the Foundation’s Scholarship Program has expanded significantly, with $189,000 in new donations and the addition of several endowed and non-endowed scholarships. Many of these funds were created to honor respected colleagues and friends within the poultry industry, and it has been inspiring to watch these accounts grow and provide meaningful opportunities for students.

Responding to feedback from our members and board, we also prioritized increasing individual scholarship amounts. Guided by the long-term sustainability of our endowed funds, we awarded scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 per student this year. Corporate partners further strengthened our impact by entrusting us to facilitate scholarships in their names, valued between $2,000 and $10,000.

Beyond scholarships, the Foundation continues to create valuable professional experiences. More than $40,000 has been raised to support student travel grants for meeting attendance and presentations. An additional $12,000 has been contributed to the Externship Grant Program, expanding experiential learning opportunities within the poultry industry. Our general fund has also received $74,000 in donations, enabling essential administrative functions and sustaining our financial health.

While these numbers demonstrate impressive growth, our work is ultimately about people—the donors, members, teachers, mentors, and students who bring the Foundation’s mission to life. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has served, contributed, or participated in our programs.

I leave this role with sincere appreciation and confidence in the Foundation’s continued success. I close with our Mission and Vision, which remain at the heart of everything we do.

Mission: To advance poultry health, welfare, and food safety by providing financial support for education, creating meaningful professional experiences, and recognizing innovation and excellence in the field.

Vision: Building a legacy by supporting education, creating experiences, and recognizing excellence in the poultry industry.

Sincerely,

Sara Throne,

AAAP Foundation President

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