DAN COOPER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Dan Cooper was a longtime Secretary/Treasurer of the Iowa State Horticultural Society and served as State Horticulturist from 1982 to 1995. Dan devoted much of his life to supporting the people and organizations involved in Iowa’s horticulture industry.

Dan established a scholarship for students interested in majoring in horticultural science. He believed one of the greatest legacies the Iowa State Horticultural Society could provide was helping students attend an Iowa university or community college to study the art and science of horticulture.

Throughout his career, Dan supported Iowa’s non-commercial horticulture organizations by encouraging planting, beautification, and educational projects across the state. He was a strong supporter of the Iowa Arboretum and helped with its creation. As Secretary/Treasurer of ISHS, he was actively involved with its affiliate organizations and helped launch The Iowa Horticulturist magazine, which was published for many years.

Dan also played a key role in persuading Congress to establish the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which continues to provide low-income seniors and WIC families with access to locally grown fresh produce. He promoted horticulture in Iowa at every level, from advocating for directional DOT signage for horticultural businesses to lobbying for changes in the Federal Crop Insurance Program.

Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad said of Dan, “He was a dedicated public servant who gave generously of his time and talent to help others.” The Memorial Grove dedicated to the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing was also a Dan Cooper idea.

For information about scholarships, please contact Barb Clawson at bclawson@iastate.edu