A scholarship endowment created in memory of one of the world’s leading food microbiologists will benefit undergraduate students in N.C. State University’s Department of Food Science.

The Dr. Peggy Foegeding Memorial Food Science Scholarship Endowment was formally established during a ceremony on May 9.

Foegeding, who died in January after a long battle with breast cancer, was an internationally renowned teacher and researcher in the fields of food microbiology and food safety.

“She was an innovative researcher, a gifted teacher, role model and mentor, as well as an enthusiastic advocate for food safety,” said Dr. James L. Oblinger, dean of N.C. State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “This scholarship endowment is a fitting legacy for such an accomplished and highly respected scientist and educator.”

Dr. Ken Esbenshade, the College’s associate dean and director of academic programs, added, “Bittersweet is the word going through my mind. Bitter, because Peggy will be missed. The sweet part is that through this scholarship, Peggy will be part of this department forever.”

In 1999, former Gov. Jim Hunt presented Foegeding with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award for outstanding service and contributions to the state, and in 1989 the scientific research society Sigma Xi honored her with its Research Award. She also received numerous awards from the Institute of Food Technologists and from N.C. State University.

Foegeding earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Minnesota. She joined N.C. State’s faculty in 1982.

Contributions to the scholarship endowment may be made to the Department of Food Science, Box 7624, Raleigh, NC 27695-7624.

—Dee Shore