Supporting students who are committed to building careers in floriculture has long been one of the core focuses of the American Floral Endowment. Continuing that commitment, the August "Gus" and Mary Belle De Hertogh Scholarship Fund is being established by Mary Belle De Hertogh in honor of her late husband, Gus, celebrating their shared belief in the power of education and their enduring commitment to supporting the next generation of floriculture professionals.
The new scholarship will provide financial support to undergraduate or graduate students who have demonstrated an interest in floriculture and who intend to pursue a career in the field after graduation. This scholarship will be awarded annually, with an application deadline of May 1, and preference given to students who have shown a particular interest in flower bulbs.
© American Floral EndowmentAugust "Gus" and Mary Belle De Hertogh
The August (Gus) and Mary Belle De Hertogh Scholarship recognizes the significant international impact of Gus and Mary Belle De Hertogh on floricultural academics and the green industry. Dr. De Hertogh was internationally renowned for his research and expertise in floriculture, particularly in flower bulbs. He developed foundational protocols for forcing bulbs as potted plant crops and was known worldwide for his deep understanding of bulb physiology and crop culture.
"Gus's greatest joy came from research, teaching, and sharing what he learned with others, especially students and young professionals. Those values continue to guide me, and creating this scholarship allows me to honor his legacy by supporting those who are passionate about floriculture and eager to learn," remarked Mary Belle De Hertogh.
© American Floral Endowment
Throughout his career, Dr. De Hertogh served as a consultant and advisor to dozens of the world's leading bulb producers and forcers. He freely shared his knowledge with scientists and growers around the globe through books, scholarly articles, and lectures. Among his many contributions to science, one of the most significant was the comprehensive treatise on bulb crops co-authored with Dr. Marcel Le Nard, The Physiology of Flowering Bulbs, which remains a seminal reference in the field.
Gus's influence on floriculture extended well beyond academia and industry research. From 1999 to 2014, he served as AFE's first Research Coordinator, helping shape the organization's research program during a formative period. In that role, he developed a rigorous and comprehensive research proposal review process to ensure funded projects were both scientifically sound and directly relevant to industry needs — a framework that continues to guide AFE's research investments today.
Equally integral to this legacy was Dr. De Hertogh's wife, Mary Belle, who served as the Director of a county Cooperative Extension office. Mary Belle was deeply involved in many aspects of Gus's work, frequently accompanying him to industry and scientific meetings around the world. Her quintessential Southern charm, warmth, and gracious hospitality endeared her to bulb growers, researchers, and suppliers internationally, helping to foster enduring professional relationships. As a result, the De Hertogh's often welcomed and entertained leaders from the national and international floriculture industry, creating a sense of community that extended well beyond the laboratory and conference hall.
Dr. De Hertogh's contributions were widely recognized during his lifetime, including his induction into the Society of American Florists Floriculture Hall of Fame, one of the industry's highest honors. Yet those who worked closely with Gus often remember him most for his generosity as a mentor and his commitment to freely sharing knowledge for the benefit of others.
Through the August (Gus) and Mary Belle De Hertogh Scholarship Fund, that commitment continues. By supporting students who share Gus and Mary Belle's passion for floriculture, the fund helps ensure that education, research excellence, and industry collaboration remain strong for generations to come.
Application information
Students interested in applying for the August (Gus) and Mary Belle De Hertogh Scholarship Fund can learn more about eligibility and application requirements at the link here. The deadline for applications is May 1.
American Floral Endowment
Tel.: +1 (703) 838-5211
[email protected]
www.endowment.org
