Salem F. "Buddy" and Ida May Belt Agriculture Scholarship

The Salem F. “Buddy” and Ida May Belt Agriculture Scholarship is available through the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation for students in good academic standing who are pursuing a degree in agriculture. This scholarship is made possible by way of a generous gift from the estate of Salem “Buddy” Belt ’37 and Ida May Belt.

Salem “Buddy” Belt was born on September 23, 1916, in Warrensburg, Missouri, and pursued his education at Central Missouri State Teachers College, now known as the University of Central Missouri. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Chemistry in 1937 before continuing his academic pursuits at Louisiana State University, where he obtained a Master of Science degree in Chemistry. Following his education, Buddy served his country during World War II before embarking on a distinguished career as a chemist. Throughout his professional journey, he obtained patents and earned accolades in fields such as synthetic fibers and petroleum processing, contributing his expertise to various industries.

Ida May Haydel Belt was born on August 20, 1926, in Adeline, Louisiana, the daughter of George and Jeanne Haydel. Known for her soft-spoken nature and gentle demeanor, Ida May possessed a heart of gold. She was a woman of many talents, excelling as a seamstress, cook, gardener, and fluent speaker of French. From wiring lamps to installing roof shingles, there seemed to be no task beyond her capabilities.

Ida May Haydel met her soul mate Buddy Belt while working at Morton Chemical in New Iberia, Louisiana. He swept her off her feet and they were united in marriage on July 19, 1951. Buddy and Ida May were the definition of "love.” The two of them were inseparable and truly devoted to one another for 57 years. Together they resided in Texas City, TX until settling in Warrensburg, MO where they met Chris Norton ’94 while she was a student at the University of Central Missouri studying agriculture. They became close over the years, with Chris eventually becoming like a surrogate daughter to them.