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2008 Alumni Awards

Nominations for the 2008 Alumni Awards are now being accepted.  Look for more information in your Summer Alumni Update, which should be arriving soon.  Click here to download a nomination form. 

Need help remembering past recipients?  Click here for the list.

2007 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS

The CFAES Alumni Society Board of Directors selected and approved the following individuals to receive the 2007 Alumni Awards. This year's Alumni Awards Luncheon was held Saturday, March 3 at the Fawcett Center.

Congratulations to the following winners in each category:

2007 Meritorius Service Award Winners

Meritorious Service Award Recipients (left to right):Donald Thomas and Dr. Jack Judy

John K. Judy    B.S. 1949, M.S. 1958, Ph.D. 1968  Animal Science

Jack was a member of the Department of Animal Sciences for 33 years until he retired in 1984.  He specialized in sheep production and management.  His involvement in livestock, and particularly sheep, started at a young age, as he grew up on a livestock and grain farm in southwestern Ohio.

Even before earning his bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry and his master’s degree and Ph.D. in Animal Science from OSU, Jack’s contributions to the university extended beyond the classroom.  In 1945, he started as a student assistant in the OSU Meats Lab and sheep barn.  More recently, he was instrumental in the planning and building of the current sheep facilities on OSU’s Columbus campus.

As a teacher, Jack was known for his ability to communicate a broad range of information in a meaningful and practical way to students.  Other trademarks of his teaching were his availability to students and a desire to teach.  Former students often mention Jack as part of the reason for success in their careers.

As a leader in the sheep industry, his opinions were sought by members of the industry and academicians alike.  He developed the Ohio Sheep Production Testing program, one of the first in the United States.  In addition, Jack has judged sheep at over 1/3 of Ohio’s county fairs, 20 state fairs, and five national and international expositions.

A member of the American Society of Animal Science, he was also a 10 year board member of American Southdown Breeders Association.  Jack was awarded the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 1976 and the OSU Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in 1984.

He currently resides in Germantown, Ohio.

Donald W. Thomas  B.S. 1960, M.S. 1961  Agricultural Education/Rural Sociology

For over 35 years Donald has made significant contributions to the Rural Sociology program, Department of Human and Community Resource Development, the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, and The Ohio State University. Specializing in rural social demography with emphasis on the applied aspects of population change and migration, his Student Evaluation of Instruction scores were consistently above college and department averages.   

After earning both his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and his master’s degree in Rural Sociology from OSU, Donald completed his doctorate degree in Rural Sociology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Donald spent six years as an associate professor at Pennsylvania State University before returning to OSU. 

During his freshman year at Ohio State, Donald was a State FFA officer.  His continued commitment to FFA is evident with his service as Superintendent of the State FFA Public Speaking Contest and as a member of the State FFA Officer Interview Committee.  Upon his retirement, Donald provided an endowment to provide four annual scholarships to current of former Ohio FFA State Officers to attend the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at OSU.

Donald has received the Plimpton Outstanding Teacher Award (1989) and the Pomerene Teaching Award (2004) from the College at Ohio State and the Teaching Excellence Award (1992) from the Narional Rural Sociological Society.  He is a member of the Sunbury United Methodist Church.

Donald and his wife, Margo, currently reside in Galena, Ohio. They are parents to Sheri Reynolds, Michelle Houts, and Lisa Gordish.

2007 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients (left to right): back row: Dave Betts, Mike Townsley, Richard Naskali; front row: Larry Arrington, Karl Nestor, Bernie Scott

not pictured: Don Good

Larry R. Arrington  Ph.D. 1981  Agricultural Education

Originally from Plant City, Florida, Larry grew up active with 4-H and FFA.  He received his B.S.A. with honors from University of Florida in Agricultural and Extension Education, his M.Ed. from University of Georgia in Vocational Education, and his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in Agricultural and Extension Education.  After completing his Ph.D., Larry returned to Florida and has been associated with University of Florida since 1981. 

In 2003, Larry was appointed as Interim Dean for Extension with UF/IFAS.  Since 2004, he has served as Dean for Extension and Director of Florida Cooperative Extension Service.  In addition to his contributions in the United States, Larry has traveled internationally to establish partnerships in Costa Rica and Ecuador. 

Larry’s affiliations include the Florida Farm Bureau, American Association for Agricultural Education, and the Florida Association of Extension 4-H Agents.  In 2004, he served as a member of the Board of Directors with the National Extension Virtual Diversity Center.

Larry and his wife, Candy, currently reside in Gainesville, Florida. They are the parents of Kelly, Justin, and Brett.

David E. Betts  B.S. 1985  Animal Science

David has established himself as an entrepreneur, community leader, role model, and mentor since graduating from OSU.  As president of Pizza Systems, Inc, he brought the company to the global market and served as consultant to other companies worldwide. 

After helping to grow Pizza Systems, Inc, David developed Amanda Hills Spring Water.  As one of the first companies to use a “market to marketers” approach, Amanda Hills Spring Water provides non-profit organizations with fundraising opportunities and retailers with unique advertising and customer relations opportunities.

Since 1995, David has served as an advisor to the Granville Gals and Pals 4-H club.  As a part of the Licking County 4-H Committee, he helped develop fundraising strategies, which netted over $3000 toward 4-H programming in two years and $11,500 over a period of seven years.  He has also spent time on the board of directors of the Licking County and Newark Chambers of Commerce and as a member of the Pataskala Area Chamber of Commerce.

Don L. Good  B.S. 1947  Animal Science

Don’s undergraduate education at OSU, was interrupted by World War II.  A decorated soldier, he served in Europe and the Pacific.  He completed his B.S. in Animal Husbandry in 1947 and was named to OSU’s Animal Science Hall of Fame in 1950.  Don completed his master’s degree at Kansas State College in Animal Husbandry and his Ph.D. at University of Minnesota in Animal Production.   

Always at the forefront of the beef industry, Don is known for his forward-thinking decisions.  In 1969, he was the first to name a crossbred steer as champion at the International Livestock Show.  Known and respected for his influence and knowledge, he has participated in seminars and provided consulting services to at least ten foreign countries.

In 1987 Don’s portrait was presented to the Saddle and Sirloin Club at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky.  Beef magazine named Don in the “Beef Top 40”, a listing of the most influential people in the beef industry.  Among his other recognitions, are many for meritorious service to the livestock industry.

Don and his wife, Jane, currently reside in Manhattan, Kansas. They are the parents of Linda, Craig, and Gary.

Richard J. Naskali  B.S. 1957, M.S. 1961, Ph.D. 1969  Horticulture/Botany

Richard began his teaching at OSU, but in 1967 he took a position with University of Idaho.  In 1987 the University President appointed Richard the first Director of the University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden.  He held this position until his retirement in 2003.

One of his greatest achievements has been the development of the University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden.  A 63 acre facility, divided into four geographical areas, the arboretum contains 829 species.  Most of the early funding came from private donations Richard helped to raise. 

In 2002 Richard was recognized with the President’s Medallion from the University of Idaho.  Among other awards, he twice received the Daryl E. Snyder Alumni Award for Outstanding Service to the University of Idaho—1973 and 1981.  Richard has authored many papers, holds a plant patent, and has lectured extensively worldwide.

Raised on a farm in Ashtabula County, Richard began working with plants early on. He earned his B.S. in Floriculture/Ornamental Horticulture and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Botany from OSU.  As an undergraduate, Richard was a member of the 1956 Flower Judging Team, which won first place recognition in intercollegiate competition in Denver, Colorado.

Richard currently resides in Moscow, Idaho.

Click here to read the OSU Horticulture & Crop Science News story about Richard's recognition. 

Karl E. Nestor  Ph.D. 1964  Poultry Genetics

Originally from Nestorville, West Virginia, Karl received his Ph.D. from OSU in Poultry Genetics.  Before coming to The Ohio State University, Karl earned his bachelor’s degree in Poultry Science and his master’s degree in Poultry Genetics from West Virginia University. 

A major contributor to turkey genetic research, it is said Karl’s name became synonymous with the field in the agricultural academic community—domestically and internationally.  He was the first to scientifically demonstrate genetic selection for increased body weight in turkeys corresponded to increased leg disorders.  His research also showed turkeys selected for increased leg bone size yielded male turkeys that increased body weight at the same rate as the turkeys selected for weight but had better walking ability.  Karl developed lines of turkeys that are still in high demand for use in research studies worldwide.

The 1976 recipient of the National Turkey Federation Research Award and the 1988 Merck Award for Achievement in Poultry Science, Karl was selected as a Fellow with the Poultry Science Association in 1992.  Locally, he was awarded the 1987 Research Award of Merit by Gamma Sigma Delta, the 1993 Senior Scientist Award by OARDC, and the Meritorious Service Award by the Ohio Poultry Association.

Karl has served in editorial capacities of various levels on the Poultry Science Journal, a publication of the Poultry Science Association since 1981.  During his time as Editor-in-Chief, Karl added two sections—Immunology and Molecular Biology—and significantly decreased the time required to publish a manuscript in the journal.  A founder and leader of the Triway Little League Baseball system (currently Triway Recreation Inc.), Karl coached one or more teams each year for thirteen years.

Bernard J. Scott  B.S. 1961, M.S. 1977  Agricultural Education

The first and only child in his family to attend college, Bernard earned a B.S. in Agricultural Education and M.A. in Supervision.  Raised near Zanesville, Ohio Bernard was the youngest son of a coal miner/steel mill worker/farmer. 

Shortly after receiving his B.S., Bernard moved his young family to Tontogany where he became an instructor in the new vocational agriculture program in the Otsego School District.  Bernard then returned to OSU for his M.A. after the birth of six children.

As an Agricultural Education Instructor, FFA Chapter Advisor, and Certified School Bus Driver from 1962-1999, Bernard developed a reputation for his adaptability and hard work. He has been called a “visionary” and “constant giver.”

Active in his community, Bernard is associated with Wood County Soil and Water Conservation District, Wood County United Way, Otsego FFA Alumni Association, National Corn Growers Association, and Wood County Historical Society among many other organizations.  In addition to consistently giving to his community, Bernard has been a devoted and supportive father, grandfather, and husband.

Bernard and his wife, Jean, currently reside in Tontogany, Ohio. They are the parents of Selene Bostdorff, Dr. Gary Scott, Dr. Alan Scott, Joyce Hay, Jill Beach, Dasa Dzierwa, and Sara Brown.

J. Michael Townsley  B.S. 1981  Animal Science

Mike was recently named Executive Vice President for Bob Evans Farms Food Products Division.  Prior to this position he was President/Chief Operating Officer of Owens Country Sausage, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bob Evans Farms. Initially after completing his degree work at Ohio State, he began his career as a herdsman responsible for managing and maintaining show cattle for Summit Crest Angus Farm before moving on to positions in the meat industry with IBP, Inc, Smithfield Packing Company, and Premium Standard Farms.

Mike earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University in Animal Science with emphasis in Meat Science and Agricultural Economics.  He has devoted his career to improvement of the meat industry and food animal agriculture.  Mike has maintained his ties with OSU as a guest in classes and with visits to faculty and students whenever he is in town.

Outside of work, Mike is coach of his son’s football and basketball teams and Eucharist Minister at Prince of Peace Church in Plano, Texas.  He is also a volunteer with United Way and a member of the board for the Neighborhood Youth and Family Counseling.

Mike and his wife, Jane, currently reside in Frisco, Texas. They are parents to three children—John, Jackie, and Stuart.

2007 International Alumni Award Winner

Vice President of the College, Bobby Moser with International Alumni Award Recipient Fikrettin Sahin

Fikrettin Sahin  M.S. 1994, Ph.D. 1997  Plant Pathology

Less than ten years after receiving his Ph.D. from the Department of Plant Pathology at The Ohio State University, Fikrettin has already compiled an impressive record of scholarship, leadership, and service.  Thus far he has authored or co-authored 95 journal articles and one book. 

Starting as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at Ataturk University, Fikrettin was named Professor in the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering and the Director of Biotechnology Institute at Yeditepe University.  Fikrettin has been key in developing ties between the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at The Ohio State University and Turkish Institutions.  He promoted a Memorandum of Understanding between Ataturk University and CFAES, which resulted in a program in which scientists from Turkey complete 3-6 month visiting scientist programs in OSU departments.  A Memorandum of Understanding with Yeditpe University is in progress.

Fikrettin has been recognized with numerous important awards in Turkey.  With the 2005 Junior Science Award, TUBITAK (the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) recognized his international research on molecular detection, identification and characterization of microorganisms originating in plants, food, industry, and medicine.  Fikrettin was the first agricultural scientist to win this award in Turkey.  In 2004, he received the Distinguished Young Scientist Award from the Turkish Academy of Sciences.

Fikrettin and his wife, Muberra, currently reside in Istanbul, Turkey. They are parents to four children—Yusuf Ziya, Elif, Yunus Emre, and Ebru.

2007 Young Professional Achievement Award Winners

Young Professional Achievement Award Recipients (left to right): Betsy Belleville, Galen Hellwarth, and Rebecca Singer

Elizabeth I. Belleville  B.S. 1996, M.S. 2001  Agribusiness and Applied Economics

Since May 2006, Elizabeth has worked as a Senior Legislative and Policy Analyst with Enterprise Community Partners where she drafts testimony for Congressional Hearings, coordinates with FEMA and HUD to design agency policies to support Gulf Coast Restoration, and advocates for Rural and Native American community development among many other duties.  Elizabeth spent four years as a Legislative Assistant to former U.S. Senator, Mike DeWine.  Her responsibilities included advising the Senator on agriculture, energy, housing, and national disaster issues.  While with the Senator she worked to direct federal dollars to renewable fuels and other agriculture issues.  During this time over 2.5 million dollars was appropriated to the OARDC.

The oldest of four children, Elizabeth was raised on a farm in Wood County where they operated a small livestock harvest and processing facility.  Involved with 4-H and the farm, Elizabeth began steps toward a successful undergraduate and graduate career at OSU.  She received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics and a master’s degree in Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics. 

While at OSU, Elizabeth participated in the Study Abroad Program, traveling to the Prague Agricultural University in The Czech Republic and served as a teaching assistant.  Extracurricular activities included Agricultural Education Society, Chimes, Experience College for a Day (Student Coordinator), and the Livestock Judging Team.  She was chosen as a Top Ten Senior in the College.   

Currently, she is a member of the DC Chapter of Women in Housing and Finance and a participant in the “Everybody Wins! D.C. Elementary School Mentoring and Reading Program.”  Elizabeth is a member of Severn Run Church where she participates in the choir.  Elizabeth resides in Crofton, Maryland.

Galen J. Hellwarth  B.S. 1994, M.S. 1994  Agribusiness and Applied Economics

Starting as a staff auditor, Galen has spent twelve years since graduating advancing through the ranks at Deere and Company.  His current position is Director of Finance and Treasury for John Deere Bank SA located in Luxembourg.  As such, Galen is responsible for oversight of financial and management reporting and internal controls and treasury functions for John Deere Credit’s European operations, including retail and wholesale lending arrangements in Germany, Spain, UK, Italy and France. 

Galen was raised on a 150 cow dairy and 600 acre crop farm in Celina, Ohio.  He received his B.S. (Summa Cum Laude) and M.S. degrees concurrently in Agricultural Economics from The Ohio State University.  During his studies, Galen developed and pursued an interest in international agriculture.

Focusing on developing a feed supplement market in Romania, Galen’s M.S. research was sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development and administered by the International Fertilizer Development Center.  Also while at OSU, Galen traveled to the Czech Republic as part of the study abroad program.

Galen and his wife, Heike, currently reside in Luxembourg. They are parents to three children—Noah, Lucas, and Lisa.

Rebecca A. Singer  B.S. 1996  Agribusiness and Applied Economics

Rebecca earned her bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness and Applied Economics from The Ohio State University.  Currently employed with EISC Inc.’s Center for Innovative Food Technology, her previous position was as OHIO PROUD Coordinator for the Ohio Department of Agriculture.  As the manager of agricultural and agribusiness programs at the Center for Innovative Food Technology, Rebecca’s present responsibilities include identifying and evaluation strategies to advance emerging agricultural sectors.

A graduate of the Ohio Leadership Education and Development program, Rebecca participated in tours of various statewide agricultural businesses and received exposure to international agribusiness.  In 2006, Rebecca traveled to Israel at the invitation of the Negev Foundation.  She toured various agricultural and food technology facilities in Israel.  Rebecca continues to be involved with the Ohio-Israel Agricultural Initiative to further enhance business opportunities.

A member of the American and Ohio Agri-Women Association, Rebecca is also a member and county membership co-chair of the Defiance County Farm Bureau.  She serves as an advisor for the Green Acres 4-H club and is a county judge on 4-H and leadership projects.  Rebecca also serves on the Defiance County Red Cross Board.  Still active on the family grain farm, Rebecca spends her spare time remodeling the 100+ year old farmhouse she calls home.

Rebecca currently resides in Sherwood, Ohio.

2006 Meritorious Service Award Winners

Meritorious Service Alumni Award Winners (left to right): Dr. Bill Tyznik, Thomas

Stockdale and Dr. Jack Cline.

2006 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

Distinguished Alumni Award Winners (left to right): (front row) Peter Konjoian, Linda Martin, David Ames, Charles "Punch" Woods. (back row) Dennis Garrity, James Males, Yang Oh Choiand Daniel Seohnlen.

2006 International Alumni Award Winners

International Alumni Award-winners (left to right): Carlos Steiger and Eliseo Ponce.

2006 Young Professional Achievement Award Winners

Young Professional Achievement Award Winners (left to right): Ian Blount

and Rebecca Miculinich.