12 Honored for Ag Contributions During ANR Week
Published: Friday, March 17, 2023
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University honored 12 leaders in agriculture and natural resources for their leadership at the community, state, national or international levels during a virtual ANR Awards Program.
This hybrid awards event celebrating our outstanding CANR alumni, faculty and partners was held during a reception last Friday at the Graduate Hotel-East Lansing.
The Dean's Pinnacle of Excellence Award is presented to alumni who have obtained the pinnacle of achievement in their field and brought distinction to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Created in 2023, this award is the highest accolade awarded by the dean. The inaugural recipients are:
• Dale Darling, founder and president of Summit Premium Tree Nuts in Orangevale, Calif.
• Larry Walker, adjunct professor for the MSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and retired Cornell professor.
CANR Distinguished Service Award recipients are recognized for outstanding contributions to Michigan's agriculture and natural resources industries and who possess high standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the prestige of the CANR. These recipients demonstrate a commitment to MSU and CANR by continuing outstanding volunteerism and leadership on behalf of or in conjunction with the university on a local, state, national or international level. The 2023 CANR Distinguished Service Award recipients are:
• Scott Piggott, Michigan Farm Bureau CEO.
• Dave Wyrick, retired outreach specialist in the MSU Department of Community Stainability and former Michigan FFA state executive secretary.
Two CANR Outstanding Alumni Awards will be given to those who have distinguished themselves by obtaining the highest level of professional accomplishments, and who possess the highest standards of integrity and character. Recipients are:
• Dennis Krusac, endangered species specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
• Mark Sheperdigian, vice president of Technical Services for Rose Pest Solutions.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Award recognizes alumni for their professional accomplishments, service and contributions in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion to the CANR, their field and community. Receiving the DEI Award is:
• Eric Clark, director of the Wildlife Program for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
The Honorary Alumni Award is given to someone who has made a distinctive contribution to the CANR on a state, national or international level; has relieved the suffering of disadvantaged people; or contributed to any unique program that benefits humankind.
• Carl Bednarski, Michigan Farm Bureau president.
• Stephen Tatter, M.D., Ph.D., Dixie and Liang Yee Soo professor of neurosurgery at Wake Forest University.
The CANR Alumni Service Award selection is made from candidates who have demonstrated continuing outstanding volunteer service to MSU, the CANR or meritorious public service on a local, state, national or international level. Candidates must possess the highest standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the prestige of the CANR. The 2023 recipient is:
• Keith Tinsey, president of the American Society of Biological and Agricultural Engineers and director of operations for Black Gold Farms.
Distinguished Faculty Awards recognize faculty members who have brought distinction to the CANR through teaching, research and/or outreach and provided leadership that has helped students, faculty members and/or citizens reach their potential for excellence. The 2023 recipient is:
• Donald Dickmann, professor emeritus in the MSU Department of Forestry.
• Christina DiFonzo, professor in the MSU Department of Entomology.
Return to Top of Page