Michigan State University will honor 11 ag, natural resources leaders
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University (MSU) will honor 11 leaders in agriculture and natural resources for leadership at the community, state, national or international levels during a virtual ANR Awards Program on March 12.
CANR Distinguished Service Awards
The 2021 CANR Distinguished Service Award recipients include Brian Sackett, of Sackett Potatoes, in Mecosta, Michigan. Photo: MSU
The 2021 CANR Distinguished Service Award recipients are:
- Stephen Herbruck, Greg Herbruck and Harry “Herb” Herbruck, of Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, in Saranac, Mich.
- Brian Sackett, of Sackett Potatoes, in Mecosta, Mich.
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 2021 recipient is:
- Mark Moorman, Ph.D., director of food safety, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Karim M. Maredia, Ph.D., professor in the MSU Department of Entomology and Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences (PSM).
- Gale Strasburg, Ph.D., professor in the MSU Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.
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:
- Leonard A. Savala, III, Ph.D., director of the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement at Wayne State University (WSU).
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. Receiving the Honorary Alumni Awards are:
- Kenneth J. Rauscher, president of the Lansing Area Agricultural and Natural Resources Club.
- Karen Schroeder, vice president and co-owner of Mayberry Homes.
Two awards for CANR Outstanding Alumni were 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:
- Dean E. Beyer, Jr., Ph.D., retired research biologist Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and adjunct professor for the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.
- Max Gonzenbach, retired CEO, Valley Queen Cheese Factory.
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award honors individuals who have distinguished themselves by obtaining a high level of professional accomplishment and who possess high standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the prestige of the CANR within 10 years of graduation. The recipient is:
- Kaytlyn Brinkman, northern regional manager for the American Tree Farm System at the American Forest Foundation.
In addition, 10 individuals were inducted into the Farm Lane Society at a virtual event on March 5.
The Farm Lane Society honors individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and to foster their continuing involvement in the College and Alumni Association. Honorees are former CANR Alumni Association Board members or recipients of a CANR Alumni Association Award or the CANR Distinguished Service Award from the previous year. This year’s Farm Lane Society cohort included:
- Thomas Bailey
- Troy Bancroft
- George Bird
- Susan Chamberlain
- Doug Cron
- Dirk Drost
- Frank Ettawageshik
- Trever Meachum
- Truman Surbrook
- David Weatherspoon
Learn more about ANR Month.
Photo a top: From left, Greg Herbruck, Stephen Herbruck and Harry “Herb” Herbruck, of Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, recipients of the 2021 CANR Distinguished Service Award recipients. Photo: MSU