Alums highlight AFS Hall of Fame & Meat Science Recognition Banquet
Texas Tech's Department of Animal and Food Sciences honored outstanding alumni performance tonight (Nov. 5) at its Hall of Fame and Meat Science Recognition Banquet at the United Spirit Arena.
Among those cited were:
"Todd Thompson, Hall of Fame "" Distinguished Service Award. The Abernathy native is a longtime supporter and current chairman of the advisory
board for Tech's Therapeutic Riding Center. He received his bachelor's degree in agricultural
economics from Texas Tech and began his career with Merrill Lynch following graduation.
"Paul Defoore, Hall of Fame "" Horizon Award. The Willis native is currently vice president and director of analysis at Cactus
Feeders, which feeds a 1 million head of cattle annually. He is past president of
the Plains Nutrition Council. He received his bachelor's and doctorate degrees in
animal science and ruminant nutrition from Texas Tech.
"Ryan Biggs, Hall of Fame "" Horizon Award. The Panhandle area native is vice president of strategic planning for Abuelo's and
currently serves as chairman of Tech's International Center for Food Industry. He
was previously senior manager of product analysis and development with Brinker International.
He received his bachelor's degree in food science from Texas Tech.
"Dan Thompson, Hall of Fame "" Advanced Graduate of Distinction Award. The native of Clearfield, Iowa, is the director of the Beef Cattle Institute at
Kansas State's College of Veterinary Medicine. He received his bachelor's degree and
DVM from Iowa State. His master's degree is from South Dakota State and his doctorate
is from Texas Tech.
"Robert Albin, Hall of Fame "" Graduate of Distinction Award. The longtime CASNR administrator served as associate dean for research and as interim
dean, in addition to being named a distinguished alumnus. He received his bachelor's
and master's degree in animal husbandry from Texas Tech. His doctorate is from the
University of Nebraska.
"John Burns, Meathead of the Year. A distinguished administrator at Texas Tech for decades, he had served as CASNR's
dean, as well as provost of the university. He founded the Texas Tech University Teaching
Academy. His bachelor's degree and master's degree are from New Mexico State. His
doctorate in zoology and endocrinology are from Indiana University.
"Monica Hightower, Albert Usener Award. The Wichita Falls native manages the Southwest Farm & Ranch Classic agricultural
tradeshow, the National Cowboy Symposium & Celebration, and Cornerstone Group, a video
production firm. She is serves as president of the Texas Tech Animal Science Alumni
Association. She received her bachelor's degree in animal business management from
Texas Tech.
"Jeff Lansdell, Outstanding Meat Science Alumnus. President of CEV Multimedia, he works with the management group in product development,
marketing, sales and distribution. He was awarded the Aubrey Davis Family Award for
outstanding leadership (2005). He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in
meat science and muscle biology from Texas Tech.
Separately, program officials cited the strong performances of the 2010 National Champion Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team in addition to commemorating the 20-year anniversary of the 1990 Meat Judging Team and the 10-year anniversary of the 2000 Reserve National Champion Meat Judging Team.
Meanwhile, one of the evening's highlights was recognition of the establishment of the Dr. C. Boyd Ramsey Meat Science Classroom and Library and the recognition of the San Antonio Stock Show's contribution to the Meat and Food Science and Therapeutic Riding Programs in Jimmie Ruth Evans' honor.
Written by Norman Martin
CONTACT: Moriah Beyers, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2805, ext. 248 or moriah.beyers@ttu.edu
1108NM10 / Photo: N Martin
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