College of Agriculture Alumni and Faculty Awards

Each year the K-State College of Agriculture recognizes exceptional alumni and faculty who have demonstrated commitment and leadership, distinction to themselves, their profession, the K-State College of Agriculture and Kansas State University. These awards honor living alumni and faculty who personify the College of Agriculture's tradition of excellence.

2026 Award Nominations are closed. Stay tuned for the announcement of winners.

Register today for the 2026 Alumni & Friends Reunion

2026 Award Winners

2026 K-State College of Agriculture Presents Awards to Alumni and Faculty

Each year, the Kansas State University College of Agriculture recognizes exceptional alumni and faculty who have demonstrated commitment, leadership and distinction to themselves, their profession, the Kansas State University College of Agriculture and Kansas State University. This year's awards will be presented during the 2026 College of Agriculture Alumni & Friends Reunion.

2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award- Lance Rezac

Lee Borck, a 1970 graduate in agricultural economics from Kansas State University, is a nationally recognized leader whose impact has shaped the modern cattle feeding industry through innovation, collaboration, and service. As Chairman and CEO of Innovative Livestock Services, he helped grow operations to a feeding capacity of 225,000 head. At the same time, his founding of the Beef Marketing Group Cooperative advanced value-based cattle pricing now widely adopted across the industry. He also co-founded Progressive Beef, a program influencing food safety and animal care practices for roughly a quarter of U.S. fed cattle. Beyond his professional achievements, Borck has demonstrated a deep commitment to community and youth development through extensive support of organizations such as 4-H, Boys and Girls Club, and regional foundations, as well as leadership roles with the K-State Alumni Association and K-State Foundation. His legacy reflects both industry transformation and meaningful investment in people, communities and the future of agriculture.

2026 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award- Andres Reyes Gaige

Dr. Andrés Reyes Gaige, a Kansas State University Ph.D. graduate in plant pathology, is an innovative agricultural scientist and industry leader whose work bridges cutting-edge research with real-world application to advance sustainable farming systems. As Regional Technical Manager for North America at Acadian Seaplants, he has led the development and commercialization of patented technologies in seed treatments, nutrient efficiency and carbon capture, impacting growers across the U.S. and globally. His efforts have supported regenerative practices on thousands of acres, improving soil health, reducing environmental impact and creating new opportunities through carbon markets. In addition to his professional achievements, he is committed to education, mentorship and collaboration with K-State, helping connect research to industry while supporting students and faculty. His career reflects a strong dedication to innovation, sustainability and the future of agriculture.

2026 David Mugler Outstanding Teaching Award- Dr. Doohong Min, Agronomy

Past Recipients

Award Details

Distinguished Alumnus Award

Criteria:

• 45 years of age or older, as of the date of award presentation, are eligible
• Outstanding career accomplishment in chosen field (to be based on overall career of nominee rather than any single activity or achievement)
• Contributions made to his/her community, state, and/or nation
• Humanitarian service to society rather than material success alone
• Service to the University, in particular the College of Agriculture, should receive consideration but is not mandatory

Outstanding Young Alumnus Award

Criteria:

• 45 years of age or younger, as of the date of award presentation
• Outstanding career accomplishment in chosen field (to be based on overall career of nominee rather than any single activity or achievement.)
• Contributions made to his/her community, state, and/or nation.
• Humanitarian service to society rather than material success alone.
• Service to the University, in particular the College of Agriculture, should receive consideration but is not mandatory.

David Mugler Outstanding Teaching Award

In 1999, the K-State University College of Agriculture Alumni Board of Directors established an annual award, the David Mugler Teaching Award, to recognize Dr. Mugler's many years of dedicated service to students in the K-State College of Agriculture. The individual nominated should emulate the personal and professional qualities demonstrated by Dave. He was an excellent teacher and advisor who modeled the statement, "They don't care what you know until they know you care."

Criteria:

• Teaching faculty within the K-State College of Agriculture
• Demonstrated dedication and caring for students both in and out of the classroom