College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni & Friends

EAST LANSING, Mich. — On Friday, March 7, the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) hosted the annual ANR Awards program and recognized leaders in agriculture and natural resources for their distinguished accomplishments and service.

“Our award winners represent the collective strength, diversity and impact of our entire college community,” said CANR interim dean Matt Daum. “In their own individual ways, each award winner has made a lasting difference, here at MSU, in their professional fields and in their communities.”

The ANR Awards is an annual event that honors outstanding individuals for their contributions to MSU, CANR, agriculture and natural resources in the state of Michigan and around the world. The 2025 ANR Awards featured the presentation of the Dean’s Pinnacle of Excellence Awards, CANR Distinguished Service Awards and the CANR Alumni Association Awards.

A complete list of the 2025 award winners and detailed biographies about each recipient can be found here.

CANR DEAN'S PINNACLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

This 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 of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

2025 recipients:

Dr. Albert and MaryKay Bolles – Graduates of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN), Albert and MaryKay each went on to build distinguished careers as global leaders in the food science industry, holding senior positions at some of the most recognized brands in the field.

CANR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS

This award recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources industries and 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 a local, state, national or international level.

2025 recipients:

Gary Whelan – Retired program manager for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fish Health Program and an adjunct professor in the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

William “Dutch” Guthrie – Retired loan officer with Greenstone Farm Credit Services with a distinguished service record in the U.S. Army, Tuscola County 4-H, FFA and a longtime leader in the equine industry.

CANR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS

Outstanding Alumni Award: This award recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves by obtaining the highest level of professional accomplishments, and who possess the highest standards of integrity and character.

2025 recipients:

Charles Frasier – A successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, known for founding Dixie Box and Crating Company and American Box and Crating, and for his generous support of MSU’s School of Packaging.

Dr. Donald Beitz – A distinguished professor at Iowa State University with a career spanning over five decades, known for his groundbreaking research in animal science and biochemistry and his commitment to teaching and mentorship.

Alumni Service Award: This award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated continuing outstanding volunteer service to MSU, the CANR or meritorious public service on a local, state, national or international level.

2025 recipients:

Alan Scott – A prominent figure in the home building industry, with a career spanning over four decades, during which he led major development projects across the United States and made significant contributions to the National Association of Home Builders.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Award: This 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.

2025 recipient:

Stephanie Onwenu – A distinguished visual artist, landscape designer and educator who has made significant contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in landscape architecture, notably through community-driven design projects, her leadership in professional organizations and her work amplifying underrepresented voices in the field.

Honorary Alumni Award: This 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.

2025 recipients:

Dawn Drake – The general manager of the Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association who has dedicated over 40 years to advocating for Michigan's agricultural industry through her leadership in securing funding, research support and legislation, while also advancing policies and initiatives that benefit the agricultural community.

Jacqueline Frasier – A dedicated a philanthropist known for supporting community initiatives as well as significant contributions to the MSU School of Packaging.

Distinguished Faculty Award: This award recognizes faculty members who have brought distinction to the CANR through teaching, research and outreach, as well as providing leadership that has helped students, faculty members and others reach their potential for excellence.

2025 recipients:

Dr. Keith Latham, Ph.D. – A globally recognized scholar in reproductive biology and developmental science in the Department of Animal Science who has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding early embryo development, gene regulation and reproductive technologies.

Outstanding Up and Coming Alumni Award: This 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 15 years of graduation.

2025 recipients:

Adam Miller – A distinguished leader in the tourism and hospitality industry, currently serving as Vice President and Assistant General Manager at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, overseeing operations for nearly 4,000 rooms and leading initiatives to enhance guest experiences.

Learn more about the ANR Awards and past recipients here.