Distinguished Alumni Honored at Colorado State University Feb. 10

Sixteen people and several groups will be honored Saturday, Feb. 10 during a recognition banquet for the Colorado State University Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards.

The awards program recognizes Colorado State alumni and friends whose professional work stands out, who have brought honor to the university or who have made significant contributions to the university or the community.

A list of the award recipients follows.

–     Keli McGregor, who received his bachelor’s in biological sciences in 1984, is the recipient of the William E. Morgan Alumni Achievement Award. He is president and CEO of the Colorado Rockies baseball team. He is being recognized as an outstanding executive of major league baseball as well as for helping found the Michael McMorris Center for Cystic Fibrosis at Denver’s Children’s Hospital and the Reaching Out to Youth, or ROY, Foundation.

–     Larry Kendall, a friend of Colorado State, is the recipient of the Charles A. Lory Public Service Award. He has been in the real estate business for more than 30 years and is the former chairman of The Group real estate firm. He is a past chairman of Colorado State’s Development Council, provided expertise during the expansion of Colorado State’s research complex, is on President Larry Edward Penley’s strategic planning teams and is a member of the College of Business Global Leadership Council.

–     Kathleen Henry, who received her bachelor’s in social science in 1970, is the recipient of the Jim and Nadine Henry Award. She is president and CEO of the Colorado State University Foundation as well as president of the Colorado State University Research Foundation. She attends many Colorado State events, has served on numerous regional boards and is a supporter of Colorado State athletics.

–     Justin Dodsworth will graduate in May with a bachelor’s in agricultural business, animal science and soil and crop science. He is the recipient of the Albert C. Yates Student Leadership Award. He has a 3.99 grade point average and has been involved with the Agronomy Club, the Agribusiness Club, Block and Bridle and Campus Crusade for Christ. A recipient of numerous Colorado State scholarships, Dodsworth plans to pursue a career in agriculture and animal sciences.

–     Joel Cantalamessa, who received his bachelor’s in technical journalism in 1995, is the recipient of the Graduate of the Last Decade, or GOLD, Award. He is quality control manager at Starz Entertainment Group and founder of the Colorado State athletics Web site RamNation.com. He is also president of The Black Diamond Group, LLC, a marketing and advertising company. One of the group’s clients is the Mountain West Conference, of which Colorado State is a part; Cantalamessa works with the conference to develop marketing campaigns.

–     Alicia Skinner Cook, a professor of human development and family studies, is the recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award. During her 30 years with Colorado State, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching, research and service. She has brought international recognition to Colorado State’s efforts in global education.

–     F. Ward Whicker received his bachelor’s in chemistry in 1962 and his doctorate in radiology and radiation biology in 1965. He is the recipient of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Honor Alumnus Award and is a professor in the Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences. He is co-author of about 170 publications, built and led the radioecology program and advised and mentored more than 150 students.

–     Jerold L. Harris, who received his bachelor’s in agricultural business in 1963, is the recipient of the College of Agricultural Sciences Honor Alumnus Award. He is president and CEO of US Ag Bank-FCS of Central Kansas. His work supports Colorado State’s outreach and research efforts and has made life better for many Western farmers and ranchers.

–     Winnie Willcox, who received her bachelor’s in textiles and clothing in 1973, is the recipient of the College of Applied Human Sciences Honor Alumna Award. She is founder and vice president of Liknon Inc., a consulting firm for emerging businesses. She served as the first Executive in Residence in the Department of Design and Merchandising, bringing industry leaders to campus, and she seeks to enhance Colorado State’s internship program.

–     Robert Hottman, who received his bachelor’s in accounting in 1977, is the recipient of the College of Business Honor Alumnus Award. He is CEO of the accounting and consulting firm Ehrhardt, Keefe, Steiner & Hottman PC. He has accepted an appointment to the College of Business Global Leadership Council and engages in programs, recruiting and service to Colorado State’s accounting department.

–     Eric Wilkinson, who received his bachelor’s in civil engineering in 1973, is the recipient of the College of Engineering Honor Alumnus Award. He is the general manager of the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. In 1999, he was the recipient of the Colorado State University College of Engineering Public Service Award. He presents lectures to Colorado State engineering students and has helped develop class curriculum.

–     Michael Nosler, who was awarded a bachelor’s in history and teacher certification in 1969, is the recipient of the College of Liberal Arts Honor Alumnus Award. He has been practicing law for more than 30 years and is an attorney at Rothgerber, Johnson & Lyons LLP. In 2001, he encouraged the creation of the Diversity in Law Program at Colorado State, which includes courses to encourage minority students to pursue careers in criminal justice or law.

–     Peter I. Wold, who received his bachelor’s in zoology 1971, is the recipient of the College of Natural Sciences Honor Alumnus Award. He is president and co-owner of Wold Oil Properties, Inc., an exploration and production company. He is also vice president of Wold Trona Company and is vice president of Wold Talc Company. Wold has received numerous honors and distinctions for his citizenship and community service.

–     John T. Goodier, who received his bachelor’s in geology in 1959, is the recipient of the Warner College of Natural Resources Honor Alumnus Award. He is the owner of Focal Point, a business that represents several artists and publishes a line of fine art note cards. Previously he focused on ground water and was the assistant chief of water development for the Wyoming Natural Resources Board as well as the chief of mineral development for the state of Wyoming.

–     The CSU Spirit Committee is the recipient of the Distinguished Athletic Award. The group has grown from five people to about 50. The committee serves food to hundreds of people at each home football game, prepares meals for other teams and has raised money for improvements to Hughes Stadium, for cheerleading and for marching band programs.

–     Curtis J. Mucklow, who received his bachelor’s in animal sciences in 1983 and his master’s in agricultural sciences in 1985, is the recipient of the Distinguished Cooperative Extension Award. As an extension agent for Routt County, he has developed and coordinated several publications, coordinated programs for river restoration and management of insect infestation and built many partnerships.

The banquet, which begins at 5:30 p.m., will be held at the Fort Collins Hilton, 415 W. Prospect Ave. Banquet tickets are $50; they are $40 for Colorado State University Alumni Association members. For more information, call the alumni association at 1-800-286-2586 or (970) 491-6533 or visit www.csualum.com.

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