Alumni Awards

Dr. Margaret Ann Wilson (Sims)

Award: Alumni Achievement Award

Dr. Margaret Ann Wilson (Sims), affectionately known as Peggy, boasts deep roots in Arizona, tracing back to her grandfather, Herman Schahrer, who homesteaded in 1906. Her father, John A. Wilson, M.D., was a founding faculty member in the radiology department at the University of Arizona Medical School. From elementary to medical school, Peggy's educational journey unfolded within walking distance of her Tucson home, near the UA Campus Agricultural Center.

Peggy’s passion for anesthesiology led her to Dallas, Texas, for a residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital. Her impressive curriculum vitae underscores her expertise, encompassing publications, medical practice, and graduate-level teaching across Australia and the United States. Notably, she dedicated many years to South Texas Physician's Outreach, delivering crucial surgical care to underserved communities in Honduras.

Peggy was able to apply her education daily in her career, which is a testament to the exceptional educational offerings at the University of Arizona. Recognizing the transformative impact of her upbringing, Peggy is committed to giving back, funding scholarship opportunities for CALES nutritional sciences students. Her story epitomizes the symbiotic relationship between education and service, embodying the ethos of gratitude and reciprocity.

In recognition of her commitment to education and service along with her heart for supporting students, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is proud to present Dr. Margaret Ann Wilson (Sims) with the Alumni Achievement Award.

Curtis Jones

Award: Alumni Achievement Award

Curtis Jones became interested in plants and horticulture as a student in Tucson's Sabino High School Biology class taught by John Brooks. After graduating, Curtis attended the University of Arizona, graduating in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in Plant Protection. He earned his master's degree in Plant Science from the University of Nevada/Reno in 1983. One of his first jobs in Horticulture was selling seed packets to retail garden centers - in time, he took a job as sales manager of a seed packet company in Colorado.

Eventually, Curtis, along with his business partner, started Botanical Interests, Inc., a garden seed packet company producing unique, artist-painted and information-laden seed packets. After 28 years and two years of high demand created by the pandemic, they sold the business in 2022. Botanical Interests employed 60 full-time employees and delivered 14 million seed packets to over 4,000 retail customers and gardeners.

Curtis has supported the College by donating a greenhouse to the Pima County Extension Service for the Master Gardener Program, an orchard to Tucson Village Farm dedicated to his mentor, John Brooks, cash resources to the farm for additional employees and operations, and is on the board of directors of Tucson Village Farm.

In recognition of his successful career, dedication to educating people through horticulture, and the impact he makes in people’s lives, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is pleased to present Curtis Jones with the Alumni Achievement Award.

R. Dean Fish

Award: Outstanding Achiever Award

R. Dean Fish has achieved a remarkable career in the livestock industry. He started as an Extension Livestock Specialist at the University of Arizona and is currently the ranch manager for the Santa Fe Ranch and owner of Anchor F. Cattle Company, where he is a leader in sustainable agriculture.

Dean has a passion for livestock and a tireless dedication to education that he uses to produce quality cattle and to educate producers across the nation. He also teaches local youth and other individuals and groups from the Santa Fe Ranch.

He has served on the Arizona Beef Council, the Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association, and was a founding member of the Champions for Youth Foundation. Dean is a past president of the Southern Arizona Cattlemen’s Protective Association and a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Stockmanship and Stewardship Team. He manages the Santa Fe Ranch Foundation and is a member of the Los Charros Foundation Board, which has awarded over $700,000 to students in Southern Arizona. As an auctioneer, Dean has helped raise millions of dollars for worthwhile charities in Arizona.

For his contributions to Arizona agriculture through his exceptional career and outstanding accomplishments, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is proud to present R. Dean Fish with the Outstanding Achiever Award.

Chelsea McGuire

Award: Early Achiever Award

Chelsea McGuire is an Arizona native from a multigenerational farming family who has helped promote and protect the agriculture industry for years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Economics from the University of Arizona and a Law Degree from Regent University School of Law. While in college, Chelsea served as the Arizona Association FFA State President.

Chelsea has extensive experience in state and federal natural resources policy, especially relating to water rights and water use. She is currently the Assistant Director for External Affairs at the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA), where she oversees legislative relations, media, and all other external communication, highlighting the agency’s financial investments in effective water augmentation, conservation, reuse, and quality actions.

In her previous role, Chelsea served as the Director of Government Relations for the Arizona Farm Bureau, leading the organization’s lobbying efforts on issues including water rights, environmental regulations, and tax policy. Chelsea has also clerked for the Arizona Court of Appeals and the Federal District Court for the District of Arizona.

In recognition of her outstanding achievements and her commitment to the agricultural industry, natural resources and water conservation, the College of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences is proud to present Chelsea McGuire with the Early Achiever Award.

Patrick Bray

Award: Early Achiever Award

Patrick Bray is a native Arizonan who spent much of his youth tending to livestock and working in the fields. He was on the Livestock Judging Team and Executive Director of Spring Fling before receiving a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business and Resource Economics.

Patrick’s 17-year career in public policy began when he interned on campaigns involving State Land Reform and the Humane Treatment of Farm Animals Act. Currently, he serves as the Executive Vice President of the Arizona Farm and Ranch Group. Patrick has been active with the National Cattlemen’s Association and the Public Lands Council. He has been recognized with Farm Journal’s 40 under 40 Award, by the Arizona Cotton Growers Association and the Arizona Nursery Association.

Patrick is involved with his local community, serving on the Goodyear City Council and the Planning and Zoning Committee. He supports the men and women who serve our country and was selected to participate in the Luke Air Force Base Honorary Commander program. For the past decade he has worked with the Arizona National Livestock Show and currently serves as Chairman of the Board.

For his professional accomplishments and his demonstrated support of Arizona agriculture, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is proud to present Patrick Bray with the Early Achiever Award.

Kathy Alexander & Paul Lindsey

Award: Friend of CALES Award

Kathy Alexander and Paul Lindsey are pillars of the Southern Arizona community whose involvement spans over four decades and touches several areas at the University of Arizona. Paul holds an honorary degree from the U of A and Kathy’s degrees are from the U of A and the University of Phoenix.

Paul and Kathy serve on the Tucson Village Farm Advisory Board where they have been exceedingly generous and selfless role models, mentors, and friends. Their strategic approach has helped strengthen initiatives like the Healthy Living Ambassadors Program. They are also involved in the U of A as benefactors of the Paul Lindsey and Kathy Alexander Dean’s Chair at the College of Education, the AZPM Board with Paul as incoming chair, the Lindsey Scholars Program, and many other social, educational, and non-profit boards.

Over the years, Paul and Kathy have repeatedly brought their business acumen to support the farm. Their advocacy has been an essential catalyst for the construction of new facilities like the Angel Charity for the Children Culinary Education Center. They serve as an example across CALES for how advisory board members can have a positive impact as alumni, donors, and advocates.

In recognition of their remarkable contributions to the Tucson Village Farm and their extraordinary dedication to the Tucson community, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is proud to present Kathy Alexander and Paul Lindsey with the Friend of CALES Award.

The Meyer Family

Award: Heritage Family Award

The Meyer Family’s Arizona heritage started when F. A. Meyer founded Flying UW Ranch in the 1800s. Walt Meyer, a third-generation rancher, and his wife Francie, who is also from an Arizona pioneer family also own and operate the Haydon-Combe Ranch. Their legacy continues through their daughters: Lilah, Jenny, Katie, Nickie, and grandchildren.

The family’s connection to the University of Arizona began in the 1920s when they purchased Hereford bulls from the Campbell Avenue Farm affirming their life-long commitment to the Hereford breed. Walt earned his bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in Range Management from the University of Arizona and served as an adjunct professor and research specialist in the School of Renewable Natural Resources. Francie and three of their daughters also attended the University.

The Meyer Family is passionate about wildlife and ecological conservation and have worked with the Arizona Association of Conservation Districts, the Winkelman Natural Resource Conservation District, the Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association, and Cooperative Extension to use science-based, ecological techniques to provide sustainable range livestock management. They have received awards from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association, and the University for their land and stewardship ethic.

In recognition of their multi-generational dedication to Arizona ranching and their commitment to instilling heritage and traditions into the next generation, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is proud to present the Meyer Family with the Heritage Family Award.

Bill Buckmaster

Award: ALVSCE Science Communicator of the Year Award

Bill Buckmaster is one of the most respected voices in Tucson and Arizona media. He is an award-winning journalist who is in the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in two states, Arizona and Nevada. After 22 years hosting “Arizona Illustrated” for Arizona Public Media, Buckmaster formed Bill Buckmaster Communications, LLC., which produces the Buckmaster Show, a daily talk show hosted mid-day on 1030 KVOI Tucson's Voice. The broadcast is considered Tucson's "Town Square" and discusses the issues that matter most to Southern Arizonans. Bill frequently interviews CALES and Cooperative Extension faculty on his program to explore important science issues that affect Tucson, Arizona and the Southwest.

A one-time broadcast editor for the Associated Press, Buckmaster has held news director positions in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Visalia, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. He also held television anchor roles at KICU-TV, San Jose-San Francisco and PBS 6-Tucson.

In recognition of his commitment to positioning University of Arizona experts to broadcast their research and insights in a clear and informative manner to the public, the Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension is pleased to present Bill Buckmaster with the ALVSCE Science Communicator of the Year Award.

Jason Zibart

Award: Extensionist of the Year Award

Jason Zibart is an integral leader in the Cochise County community, known for his adeptness in developing and implementing community health programs and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders to help people live their healthiest lives.

Having worked in healthcare for over 17 years, Jason is currently the Community Connected Health Manager at Benson Hospital. A visionary for improving the overall wellbeing of residents, he has established programs that deliver fresh produce to low-income areas and provided take-home food backpacks for at-risk children. He has helped boost the local economy through the development of a hospital farmer’s market. He has also partnered with the Cooperative Extension to provide rescue inhalers for local schools and provided personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jason is a valued Cooperative Extension partner and a great connector who works to consistently fill gaps in programs and services. He has served on the Cochise County Extension Advisory Board for the past three years and is a graduate of the Cochise County Leadership Academy. He continues to support the Cochise County Cooperative Extension leadership as a mentor and expert in community relations.

In recognition of his commitment to community and for years of collaboration with the Cooperative Extension, the Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension is proud to honor Jason Zibart with the Extensionist of the Year Award.

Jessica Holton

Award: Arizona Alumni Professional Achievement Award

Jessica Holton has a passion for promoting, developing, and protecting the practice of clinical social work and social justice. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona and holds a master’s degree in Social Work from East Carolina University.

As a licensed clinical social worker, Jessica has a private practice that specializes in the treatment of mental health conditions related to stress and trauma, anxiety, substance use, behavioral addictions, and grief and loss. She has served as an adjunct instructor at East Carolina University and is a renowned public speaker who has authored many professional abstracts, articles, and a continuing education curriculum. Currently, she is the Associate Clinical Director of the Eastern Carolina Critical Incident Stress Management Association.

Jessica’s impact includes serving as a volunteer leader for the National and State Associations of Social Workers, Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, the North Carolina Addiction Specialist Professional Practice Board, and the Norton Council of Alumni & Friends. Jessica's dedication extends outward through her financial support of students and upcoming professionals, and by providing low bono work to hundreds of uninsured or underinsured clients.

Jessica Holton is an exceptional leader, mentor and advocate in her field, and the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is proud to present her with the Arizona Alumni Professional Achievement Award.

Tiffany Selchow

Award: Arizona Alumni Young Professional Achievement Award

Tiffany Selchow is a proud Wildcat with a commitment to the livestock industry and agricultural education. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences and has since exhibited unparalleled dedication and excellence in her professional endeavors. Currently, she is the Director of Social Media, Consumer Outreach, Consumer Education, and Producer Communications at the Arizona Beef Council.

Her gift for understanding a challenge from multiple angles makes her a talented consensus builder. She has risen in leadership in organizations like the CALES Alumni Council, Project CENTRL’s Alumni Council and currently serves as the President of the Board for the Arizona National Livestock Show.

Tiffany is respected throughout the Arizona agriculture community for her invaluable knowledge of Arizona’s beef community, social media marketing, storytelling, and for her passionate dedication to promoting agricultural education. She is currently committed to fostering knowledge and understanding for nutritional sciences students by coordinating tours that highlight various facets of Arizona agriculture.

Tiffany Selchow has proven herself as an outstanding professional, community leader, and alumni ambassador, and the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is proud to present her with the Arizona Alumni Young Professional Achievement Award.

Arthur Phillip Bond

Award: Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award

Arthur Phillip Bond was a renowned horticulturalist, community stalwart, and lifetime educator. He paid his way through the University of Arizona Vocational Agriculture program by working at the UA farm and the U.S. Forest Service in the Chiricahua Mountains. With a degree in Agricultural Education, he ran award winning Vocational Ag and FFA programs at Coolidge High School. There he met Julie, his wife of 45 years.

Phil and Julie established their nursery, The Avocado, on a bare parcel of old farmland and turned it into a desert oasis. Besides providing plants for sale, the nursery became a teaching laboratory for the public. Phil knew that low water use landscapes were the way of the future, and he made it his goal to help people fully understand the benefits of a sustainable desert landscape.

In 1982, Phil was one of the first nursery owners in Pinal County to register for the Master Gardener program. He was one of the longest serving and most beloved Master Gardeners in the area, teaching classes at Central Arizona College and leading seminars around the state. He also volunteered many hours teaching about plants to youth in school programs, Cub Scouts, and other organizations. Phil’s knowledge, dedication and service to agricultural education was an example to all.

Phil Bond was a leader and visionary in the world of sustainable desert landscaping and Ag Education. The College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is honored to present the Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award in his memory.

Edward N. Curry

Award: Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award

In his decades as a leader in Arizona agriculture, Ed Curry has transformed his farm operation into a global hub in plant breeding and product development. Curry Seed and Chile Company is home to the world's largest collection of chile germplasm and is a mecca for researchers from all over the world working on the cutting edge of multiple scientific disciplines like plant science, agribusiness, consumer science, wellness and nutrition.

Over 30 years, Ed has bred innovative and uniform varieties for quality, flavor, heat, and concentrations of highly valued bioactive compounds such as lutein. His ongoing work in chile genetics ensures a lasting legacy in the farming community across the American Southwest and Mexico.

Researchers from institutions all over the world flock to Curry Seed and Chile Co. to participate in his research field days. Similarly, he hosts field day educational experiences and competitions for Arizona FFA every year, helping to grow tomorrow’s agricultural leaders. His lifetime of dedication to the advancement of knowledge, tireless advocacy for Arizona agriculture, and insatiable curiosity will impact the world for generations to come.

For his expertise, foresight, and leadership making him an invaluable resource and a pioneer in modern food systems, the College of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences is honored to present Edward N. Curry with the Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award.

Peggy Puntenney Withers

Award: Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award

Peggy Puntenney Withers graduated with a bachelor's degree in Food and Nutrition (Dietetics). Upon her graduation, she completed a one-year internship with Eastman Kodak Company. On behalf of her family, she received the Wildcat Heritage Family Award and with her mother provided funding for the Student Development Center in the Norton School.

As a student, Peggy was active in Greek life, honor societies, and student government. She later became a community activist and philanthropist, serving the community on committees and boards across the state for decades. At the U of A, she is a founding member of the Norton Advisory Board and has participated in alumni activities including the Phoenix Alumni Board.

Peggy generously offers her spirit, involvement, and support to the University. Whenever she is presented with a challenge, she helps find solutions that create opportunities for students to succeed and serve as leaders.

Peggy and her husband Bob established an endowment to support the Norton School faculty. Upon learning about food insecurity struggles for students on campus, Peggy funded a van for the Campus Pantry, which increased food deliveries to campus for students in need. She also helped support the newly established Fashion Industry’s Science and Technology program, allowing it to become one of the fastest growing programs in CALES.

In recognition of her inspiring service to the University of Arizona, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is honored to present Peggy Puntenney Withers with the Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award.

Aubrey Pat Murphree

Award: Friend of CALES Award

Pat Murphree and his late wife, Pennee, have grown everything you can imagine in Arizona for nearly six decades, primarily pistachios.

As the farm manager for the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center demonstration farm, Pat oversaw the application of agricultural research on a commercial scale. Project leaders would work with Pat to host their experiments on the family farm. During any given year, Pat would farm as many as 3,200 acres.

Pat and Pennee also supported their Maricopa community in a variety of endeavors, including 4-H, FFA, and activities like Stagecoach Days. Unbeknownst to many, Pat developed and patented the portable weir, so farmers could measure water use and then make informed decisions.

In recognition of Pat’s lifetime of dedication to agricultural research, progress, and innovation, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is proud to present Aubrey Pat Murphree with the Friend of CALES Award.

Stefanie Boe

Award: ALVSCE Science Communicator of the Year Award

As the Tourism and Marketing Manager for the Town of Marana, Stefanie is creating a strategy to attract visitors, residents, and new business to the fastest-growing town in Southern Arizona. She spent the last five years as the Community Engagement Lead with Bayer Crop Science in Marana, and worked to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and the community.

Stefanie brought nearly $400,000 in Bayer Fund donations to local non-profits, and helped facilitate communication workshops with the University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences and the College of Engineering. She assisted with the Bayer site internship program, which has employed many University of Arizona students over the years.

In recognition of her commitment to effective and wide-ranging communications that lead to community engagement and philanthropy, the Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension is pleased to present Stefanie Boe with the ALVSCE Science Communicator of the Year Award.

Kevin Gene Rogers (1960–2022)

Award: Arizona Alumni Bear Down Award

Kevin Rogers, a fourth-generation Valley farmer was active in community, civic, and business groups and impacted Arizona agriculture throughout his adult life. The Rogers family produce cotton, alfalfa, wheat, barley and corn over 7,000 acres. He and his wife Janel raised their children while Kevin ran the east valley portion of the family farm.

Kevin served on many boards and delegations involving trade, transportation and the environment. For fourteen years, he was state president of the Arizona Farm Bureau. He also served as Executive Vice President for Arizona Cotton Growers, and was past member and board chair for the Cotton Board of the United States Department of Agriculture. Kevin served on the USDA Air Quality Task Force, having been reappointed by four USDA Secretaries of Agriculture. Appointed by the Governor, he served on the Arizona Mexico Trade Commission. Kevin was also a lifetime supporter of the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation, the Arizona FFA, and the Maricopa County Fair. Kevin received the CALES Outstanding Achiever Award in 2017.

Kevin fiercely loved his family, his state, country and Arizona agriculture and we are proud to call him a Wildcat!

In recognition of his lifetime of exceptional service to CALES and the University of Arizona, an example for all Wildcats, we are proud to present the Arizona Alumni Bear Down Award to honor the life of Kevin Rogers.

Mike Gannuscio, P. Andrew Groseta, Robert "Tom" Jones, & Gary Pasquinelli

Award: Award for Extraordinary Efforts in Advocacy

As a land-grant university, the University of Arizona is charged with providing readily available, research-based programs and educational resources with the goal of improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities in the state. Tonight’s recipients have consistently served as advocates and responded to calls for support for the Division of Agriculture, Life, Veterinary Sciences and Cooperative Extension in support of the land grant mission.

The 2022 Arizona Legislative Session was presented with the opportunity to provide additional funding for the University of Arizona. This group of alumni and friends of CALES influenced the legislature on behalf of the University and the Division for the successful passing of the multimillion-dollar allocation providing support for the Cooperative Extension, Natural Resource Users Law & Policy Center, Arizona Experiment Centers, and additional land grant support.

In recognition of their extraordinary dedication to ALVSCE and its mission through consistent engagement, advocacy, and sheer hard work, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is proud to present Tom Jones, Mike Gannuscio, Gary Pasquinelli and Andy Groseta with the Award for Extraordinary Efforts in Advocacy.

The Mayfield Family

Award: Heritage Family Award

The Mayfield family's heritage in Arizona agriculture began with farming in Eloy and Buckeye and continues today. They are a multi-generational University of Arizona alumni family with deep ties to the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences. Their son Jacob recently purchased the operation, making him the fouth-generation farmer in the family.

Gary and Carrie both graduated with bachelor’s degrees from CALES and all three of their children studied at the University of Arizona.

The Mayfield family works to promote agriculture through the FFA Foundation, AZ Farm Bureau, Maricopa County Farm Bureau, and the National Onion Association. Both Carrie and Jacob are past members of the CALES Alumni Council.

In recognition of their multi-generational legacy of service to Arizona’s agriculture industry and to their alma mater, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is proud to present the Mayfield family with the Heritage Family Award.

Nancy Caywood

Award: CALES Alumni Achievement Award

Nancy Caywood is a third-generation farm kid with a lifelong passion for agriculture education and advocacy. After her retirement in 2014, she began providing tours of her family farm in Pinal County. Caywood farms has since become a tourism destination, reaching thousands of students and winter visitors each year.

After receiving her master’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Arizona, she developed FARM SMART, an Agricultural Literacy and Education Outreach Program at the University of California Desert Research and Extension Center. She also started the Natural Resource Education Center, which offers classes for school children and winter visitors at the University of Arizona’s Maricopa Agricultural Center. Both programs are still thriving today.

Nancy has served on boards and received awards as part of the Arizona Farm Bureau. Her advocacy has included over 95 interviews with media outlets including The Today Show, Fox News, CNN, and PBS. In recognition of her commitment to tenaciously telling her story, and for her lifetime dedication to advocacy for agriculture, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is pleased to present Nancy Caywood with the CALES Alumni Achievement Award.

George Cairo

Award: CALES Alumni Achievement Award

George Cairo is a College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences alumnus who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture and biosystems engineering. Since then, George has been a pioneer at the nexus of water, agriculture, and energy engineering.

A prominent entrepreneur and innovator, George has pushed the boundaries using technology to stretch our water resources. George is the founder and principal engineer of George Cairo Engineering, a leading water, civil, and agricultural engineering firm. He’s also the founder of Cairo Canal Solutions, bringing innovations to meet the irrigation operation and maintenance challenges. Further, he founded Water Xience, which combines solar, hydro, wind, and biological energy systems with water delivery to find sustainable, efficient solutions for dire problems in the American Southwest.

George is a model to our students and is generous with his time and expertise in service of a brighter tomorrow. He is a member of the Ag 100 Council and a leader on our Biosystems Engineering Advisory Board. He also serves as a mentor to many of our recent graduates. Under George’s wing, promising young minds have seen their careers launch, flourish, and thrive.

The College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is proud to acknowledge George’s many accomplishments in finding water solutions for Arizona and the Western United States by presenting him with the CALES Alumni Achievement Award.

Dr. Karen Hoffman Tepper

Award: Arizona Alumni Professional Achievement Award

Dr. Karen Hoffman Tepper has embodied the motto Strengthening Families and Communities in her over twenty-year career serving in community health leadership.

In 2022, she assumed the role of President and CEO at Terros Health. Under her leadership, Terros Health has become a Federally Qualified Health Center and launched several first-in-the-nation programs. Terros has secured millions of dollars to provide comprehensive services for over 40,000 Arizonans facing mental health, substance abuse, and physical health challenges, and to ensure primary care and behavioral health services to underserved populations.

Dr. Tepper earned her master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Arizona in family studies and human development. She spent twelve years providing direct service to the community by working with the Norton School of Human Ecology, helping to fulfill the University’s land grant mission. Recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business, she contributes her expertise by serving on multiple boards and commissions.

Because of Dr. Tepper’s lifelong dedication to strengthening families and communities by providing services to underserved populations, and for her commitment to ensuring a culture of integrity and compassion in the workplace, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is proud to present Dr. Karen Hoffman Tepper with the Arizona Alumni Professional Achievement Award.

Dr. Elizabeth Greene

Award: CALES Outstanding Achiever Award

Dr. Greene is a University of Arizona Professor and Extension Horse Specialist who received her master’s degree in animal sciences from the University of Arizona.

Betsy’s Arizona Extension program - the Informed Arizona Equestrian - works to develop strong educational programs and resources that address statewide industry issues. Her publications inform Arizona horse owners about local health concerns and teach disease prevention.

Dr. Greene works extensively with Arizona tribal nations to formally develop educational programs and equine extension resources. She is a leader in providing culturally appropriate programming and is known for her ability to present information so that participants feel comfortable applying techniques and knowledge. As a founding member of the eXtension HorseQuest Community of Practice, she has also collaborated with national colleagues to develop educational materials for equine owners and producers.

In recognition of Dr. Greene’s tireless commitment to Arizona Extension programs and her proven ability to lead, teach, and inspire, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences is proud to present Dr. Elizabeth Greene with the CALES Outstanding Achiever Award.

Elin D. Miller

Award: Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award

Elin D. Miller is a veteran agricultural and management executive with years of senior leadership experience. Miller is the founder and owner of Umpqua Vineyards, in Oregon, and Elin Miller Consulting. She currently serves in leadership positions on global and statewide boards including Fall Creek Farm and Nursery and Oregon State Board of Agriculture.

Previously, Elin served as regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, a presidential appointment with jurisdiction over Alaska, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. In this role, Elin led over 600 employees and dealt with many challenging national water quality and climate change issues. At the Dow Chemical Company, Elin held positions including Global Vice President of Public Affairs, Vice President of Pest Management and Asia Pacific.

Elin holds a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and plant protection from the University of Arizona. She was a Rhodes Scholarship finalist, Freeman Medal winner and one of the first women to be elected as a national FFA officer. She has been honored with various state and national awards including, the VIP Citation by FFA, and the Lea S. Hitchner Award by CropLife America. She was also named one of the "Top 50 Most Powerful Women in PR" by PR WEEK.

In recognition of her global leadership in corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors, and for her lifelong advocacy for FFA, we are honored to present Elin D. Miller with the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award.

James O'Haco

Award: Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award

James O'Haco is a third-generation rancher from Winslow, Arizona who has worked diligently to conserve natural resources and advocate in support of Arizona's agriculture industry. After obtaining a bachelor's degree in animal science from University of Arizona, Jim focused on running his family ranches. He has subsequently restored and enhanced livestock management practices on more than 20,000 acres of private, state and federal lands. His drive for resource conservation is best illustrated by the water system he installed that provides year-round water to wildlife and livestock serving 60,000 acres of ranchland.

Jim has served as President of the Arizona Cattle Grower's Association and is currently a member of multiple Cattlemen's Associations and Farm & Ranch Groups. His conservation efforts have been recognized with the prestigious National Environmental Stewardship Award from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the Arizona Game & Fish Wildlife Habitat Stewardship Award, the North America Environmental Respect Award, and the prestigious National Wildlife Federation Private Land Stewardship Award. He has been featured in an Arizona Lottery documentary and multiple publications, including the cover of 100 Years 100 Ranchers.

Jim’s philosophy to always learn from our past and keep improving, has led him to accomplish two of the things he set out to do: have quality cattle and improve the environment.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication to Arizona agriculture and natural resource conservation, we are honored to present James O’Haco with the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award.

Joseph Frederick Oliver

Award: Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award

Joseph Frederick Oliver grew up working alongside his father at the family-founded Desert Seed Company. Fred chose to attend the University of Arizona in 1963. Besides pursuing a degree and finding a suitable fraternity, Fred received an offer to play football under Coach Jim LaRue. His football career was cut short by a torn rotator cuff, which afforded him more time for academics and his beloved fraternity, Beta Theta Pi.

With the Vietnam War raging, Fred followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the Army. Fred attended Artillery Officer Candidate School, which served him well as an Artillery forward observer. For his service, he was awarded a Combat Infantry Badge and two bronze stars with V's.

Fred and his wife Susan have been successful in commercial real estate and property development in Southern California. They have three sons – Josh, Hunter, and Spencer – and five grandchildren. Fred and his sons also own and operate RamsRidge Winery in Pine Valley, California. Additionally, Fred serves on the board of the Medical Biological Institute and the boards of several vegetable seed companies.

Fred has generously supported CALES over the years on projects like the Forbes Building renovation, Dr. Rod Wing’s genomics research, and the CALES/SALT Center partnership.

In recognition of his service to his country and the College, we are honored to present Joseph Frederick Oliver the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Ian Pepper

Award: Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award

In 1977, Dr. Ian Pepper became Assistant Professor and Assistant Research Scientist in the Department of Soil, Water and Engineering. Since then, he has changed the lives of graduate students for whom he has served as primary adviser and affected undergraduates who have taken his popular microbiology courses. He helped protect the University community during the COVID-19 pandemic through his wastewater-based epidemiology protocols to track outbreaks.

Dr. Pepper helped establish and has been connected to the National Science Foundation Water Quality Center for over thirty years. Research centers he has led include the NSF Water Quality Center, the Environmental Research Laboratory, and the Water and Energy Sustainable Technology Center. Dr. Pepper has authored multiple textbooks and is a fellow of the Soil Science Society of America, the American Society of Agronomy, the American Academy of Microbiology, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Dr. Pepper inspires collaboration through his energetic and generous spirit. He has received over $28 million in grant funding. In 2020, Dr. Pepper received the Graduate Teaching and Mentoring Award from the Graduate College, and in 2021, he was named a Regents Professor. He and his wife, Barbara, support scholarships for underrepresented students in the Department of Environmental Science.

In recognition of his outstanding service to the College and University, his commitment to training the next generation of Environmental Science leaders, and his ability to inspire change, we are honored to present Dr. Ian Pepper with the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lifetime Achievement

Dr. Michael Ames
Gordon Erickson
Patricia Wild

Alumni Achievement

Karen Conde
Susan Wells

Outstanding Achiever

Monica Laudermilk

Early Achiever

Robert (Bobby) Wuertz

Friend of CALES

Robert Swift Jr.

Heritage Family

Whitehurst Family

Extensionist of the Year

Mary Lou Rosales

Arizona Alumni Leo B. Hart Humanitarian Award

Kathleen Duncan

Arizona Alumni Bear Down Award

Robert (Tom) Jones

Arizona Alumni Sidney S. Woods Alumni Service Award

Jose Bernal