Six seniors in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources were honored with the prestigious Mizzou ’39 award this spring for their academic achievement, leadership and service to the University and community.
In the spirit of service modeled by those who made possible the 1839 founding of the University of Missouri, the Mizzou Alumni Association Student Board annually recognizes 39 outstanding MU seniors.
Additionally, each Mizzou ’39 honoree names one faculty or staff member to be recognized for the impact he or she has made in the student’s life. Many of the CAFNR students selected College faculty to be honored.
CAFNR’s 2012 honorees include:
Ellen Amos, Russellville, Mo., agricultural education. Amos is the daughter of Gary and Marla Amos. She is a member of the Agricultural Education Society/Alpha Tau Alpha, Campus Christian House, National Society for Collegiate Scholars and the Zou Crew. Amos selected John Tummons, instructor, agricultural education, as her mentor.
Derek Benham, Carterville, Mo., biochemistry. Benham is the son of Donald and Melinda Benham. He is a member of Beta Upsilon Chi Christian fraternity, Care for AIDS and Mortar Board. He is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Fellow and a Residential Life Leadership Advisor. Benham selected John Stemmle, project director, journalism, as his mentor.
Ashley Davidson, Joplin, Mo., biochemistry and nutritional sciences. Davidson is the daughter of Rick and Mary Davidson. She is a member of the cheerleading team, Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and Omicron Delta Kappa honor society. She was a Homecoming Royalty Top 10 and a Summer Welcome Leader. Davidson selected Suzy Thompson, head varsity cheerleading coach, as her mentor.
Lauren Fischer, Columbia, Mo., biochemistry. Fischer is the daughter of Curt and Carol Fischer. She is the Biochemistry Club President, a Mizzou Golden Girl, and a member of Griffiths Leadership Society for Women, Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and Omicron Delta Kappa honor society. Fischer selected Shari Freyermuth, associate professor, biochemistry, as her mentor.
Nathan Smith, Columbia, Mo., agricultural business management. Smith is the son of Michael and Stephanie Smith. He is a member of the U.S. Army, the Agricultural Economics Club, Alpha Zeta professional agriculture honor fraternity and Mizzou Student Veterans Organization. He received the 1st Cavalry Division Gold Spurs Award. Smith selected Jan Dauve, associate professor, agricultural and applied economics, as his mentor.
Brandon Thiel, Marshall, Mo., plant sciences. Thiel is the son of Bryan Thiel and Michelle Smith. He is a member of Agronomy Club, Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, CAFNR Student Council and Omicron Delta Kappa honor society. He was a Centennial Homecoming Steering Committee Tri-Director. Thiel selected David Trinklein, associate professor, horticulture, as his mentor.
“We are pleased that the MU Alumni Association is recognizing these outstanding CAFNR students for their academic performance, leadership to their peers, and service to others,” said Bryan Garton, associate dean for academic programs, CAFNR.
The Class of 2012 marks the eighth annual Mizzou ’39 class, chosen during the month of February; Mizzou was founded in the same month: February 11, 1839. Selection of individuals is the work of a committee of Mizzou alumni, faculty and staff and the Alumni Association Student Board. All nominees must hold a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
The new honorees were revealed during a ceremony Monday, Feb. 6. They will be recognized at the men’s basketball game and attend an awards banquet Saturday, Feb. 11.