Dinner of Distinction

The annual UF/IFAS Dinner of Distinction recognizes alumni, friends and organizations serving as partners in the land-grant mission. Each year UF/IFAS honors awardees for their commitment and generous contribution of resources and expertise to advance our communities, state, nation and world. Together, we GO GREATER.

The 2023 event was held September 15 at Valley View in Alachua, FL.

For information about this event, contact (352) 392-1975 or email advancement@ifas.ufl.edu

PAST AWARD WINNERS

• IFAS Champion

  The UF/IFAS Champion award recognizes partnership and contributions to the land grant mission of excellence in teaching, research and Extension.

   

  Wayne H. Smith	2023
  Florida Farm Bureau Federation	2022
  Elisabeth DeLuca	2021
  Paul DiMare	2019
  Lucinda Stern	2018
  George Wedgworth	2017
  Hugh English	2016
  Alto Straughn	2015
  Vam York	2014
  Charles Steinmetz	2013

• Volunteer of the Year presented by the UF/IFAS Advancement Council

  The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes dedicated volunteer efforts and outstanding service on behalf of UF/IFAS. It is presented by the UF/IFAS Advancement Council.

   

  Dana Eller	2023
  Mary Schneider	2022
  Morris Steen, Jr.	2021
  Tracy Duda Chapman	2019
  Jack Breed	2018
  Jeff Bass	2017
  Matthew Johnston	2016
  Robert Harding	2015
  Kevin Malone	2015
  Debbie Swindle	2014
  Wayne Smith	2013
  Ernest Sellers	2012
  Thomas Braddock	2011
  Ray Goldwire	2010
  Charles Syfrett	2009
  Frank Giglia, Jr.	2008

• UF/IFAS Industry Partner Award

  The UF/IFAS Industry Partner Award recognizes dedicated partnership in the advancement of research and philanthropic support for UF/IFAS.

   

  Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association	2023
  Rayonier	2022
  Florida Sugar Cane League	2021
  FNGLA	2019
  Southeast Milk	2018
  Florida State Beekeepers Association	2017
  Florida Cattlemen’s Association	2016
  Mosaic	2015
  Florida Strawberry Growers Association	2014
  1923 Fund	2013

• CALS Awards

  CALS Alumni & Friends Award of Distinction

  The CALS Alumni & Friends Award of Distinction recognizes outstanding contributions to UF/IFAS, CALS and the agricultural, natural resource, life science and related professions.

  CALS Alumni & Friends Horizon Award

  The CALS Alumni & Friends Horizon Award recognizes outstanding contributions of young alumni of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

  Click here for the lists of CALS award winners

• UF/IFAS Extension & Florida 4-H Awards

  UF/IFAS Extension Advocate Award

  The UF/IFAS Extension Advocate Award recognizes commitment to advancing agriculture through the land grant and Extension mission.

   

  Joan Dusky	2023
  Bank of America	2022
  Larry & Debbie Swindle	2021
  Brittany Lee	2019
  Imogene Yarborough	2018

   

  ---

   

  4-H Outstanding Alumni

  Tiffany Southwell	2017
  Rep. Jennifer Sullivan	2016
  Sean Russell	2015
  The Honorable Adam Putnam	2014
  Mamie Wise	2013
  Colleen McCreary	2012

   

  ---

   

  4-H Lifetime Achievement

   

  Jimmy Boyd & Benita Boyd	2017
  Betty Jo Tompkins	2016
  Wilmer & Melda Bassett	2015
  Linda Syfrett	2014
  Barney & Hariot Greene	2013
  Raymond & Karola Passage	2012

   

• Friend of IFAS

  The Friend of IFAS award recognizes service and dedication to agriculture and the land grant mission.

  Ducks Unlimited	2021
  Reggie Brown	2018
  Madeline Mellinger	2017

• UF/IFAS Legislative Leader

  The UF/IFAS Legislative Leader award is presented to an IFAS friend in a state leadership position.

   

  Rep. Lawrence McClure	2023
  Senator Keith Perry	2023
  Senator Ben Albritton	2022
  Rep. Blaise Ingoglia	2020
  Rep. Lawrence McClure	2019
  Sen. Kelli Stargel	2019
  Rep. W. Gregory Steube	2018
  Rep. Jake Raburn	2015
  Rep. Bryan Nelson	2014
  Rep. Steve Crisafulli	2013
  Senator Alan Hays	2013
  Senator Denise Grimsley	2012
  The Honorable JD Alexander	2012