The UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment proudly celebrates deserving, distinguished individuals for their meaningful contributions to their communities. On Feb. 23, the college hosted the 2024 Night of Excellence event, recognizing a perennial group of alumni and friends. 

“This night is about celebrating excellence across many different generations,” said Nancy Cox, vice president for Land-grant Engagement and dean of Martin-Gatton CAFE. “As a land-grant university, we strive to make each day better than the day before. Our award recipients are valued members of our college community, who have set the standard of excellence.”

Hosted by the Martin-Gatton CAFE Alumni Association, the Night of Excellence event honors individuals for their lasting impact in a chosen field, community and society with the Horizon Award, Paul Appel Alumni Service Award and Oran & Myrtle Little Friend of Martin-Gatton CAFE Award.

The Horizon Award honors early professional accomplishments, based on a significant record of career achievement and a promise for future professional success. The Oran & Myrtle Little Friend of Martin-Gatton CAFE Award and Paul Appel Alumni Service Award recognize a strong commitment and extraordinary service to Martin-Gatton CAFE. In addition, alumni were inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni — the college’s highest bestowed honor.

During the ceremony, inspirational video testimonies were shared showcasing the recipients’ experience of being recognized.

Valerie Still, Martin-Gatton CAFE alumna, former UK and professional women’s basketball player, and one of this year’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni recipient described this moment: “For a little poor girl coming from Camden, New Jersey, all the way to Lexington to explore my first love for animals at UK is simply amazing. This recognition after all these years and being a part of this ag family means so much to me. There’s always a magic feeling when I come back to Kentucky.”

Quentin Tyler, Martin-Gatton CAFE Alumni Association president and two-time alumnus, returned to his alma mater to be the event’s master of ceremonies.

“This is one of my favorite events,” said Tyler. “The ability to listen, learn and be inspired by these individuals is something that keeps me going. We are grateful for all that attended to recognize our outstanding alumni and friends of our college.”

Award honorees included: 

• Horizon Award: Meredith McQuerry – B.S. Merchandising, Apparel & Textiles, ‘12; B.S. Career and Technical Education; ‘12; M.S. Merchandising, Apparel & Textiles, ‘14  
• Paul Appel Alumni Service Award: Jim Mahan – B.S. Animal Science, ‘67 
• Oran & Myrtle Little Friend of Martin-Gatton CAFE Award: Kentucky Farm Bureau 

The Hall of Distinguished Alumni included: 

• Audrey T. Carr – B.S. Home Economics Education, ‘64; M.S. Home Economics Education, ‘72; Ed.D. Vocational Education, ‘94 
• David Williams – B.S. Animal Science, ‘66; M.S. Animal Science, ‘68 
• Dennis Parrett – B.S. Agricultural Economics, ‘81 
• Marianne Smith Edge – B.S. Dietetics, ‘77 
• Valerie Still – B.S. Animal Science, ‘00 

A full list of past and present Night of Excellence award recipients and Hall of Distinguished Alumni members can be found at https://alumni.ca.uky.edu/night-excellence.

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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.