CFANS community celebrates awards at the 2024 Borealis Night of Excellence
The CFANS Alumni Society, Undergraduate Student Board, Graduate Student Board and Postdoc Board co-hosted the 18th Annual Borealis Night of Excellence, held at the St. Paul Student Center on Thursday, April 18, 2024. This annual event recognizes outstanding alumni, students, staff, faculty and friends for their service to the College and for their professional achievements.
This year, 17 Borealis Award recipients and organizations were honored, along with Alumni Society scholarship recipients, Mentor Program honorees and Borealis Circle inductees. Emcees Tracy Linbo (President, Alumni Society Board), Becca Weir (Chair, Graduate Student Board), Sean O'Mara (Postdoc Board) and Aparna Nidamanuri (Undergraduate Student Board) presented the awards.
"After celebrating another successful year in CFANS, it is our hope that tonight’s honorees have inspired us all to take on a greater role in the activities and opportunities that surround us," said Tracy Linbo, CFANS Alumni Society Board President
Emilee Xayanourom (BS, Agricultural Education, ‘24) received the Student Leadership Award (undergraduate student). Emilee exemplifies outstanding undergraduate student leadership through her active engagement, dedication, and impactful contributions both on and off campus. As a student in Agricultural Education with a minor in Racial Justice in Urban Schooling, Emilee's internships with UMN Extension and the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council have equipped her with practical experience and research skills in food security education.
Grace Atchison (MS, Nutrition Science, ‘24) received the Student Leadership Award (graduate student). Grace's unwavering commitment to various roles within CFANS and beyond reflects her exceptional work ethic and passion for community support. Her infectious positivity and genuine gratitude uplift those around her, fostering a welcoming environment within CFANS.
Lambda Delta Phi Sorority received the Exemplary Student Organization Award (undergraduate). Throughout the past year, they prioritized DEI by organizing events such as the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration and discussions on Black History Month, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation among members. Their collaborative partnerships with organizations like FFA, 4-H, and CFANS highlight their commitment to community building and outreach.
Plant Pathology Student Organization received the Exemplary Student Organization Award (graduate). Through their proactive approach to member recruitment and strategic planning, they successfully revitalized the organization, fostering a stronger sense of community within the department. By organizing engaging activities and events, such as calendar and apparel sales, a pancake breakfast, and a silent auction, they not only generated substantial funds but also strengthened bonds among members.
Royce Durhman (BS, Sustainable Systems Management, ‘13) received the Outstanding Club Advisor Award for his work as advisor for Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) Fraternity. Royce prioritizes AGR members through his availability and attendance at weekly meetings, serving as a professional role model and fostering meaningful connections with students both academically and personally.
Oadi Matny (Researcher in the Department of Plant Pathology) received the Exemplary Staff Award. Matny has been instrumental in advancing sustainable wheat and barley crop production and his research focuses on combating devastating diseases such as rust, leaf spots, and Fusarium head blight. This research has led to an extensive publication record in high-impact journals which has enhanced the reputation of the University of Minnesota worldwide.
Rielle Perttu (Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science) received the Exemplary Faculty Award (less than 5 years). Perttu has emphasized a multifaced approach to education, leadership and community engagement throughout her career. As an educator, she has profoundly impacted CFANS students, teaching a rigorous course load and introducing new course offerings. Perttu’s research has allowed her to establish unique collaborators including the Minnesota Zoo, Mayo Clinic and Jennie-O.
Anup Kollanoor Johny (Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science) received the Exemplary Faculty Award (more than 5 years). As a leader in poultry food safety research, Dr. Johny's work on sustainable approaches against turkey Salmonella has garnered national and international acclaim. He has an extensive publication record and has obtained over $3.5 million in grant funding. He helped lead the development of the Applied Poultry Science Master’s degree program and places emphasis in mentoring students at all levels.
Francine Overcash (PhD, Nutrition, ‘17) received the Exemplary Post-Doc Award. Her journey from a Nutrition PhD student to her current role as a President’s Postdoctoral Fellow reflects her unwavering dedication and significant contributions to research and education. Her research delves deep into understanding the intricate interplay between diet, physical activity, and health among diverse populations, particularly Hispanic/Latinx families. By focusing on this marginalized community, Francine's work fills crucial research gaps and advocates for health equity.
Applied Plant Sciences Graduate Student Club received the Little Red Oil Can Award which acknowledges those with special concern for others and interest in the general welfare of the community. By welcoming all students from various departments, APS GSA fosters connections and communication among individuals who may not have otherwise interacted. Through regular social events, outreach activities, and volunteering efforts, the club strengthens bonds among students and contributes to a friendlier and more inclusive campus atmosphere.
Arlaina Meyer, Agricultural Education Instructor, Cumberland School District, received the Cultivating Future Leaders Award, which recognizes a high school teacher of a current CFANS undergraduate student. Meyer's exemplary dedication to teaching Agriculture at Cumberland High School for more than two decades merits recognition. Through her commitment, she has chaperoned numerous trips and coached quiz bowl teams, inspiring countless students to pursue careers in Agricultural Education. Mrs. Meyer instills invaluable qualities like problem-solving, kindness, compassion, and leadership in her students
Lori Cox (BA, Political Science, ‘94) received the Outstanding Friend Award. Lori, along with her husband Shawn, have established two impactful funds within CFANS, demonstrating a commitment to supporting both undergraduate and graduate students. Lori’s personal engagement extends beyond financial support; she actively participates in CFANS events and sponsors initiatives at the Bee Lab and Bee Squad, showcasing a dedication to promoting research and education in entomology.
Mike Linton (BS, Applied Economics, ‘08) received the Community Builder Award. Mike is a co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Parsyl, a company specializing in supply chain data platforms. He exemplifies entrepreneurial success driven by a noble cause. His innovative work at Parsyl, particularly in developing systems to monitor and ensure the integrity of cold storage throughout vaccine and medicine shipments, has had a profound impact on global health efforts.
Ethan Dado (BS, Agricultural Communication and Marketing & Animal Science, ‘18; MS, Agricultural Education, ‘19) received the Rising Star Award. From his active involvement as a CFANS student to his current role as a Pathways Coordinator, Ethan has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and servant leadership. His engagement in hosting teacher candidates, facilitating field experiences, and supporting internship programs within AECM highlights his ongoing dedication to nurturing future leaders in the field.
Garrett Peterson (BS, Environmental Sciences Policy and Management, ‘08; MS, Science Technology and Environmental Policy, ‘11) received the Alumni Service Award. As a facilitator of the CFANS Policy Engagement Program (PEP) for the past decade, Garrett has played a crucial role in providing students with invaluable opportunities to engage with policy leaders and gain practical insights into the legislative process. His active participation in recruiting speakers, as well as his efforts to establish connections with legislators, significantly enhance the program's impact and effectiveness.
Sujaya Rao (PhD, Entomology, '91) received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Through innovative initiatives like the NSF Rural Science Education Program and the NSF REU, she has provided invaluable opportunities for students to engage in hands-on research experiences and mentorship, ultimately inspiring them to pursue careers in science. Prof. Rao's commitment to fostering inclusivity is evident through her efforts to promote diversity in research and education, as demonstrated by her targeted awards program at OSU and her work in establishing scholarships for underrepresented students at UMN. Her groundbreaking research on insects as pests, pollinators, and food sources showcases her creativity and impact in the field.
Marc Albertsen (PhD ‘80, Plant Breeding) was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for a remarkable career spanning more than four decades in plant genetics and agriculture, culminating in his retirement as a Distinguished Laureate and Lead at Corteva. His numerous prestigious awards and recognitions, including induction into the Pioneer Inventor Hall of Fame and receipt of the DuPont Lavoisier Medal, reflect his outstanding contributions to the field and commitment to addressing humanitarian needs through agriculture.
The Borealis Night of Excellence recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) and our greater community. View award categories and criteria to prepare nominations for the 2025 awards cycle.
