Dorothy Howell, pictured with her granddaughter, Shannon Hannaman, received the outstanding alumni award from the LSU College of Agriculture Alumni Association. Howell, a 1942 and 1944 graduate, has degrees in home economics. (Photo by Tobie Blanchard)

Milton “Mickey” Reese, center, receives the LSU College of Agriculture outstanding alumni award from alumni association president Luke Laborde, left, and LSU Vice President of Agriculture and Dean of the College of Agriculture Bill Richardson. Reese is a 1969 graduate. (Photo by Tobie Blanchard)

Anna Claire Ferchaud, left, received the K.C. Toups Memorial Les Voyageurs award, and Mike Kaller, right, received the LSU College of Agriculture Alumni Association’s early career outstanding alumni award. They are pictured with Allen Rutherford, head of the School of Renewable Natural Resources. Ferchaud is a senior in the school, and Kaller is an associate professor in the school. (Photo by Tobie Blanchard)

Kayanush Aryana, center, professor in the LSU College of Agriculture School of Animal Sciences, received the 2015 College of Agriculture Alumni Association’s excellence in teaching award. Aryana teaches dairy food technology. He accepts his award from Assistant Dean Leslie Blanchard and Dean Bill Richardson. (Photo by Tobie Blanchard)

Jamie Boudreaux, center, received the 2015 LSU College of Agriculture Alumni Association’s Gerald and Norma Dill Outstanding Senior Award. Boudreaux is majoring in animal, dairy and poultry sciences and in agricultural education. She accepted her award from Assistant Dean Leslie Blanchard and Dean Bill Richardson. (Photo by Tobie Blanchard)

News Release Distributed 04/29/15

BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU College of Agriculture Alumni Association recognized outstanding alumni, faculty and students at a ceremony on Friday, April 24, at The Club at Union Square on the LSU campus.

The event served as a spring gathering of alumni and friends of the LSU College of Agriculture, according to Luke Laborde, president of the association.

Two alumni received the outstanding alumni award. “This award is presented annually to graduates of the College of Agriculture who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in professional excellence, service to the community and loyalty to LSU,” Laborde said.

Dorothy Howell, a recipient of the outstanding alumni award, is a 1942 and 1944 graduate of the College of Agriculture with degrees in home economics. Laborde said she was instrumental in the publication of the “Tiger Bait Cookbook.” Proceeds from sales of this book have contributed to more than 125 scholarships for College of Agriculture students.

Howell grew up in Natchitoches and resides in Baton Rouge.

Milton Reese, the second outstanding alumni award winner, is a 1969 graduate of the College of Agriculture with a degree in agribusiness. He is president of Milton Reese and Associates, LLC, which engages in railroad and transportation consulting, property management and farm production management.

Laborde said Reese has maintained his connection with production agriculture, overseeing operations of his family farm near Gueydan, Louisiana.

The early career outstanding alumni award went to Mike Kaller. Kaller received his doctorate in fisheries and wildlife management from the College of Agriculture in 2005. He joined the college’s School of Renewable Natural Resources as an assistant professor in 2007.

Laborde said Kaller ascended in the ranks early in his career and produced an outstanding record of teaching, research and service.

Leslie Blanchard, assistant dean of the College of Agriculture, presented the outstanding teaching and students awards.

Kayanush Aryana, professor in dairy foods technology, received the College of Agriculture Alumni Association excellence in teaching award. Aryana was recognized for mentoring undergraduates with research projects and advising graduate students.

Blanchard said Aryana is a true example of someone who is devoted to improving agriculture and higher education and whose life’s work has centered on affecting the lives of others.

Jamie Boudreaux, a senior with a double major in animal, dairy and poultry sciences and in agricultural education, received the Gerald and Norma Dill Outstanding Senior Award. Boudreaux is from Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and is an active member of the student organization Block and Bridle.

Blanchard said Boudreaux is passionate about agriculture, and her experiences in production agriculture and education make her an outstanding advocate for agriculture.

Anna Claire Ferchaud, a senior majoring in natural resources ecology and management, received the K.C. Toups Memorial Les Voyageurs Award.

Blanchard said the award is based on a willingness to serve and help others, pride in the College of Agriculture and LSU, and professionalism and passion in Les Voyageurs work.

Ferchaud is from West Monroe, Louisiana, and holds membership in various College of Agriculture clubs and organizations. She has participated in the LSU Sustainable Horticulture Study Abroad Excursion in Haiti and is certified as an LSU Distinguished Communicator.

Tobie Blanchard