A respected international educator is being honored by Iowa State with the dedication of a conference room on campus.

The dedication of the Marion Eugene Ensminger and Audrey Helen Ensminger International Room will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. in Kildee Hall.

Marion Ensminger, who passed away last July in California, conducted international agricultural technology schools to improve livestock management practices, according to a press release.

“Dr. Ensminger is highly respected in the nation,” said Dennis Marple, professor and head of the animal science department. “He was an excellent teacher and author.”

Marple said Ensminger excelled in his teaching, writing and sharing of knowledge with others. He said the dedication of the room is a way for ISU to honor Ensminger.

David Topel, dean of the College of Agriculture, said the dedication service will be a great chance to visit with agricultural leaders from around the world.

“[It’s also an opportunity to] discuss future opportunities for the Ensminger International schools, which [ISU is] now responsible for,” Topel said.

Ensminger’s relationship with ISU began in the early 1990s, when he teamed with ISU officials to conduct schools in Russia, Ukraine, Cuba and China, according to a press release.

Ensminger also was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters, because of his achievements in animal science, education and international agriculture.

The Marion Eugene Ensminger and Audrey Helen Ensminger International Room is located in a new addition to the ISU’s animal science department. A mural of Ensminger’s life and legacy, painted by New York artist Jason Gaillard, has been installed in the room.

At the dedication ceremony, Ensminger’s surviving wife Audrey will speak, along with ISU President Martin Jischke and Topel. Topel said many of Ensminger’s friends and family will be attending the dedication, along with many international guests from countries such as Cuba and Ukraine.