Five Iowa State faculty members were recently awarded the Regents Excellence Awards at an Iowa Board of Regents ceremony.

The Regents Faculty Excellence Award is given to outstanding university citizens.

Ronald Grier, professor of veterinary clinical sciences; Richard Horton, professor of electrical and computer engineering; Richard Larock, professor of chemistry; Mary Littrell, professor of textiles and clothing; and Peter Orazem, professor of economics, were all recognized for their contributions to ISU.

Grier was responsible for starting the Companion Animal Fund, a pet memorial fund that was responsible for raising more than $3 million to improve veterinary medicine programs at ISU.

“I am very humbled and appreciative of the recognition,” Grier said.

Horton is involved in ISU extra-curricular activities as well as being a member of the ISU faculty for 35 years.

Horton has been an adviser for his fraternity, Beta Delta Chi, for 35 years.

He also has served on the Memorial Union Board of Directors.

Although Horton is not an athlete, he enjoys ISU football and basketball, especially the alumni activities that come along with them.

Horton said he has always felt strongly about encouraging students to get involved outside of class.

“I was pleased to get the award,” Horton said.

Larock has been a member of the ISU faculty for 25 years and is the author of “Comprehensive Organic Transformations: A Guide to Functional Group Preparations.”

The book is considered a classic and is used by chemists nationwide. Publishers also made it available on CD-ROM.

He is currently writing the second edition of the book, which will be almost twice as thick as the first edition. Aside from this book, Larock has written more than 130 publications.

Larock’s research has received 30 patents. His research on the catalytic conversion of soybeans into coatings, plastics and a nutritional supplement holds promise in providing new opportunities for Iowa farmers.

Littrell was on the task force that developed the new curriculum requirements in cultural diversity and international relations at ISU.

“The new requirements provide recognition for the importance of the international thrust at this university,” she said.

She also organized a study abroad program in Mexico for textiles and clothing students.

Littrell is also involved in marketing cultural products. She does research on small businesses that are trying to export their products.

“All of my research since graduate school has been on international topics,” Littrell said.

She said receiving the award was a “great honor.”

Orazem is currently the interim associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

He has also been involved in many campus committees. He was chairman of the Graduate Council and director of graduate studies in the economic department for three years.

He was chairman for the LAS Academic Standards Committee and is a member of the Iowa State Daily Publication Board.

“Our job is to do as good of job as we can for Iowa. It is nice though to have the little award on my wall,” Orazem said. “It feels good to be recognized.”