Iowa State’s College of Agriculture Alumni Society will be honoring four ISU graduates during the alumni festivities this weekend.

The graduates are being recognized for their outstanding achievement and effort.

Every year, the College of Agriculture Alumni Society presents four awards to graduates of ISU who have excelled in their field and become role models. The process of selecting those honored entails a survey of the agriculture alumni, followed by the nomination of the individuals.

The honored alumni are chosen by a panel of peer groups, which in turn decides which individuals have shown leadership and competence in the agriculture field.

“We look for accomplished individuals who have shown effort in particular areas,” said Mike Tellford, director of external relations for the College of Agriculture.

The Production Agriculture Award that recognizes “great independent icons and exceptional leadership in production” is being presented to Peter Hermanson. Hermanson received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from ISU and is an active member of several production businesses and organizations.

The Professional Agribusiness Award being awarded to John Cotton recognizes individuals with an “objective, reputation and tradition,” Tellford said.

Cotton received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from ISU and also served on numerous councils and organizations.

The Innovators in Agriculture Award is being awarded to Kay Connelly.

“This award goes to people who think outside the box and are involved in a perspective that no one else has thought of,” Tellford said.

Connelly is an independent crop consultant and has been honored with several awards from the Department and College of Agriculture.

“The applied research from ISU to improve soil water quality I use today for crop management,” Connelly said. “I think ISU is working hard to find new and better ways to get conservation on land.”

The Meritorious Award will be presented to Roger Bruene, an alumnus who has excelled in his field.

“He’s a walking genius,” Tellford said.

Bruene received his bachelor’s degree in agronomy from ISU and has won numerous awards for his achievements in community and leadership.

The Alumni Society will be hosting a variety of events throughout the weekend for family, friends and alumni to attend.

A golf tournament will be held Friday at Veenker Memorial Golf Course, on Stange Road, beginning at noon. All participants must be registered.

Registered guests can also join in the fun at the Terrace Party in the Memorial Union on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.

On Saturday morning, the departments will be hosting open houses featuring more than 12 exhibits. A brunch and an alumni awards presentation will follow in the remodeled pavilion of Kildee Hall.

There also will be two showings of “A Place Apart,” a slide show being presented by Ames photographer Don Wishart and accompanied by the narrations of Doug Brown, WOI radio, from 9 to 9:30 a.m. in Lush Auditorium.

For more information about Alumni Weekend, call 294-4548. Information also is available on the College of Agriculture home page, www.ag.iastate.edu.