The 37th Annual Distinguished Alumni and Outstanding Young Alumni Awards Reception and Dinner were held for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Texas Tech University’s McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center on Feb. 20.
The awards honor graduates who have made significant contributions to society and whose accomplishments and careers have brought distinction to the college and to the professions associated with agriculture and natural resources.
Kristina Boone, Ph.D., who was recently named the director of Ohio State’s Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI), was among six distinguished alumni honored. Before being named to her new role, Boone was the head of the Department of Communications and Agricultural Education at Kansas State University.
Boone graduated cum laude from Texas Tech in 1986 with a bachelor of science in agricultural communications.
“Texas Tech really prepared me well for my career,” Boone said. “I was provided a very experiential learning opportunity, and I’m proud to be a Texas Tech grad.”
While working on her undergraduate degree, Boone served on the departmental advisory council and CASNR student council and held local and national offices in the student organization, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.
“My education at Texas Tech helped me achieve this award, but more than that, mentors and allies,” Boone said.
Tracee Murph, coordinator of alumni relations in CASNR said this is her favorite event.
“I just really love getting to showcase these alumni and what they have done with their careers,” Murph said. “It’s neat how they all have done different things than just the traditional thought process of agriculture.”
According to the Texas Tech today website, the measure of a college’s distinction and influence depends upon the achievements of its alumni and the positions they attain in their respective communities and fields of endeavor.
“Each person to receive these awards are always so thankful and humble,” Murph said. “It is just so incredible to see and hear of them become so accomplished.”
Boone said she enjoys seeing how the agricultural communications program at Texas Tech has grown and the exceptional faculty it has attracted.
“It’s humbling to have received this award,” Boone said.
Boone said she has some advice for students who are yearning to receive one of the two awards some day.
“Find what you love to do and what you can make a living with,” Boone said.
“Also, don’t close the door before you look at the opportunity that is there.”
For more information regarding the Annual Distinguished Alumni & Outstanding Young Alumni Awards Reception and Dinner, visit: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/agriculturalsciences/Alumni/awards/distAlum.php.
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