The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences named David A. Thompson and Robert K. Hill distinguished alumni for 2006 – 2007.

CALS honors two distinguished alumni once a year — one from agriculture and one from life sciences.

“The qualifications for the CALS Distinguished Alumnus are outstanding contributions in their field of expertise and a record of distinguished service to community, state or nation,” Scott Troutman, executive director of College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Alumni and Friends Society, said.

Troutman said anyone can submit nominations for the honor but generally the faculty and staff provide the nominations.

“The winners are selected by the Dean and his administrative team,” he said.

CALS held the annual CALS Alumni Awards Reception Sept. 8 at the University Club.

They also revealed a new Distinguished Alumni display at the dinner, which included the winners and their families and friends.

The new CALS distinguished alumni are also invited to attend the N.C. State Alumni Associations Awards Gala along with fellow distinguished alumni from other colleges within NCSU, Troutman said.

“They are given red-carpet treatment as their accomplishments are heralded at a black-tie gala attended by more than 300 family, friends, alumni and university officials,” he said

“Each distinguished alumnus is presented to the audience and given the opportunity to provide brief comments,” Kathy Hart, associate executive director of the alumni center, said of the N.C. State Alumni Associations Awards Gala.

Hart said each college within the University must name at least one distinguished alumnus per year.

“CALS and Engineering name more than one,” she said.

Distinguished alumni receive many perks along with their honor.

Troutman said award winners are featured in the CALS magazine and on the CALS Alumni and Friends Society Web site.

“We also purchase a brick in their honor on the CALS Walkway of Champions, which is in front of Patterson hall,” he said.

Troutman said CALS has honored Distinguished Alumni for 33 years. From 1974 to 1994, CALS honored only one alumnus per year.

However, in 1995, the college began honoring two alumni.

“Being named a CALS Distinguished Alumnus means one joins a select group of top scientists, physicians, businessmen, agriculturalists and government leaders who have made a significant contribution to N.C. State, their chosen career, the state of North Carolina and the nation,” Troutman said.