Legends of Agronomy Award
The Legends of Agronomy award is intended to honor individuals who have made major contributions to the establishment, development, enhancement, or improvement of the Agronomy Department. These individuals may have been faculty, administrators, alumni, or others associated with the Department. It is expected that the individual has made an impact on the Department through service, administration, program development, or sustained activities that contributed to the success and reputation of the Agronomy Department.
We will induct 12 individuals at the inauguration of this award during the Purdue Agronomy Centennial Celebration in November 2007. Additional individuals will be recognized at appropriate times in the future.
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John Axtell, served in the department from 1967 to 2000. He was Purdue Agronomy’s first member of the National Academy of Science, and has been nationally and internationally recognized for his sorghum breeding and international assistance. (Died 2000) |
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William H. “Bill” Daniel, served in the department from 1950 to 1985. This legend is regarded as the father of the Purdue turf program. He invented the Prescription Athletic Turf (PAT) system and was known around the world for his expertise and enthusiasm for turf science. (Died 1995) |
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Wayne Keim, served in the department from 1956 to 1975. A famous genetics instructor who inspired scores of future geneticists and breeders who became world leaders. |
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Ozzie Luetkemeier served in the department from 1949 to 1986. This first superintendent of the Agronomy Farm was a leader for 37 years in developing the facility into a first class research and education center. He also has been a great ambassador for Purdue University. |
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Fred Patterson, served in the department from 1950 to 1986. He was international renowned as a plant breeder of small grains, was president of the American Society of Agronomy, and was a quiet, effective leader who continued his work on breeding for nearly 20 years beyond retirement. (Died 2006) |
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John B. Peterson, served in the department from 1948 to 1971. He was department head for 21 years during its period of great growth in national and international recognition in research and education. (Died 1994) |
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Fred “Robbie” Robbins, served in the department from 1913 to 1954. This popular crops instructor and coach, founded the organization CERES and was a leader in the Winter Short course, a 6 week course for farmers who couldn’t attend the university’s two- or four-year programs. (Died 1962) |
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George Scarseth, served in the department from 1938 to 1944. This brilliant researcher and educator had a big impact on soils research and the PhD program in the 1930s and ’40s. He was also department head from 1943 to 1944. (Died 1962) |
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Sandy Spitznagle has served in the department from 1965 to present. This dedicated secretary and administrative assistant has guided and assisted four department heads and scores of staff and students with good humor, grace, and extensive knowledge. |
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Alfred Wiancko, served in the department from 1903 to 1943. The first department head (or chief), he served in departmental leadership positions for 36 years. He was elected President of Soil Survey Association in 1922. (Died 1949) |
The team of Keller Beeson, (left) who served in the department from 1924 to 1962 and Melville “M.O.” Pence, (below) who served in the department from 1925 to 1957. This famous team of Extension Specialists were known for their work on the Purdue Extension Train. Their excellent delivery, enthusiasm, and expertise are still remembered around the state 45 years after their retirements. (Beeson died in 1965 and Pence died in 1986)