Night of Excellence

The Horizon Award: Meredith Cinnamon McQuerry

‘12 B.S. Merchandising, Apparel + Textiles 
‘12 B.S. Career + Technical Education 
‘14 M.S. Merchandising, Apparel + Textiles

Dr. Meredith McQuerry is an associate professor of textile science in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University. In addition to her UK degrees, she has a Ph.D. in textile technology management from North Carolina State University. Her research focuses on the physiological comfort and performance of protective clothing for first responders, athletes and industrial employees. She received a $1.5 million FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant to investigate design, comfort and mobility issues of female firefighters. She oversees the Textile Testing Laboratory and the ThermaNOLE Comfort Lab at FSU and has authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles and presented at over 80 conferences.

The Paul Appel Alumni Service Award: James "Jim" Mahan

‘67 B.S. Animal Sciences

Jim Mahan has been an active and important part of the fabric of Kentucky’s agricultural landscape since his youth, when his father was operations manager for the college and his grandfather was the first county agent in Kentucky. Since receiving his degree in animal science in 1967, Mahan has devoted his life to his farm, family, youth and agriculture. As a result of his commitment, he has received many honors over the years, including being inducted into the Martin-Gatton CAFE Hall of Distinguished Alumni and the UK Animal Science Hall of Fame, as well as receiving the Honorary Commissioner of Agriculture distinction. He was also previously appointed to the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy, where he worked with local legislators on behalf of the college.  

The Oran & Myrtle Little Friend of Martin-Gatton CAFE Award: Kentucky Farm Bureau

Serving as the “Voice of Kentucky Agriculture” since 1919

Kentucky Farm Bureau stands as a beacon of dedication and commitment in advancing agricultural education, research and extension through its support of UK. Its generous contributions have helped fund vital programs, such as the CAFE Alumni Association, the Kentucky Agriculture Leadership Program and the Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers organization. Kentucky Farm Bureau has also supported student scholarships, paving the way for future agricultural leaders. Its advocacy aligns seamlessly with the college’s mission, reflecting a history of commitment since the establishment of the Cooperative Extension Service.

The Horizon Award: Anthony H. Koch

Anthony H. Koch of Paris received a bachelor’s of agricultural economics from UK in 2002. He currently serves as director of sales and marketing for Hallway Feeds.

As a celebration of Hallway Feeds' 50th anniversary, Koch spearheaded all the arrangements for the departure and return of Lexington’s first Honor Flight. This special event was an opportunity to transport Central Kentucky’s WWII heroes to Washington, D.C., for a day of celebration.

Koch also serves on the board of trustees of the Kentucky FFA Foundation, judges FFA events and serves as a mentor to members. He volunteers with the Boy Scouts, YMCA, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture & Equine Council and Equine Committee for the American Feed Industry Association and at his church.

The Paul Appel Alumni Service Award: Bobby L. Gaffney

Bobby Gaffney of Versailles holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural education and his Rank I from UK. He was on the CAFE alumni board for 23 years, serving in many roles including president. He continues to provide support as a volunteer. He represented Kentucky on the National Agriculture Alumni and Development Association for 10 years, serving as NAADA president and chairman of the long-range planning committee. He was committed to sharing UK’s alumni relations successes with peer institutions.

Gaffney is a farmer, retired vocational agriculture teacher and school administrator. As a teacher, he built strong community-based programs that involved local civic and business leaders and engaged students’ families in their learning process. He recruited many students to the college and was a supervising teacher for student teachers.

The Oran & Myrtle Little Friend of Martin-Gatton CAFE Award: C. Oran & Myrtle Little

Oran Little began his CAFE career in 1960 and rose through the ranks to serve the college for 12 years as dean. His effective leadership as dean led to the purchase of a new research farm in Woodford County, which was renamed in his honor in 2010. Myrtle Little is a UK Fellow, a member of the UK Women’s Club and a member of UK Women and Philanthropy.

Oran and Myrtle Little have traversed many miles to support the college, even in retirement. Oran Little continued to serve in leadership and support roles through organizational board appointments and event participation to advance education and agriculture development at the local, state and national levels.

The two are synonymous with Roundup—the college’s annual homecoming event—participating in many activities and lending support. The Littles championed the town-gown connection bringing the Lexington Rotary Club to campus during Roundup to highlight students and the college’s accomplishments.

The Littles seek to instill engagement in future generations. They created the C. Oran and Myrtle Little Scholarship in CAFE for juniors and seniors who display strong leadership skills and are highly engaged in the college. They reside in Lexington.