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Monday 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm Thursday 8am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4:30pm

University of Illinois College of ACES Alumni Association

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University of Illinois College of ACES Alumni Association

Once an Illini, Always An Illini!

06/01/2026

Serving as a sponsor at the Chicago Illini Club's annual golf outing lets us see a few of our ACES alumni! ⛳

05/18/2026

ACES Alumni Award Winner Spotlight ✨
We’re proud to recognize one of this year’s Award of Merit recipients:

Usha Barwale Zehr
Badnapur, Maharashtra, India | M.S. ’85 and Ph.D. ’88, Agronomy

Agricultural innovation has the power to improve lives around the world. Dr. Usha Barwale Zehr has spent her career advancing agricultural innovation while improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. As a leader in crop genetics and biotechnology, her work has helped bring transformative solutions and sustainable farming systems to global agriculture. Through her leadership of Mahyco, Grow Indigo, and the Barwale Foundation, she continues to drive progress in food security, sustainability, and community wellbeing.

Congratulations to Dr. Usha Barwale Zehr, a well-earned Award of Merit honoree!

Thank you for following along as we celebrated our 2026 ACES alumni award recipients. Watch the videos below to learn more about this year’s incredible honorees: https://www.youtube.com//videos

05/15/2026

ACES Alumni Award Winner Spotlight ✨
We’re proud to recognize one of this year’s Award of Merit recipients:

Todd Gleason
Mahomet, Illinois | B.S. ’86, Agricultural Communications

For decades, one familiar voice has helped keep farmers informed and connected. Todd Gleason has spent years delivering trusted information to farmers across the Midwest through radio, podcasts, and live events. As a longtime farm broadcaster with University of Illinois Extension
, he has expanded the reach of agricultural programming and connected audiences to timely information. From the airwaves to in-person events, Todd continues to elevate the conversation around agriculture while serving his community.

Congratulations to Todd Gleason, a well-deserved Award of Merit honoree!

05/13/2026

ACES Alumni Award Winner Spotlight ✨
We’re proud to recognize one of this year’s Award of Merit recipients:

Gregg BeVier
Suwanee, Georgia | B.S. ’75, Agricultural Science | M.S. ’77, Animal Sciences

A career built on science, service, and global impact deserves recognition. An international leader in agribusiness, Gregg BeVier has spent more than 40 years advancing livestock innovation while helping tackle food insecurity across the globe. As COO of STgenetics
and a former leader with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, his work has empowered farmers and strengthened food systems worldwide. He has also remained deeply committed to mentoring students and giving back to the University of Illinois.

We are also honored to welcome Gregg BeVier back to campus as the speaker for the College of ACES Graduation Convocation this Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Congratulations to Gregg BeVier, a truly deserving Award of Merit honoree!

05/11/2026

ACES Alumni Award Winner Spotlight ✨

We’re proud to recognize one of this year’s Career Achievement Award recipients:

Dr. Steven Cooke
Greely, Ontario, Canada | Ph.D. ’02, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Applied fisheries science plays a critical role in how aquatic resources are managed and sustained. Dr. Steven Cooke has built a globally recognized career advancing fisheries science and aquatic conservation. Through his research and leadership, he has helped shape policies, practices, and technologies that support sustainable fisheries and protect aquatic ecosystems. From influencing global fisheries guidance to mentoring the next generation of scientists, his work continues to drive meaningful change.

Congratulations to Dr. Steven Cooke, a well-deserved Career Achievement Award honoree!

05/08/2026

ACES Alumni Award Winner Spotlight ✨

We’re proud to recognize one of this year’s Career Achievement Award recipients:

Brian Moeller
Keystone, Colorado | B.S. ’81, Agricultural Science

Brian Moeller has built a career in agricultural finance focused on supporting the food and agribusiness sector. Over more than four decades, he has provided strategic financial leadership across major institutions, helping drive growth and long-term success. Known for identifying opportunities and delivering practical solutions, his work has supported clients across the agricultural value chain. He has also remained committed to service through 4-H, the University of Illinois, and his local communities.

Congratulations to Brian Moeller, a truly deserving Career Achievement Award honoree!

05/07/2026

Join ACES at Topgolf Indianapolis-Fishers for a night of fun, food, and friendly competition! ⛳️

Thursday, June 11 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
$35 per person
Appetizers, gameplay, and a drink ticket included

Come connect with fellow ACES alumni and friends. We can’t wait to see you there!

Register here: https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/28/571813828.html

05/06/2026

ACES Alumni Award Winner Spotlight ✨

We’re proud to recognize one of this year’s Career Achievement Award recipients:

Dr. Rita Mumm
Urbana, Illinois | B.S. ’89, Agricultural Science | Ph.D. ’93, Genetics and Plant Breeding

Building plant breeding programs and training the next generation of scientists has been central to her career. Dr. Rita Mumm has worked across industry, academia, and global initiatives to advance crop genetics and plant breeding systems. Her leadership in establishing programs like the Illinois Plant Breeding Center and the African Plant Breeding Academy has expanded education and strengthened capacity in crop improvement worldwide. Through this work, she has helped develop improved crop varieties and support long-term food security efforts.

Congratulations to Dr. Rita Mumm, a well-earned Career Achievement Award honoree!

05/04/2026

ACES Alumni Award Winner Spotlight ✨

We’re proud to recognize one of this year’s Career Achievement Award recipients:

Dr. Vasey Mwaja
Nairobi, Kenya | Ph.D. ’94, Horticulture

Over four decades, his work has helped shape how science, technology, and agricultural systems function across Kenya and the African continent. Dr. Vasey Mwaja has built a career spanning research, industry, and government, strengthening national and regional approaches to innovation and food systems.

He has led major efforts in research governance, contributed to global agricultural initiatives, and supported cross-border scientific collaboration. Through continued leadership with the Kenya National Academy of Sciences and the African Union, he remains a key voice in advancing science policy and agricultural development.

Congratulations to Dr. Vasey Mwaja, a well-deserved Career Achievement Award honoree!

05/01/2026

ACES Alumni Award Winner Spotlight ✨

We’re proud to recognize one of this year’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipients:

Dr. Kale Monk
Columbia, Missouri | Ph.D. ’17, Human Development and Family Studies

In less than a decade since earning his Ph.D., Dr. Kale Monk has built a record of scholarship and outreach that stands out nationally. His work focuses on relationship processes and family well-being, translating research into practical tools that support individuals, couples, and communities.

As an associate professor and Extension specialist, he has led large-scale, evidence-based programs and secured significant funding to expand their reach. From developing public-facing platforms to delivering programming across rural communities, his work reflects a strong commitment to applied impact.

Congratulations to Dr. Kale Monk, a truly deserved Outstanding Young Alumni Award honoree!

Address

Mumford Hall
Urbana, IL
61801

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12173337744

Website

http://www.acesalumni.illinois.edu/

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