The Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Iowa State University Alumni Association will present awards to several CALS alums and friends at the 94th annual Honors & Awards Ceremony on Oct. 24.
The public ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Stephens Auditorium, immediately followed by a dessert reception. Registration is not required to attend.
CALS Awards
Floyd Andre Award
Lynn Henderson ('74 agricultural journalism) has left a lasting mark on American agriculture through a distinguished career in ag media and communications. As owner of Henderson Communications, LLC, and publisher of Agri Marketing magazine, he has amplified the voices of production agriculture and agribusiness professionals nationwide. Under his leadership, the magazine has become a trusted source of market intelligence and strategic insight for industry leaders.
Before founding his company in 2005, Henderson served as president and CEO of Doane Agricultural Services. There, he led the development of innovative media and market advisory services that empowered producers and ag companies to make informed decisions - contributing directly to the growth and resilience of agricultural enterprises across the country.
Henderson also played a pivotal role in establishing Iowa State's agricultural communication major. More than a decade ago, he worked closely with the Department of Agricultural Education and Studies, coordinating meetings, rallying support and keeping stakeholders informed throughout the process. The new major began being offered to students in fall 2023.
As an Iowa State student, Henderson was active in campus life, including membership in the Farm House fraternity. He and his wife, Patricia Tice ('75 child development, '83 MS education, professional studies in education), dated while at Iowa State and were reunited in 2013. They have two grown children and one granddaughter.
Henderson is a life member of the ISU Alumni Association and belongs to the Order of the Knoll President's Circle and Campanile Society.
George Washington Carver Distinguished Service Award
Pete ('74 agricultural business) and Dana (’87 home economics education, adult home economics education) Wenstrand have made influential contributions to society and Iowa State through generous giving and dedicated services.
Pete is the owner and operator of a 1,200-acre no-till corn and soybean farm near Essex, Iowa. In addition to building his professional career, Pete has invested heavily in the community through charitable donations and serving on various boards and organizations, including the Iowa Board of Regents and as president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and National Corn Growers Association.
Dana farms alongside Pete, playing an active role in daily operations, planting and harvest. Dana has also held roles as founder and president of IMAGE Professional Training and Consulting and has a background in hotel sales and marketing. She has served as the founder, chair and co-chair of the Essex Community Fund and trustee of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Dana currently serves on the Iowa State University Foundation Board and is chair of the finance committee.
The Wenstrands have given generously to Iowa State. They created the Professorship for Excellence in Agricultural Economics, the Peter J. and Dana M. Wenstrand Agricultural Economics Fund, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Harvest Fund. They have also supported other initiatives in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Health and Human Sciences.
The Wenstrands are active Iowa State University Foundation governors who have provided a wealth of time, resources and knowledge to support the betterment of Iowa State and the ISU Foundation. They are life members of the ISU Alumni Association and belong to the Order of the Knoll W.M. Beardshear and Campanile Society.
Henry A. Wallace Award
Doug Ware ('74 MS animal science, '76 PhD) has made a lasting impact on animal nutrition, transforming industry practices and bringing distinction to Iowa State University through his groundbreaking work. Before attending Iowa State, Ware worked at Dow Chemical, where he collaborated with leading veterinarians and nutritionists - an experience that inspired him to pursue advanced studies in Ames.
At Iowa State, Ware earned both his master's and doctoral degrees in animal nutrition. His research at the Allee Farm and mentorship from esteemed faculty laid the groundwork for a career defined by challenging conventional approaches to animal health.
Returning to Dow after graduation, Ware identified a critical gap in the industry and took action. In 1993, he founded Nutrition Physiology Corporation, introducing microbiological innovations that reshaped how animal research is conducted. His flagship product, Bovamine, became a staple in the livestock industry and earned him 33 patents. In 2016, Ware retired after selling his company to CHR Hansen, leaving behind a legacy of innovation that continues to define industry standards.
Now retired, Ware and his wife, Virginia, are active in philanthropy and enjoy giving back to the community. They have two daughters, Anna Marie and Kristin. Ware is a proud member of the Order of the Knoll W.M. Beardshear and Campanile Society.
Outstanding Young Professional Award
Early in his career, Jimmy Kent (’14 agricultural business) has established himself as a distinguished leader in the agricultural industry. Beginning his career at Beck's Hybrids as a seed advisor, and then joining KENT WORLDWIDE (formerly KENT Corporation) in 2016, Kent has held a variety of leadership roles. For KENT, he started as emerging channels sales manager for consumer brands, followed by roles of increasing responsibility, including director of sales and marketing for the company's leading hydration brand, Sqwincher; then, vice president of sales and marketing for consumer brands.
Today, Kent serves as president of both KENT Nutrition Group and Grain Processing Corporation. Under his leadership, these companies have made advancements in innovation, sustainability and market impact - solidifying their roles as national and global leaders in the manufacture and marketing of high-quality animal nutrition and grain processing.
In 2024, Kent was selected for Leadership Iowa, a premier statewide program that cultivates high-impact leaders committed to fostering growth, collaboration, and leadership for Iowa's future. He also serves on the Trinity Muscatine Hospital Board and is an active member of the Corn Refiners Association, reflecting his dedication to both industry and community.
During his time at Iowa State, Kent's foundation was built through hands-on experience at the swine teaching farm and active involvement in the Agricultural Business Club and Block & Bridle. He credits Iowa State as the place that grew his passion and shared his path for the agricultural industry - and it's where he met the love of his life and now wife, Danielle ('14 animal science).