Congratulations to Phil Minerich, who was named a recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award from The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

The Austin native graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in food technology in 1976. He went on to earn his PhD and MS, both in food science, from the University of Minnesota and worked for 38 years with Hormel Food Corp, retiring as vice president in research and development.

Minerich was recognized for his significant contributions to Hormel, including his role in upgrading the equipment design for food safety improvements and directing the remodeling of the Spam can. Additionally, he was singled out for his efforts to improve access to nutritious foods in developing countries, including the distribution of millions of cans of fortified turkey spread called Spammy, which he helped develop, to children in rural parts of Guatemala.

“Dr. Phil Minerich is both a brilliant scientist and a compassionate humanitarian,” presenter Yolanda Owens told 140 alumni, relatives, faculty, staff and friends during an awards luncheon hosted by CFAES on March 2. In all, 12 individuals were recognized during the annual event, held at the Fawcett Center on the Ohio State campus:

Meritorious Service Award

• Bob Birkenholz, Fort Myers, Fla.
• Virgil Strickler, Galloway, Ohio

Distinguished Alumni Award

• Bryan Garton (`93, PhD, Agricultural Education), Columbia, Missouri
• Steve Goodwin (`73, BS, Parks, Recreation & Tourism Administration), Johnstown, Ohio
• Chris Henney (`98, BS, Agricultural Education), Columbus, Ohio
• Phil Minerich (`76, BS, Food Technology), Austin, Minnesota
• Floyd Poruban (`64, MS, ‘61, BS, Plant Pathology, Horticulture), Avon, Ohio
• Kristi-Warren Scott (`03, BS, Agribusiness and Applied Economics), Washington, DC

International Alumni Award

• Leandro Cruppe (`15, PhD, ‘11 MS, Animal Sciences), Goiania-GO, Brazil
• Richard Edema (`01, PhD, Plant Pathology), Kampala, Uganda

Young Professional Award

• Leah Curtis (`07, BS, Agricultural Communications), Canal Winchester, Ohio
• Bo Harstine (`16, PhD, ‘13, MS, Animal Sciences), Columbus, Ohio