Virginia Tech Alumni Association News - Fall 2003
The 2003 Alumni Association and University Awards
William H. Ruffner Medal
Ralph G. Roop '36
Ralph Roop has been described as an example and inspiration to the entire university community. After graduating in 1936 with a degree in agricultural economics, he attended Cornell University and received an M.S. in the same discipline in 1937. From 1937 to 1966, Roop held various positions for the Southern States Cooperative, last serving as director of the Petroleum Division. The founder of Petroleum Marketers, Inc., Roop served as chairman of the board and CEO of the company from 1954 until his retirement in 1987. He remains on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, as well as serving as a special consultant. Roop and his wife Inez are charter members of the Ut Prosim Society and the Legacy Society. They have generously supported the programs of the Virginia Tech Foundation, including university priorities, alumni programs, athletics and through the establishment of a scholarship and fellowship. He has served as a director and member of the Audit Committee of the Virginia Tech Foundation, a member of the Alumni Center Honorary Campaign Committee, Hokies for Higher Education and the Major and Planned Gifts Committee.
Alumni Distinguished Service Awards
James E. Turner '56
Following his graduation from Tech in 1956 with a degree in agricultural engineering, Turner began his career with the Newport News Shipbuilding Company, where he spent 25 years advancing through several positions, including design engineer, operations supervisor, superintendent and manager of manufacturing. From 1978 until 1981, Turner served as general manager of the Nuclear Components Division of Westinghouse including design engineer, operations supervisor, superintendent, and manager of manufacturing. He rejoined Newport News Shipbuilding in 1981 as vice president until his departure in 1988, at which time he went on to become corporate vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Corporation's Electric Boat Division. He is the retired president and chief operating officer of General Dynamics Corporation. Turner's more than 40 years of work with naval nuclear shipbuilding earned him the prestigious 1999 Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Award from the Navy League of the U.S., given annually to a person who has made a major contribution to the U.S. maritime strength. Turner has served his alma mater with unselfish dedication and is an active alumnus, having served as Rector of the Board of Visitors, the Foundation Board of Directors, Ut Prosim Society, the College of Engineering's Committee of 100 and with the establishment of the James E. Turner Jr. Minority Engineering Scholarship Fund.
Carlton Southworth '51
Carlton Southworth graduated from Tech in 1951 with a B.S. in electrical engineering. Upon graduation, Southworth served in the Korean War and was discharged as a captain. He has been in the mechanical contracting business since 1955 and founded Southworth Mechanical Corporation in 1983. Southworth has been actively involved with the university, serving the Richmond Chapter of the Alumni Association for many years, having headed many of its committees, and serving as president from 1988-89. He then served as a chapter board member for 10 years, motivating young leaders and ensuring the chapter ran smoothly and professionally. He was recruited in 2001 to lead the chapter again as president. He engaged new volunteers, reinstated successful chapter events and recruited future leadership of the chapter. In addition, Southworth was a member of the Virginia Tech Alumni Board of Directors and was the fund raising co-chair for the Class of '51 Reunion Committee. He is a member of the Ut Prosim Society and Hokies for Higher Education.
Graduate Student Awards
Rebecca A. Belling Abler - Biology (for instruction)
Tracy A. Bodo Slotta - Biology (for service)
Graduate Alumni Achievement Award
Robert C. Richardson '58, '60, Physics
Outstanding Student Awards
Class of 2003 graduates who were recognized by the Alumni Association for scholarship and leadership.
Matthew Miller, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Lisa Abbamonte, College of Architecture & Urban Studies
Beth Ann Reid, College of Arts & Sciences
Jill Turner, Pamplin College of Business
Erik Herz, College of Engineering
Caroline Hunter, College of Human Sciences & Education
Laura Young, College of Natural Resources
Valerie Weiss, College of Veterinary Medicine
Outstanding Young Alumni Awards
Graduates from each college, completing degrees in the past 10 years, who have distinguished themselves professionally.
Bradley W. Bryant '89, '94, '01; Dinwiddie,
VA
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Dao Huynh-Vuong '93; Glen Allen, VA
College of Architecture & Urban Studies
Li Li '89, '92; Simi Valley, CA
College of Arts & Sciences
J. Cedrick Reynolds '93; New York, NY
Pamplin College of Business
Zane W. Mitchell, Jr. '93, '98; Clarksville, TN
College of Engineering
Michael S. Schroder '92, '94; Blacksburg, VA
College of Human Sciences & Education
Vijay S. Reddy '94; Montoursville, PA
College of Natural Resources
William D. Tyrrell, Jr. '90, '92; Vienna, VA
College of Veterinary Medicine
Alumni Award for Outreach Excellence
Laurence W. (Bill) Carstensen - Geography
Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching
Gwendolyn Lloyd - Mathematics
Dixie Watts Reaves - Agricultural and Applied Economics
Alumni Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Academic Advising:
Dixie Watts Reaves - Agricultural and Applied Economics
Alumni Award for Excellence in Graduate Academic Advising:
Scott Geller - Psychology
William E. Wine Awards for Excellence in Teaching
Richard M. Goff - Engineering Fundamentals
Arthur L. Buikema - Biology
D. Michael Denbow - Animal and Poultry Sciences
Alumni Award for Excellence in International Programs
James F. Marchman III - Aerospace and Ocean Engineering
Alumni Award for Excellence in Research
David S. Lindsay - Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology
Diana Farkas - Materials Science and Engineering
Alumni Award for Excellence in Extension
Samuel M. Johnson - Extension Agent, Warsaw, Virginia
Michael T. Lambur - Agriculture and Extension Education
Sporn Award for Teaching Introductory Subjects
William E. Snizek - Sociology
Sporn Award for Teaching Engineering Subjects
Elaine P. Scott - Mechanical Engineering