Kansas State University

College of Human Ecology recognizes outstanding alumni and friends at annual Celebration of Excellence

Submitted by College of Human Ecology

The College of Human Ecology welcomed back nine alumni and friends to K-State as part of the annual Celebration of Excellence. The two-day event brings these outstanding alumni and friends back to campus to recognize them for the extraordinary things they have accomplished in their careers.

This year's award winners:

Distinguished Research Award

Leonardo F. Ferreira, 2006 doctoral graduate in anatomy and physiology. Ferreira is an associate professor in the department of applied physiology and kinesiology at the University of Florida. His research career began as a doctoral student at K-State where he investigated skeletal muscle microvascular function in health and disease.

Khursheed P. Navder, 1988 doctoral graduate in foods and nutrition. Navder is the director of the School of Urban Public Health at Hunter College of the City University of New York, the largest urban university system in the country. Her research interests involve studying the effects of various food components on biochemical and metabolic regulations of lipid and alcohol metabolism.

Distinguished Service Award

Mary Anne Trickle, 1963 bachelor's graduate in home economics. Trickle is a retired educator from Salina's USD 305, where she served as the home economics department chair and instructor until her retirement in 2000. She also has served on the USD 305 school board for multiple years, serving as president for two terms.

Entrepreneur Award

Jill Mason, 2006 bachelor's graduate in hotel and restaurant management. Mason is an event planner with experience working in large cities including Kansas City and Los Angeles. She spent time as an event planner for professional sports teams in both cities and events such as the Grammys. Mason is the owner and founder of Confetti & Cashmere, a Manhattan boutique that focuses on upscale trendy paper products, custom-made items and gives and provides event and gala coordination and rentals.

Executive Leadership Award

Phil Perkins, 1993 bachelor's graduate in hotel and restaurant management. Perkins serves as a market manager for the Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers franchise with FFC Midwest. He oversaw the building and opening of nine new restaurants across four states. He is responsible for everything from being a voice during the construction process to hiring and training new staff. Once restaurants are established, he remains involved with marketing, local advertising, daily operations and all financial accountabilities.

Friend of the College

James Reed, 1970 bachelor's graduate in accounting. Reed founded Reed Financial Services in 1984 and currently serves as president. Reed and his company believe in giving back time, talent and monies to help others. He is currently a member of the College of Business Administration Dean's Advisory Board and the Personal Financial Planning Advisory Board in the College of Human Ecology. He provides professional development and real-life experiences to students through seminars and classroom attendance and through mentorship opportunities.

Richard "Dick" Rees, 1961 bachelor's graduate in feed technology and 1964 master's graduate in agricultural economics. Rees spent his career with the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City until his retirement in 2004. Early in his career, he met and married his soulmate, Janet Lee Smith. After her passing in 2010, he was inspired to establish multiple memorial projects at K-State. One of his most devoted projects at K-State is the department of apparel, textiles and interior design and its Historic Costume and Textile Museum.

College Partner Award

Mariner Wealth Advisors. Mariner Wealth Advisors is a wealth management firm offering comprehensive advice in the areas of tax, estate planning and investment management. The firm holds a strong relationship with the Personal Financial Planning program, supporting the department financially as well as providing their students with internship opportunities.

Ody Maningat, 1986 doctoral graduate in grain science. Maningat is the chief science officer at MGP Ingredients, Inc. and an adjunct faculty member in the department of grain science and industry at K-State. He is an active supporter of research conducted in the department of food, nutrition, dietetics and health, supporting multiple faculty members with their research projects, including the department's Physical Activity and Nutrition Clinical Research Consortium.

View photos from the awards ceremony on the college's Facebook page or read full bios on each award winner on its website.