The intent of the award is to honor people whose lifetime contributions to agriculture, natural resources, and the people of Oregon and/or Oregon State University has been significant. The honor includes recognition by the College at a luncheon where award recipients will receive an award and a lapel pin. They will become permanent members of the Diamond Pioneer Agricultural Achievement Registry in the College of Agricultural Sciences.
Dennis Glaser - Dennis grew up on the family farm in a Mid-Willamette Valley farming community. He studied Crop & Soil Science and Ag Engineering at OSU, graduating in 1969. In 1972 he took over running the family grass seed farm and eventually started a hazelnut orchard as well. Dennis was a pioneer in expansion of the hazelnut industry in the Willamette Valley. The fruits of his early labor are seen today as acreage in the Valley continues to grow. Dennis was named Hazelnut Grower of the Year in 2018 and he, and his son Ryan, have been at the forefront of the hazelnut industry in drainage, pruning and mulching, irrigation, and nutrient management.
Dennis was a leader in exploring new ways to handle grass seed residue as field burning was phased out in the 1980s and has always been engaged with his peers in exploring new varieties and markets in the array of field crops grown on their farm. He was an early and consistent cooperator with numerous OSU field research projects on seed crops – alternatives to field burning, residue composting, N-fertilization, plant growth regulators. He was also on the Technical Advisory Committee for the Grass Seed Cropping System for a Sustainable Agriculture USDA special grant that ran its course for several years. He was a member of the International Herbage Seed Group, and attended several of their meetings and post-congress tours.
While his mind is always working on ways to improve their farming operations, Dennis’ service to his community and to the future of agriculture has also been outstanding. He has given generously in time and resources to ag research projects conducted by Future Farmer of America students at Central Linn High School. He and his wife Martha have been involved with OSU’s Ag in the Classroom teacher education for nearly three decades. He has hosted tours, spoke with the class, been the overnight host for program teachers, and allowed “greenhorns” to drive his expensive equipment to get a true feel for modern day agricultural production.
Dennis Glaser has made lifetime contributions to his community, to Oregon agriculture, to OSU, to our nation, and world. He is recognized by his peers and academic colleagues as an innovator and driving force in the agricultural industries of the Willamette Valley.
Carol Mallory-Smith - Dr. Carol Mallory Smith joined the Department of Crop and Soil Science (CSS) as the research and teaching leader of its weed science program in August 1994 and retired from that position December 31, 2022.
Dr. Mallory-Smith is recognized as a world leader in weed science with particular expertise in the areas of gene flow and herbicide resistance. She is an award-winning teacher and valued graduate student mentor. She is a collaborative colleague recognized by her professional peers through competitive grant awards and professional society appointments and honors.
Dr. Mallory-Smith is author/co-author of over 135 peer-reviewed journal articles and dozens of book chapters, proceedings or special publications. Several of her papers on herbicide resistance and gene flow among weeds are recognized as foundational research in her profession. In 2016, she was a member of the writing team for a National Academy of Sciences book on genetically engineered crops. She has been PI/co-PI of over $6M in competitive, cooperative grants. She has been author/co-author of over 200 national or international professional society presentations and given over 40 invited presentations including key note addresses in both the US and Australia.
She has taught successful classes in weed science and cropping systems and won teaching awards at OSU department, college and university levels. She has hosted an array of visiting scientists, been major professor for over 40 graduate students and served on more than 60 other student committees. With few exceptions, her students are actively working in the weed science profession at universities, in government agencies or the private sector.
She has held executive committee roles in the Oregon Society of Weed Science, the Weed Science Society of America (President in 2005-06) and International Society of Wed Science. She was named a Fellow in the Weed Science Society of America in 2008, one of the highest professional honors of that group. She was the inaugural recipient of the OSU Hyslop Professorship, received the University of Idaho College of Agriculture Alumni Achievement Award in 2007 and named an OSU Stewart Scholar that same year.
Dr. Carol Mallory Smith has made lifetime contributions to OSU, Oregon, our nation, and world. Her research, teaching and communication skills are recognized around the world and have contributed to its well-being.