Gamma Sigma Delta Awards

The idea of such an award was first proposed in 1945. The matter was brought up at the 1948 Conclave and accepted. At the 1950 Conclave the design of a suitable medal was agreed upon and the International Officers were instructed to set up details for making such an annual award. Later a plaque was presented in place of the medal. At the 1968 Conclave the decision was made to present a $500 cash award to the recipient, along with the plaque. This was agreed on by the chapters, and the first cash award was made in 1969. Effective 1993, the award stipend was increased to $1,000. At the 1994 Conclave the name of the International Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award was changed to the Distinguished Achievement in Agriculture Award. In 2002, the Award was increased to $2,000 based on $10,000 contribution by an anonymous donor. The Society continued to support the $2,000 stipend following depletion of the donor funds. The creation of the International Gamma Sigma Delta Foundation in 2007 as a 501.c.3 organization was intended to help raise funds to support the awards program.

Each year each chapter is encouraged to select an individual it wishes to honor and submit information on that individual to the Executive Committee. Criteria include significant contributions to agricultural and related sciences in the areas of teaching, research, and extension within the five years previous to the submission of the nomination. In 2007, the Constitution was changed to permit consideration of life time achievement in the selection process as well. Selection is made by the International Officers at their annual meeting. The recipient is informed of the honor by the International President, after which the selection is made public. The award is conferred by an International Officer (usually the one located closest to the home chapter of the recipient) at an event of the local chapter, at a time and place agreed upon. The local chapter is responsible for publicizing the event.

Gamma Sigma Delta International Distinguished Achievement in Agriculture Award

Criteria include significant contributions to agricultural and related sciences in the areas of teaching, research, and extension within the five years previous to the submission of the nomination. In 2007, the Constitution was changed to permit consideration of life time achievement is the selection process as well. The recipient is informed of the honor by the International President, after which the selection is made public.

Gamma Sigma Delta Teaching Awardees

The following members have been selected by the Nebraska chapter to receive the teaching award. Those honored have established an outstanding teaching and advising record at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.