International Programs in Agriculture

Purdue College of Agriculture announces inaugural recipients of new international achievement award

Story by Nyssa Lilovich
May 11, 2020

Purdue University’s office of International Programs in Agriculture (IPIA) has introduced an award named in honor of late Purdue professor Lowell Hardin.

The Lowell S. Hardin Award for Excellence in International Agriculture honors Hardin’s legacy, his contributions to international agriculture, and his many years of service in support of international activities. The award recognizes significant contributions of College of Agriculture faculty members to international activities. Recipients are selected from submitted nominations. The following faculty members have been named the award recipients for the 2019-20 academic year.

Gebisa Ejeta, distinguished professor of agronomy and 2009 World Food Prize laureate, has spent his career promoting science-based development and revitalization of agricultural research as a path to achieving food security, enhancing economic prosperity and conserving natural resources.

Thomas Hertel, distinguished professor of agricultural economics, has devoted his career to research, teaching and engagement on issues related to international trade and environmental sustainability.

Thomas Hertel. (Purdue University photo)

Jules Janick, the James Troop Distinguished Professor of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, has benefitted humanity through international advances in horticulture and his contributions to globalizing Purdue’s land-grant mission.

Suzanne Nielsen, a 150th Anniversary Professor of Food Science, has been a passionate advocate of international research, outreach and education, leading and supporting global activities with impactful effort throughout her career.

Suzanne Nielsen. (Purdue University photo)

John Sanders, professor of agricultural economics, has made numerous impacts on international agricultural activities and systems – ranging from introducing new sorghum, millet and cotton technologies to training and mentoring numerous African and Latin American students.

Hardin, professor emeritus of agricultural economics, was a mentor, confidant, counselor and leader to many at Purdue. Born in 1917, Hardin graduated from Purdue in 1939 with a degree in animal science, attended graduate school at Cornell University and returned to Purdue in 1943 as a faculty member in the department of agricultural economics.

“Professor Hardin passed away in 2015,” said Gerald Shively, associate dean and director of IPIA. “But his legacy of loyal service, generous insight, and shared knowledge to benefit humanity continues to endure across Purdue agriculture. This award both honors that legacy and recognizes the achievements of those who follow in his footsteps.”

The inaugural recipients will be honored at a reception held at a later date.

Featured Stories

Zach Feiner holds a striped bass; Feiner holds a black crappie; Feiner holds his Outstanding Young Alumni Award plaque

Meet Zachary Feiner: 2025 Outstanding Young Alumni Award Winner

Zachary Feiner, who earned his PhD from FNR in 2015 and spent two additional years in West...

Purdue celebrates 75 year collaboration with UFV

Purdue and Viçosa celebrate 75 years of agricultural partnership

In 1951, Purdue University faculty members traveled more than 4,000 miles from West Lafayette,...

Gloria's view looking for elk in the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park; two of the many prairie dogs at the park; Gloria welding for the first time.

FNR Field Report: Gloria Aichinger

Sophomore wildlife major Gloria Aichinger spent her summer as a seasonal laborer at Theodore...

A woman stands in a greenhouse, surrounded by greenery and natural light.

Catalyzing metabolite research for agriculture, ecosystems and industry

Concealed within the molecular machinery of petunia flowers are metabolic, genetic and cellular...

A spotted eagle ray; Morgan Hamilton snorkeling during a biodiversity survey in Turks and Caicos; Hamilton with a group of students from her study abroad cohort.

FNR Field Report: Morgan Hamilton

Senior aquatic sciences major Morgan Hamilton took her skills and interests on the road for a...

Presence of multiple ear rots and premature kernel sprouting (e.g., vivipary) on ears which were completely submerged in flood water in East-Central Indiana (right three ears) in comparison to ears in the same field that were not submerged (left three ears)

Risk & Mycotoxin Management in Indiana Corn