Excellence in Education Award in honor of William V. Cruess

Partner: Northern California Section of IFT

Award Description: Honors an individual who has demonstrated excellence in teaching science of food disciplines, contributing significantly to the education and development of future leaders in the field. This award recognizes those who have not only excelled in their teaching but have also played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of professionals who will drive IFT’s mission forward.

Award: $3,000 honorarium and a crystal award from IFT, and a bronze medal from the Northern California Section of IFT

Criteria & Eligibility: Any individual who has at least 10 years of university teaching experience at a university offering a degree in food science, food technology, or the equivalent is eligible. Courses taught by the nominee must deal directly with food science and/or food technology. Nominees should exemplify how their teaching has influenced the global food system through the development of students who are prepared to improve food for everyone, in alignment with IFT’s vision.

Nominees will be asked to upload the following:

  • Three letters from current or former students, and
  • Two letters from colleagues or administrators, at least one of which should speak to the nominee’s teaching responsibilities and the educational mission of the institution.
  • The letters should discuss one or more of the following:

    • Mastery of subject matter
    • Ability to effectively communicate the principles and practices of food processing and preservation
    • Enthusiasm for the science of food as a profession
    • Ability to stimulate students to select a career in the science of food disciplines
    • Ability to mentor students

These materials should collectively reflect the nominee’s impact on students and the field of food science, demonstrating their role in advancing both the educational mission and the global food system.

2024: Clint Stevenson

2023: Rebecca Creasy

2022: Rafael Jimenez-Flores

2021: John Coupland

2020: Martha Verghese

2019: M. Monica Giusti

2018: Luis Rodriguez-Saona

2017: Soo-Yeun Lee

2016: Ronald Pegg

2015: Gabriel Keith Harris

2014: F. Xavier Malcata

2013: Mark A. Harrison

2012: Nicki Engeseth

2011: Jeff Culbertson

2010: E. Allen Foegeding

2009: Mukund Karwe

2008: Stephanie Doores

2007: Ronald Earl Wrolstad

2006: Robert L. Shewfelt

2005: Brian E. Farkas

2004: Wayne T. Iwaoka

2003: John H. Rupnow

2002: S. Suzanne Nielsen

2001: Shelly J. Schmidt

2000: Richard D. Ludescher

1999: Karen M. Schaich

1998: Richard W. Hartel

1997: Faye M. Dong

1996: Grady W. Chism III

1995: John B. Allred

1994: Peggy M. Foegeding

1993: Michael E. Mangino

1992: Daniel E. Carroll, Jr.

1991: Paul A. Lachance

1990: James W. Berry

1989: Howard A. Morris

1988: Mark A. Uebersax

1987: J. Ian Gray

1986: John W. Erdman, Jr.

1985: Norman N. Potter

1984: C. Anton Ernstrom

1983: James L. Oblinger

1982: John J. Powers

1981: Richard L. Merson

1980: Roy Arnold

1979: Theodore P. Labuza

1978: Owen R. Fennema

1977: Rose Marie Pangborn

1976: Fergus M. Clydesdale

1975: Charles M. Stine

1974: Elizabeth F. Stier

1973: John R. Whitaker

1972: Edward E. Burns

1971: Clifford E. Samuels

1970: Marcus Karel