May 7, 2026
The annual CALS picnic had a new item in the program this year as the CALS Staff Peer Award for Leadership and Service Award was given out to two well deserving recipients. Troy Heeren an agricultural specialist in natural resource ecology and management (https://www.cals.iastate.edu/heeren-receives-leadership-and-service-award) and Greg Gebhart, agricultural specialist in plant pathology, entomology and microbiology (https://www.cals.iastate.edu/gebhart-receives-leadership-and-service-award). Each received an engraved plaque and a $500 stipend. Gebhart, who was unable to be present at the picnic to receive his award due to working in the field had Greg Tylka accept the award on his behalf.