Kentucky State University held the 10th Annual Harold R. Benson Agricultural Luncheon on April 29, honoring Dr. Harold R. Benson’s legacy and recognizing achievements across the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources.
The event highlighted the ongoing influence of Dr. Benson on students pursuing agricultural careers, faculty advancing research, and Extension professionals working throughout Kentucky communities.
Dr. Marcus Bernard, dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and director of Land-Grant Programs, presided over the program. Student leaders Jaiya McCargo and Jade McCargo welcomed guests before introducing Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, Kentucky State’s president.
Dr. Akakpo thanked those involved in preparing the event and advancing Kentucky State’s mission: “Working together to develop creative solutions and drive impact throughout Kentucky is critical for the future of the Commonwealth,” Dr. Akakpo said. “We want our students to think beyond the classroom and receive learning opportunities that broaden their ways of thinking and prepare them to be resilient and dynamic citizens.”
A tribute video honoring Dr. Benson was shown during the luncheon as members of his family were recognized in attendance.
Dr. Bernard reflected on why this annual gathering matters: “The Benson Luncheon was created to remember the contributions of Dr. Harold R. Benson and recognize our fantastic students preparing to be the next leaders in agriculture,” Bernard said. “Dr. Benson demonstrated from a humble beginning that hard work and a commitment to helping people can significantly impact the world we live in.”
Guests were served University-grown beef featured in one spaghetti sauce option along with pawpaw ice cream—foods tied directly to campus research efforts—and awards were presented across multiple categories for faculty excellence in teaching, research, grantsmanship; student achievement; aquaculture leadership; Extension service; professional excellence; innovation; engagement; service stories; as well as recognition for graduating scholars.
Senator Gerald A. Neal delivered a keynote address reflecting on his partnership with Dr. Benson: “Dr. Benson always emphasized the importance of education and service, and today’s event makes clear that this focus remains central to the important work being done at Kentucky State University,” Sen.Neal said.
The luncheon concluded by celebrating graduates completing degrees this May as well as USDA 1890 Scholars—all part of continuing efforts inspired by Dr.Benson’s long career at Kentucky State University shaping its land-grant programs.
