The “Angus Advantage” cattle producers enjoy in today’s cattle market was built by the dedication of the generations who came before us. For more than 40 years, the American Angus Association’s Angus Heritage Foundation has recognized the passion, dedication and perseverance of individuals whose life’s work has made a lasting impact on the Angus breed’s success and legacy. The storied list includes respected cattle breeders, influential leaders, and forward-thinking innovators. Each year, the Association inducts new members to the foundation, honoring their impact during the Angus Convention Awards Dinner. Angus breeders, their families and industry partners gathered in Kansas City, Mo. Nov. 1 to celebrate the 2025 inductees: David Hawkins, Mason, Mich.; Mike McGuire, Waverly, Ala.; Tom and Carolyn Perrier, Eureka, Kan.; and Dr. Robert Totusek (posthumously), Oklahoma City, Okla.
From left: Dan and Lisa Moser, son-in-law and daughter; Kathleen Hawkins, wife; David Hawkins; Jennifer Hawkins, daughter; and Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO.
David Hawkins, Mason, Michigan, professor emeritus at Michigan State University, has devoted his career to teaching, advising and mentoring animal science students. He taught meat animal evaluation courses and coached collegiate livestock judging teams. As faculty coordinator of the university’s Beef Cattle Teaching Center, he led genetic improvement of its Angus and Hereford herds, producing many national champions, and selling cattle and semen globally. Hawkins judged cattle at major shows in the United States, Australia, Canada and Denmark. As a result of his international travels for shows and seminars, he established a visiting scholar program at the university for Angus students from Australia. Dr. Hawkins was inducted into the prestigious Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery in 2013.
Michigan Angus Association is grateful for the leadership and service that both Dr. Hawkins and Kathleen Hawkins have provided to our organization and the beef cattle industry. To send a congratulatory note, address to: Dr. David & Kathleen Hawkins, 3119 Willoughby Rd., Mason, MI 48854
