Cindy Riley, Ray Riley, Julianne Riley, and Patrick Frenzel (photo by Davey Griffin)
Ray Riley ’79, manager of the Rosenthal Meat Center and longtime member of the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University, received the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Technical and Programmatic Staff for 2015 at a ceremony at the AgriLife Center on January 14, 2016. The Vice Chancellor’s Awards in Excellence were established in 1980 and recognize the commitment and outstanding contributions of faculty and staff across Texas A&M AgriLife.
Clayton Riley, Alyssa Riley, and Ray Riley
Ray was commended for his work in coordinating all production and compliance activities at the Rosenthal Center including slaughtering, fabrication, processing, and meat inspection. In addition, he was praised for the work he does to manage the retail sales and center’s teaching research, and extension/outreach programs make the Rosenthal Center such a key factor in so much that happens in the department.
Ray Riley grading a beef carcass
In addition to his management skills, Ray was recognized for his teaching accomplishments. For over 30 years, he has served as the substitute lecturer and laboratory coordinator in ANSC 307, Meats, and he developed and teaches ANSC 337, Meat Merchandising each spring. In 2009, Ray and Jeff Savell began teaching what is now called ANSC 117, Texas Barbecue, a course designed to help freshmen make the transition from high school to college more easily. The number of student workers who have come through the Rosenthal Center over the years has given Ray the opportunity to mentor and develop many future and current industry leaders. His work with the Texas A&M University Meat Judging Team and his mentorship of meat science graduate students show his dedication to the development of students.
Alec Lucas and Ray Riley
Ray Riley and Jeff Savell with ANSC 117, Texas Barbecue class, 2015
One supporter stated this:
“From a research standpoint, Ray makes sure that the Rosenthal Center is well equipped and ready to go for any research needs we may have. This is especially important as we conduct a tremendous amount of research using this facility. In addition, Ray’s contributions to our extension/public service efforts at the Rosenthal Center are equally important in all that we do. Truly, Ray’s influence is so widespread because of his many different teaching. research, and extension activities, and our department, college, and university are well served because of his devotion to everything he does.”
Congratulations to Ray for receiving this very prestigious award!