2004 Medallion Award Recipient

Dr. Dan W. Upson

Dr. Dan UpsonDr. Dan W. Upson, Manhattan, KS, was the recipient of the K-State Alumni Medallion for 2004. The award is the highest honor given to graduates by Kansas State University in recognition of lifetime humanitarian service.

Upson earned a doctor of veterinary medicine degree at K-State in 1952 as well as a master's degree and doctorate in 1962 and 1969 respectively. Upson was in private practice in Kansas at Hutchinson and Pretty Prairie from 1952 to 1959. Afterward he began a 35-year tenure on the K-State veterinary faculty.

In 1982, the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association named Upson the veterinarian of the year. As the recipient of many honors throughout this career, Upson received the Norden Distinguished Teaching Award in veterinary medicine three times and the All-University Teaching Award. He taught undergraduate students anatomy and physiology to animal science students who also voted him the outstanding teacher.

Upson's service to K-State is a long one. It includes a term as president of the K-State Alumni Association board of directors during which he helped created Tradition Founders, the Association's annual giving program. He served three terms on the Faculty Senate, one as its president. Upson has been on the Mike Ahearn Scholarship Fund board of directors, the university's educational satellite communications committee, among many other groups. He is a member the KSU Foundation's Presidents Club. Upson officiated Big 8 football for 17 years and worked 10 bowl games, including the 1979 national championship in the Sugar Bowl.

The K-State Alumni Association sponsors the Alumni Medallion award, the university's highest honor, which recognizes an alumnus whose service and achievements have added measurably to the quality of life. Medallion award winners are recognized each year at the commencement ceremonies of their respective colleges.