Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Night of Excellence 2026 is an evening dedicated to recognizing and celebrating alumni and friends who have made a lasting and meaningful impact on the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, our industries and our communities. 
This video is the full recording of the night’s award winners and their remarks.
Event details
Friday, Feb. 20, 2026
Kroger Field, Longship Club, 1540 University Dr., Lexington, Kentucky 
2026 honorees
Hall of Distinguished Alumni 
Ray Allan Mackey
Dr. Michael Dykes
Cynthia Fanning
Bland Baird
Horizon Award 
Dr. Antomia Mia Farrell
Paul Appel Service Award 
Joe Duncan
Sue Whitaker
Oran & Myrtle Little Friend of Martin-Gatton CAFE Award 
Dr. Stuart Brown
Accessibility: Captions are provided for this full program recording.

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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu
Apply and start your future in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment: students.ca.uky.edu/future-students
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Find an office near you: extension.ca.uky.edu
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Reasonable accommodation of disability may be available with prior notice. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating.
Night of Excellence 2026 is an evening dedicated to recognizing and celebrating alumni and friends who have made a lasting and meaningful impact on the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, our industries and our communities. 
This video is the full recording of the night’s award winners and their remarks.
Event details
Friday, Feb. 20, 2026
Kroger Field, Longship Club, 1540 University Dr., Lexington, Kentucky 
2026 honorees
Hall of Distinguished Alumni 
Ray Allan Mackey
Dr. Michael Dykes
Cynthia Fanning
Bland Baird
Horizon Award 
Dr. Antomia Mia Farrell
Paul Appel Service Award 
Joe Duncan
Sue Whitaker
Oran & Myrtle Little Friend of Martin-Gatton CAFE Award 
Dr. Stuart Brown
Accessibility: Captions are provided for this full program recording.

-----
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu
Apply and start your future in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment: students.ca.uky.edu/future-students
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Find an office near you: extension.ca.uky.edu
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Reasonable accommodation of disability may be available with prior notice. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating.
