The Purdue Club of Kosciusko County held its Annual Dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the new world headquarters of Maple Leaf Farms.

The evening included tours of the facility, dinner, the formal annual meeting and an auction. The focus of the event was to raise money for the scholarships given away annually by the club. The auction raised $1,535.

Also included during the presentation was the first ever Outstanding Purdue Alumnus Recognition, awarded by the Purdue Alumni Club of Kosciusko County.

The Club decided to start handing out this award to recognize an outstanding alumnus who has made contributions within their professional field and contributed to the community. This year the club presented the award to Terry Tucker, CEO and chairman of the board of directors at Maple Leaf Farms.

Terry graduated from Purdue University in 1963 with a degree in agricultural economics. Upon graduation he joined Maple Leaf Farms full time. Since becoming the CEO in 1974, Tucker has helped the local business to be the world-leading producer of high quality ducks.

For his leadership in the agricultural industry, Terry Tucker has been honored with many awards from Purdue University including; Distinguished Agriculture Alumni, 1992; Honorary Doctorate of Agriculture, 1995; Purdue Old Master, 2010.