Quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan of the San Francisco 49ers will share the spotlight with champions working for sustainable agriculture in Brazil, an economy run on hydrogen, and the sound financial footing of students as UC Davis honors alumni on Jan. 24.

The Cal Aggie Alumni Association invites the public to attend the Centennial Alumni Awards Gala, including an alumni winemaker reception, dinner and silent auction in Freeborn Hall.

In addition to O’Sullivan, of San Diego, the other award winners are:

• Ronald Schuler of Lincoln;
• Zelma R. Long of Healdsburg;
• John Landers of Lago Sul, Brazil;
• Catherine Hunt of Ambler, Pa.; and
• Robert “Bobby” Woods of Sacramento.

J.T. O’Sullivan—O’Sullivan ’01 is the recipient of the Young Alumnus Award, which honors outstanding professional contributions to the community or to UC Davis within 10 years of graduation. O’Sullivan, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, enjoyed a stellar football career at UC Davis and has since played for teams in the NFL. He began the 2008 season as starting quarterback for the 49ers. O’Sullivan continues to promote the success of UC Davis athletics and is active in student-athlete recruitment.

Ronald Schuler—Schuler ’60, a retired president and chief executive officer of the California Canning Peach Association, will be awarded the Jerry W. Fielder Memorial Award for extraordinary service to CAAA, the UC Davis Foundation and the university. Schuler, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in agronomy, serves as a valued liaison between the agricultural community and the university. He helped raise $2.5 million for the Anheuser-Busch Brewing and Food Science Laboratory.

Zelma R. Long—Long, who pursued graduate studies in the Department of Viticulture and Enology, is the recipient of the Distinguished Achievement Award for exemplary conduct and achievement. Now owner of Long Vineyards and Zelphi Wines, she began her career at Robert Mondavi Winery. She is a former member of the UC Davis Foundation Board of Trustees and has been a major supporter of the Department of Viticulture and Enology.

John Landers—Landers ’65, director of the Zero Tillage Farmers Association in the Central Savannah of Brazil, has won the Emil M. Mrak International Award for his distinguished career and service outside the United States. He is known for his many contributions toward protecting the environment and promoting sustainable agriculture in South America. Landers, who earned a master’s degree in irrigation, has published his findings in international scientific journals.

Catherine “Katie” Hunt—Hunt ’81, a corporate sustainability director at specialty materials company Rohm and Haas, will be presented with the Outstanding Alumna Award for displaying outstanding achievement, promoting innovative change and making professional contributions to the community and to UC Davis. She recently worked on the U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen Challenge. Hunt earned a doctorate in chemistry.

Robert “Bobby” Woods—Woods ’76, a real estate consultant and executive vice president for Finance InnerCity Housing Corp., will be awarded the Aggie Service Award in recognition of his dedication of time, energy, volunteerism and leadership. As president of the African and African American Alumni Association, he leads a workshop series for students about the fundamentals of money management. Woods earned a B.A. in psychology.

The reception and silent auction for the Alumni Awards Gala will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the dinner and awards ceremony following at 7 p.m.

For more information and to purchase tickets or a table, contact event organizer Jennifer Thayer at (530) 754-9098 or jsthayer@ucdavis.edu.