One of China's best-known plant geneticists, a trailblazing California teacher, the president of one of the world's largest multi-business corporations and several longtime volunteers were among the UC Davis alumni honored Oct. 8 for their outstanding personal and professional achievements.

As is the case each year, the Cal Aggie Alumni Association (CAAA) invited the public to attend the 2005 Alumni Awards, including a dinner and awards ceremony in the ballroom of the Activities and Recreation Center on the UC Davis campus.

Outstanding Alumnus Award — Masoud Kayhanian, Ph.D. '88, has made lasting contributions to his profession, society and UC Davis. He serves as associate research professor and associate director of the Center for Environmental and Water Resources Engineering in the UC Davis Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

He has worked with major environmental consulting firms, national laboratories, UC and other highly regarded research institutions to help solve problems related to both point and non-point source pollution in California. Kayhanian is involved with the Iranian Alumni Association, a chapter of CAAA, serving as a board member for 10 years. He also served on the CAAA board of directors from 2000 to 2004.

Young Alumna Award — Since graduating from UC Davis, Dawn Imamoto, Cred. '95, has become an energetic leader in educating California's youth. In 2004, she was selected as one of five California Teachers of the Year. Imamoto, a teacher at Bryte Elementary School in West Sacramento, is also a popular presenter who conducts workshops on effective approaches to writing instruction.

She has published a book, Some People Are Brave, a compilation of art and writing by her 2001-02 second-graders at Bryte Elementary, done in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attack. Imamoto is a member of the leadership team for the statewide Elementary Writing Assessment, Instruction and Improvement Program. She also serves as a mentor teacher for the UC Davis School of Education credential program.

Distinguished Achievement Award — As president of Kirin Brewing Company Ltd. in Tokyo, Koichiro Aramaki, M.S. '78, oversees one of the world's largest multi-business corporations, with Kirin beer sold in more than 40 countries. During the past 15 years, Aramaki has advanced through the administrative ranks, beginning as vice president of the pharmaceutical division, to president of the company.

Through Kirin, Aramaki gives back to UC Davis' brewing science program in the Department of Food Science and Technology. He is also active with the Japan Alumni Chapter of CAAA and hosted a reception and tour of Kirin Yokohama Beer Village for local Aggies in February.

Emil M. Mrak International Award — Qifa Zhang, Ph.D. '85, is one of the best-known plant geneticists in China. As a science adviser to the State Council and the premier minister, he is one of the most influential scientists on agrobiotechnology policy in China. After receiving his degree from UC Davis, Zhang returned to China in 1986.

Since then, Zhang has established the College of Life Science and Technology at Huanzhong Agricultural University (HZAU), where he serves as dean and professor. Currently, Zhang is working with UC Davis and HZAU to organize an event honoring Bob Allard, the late UC Davis professor of population genetics. In 1999, Zhang was elected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences — the highest science award in China.

Jerry W. Fielder Memorial Award — Norm Weil '73, J.D. '76, is a passionate supporter of all things UC Davis. He is an active member of the CAAA Development Committee and the Davis Chancellor's Club. Weil was involved in the Alumni and Visitors Center Capital Campaign and the Students First Campaign as a volunteer and a donor.

He also established the Norm and Joyce Weil Scholarship Fund for the UC Davis Center in Washington, D.C. During his 1993-02 tenure with the UC Davis Foundation Board, Weil served as chair, vice chair and chair of the Investment and Finance Committee. Aside from his involvement with the campus, he is a successful business owner in Millbrae, and he is active in his community with Little League and his local high school.

Aggie Service Award — Joaquín Galvan '81, M.Ed. '93, is a tireless supporter of UC Davis. A key volunteer leader for the CAAA Chicano/Latino Alumni Chapter, he is active in outreach to Latino alumni.

A UC Davis employee for more than 20 years, he serves as a retention coordinator in the Learning Skills Center. Galvan works as a student adviser, leads workshops and is heavily involved in the campus' Special Transitional Enrichment Program, which helps incoming freshmen adjust to college life academically and socially. He was awarded the UC Davis Staff Award, one of the Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity and Community, last February.

For a complete list of recipients visit www.alumni.ucdavis.edu/awards or call (800) 242-4723.