In recognition of their dedication and commitment, two alums from the College of Agricultural Sciences received distinguished alumni awards from Colorado State University as part of the University’s annual Homecoming and Family weekend. Bill Hammerich was recognized as the College of Agricultural Sciences College Honor Alumni, and Karen and Randy Blach, were recipients of the Distinguished Athletics Award for the year 2023.
Bill Hammerich: College of Agricultural Sciences College Honor Alumni
Bill Hammerich’s (B.S., agricultural economics, ’69) journey began on a ranching and farming operation in western Colorado. Following his high school graduation in Rifle, he pursued higher education at CSU, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics. His career in the cattle-feeding industry took off when he joined Monfort of Colorado in Greeley, working alongside industry luminaries such as W.D. Farr, Warren Monfort and Willard Sparks.
“As I look back, I have been most fortunate to work and be mentored by those who were real visionaries in the cattle feeding industry. I just feel so fortunate that they could see the future, if you will, and know that we had to do business in a different way — and that I was able to be a part of that,” Hammerich said.
In 2001, Hammerich took on the role of executive director at the Colorado Livestock Association, a position he held for two decades. Under his leadership, and with the support of association members, significant strides were made in developing regulations and legislation that enhanced air and water quality, raised animal protection standards and improved employee safety across the state’s animal-production community.
“Colorado agriculture has an unequal advocate in Bill Hammerich, both within the day-to-day livestock production and feeding operations and his commitment to efficient, safe, and sustainable agriculture, initiatives and legislation. He has a unique ability to coalesce membership from across the various agricultural commodity groups in support of initiatives benefitting and protecting Colorado’s agriculture,” said Ajay Menon, president and CEO of CSU Strata and former dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences.
Karen and Randy Blach: Distinguished Athletics Awardees
Karen (B.S., human development and family studies, ’80) and Randy (B.S., animal science, ’80) Blach, met at CSU. From there, they embarked on individual careers that continue to impact their community and alma mater. Following her graduation, Karen pursued a master’s degree in education at the University of Northern Colorado and went on to become an elementary school teacher in the Douglas County School District, where she worked for 35 years before retiring. Randy joined CattleFax, a Denver-based company specializing in market research, analysis, and forecasting for the agriculture industry. Originally intending to gain a few years of industry knowledge before returning to the family ranch, Randy found his passion in his work and never looked back. In 2001, Randy became CEO at CattleFax where he remains an influential figure.
“Karen and I made a commitment to be involved with our university, Colorado State, shortly after we were married. We wanted to give back to an Institution that had provided such a strong foundation for both of us in our careers and introduced us to so many lifelong friends,” Randy said.
With a shared love for CSU, they have been lifelong members of the Alumni Association and steadfast supporters of the College of Agricultural Sciences, as well as CSU Athletics. Together, the couple established the Randy and Karen Blach Agricultural Scholarship, which supports students studying animal sciences and agricultural and resource economics. They were also founding members of the Beef Club, which has donated more than $1 million dollars to the College of Ag and Athletics over the last 25 years.
“Randy and Karen Blach’s unwavering commitment has not only provided support for students in Animal Sciences and campus’ student athletes but also a framework for lifelong success. They exemplify the true spirit of giving back, ensuring students at Colorado State University not only excel in the classroom and on the field, but they are equipped to thrive in life well beyond their academic years,” said Patrick Doyle, Department Head of Animal Sciences.
Read more about the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Awards and see past award recipients at the Alumni Association webpage.
