Industry Leaders Recognized
The 2025 Angus Heritage Foundation inductees were honored by the American Angus Association during Angus Convention in Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 1.
November 12, 2025
The "Angus Advantage" cattle producers enjoy in today’s cattle market was built by the dedication of the generations who came before us. For more than 40 years, the American Angus Association’s Angus Heritage Foundation has recognized the passion, dedication and perseverance of individuals whose life’s work has made a lasting impact on the Angus breed’s success and legacy. The storied list includes respected cattle breeders, influential leaders, and forward-thinking innovators.
Each year, the Association inducts new members to the foundation, honoring their impact during the Angus Convention Awards Dinner. This year, Angus breeders, their families and industry partners gathered in Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 1, to celebrate the 2025 inductees: David Hawkins, Mason, Mich.; Mike McGuire, Waverly, Ala.; Tom and Carolyn Perrier, Eureka, Kan.; and Dr. Robert Totusek (posthumously), Oklahoma City, Okla.
Pictured (from left) are Dan and Lisa Moser, son-in-law and daughter; Kathleen Hawkins, wife; David Hawkins; Jennifer Hawkins, daughter; and Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO.
David Hawkins | Mason, Mich.
David Hawkins of Mason, Mich., professor emeritus at Michigan State University, has devoted his career to teaching, advising and mentoring animal science students. He taught meat animal evaluation courses and coached collegiate livestock judging teams. As faculty coordinator of the university’s Beef Cattle Teaching Center, he led genetic improvement of its Angus and Hereford herds, producing many national champions, and selling cattle and semen globally. Hawkins judged cattle at major shows in the United States, Australia, Canada and Denmark. As a result of his international travels for shows and seminars, he established a visiting scholar program at the university for Angus students from Australia.
Learn more about Hawkins’ impact on AngusTV.
Pictured (from left) are Rosalind Kidwell; Mike McGuire; Angelika and Reid McGuire, wife and son; Jan McGuire and Karen Kennedy, sisters; and Mark McCully.
Mike McGuire | Waverly, Ala.
Mike McGuire’s passion for cattle and people has been at the forefront of his career in the Angus industry. Along with serving as executive secretary for the Alabama Angus Association for 28 years, McGuire is a nationally recognized livestock judge and has refined an Angus herd that represents some of the best of the breed. The Waverly, Alabama breeder is a true example of quiet leadership. Through gentle guidance, metered action, and reliability, McGuire has elevated the quality and reputation of the Angus breed in the region. A keen eye for evaluating cattle, McGuire’s impact in the breed could be counted in milestones and accomplishments but is better measured in lives touched and wisdom shared.
Learn more about McGuire’s impact on AngusTV.
Pictured (from left) are Rosalind Kidwell; Carolyn and Tom Perrier; and Mark McCully.
Tom and Carolyn Perrier | Eureka, Kan.
Tom and Carolyn Perrier of Eureka, Kan., have dedicated their lives to raising high-quality Angus cattle and high-quality kids and grandkids at Dalebanks Angus. They were early adopters of performance testing and have earned the MaternalPlus® status for their herd since the program’s inception. Tom says his primary focus has always been on the commercial cattleman. Their breeding philosophy has incorporated data as a critical tool for making informed selection decisions, and their goal remains balanced, functional cattle that work well across the beef supply chain. Tom served two terms on the American Angus Association Board of Directors from 1989-1995. Known for their work ethic and community involvement, Tom and Carolyn exemplify the values of ranching families.
Learn more about the Perriers’ impact on AngusTV.
Picture of Totusek’s Saddle & Sirloin portrait.
Robert Totusek’s daughter, Darla Totusek Flanagan (center), accepted Totusek’s plaque in honor of his posthumous induction into the Angus Heritage Foundation at the 2025 Angus Convention Nov. 1. Also picture are Rosalind Kidwell (left) and Mark McCully.
Robert Totusek (posthumously) | Oklahoma City, Okla.
Robert Totusek’s deep knowledge of the industry and foresight for its future solidifies him as one of the greats in the cattle business. Known affectionately as "Dr. Tot," the Oklahoma State University professor was a champion of the Department of Animal Science and its people. His ability to make others feel seen contributed to his impact as a livestock coach, department chair and alumni organizer. Many moments of Totusek’s career align with pivotal industry changes. One notable example was selecting the 1969 national champion Angus bull in Chicago: a larger framed, growth bull that helped shift the type being produced. Whether teaching, judging or crafting symposiums, Totusek’s vision galvanized others, inspiring lasting progress.
Learn more about Totusek’s impact on AngusTV.
To learn more about the Angus Heritage Foundation and past inductees, visit: https://www.angus.org/member-center/awards-and-recognition/heritage-award-winners.
Topics: Association News , Award winner , Member Center Featured News , News , Events
Publication: Angus Journal
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