Industry leaders recognized as 2025 Angus Heritage Foundation inductees
The Angus Advantage the breed enjoys 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, Missouri, on Nov. 1, to celebrate the 2025 inductees: David Hawkins, Mason, Michigan; Mike McGuire, Waverly, Alabama; Tom and Carolyn Perrier, Eureka, Kansas; and Robert Totusek (posthumously), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
David Hawkins
David Hawkins of Mason, Michigan, 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.
Mike McGuire
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.
Tom and Carolyn Perrier
Tom and Carolyn Perrier of Eureka, Kansas 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.
Robert Totusek
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.
To learn more about the Angus Heritage Foundation and past inductees, visit: https://www.angus.org/member-center/awards-and-recognition/heritage-award-winners.
