Heidelberg president to receive Purdue alumni award

TIFFIN - The Purdue University College of Agriculture has selected Heidelberg College President F. Dominic Dottavio as one of the 2007 College of Agriculture's Distinguished Agricultural Alumni award winners. He is being recognized for his contributions to the food, agriculture and natural resource system.

Dottavio, who received his bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University in 1973, his master's degree from Yale University in 1975, and his doctorate from Purdue University in 1979, is the 13 th president of the Heidelberg College. He came to the college from the Ohio State University, where he served as dean and director of the Marion campus, as well as professor of natural resources in the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

Dottavio's career also includes research, administration, teaching, fund raising and field research, including 12 years with the National Park Service in Atlanta, where he served as chief scientist and associate regional director of natural resources. He has received a number of awards for excellence in education, research, community service, philanthropic activities and diversity initiatives. He was appointed by Gov. Bob Taft to the Ohio Recreation and Resources Commission, and was selected by the National Academy of Sciences to serve as a member of the Committee on Independent Scientific Review of Everglades Restoration.

Dottavio will be presented with his award on March 2 at Purdue University.