Robert D. Munson

College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, April 23, 2001

Robert Munson graduated from the University in 1941 with a degree in Agronomy and Plant Genetics. He championed the use of agricultural chemicals in agriculture with respect to their value in crop production as well as their proper use. It is said that he, more than anyone else, organized the agrichemical industry in the Midwest so that their effort was of most value to the farmer and the industry. He is described as an "encyclopedia" of knowledge to both industry and researchers. Munson is acclaimed by scientific societies having been elected to Fellow in four different societies including the American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America, Crop Science Society of America, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has also received many national and regional awards. In addition, Munson has been a strong supporter of the University. He was chair of a committee that raised money for the establishment of the William E. Larson Endowed Chair for Soil and Water Resources as well as President of the College of Agricultural Alumnae Association. The All-University Honors Committee unanimously endorsed the awarding of an Outstanding Achievement Award to Robert D. Munson from the University of Minnesota.