School of Plant and Environmental Sciences honors outstanding alumni and partners at 2026 awards ceremony
Celebrating alumni and partners whose leadership, innovation, and service continue to elevate Virginia Tech’s land‑grant mission. The 2026 honorees reflect the university’s enduring impact across agriculture, science, and industry collaboration.
The 2026 Outstanding Alumni award winners. From left: Andrew Green, Matthew Harris, Jordan Booth, and Giff Breed. Photo courtesy of Crystal Wall.
The Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) recognized four distinguished alumni and partners during its annual Alumni Awards ceremony, celebrating leaders whose careers embody the land-grant mission and the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).
This year’s honorees represent excellence across turfgrass science, agriculture, and industry collaboration — demonstrating how Hokies continue to shape their fields through innovation, service, and leadership.
A legacy of excellence in golf course architecture
Andrew Green, recipient of the Alumni Career Achievement Award, is president and principal architect of A.H. Green Design and one of the nation’s most respected figures in golf course architecture.
A 2001 graduate of Virginia Tech with dual degrees in turfgrass science and landscape architecture, Green has built a career defined by the integration of agronomic science and design artistry. His portfolio includes award-winning work on nine of the top 100 golf courses in the United States, including Oak Hill, Congressional, Atlanta Athletic Club, Interlachen, and Inverness.
Courses shaped by his expertise have gone on to host 15 U.S. Opens, 17 PGA Championships, multiple Ryder Cups, and other major international competitions.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Green maintains deep ties to Virginia Tech — mentoring students, delivering guest lectures, supporting research initiatives, contributing to the Turfgrass Club, and hosting interns at project sites across the country. His ongoing commitment to the university continues to elevate SPES on a national stage.
A rising voice in Virginia agriculture
Matthew Harris, honored with the Outstanding Recent Undergraduate Alumni Award, represents the next generation of agricultural leadership.
A 2018 graduate in agronomy and crop and soil science, Harris returned to his family farm in Virginia’s Northern Neck, where he has become known for combining data-driven decision-making with forward-thinking innovation.
Harris plays an active role in advancing agricultural research and education through commodity boards and national crop performance initiatives. He is also a strong advocate for expanding Virginia’s agricultural markets, particularly in the growing spirits and malting barley industries.
Committed to service beyond his farm, Harris has supported resource-limited farmers in South Africa by donating proceeds from the Virginia Soybean Yield Contest and regularly mentors emerging farmers across the region. His peers describe him as a true embodiment of Ut Prosim, demonstrating how young alumni can leverage education and entrepreneurship to drive meaningful impact.
Transformative partnership advances research and education
Giff Breed, recipient of the Honorary Alumni Award, was recognized for his extraordinary contributions to Virginia Tech despite not being an alumnus.
As president of Pros, Incorporated and owner of Independence Golf Club, Breed has built one of the university’s most impactful industry partnerships. Under his leadership, Independence Golf Club has become a national model for university–industry collaboration by dedicating a nine-hole facility exclusively to applied turfgrass research.
This partnership has supported innovative work in ultradwarf bermudagrass management, remote sensing, precision turf technologies, and workforce development, with an estimated in-kind value exceeding $2.7 million.
Breed’s commitment has provided students and researchers with a living laboratory to test and refine solutions under real-world conditions. His vision, generosity, and dedication to innovation exemplify the land-grant mission and have made a lasting impact on SPES programs and students.
Driving innovation in turfgrass science and workforce development
Jordan Booth, honored with the Outstanding Recent Graduate Alumni Award, is a national leader in turfgrass science and applied research.
A two-time Virginia Tech graduate (M.S. ’18, Ph.D. ’22), Booth serves as senior director of course consulting for the United States Golf Association (USGA). His graduate research helped pioneer Precision Turfgrass Management, introducing targeted disease control strategies now used worldwide.
Booth also played a central role in establishing the Virginia Tech Research Short Course at Independence Golf Club, further strengthening the university’s partnership with industry while creating hands-on learning opportunities for students.
At the USGA, Booth continues to expand the reach of turfgrass science through key initiatives such as the Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program and national research and internship programs. A dedicated mentor, he remains actively engaged with Virginia Tech students and Extension efforts, while also supporting youth development through community service.
Celebrating impact through service
Together, the 2026 SPES Alumni Award recipients illustrate the breadth and depth of impact that Virginia Tech graduates and partners have across industries. From global golf course design and cutting-edge research to sustainable agriculture and community outreach, each honoree reflects a shared commitment to advancing knowledge and serving others.
Their achievements not only highlight professional success but also reinforce the enduring value of the Hokie motto — Ut Prosim.