On November 18, 2011, Dr. Vern R. Cahill was the guest of honor at the Department of Animal Sciences and American Meat Science Association Mentor Recognition Program in the arena of the Animal Sciences building. The AMSA Mentor Recognition Program provides a unique avenue to recognize professional mentors and colleagues who have influenced the education and careers of students across the country. The program is supported through contributions designated for special activities in the name of the honored person. Dr. Cahill taught meat science and processing courses for 41 years at The Ohio State University and coordinated research in meat production at Ohio State and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. In addition to advising undergraduate students and actively engaging in research and outreach programs, Dr. Cahill served as the major professor for 16 MS and 3 PhD candidates, served on the committees of an additional 47 MS and 12 PhD candidates, and traveled abroad to eight countries for a series of academic and research missions. Dr. Cahill was one of the founding members of the Reciprocal Meat Conference, which he chaired in 1958 & 1978. He also served as a past Director of the American Meat Science Association (AMSA) and has been awarded the AMSA Distinguished Teaching Award (1967), the Alfred J. Wright Award for service to students (OSU; 1971), National Association of Meat Processors Educators Award (1972), Gamma Sigma Delta Teaching Award of Merit (OSU; 1974), AMSA Signal Service Award (1979), Outstanding Service to Students Award (OSU; 1980), the esteemed Fellow Award from the American Society of Animal Sciences (1984), Gamma Sigma Delta International Award of Merit (OSU; 1990), Meritorious Service Award (OSU; 1993), and the coveted AMSA R.C. Pollock Award (1993) celebrating his service and commitment to education and the AMSA community. [flgallery id=70 /]