The Murray State University Alumni Association has selected three graduates to receive the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus Award. The recipients are Dr. W. Dwight Armstrong ’71, Judge Jerry Brown ’54, and Kris Robbins ’81, ’83. Each of these distinguished alumni exemplifies determination and enduring Racer spirit.

Armstrong, who received his bachelor of science degree in agriculture science, is vice president of Provimi Holding Co., Rotterdam, The Netherlands and chairman of North American Nutrition Companies, Inc.

Dr. Tony Brannon, dean of the MSU School of Agriculture, says, “The School of Agriculture is extremely proud of one of our most outstanding graduates. Dr. Armstrong has used his MSU education as a springboard for many professional accomplishments in the field of agriculture, and his support of the National FFA has brought him recognition as a Distinguished Service recipient. Dr. Armstrong has always been a great ambassador of MSU and is deserving of this recognition from his alma mater.”

As a student at MSU, Armstrong participated in the ROTC program, was a member of the Agriculture Club and Alpha Chi, and was named to Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities. He is a life member of the MSU Agriculture Alumni Association and was named 2002 Distinguished Agriculture Alumnus. He and his wife, the former Judith Almes, a 1971 MSU alumna, live in Dayton, Ohio.

Brown, who received his bachelor of arts degree in history, graduated from Tulane University Law School in 1959. He was appointed as a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana in 1992 and reappointed in 2005.

Dr. Ted Brown, dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts at MSU, says, “The College of Humanities and Fine Arts is very proud of our graduate Judge Jerry Brown. After leaving MSU, he dedicated his life to applying his education in service to the people of Louisiana. Judge Brown’s life is a testimony to the values of dedication, hard work and concern for others, and we are proud to call him one of our own.”

As a student at MSU, Brown worked on campus in the cafeteria, and later at the Hub, a then popular hang-out for students. He was a member of the MSU debate team for three years, during which time the team received many superior ratings, including fifth best in the nation in a tournament in Denver.

Before his appointment as judge, Brown practiced law for 30 years with an eminent law firm in New Orleans. He is a member of the Louisiana, New Orleans, Kentucky, American and Federal Bar associations.

“At 75 years of age, I can look back and conclude I have been blessed with a long and successful career as a lawyer and judge. I owe a great deal of thanks to Murray State and Tulane Law School for preparing me for this career,” says Brown. Brown and his wife Florence live in New Orleans.

Robbins, who received his bachelor of science degree in mathematics and MBA from MSU, is president and CEO of Security Benefit Corp., a national financial services, retirement plan and investment company.

Dr. Tim Todd, interim dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs, is encouraged by Robbins’ success. “ Murray State University’s College of Business and Public Affairs is extremely honored to have one of our own as a 2007 Distinguished Alumnus. Kris represents the very best of Murray State , and is a living example of the success that hard work, honesty, creativity and vision can achieve. Under his leadership, Security Benefit has earned national recognition as an innovator in financial products and services, and we look forward to working with Kris in many facets in years to come,” said Todd.

Todd is also encouraged by the summer internship program recently established by Security Benefit for MSU students. Since Robbins assumed the role of president in 1998, Security Benefit has achieved record-breaking growth in sales and assets.

As a student at MSU, Robbins was a member of the football team, the “M” Club and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, and was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.

Robbins credits his father and all his coaches at MSU for always pushing him to be better. A favorite MSU memory for Robbins took place his freshman year, when he scored his first touchdown on the first pass he caught at MSU in his first home game.

Robbins fondly remembers Dr. Rex Galloway, who gave Robbins the opportunity as a student at MSU to mow his father’s law for extra money and took him fishing for the first time in his life.

Robbins was formerly employed by Texas Instruments in Houston . He and his wife, the former Lori Hullinger, a 1980 MSU alumna, along with their children Holly and Blake, live in Topeka, Kansas .

The MSU Alumni Association will honor these recipients with a dinner and awards ceremony at 6 p.m., Saturday, April 21, in Pogue Library.