Harold and Nora Kuehn

Mr. and Mrs. Kuehn were strong supporters of SIU Carbondale and the College of Agriculture Sciences. Mr. Kuehn received his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture in 1951 and went on to became the first president of the Ag Alumni Society of SIU. He served on the Board of Directors for the SIU Alumni Association, including one year as President, 1984-85; and was a SIU Foundation board member for more than a decade, residing as its President from 1991-1994. Harold received distinguished service awards from both organizations, in addition to the Alumni Achievement Award from the College of Agriculture in 1996. He also served on various advisory councils to three SIU presidents.

Harold was a career farmer who produced grain and livestock and was recognized with an Illinois Master Farmer Award. He was also a founder of the president of the Illinois Soybean Association and served in the capacity as President in 1968. Harold traveled to 49 countries doing market development work for the Foreign Agriculture Service in USDA and American Soybean Association, including the first trade mission to Russia in 1972. He was the American Soybean Association president at the time.

The Kuehns were often found attending University events, and particularly enjoyed baseball and basketball games.