John Graham '53 B.S. Animal Industry

The retired head cattle buyer of Swift & Co. in Kansas City, Mo., was a leader in the cattle industry. During his career, Graham co-founded First National Bank of Missouri and served on the board of directors. His long public service career included election to Jackson County legislature; creation of "Lee's Summit 21^st Century," a blueprint for future development of the city; board of directors of Lee's Summit Social Services and currently chairman of the board of directors at the Lee's Summit Housing Authority.

He received the Truman Heartland Foundation's "Citizen of the Year" for the city of Lee's Summit, and in 2003 he was honored with the Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences' Animal Science Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Graham, who graduated in 1953 with a degree in animal nutrition, is an army veteran of World War II and served in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He lives with his wife Sally in Lee's Summit, Mo., and they are the parents of nine sons and 17 grandchildren.