A national trade association recently honored a Colorado State University professor for dedication to the floral industry and service to the community. The Society of American Florists (SAF) inducted Steven Newman, Ph.D., AAF, an extension specialist and associate professor at Colorado State University, into the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) on September 30, during SAF Maui 2004, SAF's 120th Annual Convention. Newman is one of 15 floral industry professionals who received the AAF designation at the convention.

AAF recognizes floral retailers, wholesalers, growers, educators, scientists, designers and business people in allied services who meet the Academy's high standards of service to the floral industry and their communities. Since 1965, the Academy has sought to encourage, measure and recognize professionals who have committed their time and energy to the floral industry and their community.

Newman received his Ph.D. in horticulture from Texas A&M University. He has been working in the university system and floral industry for 21 years.

Newman has been a member of the American Society for Horticulture Science for 20 years---he served as chairman and chair-elect of their Floriculture Working Group. Currently, he is on the Government Relations Committee at SAF and he is the education director at the Colorado Greenhouse Growers Association.

He has written multiple articles for the industry press and led a panel discussion for the National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association dealing with the future greenhouse industry and the role of the university.

His awards within the floral industry include the Futura Award from Bedding Plants International and Extension Materials Award from American Society of Horticulture Science. As an active member of St. Joseph Catholic School in Fort Collins, Colorado, Newman volunteered his time to the school advisory council and was the chairman of the Dads on Duty Playground Volunteers. Newman also spends significant time helping Cub Scout Pack 95 in Fort Collins.