Floyd Andre Award
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Established in 1978 to honor an Iowa State University alumnus who has made an outstanding contribution to production agriculture, agricultural business, or is in a position to have a significant influence on Iowa agriculture
Dwight Hughes, Jr.
BS Horticulture & Landscape Architecture ’70
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Dwight Hughes, Jr., established the Dwight Hughes Nursery in Cedar Rapids in 1978, but his roots in the nursery industry run deep. Born into a family landscape nursery business that dates back to 1908, Hughes began to accompany his father to nursery association meetings at the age of five.
Today Hughes carries on the family business, known for its efficiency and innovation. Like his father, he introduced his children to the nursery business early. The family also has had three generations graduate from Iowa State’s horticulture department.
Hughes is past president of the American Nursery and Landscape Association, which he describes as the fastest-growing industry segment in American agriculture. During his career he has published a book and video on efficient strategies in landscape installation and nursery production. He also is a nationally recognized speaker on the topic.
Hughes is an active philanthropist and leader in numerous community organizations. He has been inducted into the Nursery Hall of Fame and was named a Distinguished Eagle Scout by The Boy Scouts of America.
Hughes; his wife, Debby; and his two sons own and manage 1,400 acres of farm ground and 40 acres of specimen nursery stock near Cedar Rapids. He is an ISU Alumni Association life member, a member of the Order of the Knoll and Board of Governors of the ISU Foundation, and a member of the Cyclone Club.
