The Sacramento chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE) has honored four individuals associated with the University of California, Davis. In a recent ceremony, the organization presented its National Philanthropy Day Awards, which recognize outstanding achievement by individual philanthropists, corporations, volunteer fund-raisers and professional fund-raising executives. The organization's Outstanding Fund-Raising Executive Award was given to Richard E. Matheny, vice chancellor for university relations at UC Davis. The award honors individuals with exemplary records of philanthropic service, with inspirational leadership characteristics, and with enduring commitment to volunteerism and collaboration with other nonprofit organizations. Matheny oversees 97 employees in seven departments, including communications, cultural programs and fund-raising, and is widely known in higher education circles throughout the United States and Canada as an effective speaker, writer and consultant. Named as special honorees by NSFRE were Walter D. and Carol L. Buehler of Sacramento, who played a principal role in funding the new $4.8 million Walter A. Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center at the Davis campus, and M. Allen Stevens, who had a leadership role in establishing a $1.7 million endowment fund for the campus's Charles M. Rick Tomato Genetics Resource Center, which holds the world's largest collection of native tomato genetic material. All honorees excel in some facet of philanthropy, such as volunteer work, donations or fund raising, according to Cynthia Wills, president of California's Capital Chapter of NSFRE. The organization selects honorees by recommendation from fellow philanthropists. NSFRE promotes the development of fund-raising executives and the fund-raising profession, fosters a high standard of ethical practices and serves as an information resource on fund raising and philanthropy.