Volume 42 • Issue 3 • September 2012

CALS Ambassadors and student volunteers prepare for Fire-Up in 2000 .

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Celebrate 40 years of WALSAA 40 in 40 Impact Awards. . . . . page 4 Golf outing ...... at Sept. 15 Football Fire-Up page 4 Come celebrate 40 years of WALSAA at its marquee event. Nearly as old as Silent Auction listing ...... the Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association (WALSAA), page 5 Fire-Up ticket order form. . . . the WALSAA Football Fire-Up tailgate party and silent auction has served as the page 7 Association’s annual gathering and fundraiser for 37 years. Anniversary fund...... In its first-ever evening timeslot, the 2012 Fire-Up will be held from 3 p.m. to page 9 6:30 p.m., prior to the vs. Utah State Aggies kickoff at 7 p.m. Student update...... on Saturday, September 15. It will take place outside the University of Wisconsin page 13 Foundation, located at 1848 University Ave., Madison, WI 53726. Farm Tech Days picnic . . . . . In honor of the 40th Anniversary, this year’s celebration includes a special page 14 recognition program for those honorees selected as the WALSAA 40 in 40 in appreciation of their contributions to WALSAA, the UW College of Agricultural Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) and Farm and Industry Short Course, farms, classrooms, and Life Sciences Alumni Association laboratories, businesses and other organizations within the state. P.O. Box 5177 A special birthday cake and ice cream will also be served in addition to the Madison, WI 53705-5177 traditional steak sandwich and bratwurst fare. PHONE (608) 438-1994 E-MAIL [email protected] Join WALSAA as it continues its 40-year mission of connecting the College, WEBSITE www.walsaa.org Continued on page 6 President's Message: Dean's Message: CALS shines Football, Fire-Up on its way with the WALSAA President Jill Makovec CALS Dean & Director Kate VandenBosch

t’s a Badger football Saturday! Well, not yet, but as format, so golfers of all levels are invited to attend. Held at t was my good fortune to take a road trip this summer the days get shorter and the school year gets closer, I the Bridges, this event is a wonderful way to kick-off the in a program called the Wisconsin Idea Seminar, which Ican’t help but think of my time in the marching band weekend and enjoy a round of golf with fellow WALSAA Iwas designed to illuminate the Wisconsin Idea for and Badger football game days. From the music of "On members. new UW faculty and staff. Although the concept of the Wisconsin" in the wee morning hours to wake up the In addition to our Fire-Up birthday bash, we have a Wisconsin Idea – that the “boundaries of the university are residents of Breeze Terrace to the swarms of fans decked number of ongoing anniversary initiatives this year. We the boundaries of the state” – was introduced in the early out in red and white, nothing beats game day in Madison. bought back memberships to WALSAA and are offering 1900s, it was deeply gratifying for me, as the new dean of While my years in the marching band have long special anniversary rates for this year only. Join WALSAA CALS, to see the enduring vibrancy of the Wisconsin Idea passed, each year I look forward to the WALSAA Football today at the annual rate of just $40 per year, or at the at our college. Fire-Up to relive the excitement of Badger football game lifetime rate of one installment of $400. Encourage your That recognition began as I deepened my acquaintance days, reconnect with friends and cheer on my alma mater. friends and family to apply now because the rate will be with three new CALS faculty members who are steeped in This year, Fire-Up returns to the UW Foundation parking higher next year. research of vital importance to our state. lot, but for the first time in WALSAA history, Fire-Up will Already a WALSAA member? Consider a monetary Garret Suen, an assistant professor of bacteriology, be held in conjunction with a night game. contribution to WALSAA's 40th Anniversary Fund. This studies ruminant digestive systems and the microbes Speaking of history, this year's Fire-Up will be one fund was created to help student organizations looking to that allow them to serve as “powerful natural biomass for the books and you don’t want to miss it! WALSAA is get started or current organizations in need of seed money breakdown machines,” he says – which means they hold turning 40 this year and Fire-Up will serve as a grand for a new project to achieve their goals. Take a look at tremendous potential for the development of biofuels. birthday party. Join us starting at 3 p.m. for our anniver- the WALSAA members who have already pledged their Amy Stanton, an assistant professor of dairy science, sary celebration and all your favorite Fire-Up traditions support to the fund on page 9 and consider adding your focuses on dairy animal welfare and disease, with an Dan Veroff, director of the Applied Population Laboratory, and his – Wisconsin brats, the UW Marching Band, hundreds of name to the list to help us reach our $14,000 goal. emphasis on best management practices. And assistant “Wisconsin’s People and Places” presentation. fellow CALS alumni and great silent auction items. Last but not least, this summer we announced our plant pathology professor Aurelie Rakotondrafara focuses us about the challenges and opportunities of chocolate I invite you to check out the exciting list of silent 40 in 40 Impact Awards. Wow! What an impressive list! on understanding and strengthening genetic resistance to manufacturing, joined by Adam Lechter BS’05 and his auction items on page 5. Board Member Sara Schoenborn However, for every name I saw on the list, I could not help plant RNA viruses. These CALS newcomers were already colleagues at Archer Daniels Midland. has been hard at work putting together an impressive but think about those that I didn’t see. I am sure you will able to enrich our discussion about a wide range of ag At these sites and many others, not all the stories we auction for our anniversary. Since the early days of think the same as you look through honorees on page 4. issues facing the state. heard were warm and fuzzy. We discussed numerous WALSAA, Fire-Up has served as our premier fundrais- Reflecting on the list of honorees and our 40-year history, And of course we encountered numerous CALS/UW challenges facing agriculture. Changes in the labor force, ing activity for the year. Proceeds from the silent auction many individuals had an impact on WALSAA, the College are vital to our organization’s mission to support CALS and the agricultural and life science industries. WALSAA Extension alumni and seasoned faculty along the way (I changes in scale of operations, changes in certification students. Last year, we raised more than $25,000 for and CALS are blessed to have a long list of impressive can only mention a few of them here). Dan Veroff, director – and simply managing change itself – were recurring scholarships. This year, we would love to push that individuals, whether on the list or not, that have made of the Applied Population Laboratory, started us off with a themes. number closer to $30,000. With raising costs of tuition, significant contributions to the success we celebrate in our bus aisle presentation of “Wisconsin’s People and Places,” But the take-home message was heartening. On all agricultural and life science students continue to need anniversary year! an overview of demographic status and trends. In Fond du sides, participants expressed a depth of pride in and our support. If you have something to donate to the auc- As we reflect on WALSAA’s history, I hope you have Lac we had a tour of Vir-Clar Farm featuring a “Dairy 101” commitment to our state. The network of support tion, be sure to contact us at [email protected]. In the enjoyed the look back through the years. In this issue, we talk by Extension agent Tina Kohlman and a tour hosted and shared resources, the flow of knowledge from the meantime, check out the list of items received to date and highlight milestones from 1993-2002. Turn to page 11 to by Katie Boyke Grinstead BS’00 and the Boyke family, who university to the fields to industry and back again, is consider being a successful bidder at this year’s event. learn about WALSAA’s 25th anniversary and the initiation own the farm. Plant pathology professor Amanda Gevens palpably strong. Together we can find creative solutions to If you're planning to attend Fire-Up, consider of the Outstanding Sophomore scholarships. gave a cropside talk about Wisconsin cabbage prior to our challenges. making a WALSAA weekend out of it and join us on I look forward to seeing you at Fire-Up on Sept. 15! our tour of the Great Lakes Kraut plant in Bear Creek. In And that is the Wisconsin Idea at its best. Friday afternoon for the golf outing. This is a best ball On Wisconsin! Milwaukee, food science professor Rich Hartel enlightened On Wisconsin! 2 WALSAA Express • September 2012 (608) 438-1994 www.walsaa.org Volume 42 • Issue 3 3 WALSAA names 40 in 40 Items up for auction Impact Award honorees at WALSAA Football Fire-Up

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, WALSAA is honoring individuals who have made a difference not only Here is a partial listing of items that will be up for auction at Fire-Up. To see the full spread, attend the event on Sept. 15. for WALSAA, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and Farm and Industry Short Course, but also farms, ITEM: An Igloo Icy Tunes ITEM: One processed lamb *ITEM: Pair of tickets to Pre- *ITEM: Autographed 2011 classrooms, laboratories, businesses and other organizations in Wisconsin. cooler and stuffed cow VALUE: $225 Game Chili Cook-off & Ohio Rose Bowl cartoon VALUE: $170 DONOR: Rasch Market Lambs, State vs. Badgers football VALUE: $20 Nominated by their peers, the 40 honorees are examples of the many individuals inside and outside of DONOR: ANIMART Larry Rasch game on Nov. 17 DONOR: Phil Hands the university who have made a difference and contributed in significant ways not only in the past but also VALUE: $180 toward shaping the future. From leading companies, shaping associations, impacting student organizations and ITEM: Two UW Badger ITEM: A pair of tickets to a DONOR: Birdie Schiller ITEM: Two lift ticket vouchers 2012/13 season Madison having far-reaching careers, these individuals have a common commitment to agriculture and the life sciences and Homecoming football tickets VALUE: $74 VALUE: $200 Symphony Orchestra concert ITEM: Badger baby basket DONOR: Tyrol Basin & paving the way for the next generation. The following honorees will be recognized on Sept. 15 as part of WALSAA’s DONOR: CALS VALUE: $117 VALUE: $100 Snowboard Area Football Fire-Up event. DONOR: Madison Symphony DONOR: Ryan & Karen Lee ITEM: One-week of summer/ Orchestra ITEM: Two UW Badger vs. 40 in 40 Impact Award honorees *in memory fall lodging for 12 people in ITEM: Curly Maple cut- Illinois Football Tickets Lou Armentano David Dickson* Valerie Johnson Larry Satter* Montreal, Wis. ITEM: One complimentary ting board, Forestry Club VALUE: $200 VALUE: $350 night stay Sweatshirt DONOR: Brian Nodolf La Verne Ausman Norval Dvorak Bruce Jones Tom Schomisch DONOR: Rick & Peggy Daluge VALUE: $165 VALUE: $45 Roger Biddick* Dorothy Farrell John “Jack” Kaltenberg Ronald Schuler DONOR: Doubletree Hotel of DONOR: UW Forestry Club ITEM: A mixed case of Gold Dale Boness Steve Fronk Pete Kappelman George Shook *ITEM: $125 gift certificate Madison Medal winning wines ITEM: Your choice of any one Dale Bruhn Corey Geiger Robert Kauffman Bernie Staller to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse VALUE: $125 VALUE: $125 *ITEM: Set of two UW Men's Christmas Tree at the UW DONOR: Botham Vineyards & William C. Bruins Bob Hagenow Alan Koepke Marjorie Stieve DONOR: Bob & Lisa Hagenow Hockey season tickets (Friday Forestry Club 36th Annual Winery Robert Bush Keith Hawks Shelly Mayer William F. Tracy night series) with parking Christmas Tree Sale Susan Crane Liz Henry Jill Makovec Gale VandeBerg ITEM: One week stay on VALUE: $620 VALUE: $75 *ITEM: American Girl doll the garden island of Kauai, Badger outfit Tom Crenshaw Daphne Holterman Larry Meiller Bob Williams DONOR: Steve Dierks, Coloma DONOR: UW Forestry Club Hawaii. Sleeps 6. Farms VALUE: $40 Rick Daluge Gail Janssen* Sam Miller Thomas Wright VALUE: $1,400 ITEM: New 16GB Apple iPad DONOR: Russell Rindsig There will a reception for all honorees on Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. inside the University of Wisconsin Foundation DONOR: Kay and Duane Mass *ITEM: Set of two UW Men's with Wi-Fi in white Basketball season tickets VALUE: $500 ITEM: Mary Kay pamper building located at 1848 University Avenue in Madison. The WALSAA Football Fire-Up event will follow at 3 p.m. ITEM: Three bottles of wine VALUE: $845 DONOR: Valerie Johnson, Sam package just outside the Foundation building. It will precede the Wisconsin versus Utah State football game at 7 p.m. in VALUE: $35 DONOR: WALSAA and Nadine Miller, Daphne VALUE: $150 nearby Stadium. DONOR: Wollersheim Winery and Lloyd Holterman DONOR: Sara Schoenborn These events are open to all WALSAA members and agricultural enthusiasts. If you would like to attend the ITEM: Autographed UW game ITEM: World Dairy Expo attire day football *ITEM: Pair of UW Basketball ITEM: Framed print 2 p.m. reception, please call (608) 438-1994 or e-mail [email protected] with your name and number of guests. For and dairy-themed items VALUE: $120 tickets, courtside seats, four VALUE: $200 Fire-Up and football game tickets, please use the ticket order form located on page 7. VALUE: $75 DONOR: Dale Beaty rows up behind the Badger DONOR: Marjorie Stieve DONOR: World Dairy Expo bench Tee off at WALSAA’s Golf Outing Sept. 14 ITEM: A one-week stay at The VALUE: $100 ITEM: Jordy Nelson ITEM: 2013 Wisconsin FFA Manney Place in Door County DONOR: Bryan Renk autographed Packer magnet Time is running out to register for WALSAA members and friends of that fee being a tax-deductible Foundation Golf Outing for week of May 31 or June 7. VALUE: TBD for the WALSAA Football Fire-Up to get together and play some golf donation to WALSAA. four-some at choice course Sleeps more than 8. ITEM: One-week stay at cabin DONOR: WALSAA Golf Outing. Join us on Friday, Sept. the day before Fire-Up. Register by calling (608) 438- VALUE: $320 VALUE: $1,500 in Waupaca, WI DONOR: Wisconsin FFA DONOR: Tom Wilson Family VALUE: $500 ITEM: Door County basket 14 at The Bridges Golf Course, 2702 Tee times will begin around 1994 or e-mailing admin@walsaa. Foundation DONOR: Sue Crane, Crane VALUE: $150 ShopKo Drive in Madison. noon and exact tee times will be org by the end of the day Aug. 31. ITEM: 1960s Farms DONOR: Lynn & Al Herrman Play will be best ball to aid both communicated to all golfers once Sign up as an individual or in a ITEM: Case IH Steiger 600 Stuffed Toy with UW Dairy continued on page 6 experienced and in-experienced registration had been closed. The group. Registrations can be made 4-wheel drive pedal tractor Science Milk Bottle ITEM: Brewer fan package VALUE: $275 VALUE: $150 VALUE: $175 *More than one of these golfers. This is truly an opportunity cost is $60 per golfer with $10 payable to WALSAA. DONOR: Case IH DONOR: Marjorie Stieve DONOR: WE Energies items to be auctioned off. 4 WALSAA Express • September 2012 (608) 438-1994 www.walsaa.org Volume 42 • Issue 3 5 WALSAA to hold annual meeting, 2012 WALSAA Football consider by-law change Fire-Up order form

The WALSAA Annual Meeting Section 1. Composition: The board of Section 1. Composition: The board of will be held at the WALSAA Football Directors shall consist of up to twenty-one Directors shall consist of up to twenty-one WALSAA Football Fire-Up • Saturday, Sept. 15 Fire-Up at 3:15 p.m. on Sept. 15 in (21) members. (21) members. Madison. Current WALSAA members (1) One (1) director shall be elected (1) One (1) director shall be selected 3 p.m. • UW Foundation building are invited to attend. Agenda items from and by CALS Student Council each from the CALS Student Association or Please fill in ALL information below to complete your registration. include voting on a by-law change, year during the annual Student Council CALS Ambassadors each year. Interested honoring retiring board members and elections. (He or she shall assume office students shall complete an application for Name: electing board nominees. at the time of election and serve until the submission to the WALSAA board each Address: The by-law change involves next annual election). The student may be spring term. (He or she shall assume office City, State & Zip Code: altering language in Section 1 on a sophomore or junior. at the time of selection and serve until the Phone Number: Board Composition. Here is how the The WALSAA Board of Directors next annual selection). The student may language now reads in the by-laws: is proposing it to read as follows: be a sophomore or junior. E-mail (required to receive additional e-mail correspondence): Event Cost # of Tickets Total Game Day Package* Adults: $75 Adult: ___ Auction cont. Fire-Up Luncheon** & Child 3-11: $65 Children 3-11: ___ Continued from page 5 ITEM: A mixed quarter of ITEM: Dog grooming basket ITEM: $125 certificate of retail Wisconsin vs. Utah State tickets Child under 3: Free*** Children Under 3: ___ $ Angus beef and processing, – up to $75 in dog grooming advertising and one-year Kick-off at 7 p.m. ITEM: WALSAA lifetime cut to your specifications (any breed), homemade dog subscription for The Country (max. 6 tickets per request) membership VALUE: $550 treats and dog toys Today Fire-Up Luncheon Adults: $30 Adult: ___ VALUE: $400 DONOR: Valley View Farms, VALUE: $100 VALUE: $163 Luncheon** Tickets Only Child 3-11: $20 Children 3-11: ___ DONOR: WALSAA Mike Marr DONOR: Maria McGinnis DONOR: The Country Today Child under 3: Free Children Under 3: ___ $ Fire-Up T-Shirts $15 per shirt Small Qty ___ Medium Qty.___ Fire-Up cont. See page 6 for more information. Large Qty.___ X-Large Qty.___ $ Continued from page 1 updated list as the event nears. your ticket price is a 100 percent tax- Make checks payable to WALSAA. Additional 100% tax CALS alumni and fellow WALSAA The WALSAA annual meet- deductible donation to WALSAA. deductible donation $ members. CALS Dean Kate ing will be held at 3:15 p.m. in Ticket orders must be Mail registration and payment to WALSAA at to WALSAA. P.O. Box 5177, Madison, WI 53705 VandenBosch will be in attendance, conjunction with the event. postmarked by Sept. 5. After that as well as the UW Band and spirit Association business, including date, Fire-Up tickets will be sold at Registration must be postmarked on or before Sept. 5. Total Cost $ After that date, tickets will be for sale at the gate squad. a change to the bylaws, will be the gate for an additional $5 each. for an additional $5 each. As in years past, Fire-Up 2012 conducted and new board member Tickets to the football game are will feature the WALSAA Silent nominees will be introduced. limited and sold on a first come, first Auction to raise money to support The cost for both the Fire-Up served basis. List Names for Fire-Up Nametags: scholarships, awards, activities and luncheon and game is $75 for adults; Please plan to join WALSAA in more. The UW Foundation gener- $65 for children 3 to 11; and ages celebrating 40 years of supporting ously matches up to $10,000 of the under 3 are free. If you’d rather not agricultural and life sciences and to All football and Fire-Up Luncheon tickets will be available at the “Will Call” table. Tickets will NOT be mailed. funds raised at this auction to help attend the game or already have show your Badger pride! To order * Badger Football tickets are available only as a Game Day Package deal with Fire-Up Luncheon tickets. increase WALSAA’s impact on CALS game tickets, Fire-Up luncheon tickets, please use the form on page 7 ** $15 of each luncheon ticket is a gift of support to WALSAA and is 100% tax deductible. students. See page 5 for a preliminary tickets are $30 for adults; $20 for or contact the WALSAA administra- ***Children Under 3 must sit on the lap of an adult football ticket holder during the Badger game. listing of auction items and watch children 3 to 11; and free for those tive coordinator at (608) 438-1994 or For additional information, please contact WALSAA. the WALSAA Facebook page for an younger than 3 years old. $15 of [email protected]. Phone: (608) 438-1994; E-mail: [email protected]; or visit us on the web at www.walsaa.org 6 WALSAA Express • September 2012 (608) 438-1994 www.walsaa.org Volume 42 • Issue 3 7 NAADA Conference inspires Anniversary fund supports and motivates participants Innovation Grants

WALSAA Director Sara and support others. She also enjoyed its strong alumni group – allowed More than 70 WALSAA members and friends have already supported the WALSAA 40th anniversary fund. A Schoenborn attended the National networking with fellow members of me to have valuable networking time total of $9,050 has been raised as of press time towards our goal of $14,000. Funds raised will support grants to CALS Alumni and Development Association the agriculture industry and collegiate with others and brought me to a new student groups, encouraging innovative special projects next year. (NAADA) Annual Conference in alumni associations. level of excitement for everything that There’s still time to help WALSAA reach our goal; please consider donating online at www.walsaa.org or with a Lexington, Kentucky, this June. The “Listening to inspirational and WALSAA has and will do.” check to: WALSAA 40th Anniversary, PO Box 5177, Madison, WI 53705. “Make Your Mark” themed conference motivating speakers like Grace Gorrell The 2013 NAADA Conference Thank you to the following early donations received. allowed attendees to hear from and Marcy Heim and then being able “Shaping the Future…Facing the both motivational and educational to visit with them one-on-one was my Challenges and Leading the Change” Donors giving $400 or more to the anniversary fund speakers as well as participate in favorite part of the Conference,” she is scheduled for June 16-19 in Old Kent Carnahan, Compton, IL Jerrald Kindschi, Prairie du Sac, WI informative and fun tours featuring says. “The tours – and in particular, Town Alexandria, Va. To learn more Mark Crave, Waterloo, WI Robert Luening, Madison, WI just what makes Kentucky proud. the Kentucky Proud dinner, hosted about NAADA or its annual confer- Richard & Peggy Daluge, Madison, WI Russell Rindsig, Sarona, WI Steve Diercks, Coloma, WI Russell Skewes, Union Grove, WI Schoenborn enjoyed the by the University of Kentucky and ence, visit www.naada.org. Mark & Deborah Hansen, Onalaska, WI Gale Vande Berg, Madison, WI brainstorming sessions where Allan Herrman, New Franken, WI Jennifer Vincent, Floyds Knobs, IN individuals shared what made their Edward Jesse, Madison, WI Leo Walsh, Madison, WI university – and alumni – so special WALSAA t-shirts available at Fire-Up and the activities they do to inspire Show off your sup- Donors giving up to $400 to the anniversary fund port for WALSAA with Lawrence Behlen, Green Lake, WI Kenneth & Elizabeth Lepine, Stoughton, WI Volunteers wanted this long-sleeved t-shirt. Robert Briggs, Tucson, AZ Michael Marr, Mineral Point, WI Perfect for fall football Warren Bryce, Beach Park, IL Ardith Mc Dowell, Madison, WI With a number of special 40th Elizabeth Burgy, Maple Grove, MN weather, this t-shirt Stanley Mc Graw, Mineral Point, WI Anniversary plans for this year's Howard & Teresa Cameron, Hudson, WI Mary Kaye Merwin, Delavan, WI will be available at the Football Fire-Up event, WALSAA is Philip Craker, Reedsburg, WI James Miller, Rio, WI WALSAA Fire-Up. Gordon Cunningham, Madison, WI Dwight Mueller, De Forest, WI looking for more volunteers than Gwen Daluge, Janesville, WI The shirt is black Randall Murley, San Francisco, CA usual to help make its marquee event Carolyn Deegan, Marshfield, WI Peter Pleuss, Tucson, AZ with white lettering and a success. Ronald & Caroline Doersch, Madison, WI Todd Prescott, Suwanee, GA offered in the following Cynde & John Dornuf, Franklin, WI Robert Reddell, Janesville, WI Fire-Up will be held at 3 p.m. Marshall Finner, Verona, WI sizes: small, medium, Irvin & Mary Sather, New Richmond, WI Pat Ford, Appleton, WI on Saturday, Sept. 15. Just like last Jon & Jennifer Sawle, Prairie du Sac, WI large and x-large. Myron Groskopp, Stevens Point, WI year, the tailgate will be held at Sheldon & Janet Schieldt, Edgerton, WI Frank Groves, Lodi, WI You may purchase Dale & Patricia Schlough, Hazelhurst, WI the UW Foundation, just a couple James Hansen, Valders, WI one of these exclusive Larry Skaar, Cottage Grove, WI blocks from Camp Randall’s front Arden Hardie, Blair, WI Mark Strohschein, Green Bay, WI WALSAA long-sleeved Philip & Mary Hasheider, Sauk City, WI gates. WALSAA is specifically Millard & Barbara Susman, Madison, WI t-shirts in advance Keith Hawks, Wausau, WI seeking your help with set-up, clean- S. Don Heth, Macclenny, FL Mark Thieleke, Howards Grove, WI for $15 each using the up and operations in between. Arthur Hintzman, Rochester, IL Harvey & Alice Thompson, Ames, IA order form on page Russell Tietz, Watertown, WI If you would like to take Pamela Hodgson, Plymouth, WI 7. WALSAA will then Gail Holm, Columbia, MD Ralph Uttech, Arlington, VA the opportunity to assist in the Albin Jaeger, Hustisford, WI Gary Wagner, Madison, WI have it waiting for you planning and set-up of the 37th Eric Johnson, Clinton, WI Maurice White, Madison, WI when you arrive at the Kay Wilhelm Maas, Pewaukee, WI annual WALSAA Football Fire-Up, Valerie Johnson, Waunakee, WI annual tailgate party on Richard LaCroix, Stoughton, WI Ralph Zibell, Seymour, WI contact WALSAA at admin@walsaa. Howard & Ruby Larsen, Ashland, WI Scott Zimmerman, Delavan, WI Sept. 15. org or (608) 438-1994. Ryan & Karen Lee, Edgerton, WI Wynnie Zuchowski, Wales, WI 8 WALSAA Express • September 2012 (608) 438-1994 www.walsaa.org Volume 42 • Issue 3 9 A look back at WALSAA: 1993-2002

“There is no doubt in my mind that the college as well WALSAA Presidents WALSAA Milestones as students and alumni are better off because WALSAA John Hansen, 1992-94 APRIL 1993 existed!” More than one hundred alumni and friends attend the —Rick Daluge Sue Cowan, 1994-1996 first-ever WALSAA-sponsored buffet at the World Beef Gary Wagner, 1996-97 Expo in Madison. Bob Kaczmarek, 1997-98 OCTOBER 1993 WALSAA teams up with WAA to host an all alumni Sheldon Schieldt, 1998-99 tailgate party at the UW Fieldhouse prior to the John Brunquell, 1999-00 Northwestern vs. Wisconsin Homecoming Football game. Cindy Baumgartner, 2000-01 APRIL 1994 Fifteen 1994 graduates were recognized by WALSAA for their Outstanding Leadership and Activities in CALS. Pictured from left to right, Dan Berg, Ann Groves Lloyd, 2001-02 In 1994 WALSAA initiated an Outstanding Sophomore Todd Bonnin, Kari Slark, Elizabeth Burgy, Robert Satori, Timothy Buttles, Award program to provide funding and encouragement James Mickelson, Russell Doersch, Peter Mumm, Jason Luedtke, Martin to students in the middle of their undergraduate career. Posset, Dean Meyer, Lance Ellsworth and WALSAA President John Research at CALS Hansen. Also receiving awards were Heather Olson and George Iftner SEPTEMBER 1994 (not pictured). Nearly 400 graduates, families and faculty attended the • In 1997, Geneticist Fred Blattner decodes WALSAA Commencement Breakfast in the UW Stock Pavilion. the complete genetic sequence of a WALSAA presidents gather at the association's 25th anniversary celebration in 1997. A record 1,300+ people attend Fire-Up at the UW Stock harmless strain of the E. coli bacterium, Pavilion. APRIL 1997 leading to a better understanding of its lethal counterpart. WALSAA members, faculty and friends gathered for WALSAA at 25th Anniversary JULY 1995 When WALSAA turned 25 years old on January 19, 1997, WALSAA a luncheon at the Great Hall in the Memorial Union to • In 1998, Biochemist Ron Raines Alumni contribute a little muscle power during the first Secretary/Treasurer Rick Daluge had these comments in his regular newslet- discovers the key to collagen's strength, a celebrate 25 years of WALSAA service to the College. protein that acts like a "solder" to give the Workday, which became an ter column: More than 1,200 alumni and friends returned to campus body its structure and shape. annual event. "In looking at WALSAA's accomplishments, it is interesting to wonder for the entire two-day series of alumni events, which • That same year, Microbiologist Jo included the Gamma Sigma Delta banquet, Robert where we would be if our Founders would not have created our organiza- Handelsman helps pioneer the field of tion? There would be no Commencement Breakfasts, no Rural Leadership metagenomics, opening the door for Kauffman retirement dinner, Alpha Gamma Rho scientists to study the genes of large scholarships, $10,000 fewer scholarship monies for students in CALS each Founders Day, Smith Instructional Greenhouse populations of “unculturable” microbes dedication, and the Daughters of Demeter spring year, no Advisor Awards, no Fire-Up, nor any newsletters. We would not living in soil and other environments. luncheon. have an Ambassador program, leadership and activity awards for seniors • In 1999, Biochemist David Schwartz and short course students, a Farm Progress Days picnic, area alumni gather- sequences a bacterial genome using JANUARY 1999 ings, and funds to support student organizations. There is no doubt in my shotgun optical mapping, an approach he developed that takes a fraction of the time WALSAA hosts a post Rose Bowl game victory party mind that the College as well as students and alumni are better off because that conventional DNA sequencing takes. at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown WALSAA existed! • In 2002, Biochemists James Ntambi and Los Angeles, California. "As we look to the future, WALSAA plans to become more active in sup- Alan Attie help discover a gene, known as CALS seniors were recognized at the 1999 spring WALSAA porting fundraising for the College, in assisting with student recruitment, in SCD-1, that appears to play a critical role in Commencement brunch for their leadership and activities in CALS. SEPTEMBER 2002 fat metabolism. When the gene is removed extending the messages about CALS to people in the state and our legisla- From left are Jenny Topel, WALSAA President Shelly Schieldt, Louann Fire-Up moves to the West Madison research station from mice, the animals can eat a rich, high- Hausner, Ben Waddell, Jill Zimmerman, Luke Wiedenfeld, Tracy Daluge, ture, and finally continuing to support the students and faculty of CALS in fat diet without adding weight or risking the Kari Horant, Matt Sansone, Paul Wellentin, Craig Carncross, Amy Steiner, after the UW Stock Pavilion closes its doors to events all ways that we can." complications of diabetes. Jennifer Bertrand, Bethany Nelson and Jonathon Wuest. with food due to food safety concerns. 10 WALSAA Express • September 2012 (608) 438-1994 www.walsaa.org Volume 42 • Issue 3 11 WALSAA congratulates new grads A transitionary period for students at CALS reception and a call to alumni for fall event 2012-2013 CALS Student Association Vice President Marie Kumerow

WALSAA was proud to This spring wrapped up successfully for CALS stu- welcome CALS’ most recent dent leaders. They put on CALS Day for Kids (CD4K) graduates at the University of on April 17, reaching more than 600 Madison metro area Wisconsin May Commencement students and held their first college-wide elections for the Ceremony on Saturday, May 19. new CALS Student Association. As the fall approaches, Following the graduate’s 10 a.m. students will be preparing for new leadership transitions commencement ceremony, CALS and renovating the classic CALS Fall Picnic event to hosted a wonderful celebration at integrate a greater presence from alumni. the Nicolas Johnson Pavilion at the The annual CD4K event reaches out to fourth grade . Around 120 CALS students to promote the agricultural and life sciences. graduates, along with 700 guests Around 25 CALS student organizations teamed up this enjoyed refreshments and were year to host educational booths for the visiting groups visited by Bucky Badger. at the Stock Pavilion. Teachers, parents and students were able to engage with science topics by interacting Majors represented included: ag with a variety of agricultural and companion animals, and applied economics, ag business CALS students with the Badger Crops Club share their knowledge answering quiz questions on food production, making management, agronomy, animal of plants with fourth graders. play-doh, learning about molecular structures through science, biochemistry, biological beads, checking out crops and turf grass, etc. freshmen early in their careers, and prepare them for systems engineering, biology, Many teachers inquire about CD4K and integrate better leadership within their student organizations and community and environmental this field trip into their curriculum year after year. As an the Student Council. With a stronger, streamlined process sociology, dairy science, dietetics, opportunity to educate the community, the best part of for events and planning, CALS will definitely benefit food science, genetics, horticulture, the day for most students is “to watch the kids have fun from the remodeling of its student government. landscape architecture, life sci- while they are learning.” This fall, CALS students are also looking forward ence communication, microbiology, CALS students are now looking forward to fall for to the expansion of the Fall Picnic. We will be invit- nutritional science, soil science, and the implementation of new ideas and leadership. After ing CALS alumni to attend the picnic, socialize with wildlife ecology. evaluating and writing a new constitution last academic incoming students, and hear about career topics. As WALSAA Board of session, CALS students are expanding their leadership. in the past, this cook-out is a chance for attending Director, Valerie Johnson, The new organization, dubbed CALS Student freshmen to network with CALS student organizations and (former) Administrative Association, will reach out to freshmen and new and to socialize with their peers. To better integrate the Coordinator, Amy Ryan, were students, expand shared governance within the college, alumni presence, students are encouraged to get advice honored to bring greetings to each increase campus-wide networking, and designate and/or discuss career planning with recent alums and graduate and their families. WALSAA committees to prepare for CALS events. to write a “Letter to the Future Self,” which will be greeted each graduate with a What makes this system better? Online college-wide returned to them at Commencement. A workshop for congratulations, WALSAA sticky pad elections will shift the student voice to be more open career advancement will be planned after the picnic for and WALSAA Express newsletter. and representative of students and away from potential attending alumni and upperclassmen. WALSAA looks forward to biases and clique advantages. Improved shared The picnic is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 6, from engaging with its newest alumni at governance and better campus representation will 4:30 to 7 p.m. Alumni registration for this event will be future alumni events and activities ensure that CALS students have a voice in the decisions opening soon. If you would like to participate in this for years to come. that will affect them. The changes will also engage event, check in with cals.wisc.edu/studentcouncilpicnic. 12 WALSAA Express • September 2012 (608) 438-1994 www.walsaa.org Volume 42 • Issue 3 13 Greetings from Farm Technology WALSAA welcomes new Days! administrative coordinator WALSAA Events Committee Chairman Dave Welsh

WALSAA welcomes Allison she earned her associate degree in McCarty as its new administrative meeting and event management, coordinator. In this contracted as well as a graduate from the position, she will provide admin- University of Minnesota with a istrative support to the WALSAA bachelor’s degree in sociology – law board of directors, membership and & criminal deviance. all WALSAA activities. In additional to her roles at Allison is currently employed by World Council and WALSAA, she is the World Council of Credit Unions a member of Meeting Professionals as conference specialist, assisting International (MPI) and is working Allison McCarty with the planning and execution of towards her Certified Meeting their annual conference and other Professional (CMP) certification. She assumes the role from Amy This year’s Farm Technology Days was co-hosted events. She is a graduate of Madison Allison grew up in Cambridge (Ryan) Bonomie, who resigned from by Sugar Creek Farms and Heideman Farms near New Area Technical College, where and currently resides in Madison. the position on July 31. London. A great show was put on again by the Farm Technology Days committee, even though they fought through extremely high temperatures the first day plus Special membership rates a little rain on days two and three that delayed the In honor of WALSAA's 40th anniversary, special membership rates are available for the 2012 calendar year. show's opening a bit. Farm Technology Days is always Anyone may join WALSAA now for $40 for an annual membership or $400 for a lifetime membership. Close a great opportunity to learn more about new products to 80 new WALSAA enthusiasts have taken advantage of the membership deal to date. Encourage your former and equipment though so a little extreme weather classmates, friends and family to take advantage of this opportunity while it still lasts. Membership rates will hardly got in the way. increase in 2013. WALSAA's annual Farm Technology Days Picnic Mail your check, along with your name, address, phone number, e-mail, degree, graduation year and major(s) was held at the Fox Valley Technical College in to WALSAA, P.O. Box 5177 Madison, WI 53705-5177. Appleton. More than 60 alumni and friends were able to get together to talk and reminisce. It was good to see friends that I haven’t seen in years and was a great WALSAA Board 2011-2012 chance to meet alumni from the Fox Valley area. Jill Makovec '00, '02 - 2014 Shruthi Murali Dale Beaty '87 - 2014 Bryan Renk '83, '85 - 2014 President Student Rep Milton, WI Sun Prairie, WI CALS Dean Kate VandenBosch along with sev- Madison, WI Madison, WI Jenny Dierickx '05 - 2013 Russell Rindsig '68, '69, '73 - 2012 eral other CALS and UW Foundation representatives Sara Anderson Madison, WI Sarona, WI Sam Miller '84 - 2013 UW Foundation/Ex-Officio Dave Fahey '72 - 2012 Sara Schoenborn '10 - 2014 attended the picnic and were able to visit with alumni. Vice President Madison, WI Belleville, WI Appleton, WI Fitchburg, WI Maria McGinnis Al Herrman '77 - 2014 Our WALSAA picnic is a great chance to meet fellow Marjorie Stieve '91 - 2013 CALS Career Rep/Ex-Officio New Franken, WI Bob Kaczmarek '80 Madison, WI alumni from around the state so please stop by if you Madison, WI Treasurer/Ex-Officio Valerie Johnson '86 - 2013 see the picnic in your area in the future! Heidi Zoerb Waunakee, WI Dave Welsh '90 - 2012 Kenosha, WI Elkhorn, WI CALS Rep Karen Lee '03 - 2013 Next year’s Farm Technology Days will be held in Andrea Brossard '01, '05 Madison, WI Edgerton, WI Visit www.walsaa.org to view Barron County so please let us know if you know of a FISC Alumni President Tom Albrecht '76 - 2012 Brian Nodolf '80 - 2012 biographies and contact information Beaver Dam, WI Shawano, WI Livingston, WI good place nearby to hold the WALSAA picnic. for each of the Board members. 14 WALSAA Express • September 2012 (608) 438-1994 www.walsaa.org Volume 42 • Issue 3 15 Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID P.O. Box 5177, Madison, WI 53705 Permit 372 La Crosse, Wisconsin

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Upcoming Events

Sept . 14 WALSAA Fire-Up Golf Outing

Sept . 15 WALSAA Annual Meeting & Football Fire-Up

Sept . 20 UW Fall Career Fair

The WALSAA newsletter is published by the Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association, Inc., P.O. Box 5177, Madison, WI 53705-5177. Circulation 1,400. Send change of address notices to above address. Layout and design by Karen Lee. Printing by Dairyland Power Cooperative.