UWRF Emeritus Professor Dewey Wachholz, center, holds a "ticket" to the WI State Fair presented by Amy Radunz, junior beef superintendent for the WI State Fair, left, and UWRF Professor Gary Onan for his long-time service to youth livestock programs. In honor of this long-time service, CAFES will sponsor an award in his name at the State Fair.

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Awards 151 Scholarships and Recognizes Outstanding Service

May 4, 2015 – Scholarships totaling $151,000 were awarded to continuing students at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) 49th Annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet April 23.

The event celebrated the accomplishments of students and recognized other individuals and/or groups for their contributions to the college, UW-River Falls and the agriculture and agriculture-related industries.

During the evening, specific scholarships and amounts awarded to continuing students were kept secret until the student was called forward to accept the award from CAFES Dean Dale Gallenberg. With family, friends, faculty, staff, and donors looking on, 151 scholarships were awarded.

Wayne L. Peterson, a long-time resident of Glenwood City who passed away in February, was awarded the 2015 Outstanding Service Award. Peterson was well known for the many community events he hosted on his farm. Through the Peterson Valley View Farm Scholarship he generously supported CAFES students over the years. The $2,500 scholarships were renewable to students for up to four years. Peterson left an additional significant gift in his estate to the UWRF Foundation.

Emeritus Professor Dewey Wachholz received a special recognition at the banquet for his long-time service to youth livestock programs. During his teaching career at UW-River Falls, Wachholz concurrently served as the 4-H Livestock Specialist for the State of Wisconsin, working closely with the county 4-H agents and spending summers judging livestock at competitions and fairs across the state. In honor of this long-time service, CAFES will sponsor an award in his name at the State Fair.  The award for the Wisconsin State Fair Grand Champion Performance Steer in the Junior Division will now be known as the Dewey Wachholz UW-River Falls Award. Each year the recipient will receive a plaque and a $300 monetary award during the Junior Beef Show Supreme Drive at the fair. Wachholz plans to personally present the first award at the Fair in August.

For more information, email laura.walsh@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-3535.