Whitney (Peissig) Thome

Why did you choose to attend UWRF?
I actually began my college career at a different university. It took my first year of college to discover and confirm who I was, what my passions were and what career path would make me most happy. After a year of heading down one path, I decided to switch directions and choose a university that I had a personal connection with - UW-River Falls. Growing up on a family-operated dairy farm in central Wisconsin instilled my interest in agriculture. Realizing then that I wanted to pursue a career in that field, UW-River Falls became one of my top choices. I also had a family tie to the university - both of my parents, older brother and sister-in-law attended UWRF. Through their stories and experiences, I knew that UW-River Falls would be a good fit for my personality and area of study.

What was your most memorable UWRF experience?
Many of my favorite memories of UW-River Falls involved the life-long friends I made through the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and occurred in Ag Sci. My memories included making cheese in the production plant, meetings and class in Room 200, the countless food sales in the halls, and studying (or sleeping) in the ag lounge.  

What was your favorite course at UWRF? Why?
My favorite class or experiences while at UW-River Falls was when I participated in a study abroad program - SAE Europe. This program allowed me to create my own project area and emphasis of study, while spending three, independent months in Europe. Because of relationships with my professors, I was able to network and secure a marketing internship with Cereal Partners Worldwide in Lausanne, Switzerland. Thanks to SAE Europe, I had the opportunity to work with a global company, earn credits for my major and minor, live with a family in Switzerland and travel Western Europe.

How did your degree prepare you for your current profession?
By having a cross-functional major at UWRF with an advisor in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, I was able to take advantage of a variety of classes - everything from Animal Science to Professional Selling. Not only did UWRF allow me to gain classroom experience, it opened doors to many summer internships and a study abroad experience. The education and practical experience I received as a result of being a UW-River Falls student prepared me for a position within the competitive, rapidly-growing agricultural industry.

What advice do you have for prospective students who are considering UWRF?
Take multiple things into consideration when choosing a college. Think about the program you want to study, the classes and outside opportunities available, campus and community life and the type of people you want to surround yourself with. Speaking with current students or alumni can be very beneficial because it provides you with an insight to the university as a whole.

Career Highlights/Awards/Recognition (list):
Dealer Parts Management Analyst: John Deere & Company, Parts Division, Milan, IL
Marketing Rep, Order Fulfillment: John Deere & Company, Harvester Works, East Moline, IL
Marketing Rep, Remarketing: John Deere & Company, A&T Marketing Center, Olathe, KS
Career Fair Coordinator: UW-River Falls Career Services, River Falls, WI
Marketing Intern/Office Assistant: JETPUBS, Inc., Hudson, WI
Freelance Market Researcher: Go East, St. Paul, MN
Marketing Intern: Cereal Partners Worldwide (CPW), Lausanne, Switzerland
Answer Plot® Marketing & Tracking InternL Winfield Solutions, Shoreview, MN
Marketing InternL UW-River Falls Career Services, River Falls, WI
Statistical Assistant: USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), St. Paul, MN
National FFA Convention Marketing Intern: Organic Valley/Organic Prairie, La Farge, WI
State Secretary: Wisconsin Association of FFA, Spencer, WI
Sales Associate: Fastenal, Marshfield, WI
Alumni Advisory Board Representative: College of Agriculturel, Food and Environmental Sciences, UW-River Falls
Kindergarten JA Instructor: Junior  Achievement of the Heartland
2011 Chancellor's Award Recipient: UW-River Falls
Chancellor's Student Ambassador: Alumni Office, UW-River Falls
Campus Tour Guide: Admissions Office, UW-River Falls
Scholarship Banquet Emcee, CAFES, UW-River Falls
Vice President: Agricultural Education Society, UW-River Falls
Public Relations Liaison: Agricultural Business & Marketing Society, UW-River Falls
Week of Welcome (WOW) Orientation Leader: First Year Experience Office, UW-River Falls