Connect with fellow CALS and FISC Alumni

Connecting with fellow CALS and FISC Alumni is one of the best parts of being a WALSAA member. We have three main events through out the year where alumni can meet others, re-connect with old friends and have fun. Check out more below.

50th Anniversary of WALSAA Tradition

Established in 1972 the Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association (WALSAA) was created with the purpose of service and fellowship among alumni and friends of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).

Roger Biddick served as WALSAA’s first president 50 years ago. During the first organization meeting, he stated, “As alumni, we can act more effectively than any single group to rebuild the image of greatness that this college so justly deserves and at the same time enjoy the fellowship of working together.” The message of Roger still rings true in current-day WALSAA efforts.

The organization is run by a board of directors made up of 20 individuals all with a shared passion for agriculture and the University of Wisconsin – Madison. The diversity of the current board has helped to shape the organization and generate new ideas to continue to evolve the programming. Taylor Fritsch, class of 2014, leads the organization as President and Michael Murphy, class of 1987, is currently serving as Vice President.

Branching out from the board are various committees including an event committee, scholarship, marketing and development, financial management, and a newly established student outreach committee. Each of these committees has specific responsibilities to help raise money, plan events, connect to students and promote the organization.

A core mission of WALSAA is the support of students one way this is done is through financial support through scholarships. The Outstanding Sophomore award is given to students that have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and service to the University and their community. The $2,000 scholarship goes toward their tuition in their junior year at the University. There are five Farm and Industry Short Course students selected to receive scholarships, these students excel in academics, activities, and leadership. Lastly, a new award created within the last year honors CALS seniors that will be graduating, the WALSAA Senior Impact Award. To learn more about each of the awards and view past recipients visit https://www.walsaa.org/students/walsaa-scholarships/

Outside the classroom learning for students while at UW-Madison is a crucial way they set themselves apart from others when applying for jobs. Much of this learning takes place through on-campus student organizations. The campus has nearly 1,000 different clubs for students to pick from and CALS is home to many of them. WALSAA has awarded more than $40,000 over the last five years through the Student Impact Grant. These grants make it possible for students to do outreach events, professional development opportunities, member recruitment initiatives, and more in their various student organizations.

Most recently a speaker’s bureau of WALSAA members has been formed to share topics such as professionalism, resume and interview tips, starting your career during a pandemic, and more. This free resource is available to students and offers the opportunity to connect with alumni and better themselves. Pierce Dopp and Brooke Trustem co-chair the student outreach committee and have also created a mentor program to help prepare students for a successful future, navigate uncertainty and leave a lasting impact on the campus and in their community.

Annual events like the Farm and Industry Short Course reunion now combined with the summer picnic held during the Wisconsin Farm Technology Days and the popular WALSAA Fire-Up event are many alumni’s favorite parts of being a WALSAA member.

Throughout the past 50 years, many things have changed within the organization, however many remain the same. Recently the board put together a strategic plan built around four core priorities: student engagement, alumni engagement, financial and organizational sustainability, and partnerships. Reflecting on these newly built priorities and WALSAA’s first president’s message of rebuilding the image of greatness and enjoying the fellowship of working together to make it all happen, it’s clear the purpose and mission of WALSSA have not changed. Connecting with old friends and networking to meet new friends and students is what has held the organization together for the last 50 years and what it will continue to build on for the next 50 years – creating connections for life.