Each year CALS recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to their communities, their chosen career fields, and the citizens of the state and the nation. CALS has three awards: the Honorary Recognition Award, the Distinguished Service Award, and the Distinguished Alumni Award. These are the highest honors awarded by the college and they recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to their communities, their chosen career fields, and the citizens of the state and the nation.
This year CALS will present its Honorary Recognition Award to Dan and Mark O’Brien and Corey Geiger; its Distinguished Service Award to George Shook and Paul Williams; and its Distinguished Alumni Award to Dennis Dimick. Read more about each honoree in CALS News.
The 2023 Honorary Recognition Awards Banquet and Ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 19.
About the Awards
Honorary Recognition Award
Recognizes individuals whose personal contributions, achievements, and activities to agriculture, natural resources, life sciences and/or related business have supported the state of Wisconsin and the mission of CALS. Award recipients should exemplify outstanding and inspirational leadership, integrity and unselfish service and go above and beyond their job duties in support of the Wisconsin Idea.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Recognizes CALS graduates with careers of outstanding achievement through extraordinary contributions to their chosen field or an exemplary record of public service. Award recipients should have a record of demonstrated loyalty (e.g. participating in events, donating to UW, and/or advocating on behalf of UW) to CALS and the University of Wisconsin.
Distinguished Service Award
Recognizes university faculty and staff members for contributions to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and their professional achievements and activities in research, teaching, service and/or extension. Award recipients should have a record of personal contributions and service to the college that went above and beyond their regular job duties and supported the mission of CALS and the Wisconsin Idea.
History of the Awards
The Honorary Recognition Award – Established in 1909, this award was championed by Dean Harry L. Russell and Wisconsin Governor William D. Hoard. This award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding and inspirational leadership, integrity and unselfish service, making significant contributions in the areas of agriculture, life sciences, natural resources and social science. Over the past 100 years, the college has saluted more than 500 individuals who have given both time and talent to improve the lives of many and enrich society for us all.
The Distinguished Service Award – This award was established in 1994 in celebration of the college’s excellent faculty and staff. This award recognizes university faculty and staff members for exceptionally meritorious service to the college and university, to the citizens of Wisconsin, and to people around the nation and the world.
The Distinguished Alumni Award – Introduced in 2009, this award recognizes a career of outstanding achievement through extraordinary contributions to one’s chosen field or an exemplary record of public service.