As we prepare for our annual convention in Milwaukee, we also prepare to look back at 40 years of conventions and gatherings of the Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association. My time in the Alumni started in the early 1980’s when we formed our affiliate (now called chapters) in Verona and as a Wisconsin FFA State Officer. Back in our time, the Alumni met “up on the hill” at Green Lake during the Wisconsin FFA Convention at the American Baptist Assembly. Each section had 3 representatives on it and my dad served as one for Section 5.
We will remember some of the Alumni legends who paved the way for us- Floyd Doering, Virgil Martinson and Arnold Cordes who gave tremendous support through their positions at the DPI and their passion for the Blue & Gold. Many of the Past Wisconsin FFA Alumni Presidents who served us so well and numerous who also served on the National FFA Alumni Council. And those chapter leaders from around the state who attended the conventions each year, having fun, sharing stories, and financially supporting the convention. Many of us probably have a few collector cups, buttons and other items in a drawer from the various conventions we attended.
As we are digging through what is available for historical records, we are trying to formulate the timeline of when and where the conventions were held. I remember road trips up to UW-Stout, the numerous ones we had in the Madison area, and getting engaged to John at the Green Bay convention! Over the years, the format of the conventions has changed from a one-day meeting in Green Lake to the multi-day, fundraising opportunities we now have. We’ve gone on tours, had some big-time speakers, raised a lot of money, learned a great deal, and met some wonderful people.
I remember sectional meetings when recruiting new council members was quite a challenge. Virgil Martinson persuaded Joyce Gust of Verona and myself to run for Section 5 when there seemed to be no one else running. As we meet the new council members each year, they have the same opportunity that 40 plus other councils have had to lead the organization, make their mark on new programs and activities, to address challenges and achieve goals. I fondly remember several retiring President’s addresses as they reflected on successes, identified some personal challenges during the year (we had the Stoughton tornado during my year as President), and their experiences at various national meetings.
If you have convention history, documents or program books, pins or other memorabilia, please contact anniversary chair Darlene Arneson at [email protected] or 608-873-7209.
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