Over 200 University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) alumni, friends, and family came together to network and raise funds as part of the recent annual Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association (WALSAA) Football Fire-Up Event. The 47th Annual WALSAA Football Fire-Up was held as a watch party just outside Madison at J. Henry & Sons during the Wisconsin vs. Washington State football game on Saturday, September 9. Glenda Gillaspy, CALS Dean and Director, and Michael Murphy, WALSAA President, welcomed all in attendance. Alice in Dairyland, Bucky Badger, and CALS administration and faculty were also present. This year’s silent auction raised more than $20,000 for CALS scholarships, awards, and student activities. A big thank you to the sponsors, donors, bidders, and volunteers. A special thank you goes to CALS for the $10,000 matching gift.
WALSAA presented its seventh annual WALSAA Daluge Red Jacket Award to Jill Makovec. Makovec earned the award for her dedication and service to WALSAA for many years. She is a Strategic Marketing Executive with Learfield Communications representing Wisconsin Radio and Brownfield Ag Networks. Outside of work, Jill also continues her family’s legacy in agriculture managing her family’s century farm near Muscoda. She has served on the WALSAA Board for 11 years, was president of the organization from 2010-12, and currently serves as bookkeeper. Makovec is active on several WALSAA committees, as well as on the WALSAA Speaker’s Bureau.
The fourth WALSAA Red Apron Award for Dedicated Service was presented to Al Herrman, New Franken, Wisconsin. Herrman has been behind the scenes coordinating the Fire-Up event and preparing the delicious tailgate meal for Fire-Up guests for many years. Al and his wife Lynn have also been generous donors to the Fire-Up Silent Auction, as well as a sponsor of the event.
Let’s not forget those that make this event possible – our volunteers! WALSAA would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of our volunteers for sharing their time and talents. A special thank you to the WALSAA Board and Committee members, CALS Ambassadors and student organizations for their service at Fire-Up.
We look forward to seeing you next year for another WALSAA Football Fire-Up! On Wisconsin!
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