WALSAA is pleased to have the opportunity to administer and recognize students with two additional opportunities. The Nancy J. Sprecher Enhancement Awards are scholarship awards to CALS graduating seniors who has shown outstanding leadership and academic excellence and exemplifies the qualities that the late Nancy Sprecher displayed during her career. Nancy J. Sprecher grew up in Wisconsin. She graduated from the UW-Madison in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Agricultural Journalism. She began her career as a market analyst at DeKalb AgResearch and Gene Kroupa Associates, and then joined the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, first as Executive Vice-President and rising to Chief Operating Officer. Toward the end of her long career, she moved to Minneapolis, MN, and became a director of Women’s Food Service Forum, an organization that promotes women in leadership positions in agriculture and food related industries. Sprecher was successful in a male-dominated field and paved the way for other women to move ahead in those industries. When she died in 2021 at just 64 years of age, her wish was to have a scholarship fund established at CALS that would support the careers of students’ post-graduation. This award began in 2023 and was made possible by Lon and Sue Sprecher and Steve Yaun.

Rick & Peggy Daluge Recognition Award begins in 2024 for sophomore students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership and service to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences community. Rick and Peggy Daluge both graduated from CALS at UW-Madison. 

Rick with BS 71, MS 75, PhD 82 and Peggy with a BS in 1970.  Rick joined the CALS administration as director of Career Services, Student Recruitment, and WALSAA Sec-Treasurer. Both Peggy and Rick were charter members of WALSAA.  Rick retired in 2008 after 36 years with the UW and 25 years as Director of the Farm and Industry Short Course. He worked with WALSAA during this entire time and helped grow the group from 300 members to over 2,000. Peggy held numerous positions in addition to raising two children, Tracy and Mark, both CALS graduates. Peggy worked with the Brown Swiss Association, Farm Credit of Madison, two stints as 4-H agent in Dane County, and 15 years as the Director of Business World, a program for high school students. 

They enjoy giving back to students through scholarships. With the transfer of the FISC program, they are pleased to support WALSAA in their efforts to recognize outstanding students.  This award is made possible by Rick and Peggy Daluge.

As you can see, WALSAA has many opportunities available for students through the generous support of our members and industry supporters. In addition, we have individuals who via WALSAA administration have found direct ways to support deserving students. If this opportunity interests you, WALSAA would love to visit with you further about structuring this recognition. Check out the next WALSAA Connection issue or other social media channels after April 5 to see the 2024 recipients of these awards.