Support from generous donors is helping AAE students pursue their academic and professional goals this year. At the annual Scholars and Sponsors recognition dinner in September the department honored both the students receiving awards and the donors who make these opportunities possible.
This year, thirty-seven undergraduate students and fourteen graduate students received scholarships. Nearly 20% of AAE undergraduate majors received awards amounting to almost $131,000. Graduate students received $15,000 in awards, which supported their professional development. Funds helped cover expenses related to research, conference fees, and travel — enabling students to present their work, attend workshops, and advance their academic careers.
Guests enjoyed dinner and a beautiful fall evening by the lake. The event featured guest speaker Brandon Nedoma, B.S. ’16, Agricultural Business Management, a sales leader in the animal nutrition industry. A proud Badger, Brandon and his wife call Madison home and remain passionate supporters of UW athletics. In his remarks, Brandon reflected on his journey from a city kid with no agricultural background to a successful career in sales, crediting the support of AAE faculty and the UW community for helping him find his path.
He encouraged students to embrace failure, build emotional intelligence, and lean into the relationships they’re forming now. “Real success isn’t only about climbing,” he said. “It’s about reaching back and pulling others up with you.”
“You don’t just write checks — you help write our futures,” he told donors, emphasizing the lasting impact of their generosity.
AAE is deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity makes these scholarships possible. Their support has a lasting impact on our students’ lives and futures. Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients! View photos of the event.