2020-2022 AAE Scholarship Recipients

SU JUNG BAE SEOUL, KOREA
AY 20-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship
Su Jung is a junior majoring in Agricultural and Applied Economics and International Studies and earning a certificate in sustainability. She is interested in solving various global health problems such as environment, poverty, and sustainability through economics. After her journey at UW Madison, she hopes to work for international institutions such as the United Nations. Next summer, she is hoping to find an internship in her fields of interest.

I am grateful to receive a scholarship from the Renk Agribusiness Institute, which allows me to focus more on my education.

MAYA BARWICK MENOMONEE FALLS, WI
AY 20-21 Vicky Lee Hirsh Academic Merit Award

Maya is a soph- omore majoring in Environmental Sciences and German and pursuing a certificate in sustainability. She is interested in helping businesses and organizations become more environmentally conscious and hopes to reduce industrial carbon emissions in the fight against the climate emergency. Next year she hopes to intern with the Office of Sustainability.

I’m grateful to receive the Vicky Lee Hirsh Academic Merit Award as it allows me to better focus on my studies and being the best student I can be.

JARED BAUDHUIN BRUSSELLS, WI
AY 21-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship

Jared is a senior majoring in Dairy Science and pursuing a certificate in business management for agri- cultural and life sciences. Jared has been a student manager at the UW-Madison Dairy Cattle Center (DCC) for three years and a member of Alpha Gamma Rho for four years. Being a manager at the DCC allowed him to experience day to day operations on a modern dairy farm and also to train and hire new employees. Employee management is essential in modern dairy operations and the DCC has enabled him to become a better leader. Following graduation, Jared plans on returning back to his family farm where he can improve operations and assist in environmental stability.

I am thankful to be a Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship recipient. This award is meaningful as it allows me to engage more in my education and learn more during my time at UW-Madison. The people who made this gift possible are inspiring and encour- aging. My education from the university will allow me to become successful and I hope to become a leader in the future that others will look up to.

ALYSON BUCHHOLZ MOUNT PLEASANT, WI
AY 21-22 Delta Theta Sigma Robert R. Spitzer Memorial Scholarship

TIMOTHY DAVENPORT FARMINGTON, CT
AY 20-21 Peter Young Student Assistance Grant / AY 20-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship / AY 21-22 Bruce and Ruth Marion Scholarship

Timmy is a senior pursuing degrees in Agricultural and Applied Economics and Microbiology and certificates in global health and biocore. His passions center around uncovering fiscally pragmatic healthcare solutions to present public health crises through biomedical research. Currently, Timmy is completing thesis work assessing the potential of bacteria found in the human microbiome to deter the growth of multi-drug resistant pathogens in hopes of identifying novel antibiotic compounds. In spring of 2020, he had the opportunity to complete a group capstone project for AAE under the mentorship of Professor Jeremy Foltz which aimed to establish asset maps for Adams County, WI, and highlight small businesses within the county for ag-tourism promotion purposes. After graduation, he hopes to complete a PhD revolving around infectious disease or vaccine development research holding direct ties to alleviating the burden of disease within developing communities. In his free time, Timmy enjoys playing tennis and completing The New York Times daily mini crossword.

I am honored to have been a recipient of the Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship for the past two academic years, and the Bruce and Ruth Marion Scholarship this year. The generosity of the Renk and Marion families has made a direct impact on my ability to fulfil my academic pursuits. This has fueled me to become successful in my future career so that one day I can help make the dreams of others come true.

JOHN DVORAK OCONOMOWOC, WI
AY 21-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship

John is a junior pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business Management program and a certificate in entrepreneurship. He is interested in applying his degree and knowledge to pursue a career in construction management, eventually starting his own operation. This summer he had an internship with VJS Construction Services (Madison), working as a project Intern, where he helped with daily operations, and learned the foundations of the industry. He enjoys sailing in the summer for his yacht club team, downhill ski racing, and golfing. He will be working with another construction company next summer, helping manage a new apartment build.

I am very grateful to receive the Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship, as it allows me to pursue my degree and career passion. This gift has given me a great deal of pride, in working hard for my end goal of starting my own company once out of school, and then to help others do the same.

ELIZA ENDRES WAUNAKEE, WI
AY 20-21 Truman and Sylvia Graf Scholarship / Bradford Richmond Award / AY 21-22 Farm Credit Services Scholarship, Madison West Kiwanis-Dickson Scholarship / Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship

Eliza is a sophomore majoring in Agricultural Business Management and pursuing certificates in development economics and entrepreneurship. On campus she is involved in the Association of Women in Agriculture and the National Agri-Marketing Association. This summer she had an internship at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection working in the International Agribusiness Center working with the economic development consultants to assist companies in exporting their agricultural products. Next summer Eliza is hoping to get another ag business internship. After graduation she hopes to pursue a career in agricultural finance or international agriculture.

I’m grateful to receive these scholarships, which allow me to focus more on my education. These gifts inspire me to be successful in my field and work hard towards achieving my educational and professional goals.

KAT EUGSTER STOUGHTON, WI
AY 20-21 Carole Walsh Demeter Scholarship /AY 21-22 Association of Women in Agriculture Scholarship / Bradford Richmond Award / Dwight Price, Brent Price and Bruce Price Scholarship / Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation Scholarship

Kat is a sophomore majoring in Agricultural Business Management. Outside of classes, she is a member of the Association of Women in Agriculture and Collegiate Farm Bureau. After graduating, Kat is planning on returning to her family farm in Stoughton, WI, to become a fourth generation farmer.

I’m very grateful to receive these scholarships. Receiving such generous scholarships will allow me to continue my education, and I am very appreciative of this opportunity.

LOGAN FITCH EAST TROY, WI
AY 20-21 Bradford Richmond Award

BRYNN FLANDERS NEW BERLIN, WI
AY 21-22 Philip Harris Scholarship

Brynn is a sophomore majoring in Agricultural and Applied Economics and pursuing a certificate in health policy. She is interested in how economics and policy can combine to produce sustainable and equitable outcomes for communities. This fall, she has an internship in the office of State Representative Mark Spreitzer that focuses on policy. Outside of classes, Brynn enjoys reading novels, trying new coffee shops with friends, and going on runs. Next summer, Brynn is hoping to complete another policy-related internship.

I’m incredibly grateful to receive the Phillip Harris scholarship for this academic year, which has allowed me to continue to pursue my educational goals in the economic and policy fields. This scholarship has further fueled my passion for my major, which I hope to bring into my future career.

EPIPHANE GOUSSI MIDDLETON, WI
AY 20-21 Abagail Catania AAE/ABM Diversity Scholarship / Bradford Richmond Award

Epiphane is a senior majoring in Agricultural Business Management and pursuing a certificate in entrepreneurship. He is interested in learning how to apply economic analysis to help farmers minimize the cost of starting a business or of producing goods. He was a volunteer at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station helping plant flowers and vegetables. Epiphane is graduating this fall and planning to pursue the M.S. Agricultural and Applied Economics Professional Option (MSPO) program. Outside of classes, Epiphane loves working in his part-time job helping people with special needs. He also likes working out at the gym.

I am sincerely honored to have been selected as the recipient of the Bradford Richmond Award and the Abagail Catania AAE/ABM Diversity scholarship. Thank you for your generosity. It has helped me to focus on studying, learning in my education, to which I am very committed. This award and scholarship further motivated me to succeed in my future education and do the same for others after graduating

JIAHANG HE HARBIN, CHINA
AY 20-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship

Jiahang is a senior majoring in Agricultural & Applied Economics and Environmental Studies. He is interested in the individual fishing quota (ITQ) problems in the U.S. fishery industry, as well as the effect of popularizing electricity access in developing countries in Western Africa. Outside of classes, Jiahang enjoys listening to classical music and backpacking. Next summer, Jiahang hopes to get an internship or a research assistant position after graduation.

I am really grateful to receive the Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship, which helped me to become more determined to continue my academic path in applied economics and business. Through getting the scholarship, I got to know the power of other people’s help, influencing my own decision to give back to the community after I achieve my career goal.

JADEN JULIA HENNEMAN WHITEWATER, WI
AY 20-22 Association of Women in Agriculture Scholarship / Irving W. Gerhardt Scholarship / Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship / AY 20-21 Philip Harris Scholarship / AY 21-22 Martin A. Abrahamsen Undergraduate Scholarship / Dowaine Giraud Dairy Promotion Scholarship / Bradford Richmond Award / Dick Weigle Memorial Scholarship

Jaden is a junior studying Agricultural Business Management and Psychology, and obtaining a certificate in criminal justice. She’s interested in bettering the connection between the general public and agriculture practices, especially the dairy industry. For the past two years, Jaden has worked at UW Campus and Visitor Relations to connect youth groups with campus. She has enjoyed being a part of and participating in leadership roles for a few special student organizations in her free time including the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Student Association, Association of Women in Agriculture, and Badger Dairy Club. As part of her criminal justice certificate, she plans on working with a justice related internship.

I am very appreciative of the many scholarships from CALS! To accept them means that I will be able to better focus on my classes and participate more in my organizations instead of worrying about my financial situation for the upcoming school year. This financial relief makes me double my academic effort and make the best of the education offered to me, which allows me to make my family and myself proud of what I do. The generosity of these scholarship funds gives me inspiration to succeed and to be able to continue to help those around me. I hope that one day I can give back to UW-Madison and the dairy industry so that those involved can give back as well.

HANNAH HERBST MONROE, WI
AY 20-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship / AY 20-21 Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation Scholarship / AY 21-22 Glenn Webb Education Fund/The GROWMARK Foundation

Hannah is a senior majoring in Agricultural Business Management and pursuing certificates in educational policy studies and entrepreneurship. She’s interested in agricultural finance and loves to take any opportunity she can to speak with farmers. This summer she had an internship with ALCIVIA, formerly known as Landmark, as an accounting and credit intern. Outside of classes, Hannah is involved in the Association of Women in Agriculture and enjoys spending time with her family. This spring Hannah will graduate and is currently looking for full-time positions.

I’m grateful to receive the many scholarships, which allow me to focus more on my studies. These gifts inspire me to be successful in my field so that one day in the future I can provide students with the same opportunities I had.

COLE HICKEN WAUPUN, WI
AY 21-22 Bradford Richmond Award

Cole is a freshman pursuing a double major in Agricultural and Applied Economics as well as Life Sciences Communi- cation. While undecided on a particular career path, he’s looking forward to learning more about communication pipelines between leading agri-scientists and farmers and finding ways to continue to sharpen efficiency. Cole has been a very active member of FFA throughout his life, and is hoping his acquired skills will aid in landing an internship with an ag business in the future. Outside of school, Cole enjoys playing and watching sports, and exploring nature.

I’m very thankful to receive the Bradford Richmond Award. This award relieves some financial pressure from my mind, and allows me to continue focusing on my learning. This scholarship also instills within me confidence that others have faith in my abilities as a student. I strive to maintain my level of integrity and grit, and put my all into my studies to one day make a difference in my field of study.

HUNTER HUSCHITT MONROE, WI
AY 20-22 DeGrand/Coryell Scholarship / Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship / AY 21-22 Irving W. Gerhardt Madison East FFA Scholarship / Dick Weigle Memorial Scholarship

Hunter is a junior majoring in Agricultural Business Management. He is pursuing a career with a focus on agriculture finance, real estate, or a related field. This summer he worked for the Grande Cheese Company as a supply chain intern. Outside of classes, Hunter enjoy playing rec basketball, various outdoor activities, and is a big Badger sports fan. Next summer he hopes to get another ag business internship.

I am grateful to receive these various scholarships. These gifts allow me to focus and spend more time on my studies and encourage me to be the best student possible. I am very thankful for the generosity of our donors and I hope that one day I too can act with the same generosity demonstrated by the donors.

EMMA KAEBISCH SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WI
AY 21-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship

Emma is a junior majoring in Global Health and pursuing certificates in business management for agri- cultural and life sciences and gender and women studies. She intends to use her knowledge of environmental sustainability and business in order to assist agricultural companies to find more efficient and sustainable ways to farm. This past summer she worked with a biological farming company within their sales department supporting more customers to environmentally-beneficial farming, as well as find other ways they can improve their farms.

I am very appreciative to receive the Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship. This scholarship has allowed me to focus more on schools and networking within the agriculture field. Being awarded this scholarship, especially within the agriculture field, motivates me to ensure success within the future of farming.

JACOB KAFER OMRO, WI
AY 21-22 Irving W. Gerhardt Scholarship / Philip Harris Scholarship / Thomas P. and Gail G. Schomisch Scholarship

Jacob is a junior majoring in Agricultural and Applied Economics and pursuing a certificate in business management for agricultural and life sciences. Growing up on a dairy farm, he has enjoyed all things agricultural and hopes to one day enjoy an occupation in that field. He has been working on his family’s dairy farm since he was little, gaining more responsibilities as he grew older. This summer he hopes to get an internship that will help him with his career path. Outside of the classroom, Jacob enjoys spending time with his friends and family whether that be boating in the summer or snowmobiling in the winter.

I’m grateful to receive the support of these three scholarships, which will help me financially in pursuing my degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It’s an honor to be recognized for my hard work and I look to represent these awards as an alumnus recipient in the best way possible. Again, Thank you!

HYUNSUNG KO BALTIMORE, MD
AY 21-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship

Hyunsung is a senior majoring in Agricultural and Applied Economics and pursuing a certificate in entrepreneurship with a concentration in real estate. He is interested in learning the ins and outs of owning and operating high-quality, investment-grade commercial real estate both domestically and abroad. He is passionate about the rejuvenation of underperforming assets/municipalities, construction of Class A multifamily/office/retail/industrial, as well as the proper development of sustainable cities for the future. This past summer, he worked with The Fiore Companies in Madison as a real estate analyst Intern.

I am extremely grateful to receive the Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship. It is providing me financial flexibility as I make my way towards completing my undergraduate experience.

JOSIE MINZ WAUKESHA, WI
AY 20-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship / AY 20-21 Vicky Lee Hirsh Academic Merit Award / Bruce and Ruth Marion Scholarship

Josie is a junior majoring in Agricultural and Applied Economics and intends to add a second major in Data Science. She’s interested in learning how to use economic principles and her passion for sustainability to increase efficiency within resource management and the agricultural industry. She currently works at the UW-Makerspace on campus and has helped lead a sustainability initiative within the office space. She also serves on the justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) committee in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, where she tries to ensure that undergraduates here at Madison are represented and have a safe and welcoming environment. Additionally, she is vice president of operations for the social entrepreneurship club, Enactus, where she helps to coordinate a variety of projects which focus on helping the Madison community. Next summer she’s excited to announce she’ll be working for Alliant Energy as a business strategy intern.

I am extremely grateful to receive these scholarships. I have been fortunate to receive one more than once, which helps me to be able to focus on pursuing my passions and explore the world of agricultural and applied economics without having to worry as much about supporting myself financially. These awards have provided me with a community of supporters and peers who are all passionate about the same thing and has made me feel very welcomed into the agricultural economics community.

MEGAN MOEDE ALGOMA, WI
AY 21-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship

Megan is currently a sophomore majoring in Agricultural Business Management and Life Sciences Communication. Growing up on a small-scale heifer-raising operation and showing dairy cattle at state and national shows fuels her interest in pursuing this degree. With early ties to the agricultural and dairy industries, she is interested in agricultural finance, marketing, and sales and hopes to obtain an internship in one of these fields this upcoming summer. Outside of classes, she is actively involved in the Association of Women in Agriculture, the Badger Dairy Club, and the National Agri-Marketing Association.

I am grateful and extremely appreciative to be chosen as a recipient of the Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship. I am thankful for the generosity towards the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences community and the Renk scholarship opportunity for young professionals like myself. With this scholarship I will be able to focus more on my courses and student organizations. Additionally, the Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship encourages me to succeed and the support gives me the confidence to meet my full potential.

KIRSTIN NOVAK SULLIVAN, WI
AY 20-21 Babcock House John and Helen Rossmiller Scholarship / AY 21-22 Babcock House Katie Kennedy Memorial Scholarship / Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship / Dick Weigle Memorial Scholarship

Kirstin is a junior studying Agricultural Business Management and pursuing a certificate in food systems. She is interested in the food supply chain, ag marketing and sales. In her free time, she enjoys doing anything outside from playing with her animals to going on hikes. Next summer, she is hoping for an internship in ag marketing.

I am so grateful to have received these scholarships. Receiving the Babcock House Scholarship shows how Babcock House is here to support house members in pursuing their majors and certificates. These scholarships make it possible for me to continue my education at such a great university.

TANNER OYEN LANCASTER, WI
AY 21-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship

KONSTANTY PAWLOWSKI ELGIN, IL
AY 21-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship

Konstanty is a senior majoring in Agricultural and Applied Economics, with a specialization in applied economics. He’s incredibly interested in resource economics, energy resources, and early stage business development. This semester he is working with UW Discovery to Product program, Innovation to Market (I2M)-a startup incubator to develop customer validation for his entrepreneurial idea. During his free time he enjoys outdoorsy activities and working out at the Nick. He is currently applying to and interviewing at several startups, in an interdisciplinary amount of fields from SaaS platforms to transportation. He hopes to potentially get employment experience in the renewable energy sector, as well as potentially pursue graduate school in the future.

I’m grateful to receive the Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship, as it allows me to surround myself with a like minded group of driven individuals who are interested in leveraging their knowledge to yield productive change.

JOSEPH PONTE MADISON, WI
AY 21-22 Dick Weigle Memorial Scholarship

Joseph is a senior majoring in Agriculture and Applied Economics and pursuing certificates in both development economics and sustainability. He is particularly interested in learning about business and the environment as well as ways to create a more green economy. In his free time, Joseph enjoys being outside, staying active, and playing various sports. He is currently a member of the UW-Madison rugby team.

I am extremely grateful to receive the Dick Weigle Memorial Scholarship. College, for many students like me, is centered around finances, and scholarships like this allow me to focus solely on learning. That way, I can be the best student I can be and have the greatest impact on my community.

ANNE RUNDE HAZEL GREEN, WI
AY 21-22 Association of Women In Agriculture Scholarship

Anne is a senior majoring in Agricultural Business Management and will be receiving a certificate in entrepreneurship. After graduating in the spring of 2022 Anne will continue to reside in Madison and build her small brand, Threader. Focusing on sustainable fash- ion, she repurposes old clothes and creates new ones curated for students at UW. She will also be assuming the position of marketing coordinator for the Madison Vintage Pop Up Collective. This group works together to build a creative community in Madison that focuses on sustainable shopping and the building of small brands. She is an active member in the Association of Women In Agriculture, and has deep roots in the agricultural industry. After college, she hopes to remain an active leader in the agricultural industry and give back to her community through mentorship and guidance.

I am grateful to receive the Association of Women in Agriculture scholarship as it allows me to continue my higher education at the University of Wisconsin Madison. My higher education allows me to pursue a career field I am passionate about.

OLIVIA SPAIGHT WATERFORD, WI
AY 20-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship

EMMA VOS MARIBEL, WI
AY 21-22 Manitowoc County Farm Progress Days Donald R. Peterson Scholarship / Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation Scholarship

Emma is a freshman majoring in Agricultural Business Management. She is interested in learning how to own and operate a dairy farm and how the dairy industry impacts and gains from agriculture as a whole. Outside of the classroom, Emma is involved in Badger Dairy Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, the Association of Women in Agriculture, and is very involved with her family’s dairy farm back home. Next summer Emma hopes to have an agriculture related internship.

I am grateful to receive each and every one of the scholarships awarded to me. They allow me to grow in my knowledge and most importantly learn. These gifts inspire me to be successful in my field, that I may one day inspire others around me to achieve their goals.

SOFIA WEINSTEIN NORTH POTOMAC, MD
AY 20-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship / AY 21-22 Wisconsin Agri-Business Association Scholarship

Sofia is a senior double majoring in Agricultural and Applied Economics as well as Plant Pathology and pursuing a certificate in organic agriculture. She is interested in learning how to feed the growing world in an environmentally and economically sustainable way. This summer she worked as a field research assistant at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station and during the school year she works as an undergraduate research assistant in Professor Caitlyn Allen’s plant pathology lab studying a plant pathogenic bacterium. She also works with the UW Organic Collaborative to bring together students interested in agriculture and serves on the justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) committee in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. Sofia is hoping to find a career where she can combine her scientific and economic knowledge to create positive change for farmers and communities involved in the food system.

I am grateful to receive these scholarships as they allow me to dedicate my time to furthering agriculture in my undergraduate community. I feel inspired by these awards as I am hoping to use this momentum to create change in our system to one day better farmers, teachers, businesses and students within the agricultural community.

BRIAN WIEDENFELD MENOMONEE FALLS, WI
AY 20-21 Vicky Lee Hirsh Academic Merit Award / Dick Weigle Memorial Scholarship

Brian was very active in his time at UW-Madison, starting with his freshman year. As a first-generation college student he was involved with the Center for Educational Opportunity (CEO). His freshman summer he completed an internship with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as an engineering intern. He has held various leadership roles with the Wisconsin Track Club, notably serving as president the last two years. For the past year he has worked on various research projects studying rural communities, agricultural systems, and developing an ecological footprint for small scale agriculture producers, while concurrently interning as a performance analyst with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. He will continue his education as a master’s student in UW-Madison’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning, fulfilling his passion for community development and land use.

I’m so grateful to have received these awards. The support from this University is immeasurable.

ZACH WIEGEL SHULLSBURG, WI
AY 20-21 Babcock House Dan Nusbaum Memorial Scholarship / AY 21-22 Wisconsin Rural Youth Scholarship

Zach is a junior majoring in Agricultural Business Management and pursuing a certificate in development economics. Zach is a proud member of Babcock House, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and the Badger Dairy Club. He served as the 2021 World Dairy Expo co-chair and will serve as the general chair for in 2022. This past summer, Zach worked full time at Russell Bros. Ag LLC. of Shullsburg, WI, as an operator and general laborer. With his experience in the agricultural industry, Zach intends to obtain a job in agricultural sales and is currently seeking an internship within the agribusiness industry.

I’m extremely grateful to be a recipient of these scholarships. Attending UW-Madison has been a dream come true, as I have always wanted to be a Badger. Within my experiences at UW-Madison, I am extremely thankful for all of the financial support I have received. The generosity of these scholarships allows me to focus on my studies and pursue a career without any financial stress.

BILLY ZEIMET COTTAGE GROVE, WI
AY 20-22 Renk Agribusiness Institute Scholarship

Billy is a senior majoring in Dairy Science with a certificate in business management for agricultural and life sciences. After school he plans to return home and become a partner on his family’s dairy farm. He is currently the president of Collegiate Farm Bureau and the treasurer of the Badger Dairy Club. This past summer he worked as an intern with CentralStar as an A.I. technician in the south central part of Wisconsin. As he nears the end of his college career he is very thankful to everyone who has helped him to get this far and he is looking forward to the next chapter of his life!

I am so thankful for all the people that have helped to make my education possible. Farming is challenging enough and if I were going home with lots of debt that would make things so much more difficult. All these gifts that I have been awarded have inspired me to chase after my dreams to the fullest extent. I hope to be able to some- day help students like myself have the opportunities like I have had.