Giving During Difficult Times
We know this year has been tough for many people, financially, emotionally, health-wise and beyond. With that in mind, we decided to cancel Donate for a Difference, our annual day of giving. Watch the video above for this update and others from CAFES Dean Dale Gallenberg.

We encourage each and every one of our alumni to reflect on how they may be able to give back to the College through their time, talent or, if appropriate, a financial gift. While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some ways you may consider giving back to UWRF and CAFES.

  • UWRF Student Emergency Fund: If you are able to support UWRF and CAFES financially, we encourage you to direct your gift to the UWRF Student Emergency Fund and include "CAFES" as a comment to specifically support CAFES students.
  • Internships: If you work for a company or organization that has internship opportunities for college students, we encourage you to contact the CAFES internship coordinator to see how we can help recruit CAFES students that may be a good fit.
  • Recruitment: With many larger in-person events canceled or moved online, we did not have as many opportunities for recruitment this year. As alumni, you can be an important source to help share information about UWRF to prospective students searching for colleges.

Fill out the form on this page to indicate your involvement interest(s).
Call to Action: Mentorship Program
by Whitney Thome, Alumni Board President
For most people, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we interact, communicate and work with others. We recognize that CAFES students are also faced with similar challenges when it comes to virtual learning, networking and career decisions. In order to provide our CAFES students with support, the CAFES Alumni Board would like to create a mentorship program, connecting current students with alumni to develop relationships that are mutually beneficial.

Mentorship has the potential to provide a positive environment, decrease stress and anxiety, and foster personal and professional learning and development. What we need is YOUR help! We are looking for individuals that would like to serve on a committee to create, define, recruit and initiate a mentorship program within CAFES. By creating a formal program, we hope to encourage students and alumni to get involved, provide them with resources, and start making a difference!

If interested in participating on the committee or being a mentor, please fill out this form.
Campus News Briefs

Ecological Restoration Institute Opens in the Plant and Earth Science Department
The mission of the Ecological Restoration Institute is to enhance students’ skills in natural resource management through hands-on trainings/certifications, as well as teaching and work experiences associated with restoration projects. Learn more.
Animal Science Professor Kurt Vogel is the 2020 Distinguished Teacher
Dr. Kurt Vogel, associate professor of animal science was named the Distinguished Teacher of the Year at UW-River Falls. This award was established 55 years ago and is the highest honor a faculty member can receive on campus. Read more.
Upcoming Events
National FFA Convention & Expo
Tuesday, Oct. 27-Thursday, Oct. 29
Virtual
While there is no alumni event at the virtual National FFA Convention & Expo, this is an important recruitment event for prospective students. We will be featured as an exhibitor with a webpage and the opportunity for students to live chat with throughout each day of the Convention. If you know someone planning to participate in the Convention, please encourage them to stop by our virtual booth to explore our majors and chat with us!
Dairy Summit
Wednesday, Nov. 18
Virtual
The inaugural Dairy Summit hosted by the Dairy Innovation Hub will be held virtually on Wednesday, Nov. 18. from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event will include research presentations, stakeholder discussions and a progress report on what the Hub has been up to in 2020. Find out more and register for free.
We wish you a happy & healthy holiday season!
While this fall has presented challenges in teaching and learning, our professors have been hard at work creating innovative and engaging solutions for students and classes.
UW-River Falls College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences | Website