WALSAA Looks to Connect with Alumni

If you studied or majored in agriculture or life sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, you can now join the alumni association at no cost. Under the banner of "Our College, Our Connection," the Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association (WALSAA) is offering either free or paid membership to anyone who graduated or was a student in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS).

"We welcome both CALS graduates and attendees to join," said WALSAA President Michael Murphy. "Anyone who wishes to promote the college and its students, is interested in college updates and enjoys reconnecting with alumni and current CALS students is welcome to join at no cost."

Currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding, WALSAA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that granted more than $20,000 in CALS student scholarships and awards in 2022. These include the Outstanding Sophomore Award scholarships, Farm and Industry Short Course (FISC) awards, Student Organization Impact Grant awards, and Senior Impact Awards. WALSAA also provides funding for the CALS Ambassadors, the college's "recruitment team" that engages with high school students.

WALSAA alumni members serve as speakers for student organizations and mentors to students hoping to enter similar career fields. The organization also endowed the WALSAA Advising Award, presented annually to a member of the CALS faculty for exceptional student advising service.

To join, former or current CALS students can register for either a free or paid WALSAA membership at http://www.walsaa.org/. All members automatically receive the organization's e-newsletter, are invited to WALSAA events ("Football Fire-Up," summer picnic, FISC Reunion, etc.) and have opportunities to network with students and alumni. Those choosing to pay annual or lifetime membership fees are considered voting members and also receive added benefits such as reduced admission to WALSAA events and other special offers. WALSAA members who have already paid lifetime dues are also voting members known as Legacy Members.

Additional WALSAA information can be found online at Facebook and LinkedIn.

WALSAA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the connection of students, faculty and alumni to the University of Wisconsin's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, known as CALS. Established in 1972, WALSAA has embarked on a remarkable journey of service and fellowship with alumni and friends of CALS.