WCMA supports dairy industry’s future leaders with scholarships
The scholarships are worth a total of $15,000.
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) announced the names of its 2018 scholarship recipients. Each year, the Madison, Wis.-based association shows its support for the dairy industry’s next generation of leaders through scholarship awards worth a total of $15,000.
“WCMA members recognize education as a key component to the continuing strength and growth of the dairy industry,” said John Umhoefer, WCMA’s executive director. “Through our association, member companies have generously supported institutions of higher learning and students with total gifts worth more than $1 million.”
Umhoefer noted that more than 100 applications were submitted for WCMA’s five scholarship awards, setting a new record and making the selection process extremely competitive.
Winners of the 2018 WCMA Myron P. “Mike” Dean Cheese Industry Student Scholarship, WCMA said, include:
- Jamie Feldmann, a production supervisor at Sartori Co. in Plymouth, Wis., who is pursuing a business management degree at Lakeshore Technical College, maintaining a 3.5 grade point average while working full-time.
- Alesha Radke, a packaging supervisor at Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery in Ellsworth, Wis., who is pursuing a master’s degree in manufacturing engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.
Winners of the 2018 WCMA Cheese Industry Supplier Student Scholarship, WCMA said, include:
- Mary McClure, a part-time customer support engineer at ifm efector in Malvern, Pa., who is seeking a bachelor’s of science degree in electrical engineering at Drexel University, maintaining a 3.57 grade point average in her major.
- Audrey Medrano, an accounting analyst at Yamato Corporation in Mequon, Wis., who holds a 3.9 grade point average in pursuit of an accounting degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
- Andrew Bargender, a purchasing intern at A&B Process Systems in Stratford, Wis., via the Wisconsin State Youth Apprenticeship Program; he is a straight “A” student entering the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in fall 2018 with the goal of a double major in accounting and information systems.
The source of scholarship monies is the annual Championship Cheese Auction, where gold medal cheeses from WCMA’s Championship Cheese Contests are sold to the highest bidders. This year’s auction will take place on Wednesday, April 18 at the International Cheese Technology Expo, during the Chr. Hansen Reception, beginning at 5:00 p.m., WCMA said. All are welcome at the auction, and more details are available at CheeseExpo.org.
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