October 2025 Life After Point: CNR Alumni News and Updates

Alumni Highlights

Celebrating the accomplishments and impact of CNR alumni in their careers, communities, and beyond. If you have a highlight to share, email us at cnr@uwsp.edu.

• Leslie Petrie (B.S. Paper Science and Engineering ’89), Vice President of Global Environment, Health, and Safety at International Paper, has been elected to the TAPPI Board of Directors. Petrie has over 30 years of experience with the company, spanning manufacturing, conversion, and leadership roles. She currently leads its EHS Council and serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Council. In 2018, she received the NAM STEP Ahead Award recognizing women in STEM leadership, and she also serves on the board of the UWSP Paper Science Foundation.

• Eli Halverson (B.S. Conservation and Community Planning ’22) is an agricultural field specialist for the Sand County Foundation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He works with agricultural stakeholders in the Midwest and beyond to conduct research, facilitate conservation, and promote ethical land stewardship.

• Eric Michel (B.S. Wildlife Ecology and Management ’09) has been named assistant professor and coordinator of the Taylor Chair in Applied Big Game Research and Instruction at Mississippi State University. He also serves as co-director of the MSU Deer Lab, where he advances applied deer research and mentors future wildlife professionals. An MSU Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture alum originally from Wisconsin, Michel specializes in the ecology and management of white-tailed deer. He earned his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and his M.S. and Ph.D. from Mississippi State University, where he studied deer under the guidance of Drs. Steve Demarais and Bronson Strickland. Michel previously served as a postdoctoral research associate at South Dakota State University and as an ungulate research scientist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. At MSU, he continues to support biologists and land managers while guiding the next generation of wildlife professionals.

• Kayla Reed (B.S. Fisheries and Aquatic Science ’24) is a graduate research assistant at South Dakota State University, pursuing a master’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science. She is currently working on a two-year study analyzing the impacts of hypoxia on sport fishes in urban impoundments in South Dakota.

• Jillian Hesse (B.S. Wildlife Ecology and Management ’24) was recently hired as a full-time animal care specialist at Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Ramah, New Mexico.

• Three UW-Stevens Point alumni—Alejandra Viso (B.S. Fisheries and Water Resources – Water Resources ’17), Lindsey Carlson (B.S. Soil and Waste Resources – Waste Management ’18), and Alex Thomas (B.S. Soil and Waste Resources ’12, M.S. Natural Resource ’17) —are making their mark at Dane County Waste and Renewables. Alejandra manages landfill operations, Lindsey operates a renewable natural gas facility, and Alex develops carbon offset projects. Learn more.

• Heidi Putnam (B.S. Natural Resource Planning ’20) is an environmental planner at Snyder & Associates in Madison, Wisconsin. She was recently honored with the inaugural Commitment to Partnership Award from UniverCity Alliance for her dedication to community involvement.

• Scott Storms (B.S. Wildlife Ecology and Management ’01) serves as a water resources supervisor for the Idaho Department of Natural Resources.

• Jon Mayer (B.S. Fisheries and Water Resources ’21) is a public health sanitarian for Public Health Madison and Dane County. He works to ensure the safety and compliance of private wells and on-site wastewater treatment systems, conducting inspections, verifying soil tests, and guiding residents and contractors on state and county regulations.

In Memoriam

Honoring the lives and legacies of CNR alumni and supporters who have passed.

Ann Agnew, a longtime Tomahawk resident and dedicated supporter of Treehaven, passed away after decades of community involvement and environmental stewardship. Agnew moved to the Northwoods in 1978 with her husband, Bob, where they built both a home and the Tomahawk Ace Hardware Store, which they operated until 1993. Her connection to Treehaven began in 1982 at its grand opening, and in 1995, she became a founding member of the Friends of Treehaven, later serving on the Treehaven Board of Advisors. Agnew played a key role in establishing the Treehaven Endowment, which continues to fund student research, renewable energy projects, gardens, and scholarships. She also established the Agnew Leadership Scholarship in 2004. She later created the Ann Agnew Environmental Leadership Program at Tomahawk High School, which enables students to develop leadership skills and educate their community about natural resources. Through her vision and generosity, Agnew left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit UW-Stevens Point students, local youth, and the Tomahawk community.

Daniel F. Connolly, of Green Bay, passed away unexpectedly on July 7, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. A UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources alum, Dan pursued a degree in Natural Resource Management and Soil and Water Conservation, reflecting his lifelong passion for the outdoors and conservation. An Eagle Scout and lifelong advocate for youth development, he most recently served as Executive Director of the Voyageur District of the Boy Scouts of America Bay-Lakes Council, a role he considered a dream job. Known for his warmth, inclusivity, and boundless energy, Dan inspired those around him to engage with nature and their communities. From his first camping trip at five months old to his many adventures in Wisconsin’s woods and lakes, Dan’s love of the outdoors was central to his life and his legacy.

Adam Zirbel, of Plymouth, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on September 22, 2025. A UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources alum (B.S., Forest Management, 2001), Adam dedicated 24 years to forestry and wildland firefighting, most recently serving as Forester-Senior of the Kettle Moraine State Forest–Northern Unit. Born in Madison, he was known for his humor, love of the outdoors, and devotion to his family, including his wife Beth and their three children, Lincoln, Lennex, and Stormy. Adam’s passion for natural resources and his commitment to protecting Wisconsin’s forests left a lasting impact on the communities and landscapes he served.

Nominate an Outstanding UW-Stevens Point CNR Alum

Every year, we shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding alumni. These are individuals who go above and beyond in their careers, inspire others, lead with purpose, give back generously, or break new ground in their field.

This year, we are reaching out to all of you to help us celebrate these remarkable people. Think of a CNR alum who has made a difference, whether as a quiet changemaker, a bold innovator, or anything in between, and share their story with us by submitting a nomination.

Nominations are due the second Friday in November by midnight. Award recipients will be contacted in February, and honorees will be recognized at the CNR Celebration Evening on the third Friday in April at SentryWorld.

Join us in honoring the alumni who continue to make a lasting impact. Submit your nomination today.

Have a general alumni update to share? We would love to hear from you! Email us at cnr@uwsp.edu.