Category: Friends of the CNR

CNR Honors Key Contributors

Posted on by sallenba

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources (CNR) proudly recognized distinguished alumni, visionary leaders, and outstanding partners during its annual Celebration Evening at SentryWorld. The event brought together faculty, students, industry professionals, and supporters to celebrate those whose work continues to leave a lasting mark on natural resources, conservation, and education.

“These honorees remind us that meaningful progress is built by people who are willing to lead, serve, and invest in something bigger than themselves,” said Brian Sloss, Dean of UWSP CNR. “Their dedication has strengthened our college, our communities, and our natural resources. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and thankful for the path they continue to create for future generations.”

Heather Berklund is the 2025-2026 CNR Alumna award recipient

Heather Berklund, recipient of the 2026 CNR Outstanding Alumna Award, was honored for her remarkable leadership, pioneering spirit, and lifelong commitment to Wisconsin’s forests. A 2000 graduate of UW-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and a Soil Science Minor, Berklund now serves as Chief State Forester for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry. In 2020, she made history as the first woman appointed to the role. Over nearly three decades with the Wisconsin DNR, she has helped guide sustainable forestry efforts, strengthen wildland fire preparedness, support workforce growth, and build meaningful partnerships across the state. She has also remained closely connected to UWSP through advisory roles and collaborative initiatives. Her career reflects not only professional excellence but also a deep belief in service, stewardship, and creating opportunities for others.

Photo: Heather Berklund, a 2000 graduate of the UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources, was recognized as the recipient of the CNR Outstanding Alumna Award.

Tom German, recipient of the 2026 CNR Conservation Leader Award, was recognized for decades of thoughtful leadership and a profound impact on Wisconsin’s public lands. German recently retired as Executive Secretary of Wisconsin’s Board of Commissioners of Public Lands after 20 years of service. During that time, he oversaw more than $1 billion in trust assets benefiting public school libraries, municipalities, and school districts statewide. Just as importantly, he championed efforts to expand public access to forestland, reduce fragmentation, support sustainable timber markets, and improve long-term land stewardship. A strong supporter of UWSP CNR, German also helped create internship opportunities, strengthen forestry programming, and build partnerships that connected students to real-world conservation work. His influence reaches far beyond numbers and policy; it lives on in healthier landscapes, stronger communities, and new generations of leaders.

Photo: Tom German was recognized as the recipient of the UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources Conservation Leader Award.

Five award recipients and presenters stand together during the CNR Outstanding Contributor Award recognition ceremony. From left are CNR Dean Brian Sloss; Cathy Scheder, CNR Associate Dean for Outreach and Extension; Tricia Gorby, Natural Resources Institute Director; Patrick Robinson, Associate Dean of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Community Development; and Brenda Lackey, CNR Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Natural Resources Institute, UW-Madison Division of Extension, recipient of the 2026 CNR Outstanding Contributor Award, was recognized for its exceptional partnership and lasting impact on the College of Natural Resources. Through a long-standing relationship with UWSP, the institute has helped strengthen the people, programs, and systems that allow the college to thrive. Its support has sustained faculty, staff, and program leaders, preserved continuity across important initiatives, and provided the stability needed for long-term growth. Through respected programs such as the Extension Lakes Program, Center for Land Use Education, Center for Watershed Science and Education, Wisconsin Center for Wildlife, and Wisconsin Forestry Center, the institute delivers trusted expertise in forestry, water quality, land stewardship, and community resilience. By connecting research with real-world needs and creating valuable hands-on opportunities for students, the Natural Resources Institute continues to embody the Wisconsin Idea.

Photo: Recipients and presenters of the CNR Outstanding Contributor Award gather for a photo during the recognition ceremony. Pictured from left are CNR Dean Brian Sloss, Cathy Scheder, CNR Associate Dean for Outreach and Extension; Tricia Gorby, Natural Resources Institute Director; Patrick Robinson, Associate Dean of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Community Development; and Brenda Lackey, CNR Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

The 2026 Paper Industry Leader Award was presented to Spraying Systems Co. in recognition of outstanding industry leadership and extraordinary support of student learning. As the world’s leading manufacturer of spray nozzles, Spraying Systems Co. has become a valued partner to UWSP by providing essential components for pilot machine operations and ensuring equipment is installed and ready for use. Their support has greatly enhanced hands-on learning opportunities for students working with industry-level systems and technology. Beyond equipment, the company has generously shared its expertise through consultations and seminars tied to senior design projects, helping students better understand professional expectations and engineering practice. From precision nozzles to full turnkey systems, Spraying Systems Co. continues to invest in both innovation and the next generation of talent.

Photo: Representatives of Spraying Systems Co. accept recognition on behalf of the company during the UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources CNR Celebration Evening. Pictured from left are Roland Gong, Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department Chair; Bernard Pyzdrowski; and Dylan Thomas.

UW-Stevens Point CNR Honors Leaders in Conservation and Industry

Posted on by sallenba

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources has announced the recipients of its annual awards for 2024–25. The awards recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to natural resources education, industry innovation, and environmental conservation.

Dr. Mark Drew stands behind an immobilized moose in a snowy field.
Dr. Mark Drew is the 2024-25 CNR Outstanding Alumnus Award Recipient for the UWSP College of Natural Resources.

Dr. Mark Drew was awarded the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources Outstanding Alumnus Award in recognition of his distinguished career and contributions to wildlife. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1980. As a student at UW-Stevens Point, he received the Chancellor’s Leadership Award and was recognized as the Outstanding Wildlife Student in 1980. He then pursued a master’s degree in Zoology from the University of Alberta, graduating in 1984. In 1987, he obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota and completed a zoo and wildlife medicine residency at the University of California in 1991. He has been a diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine since 1992. For over 25 years, Mark has been teaching for SafeCapture International, which pioneered chemical immobilization courses for wildlife and animal control personnel, significantly increasing veterinarians’ engagement in wildlife care.

He leads the Safe Capture program at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Academy and teaches a Safe Capture class at UW-Stevens Point every fall. Additionally, he helped revise the 250-page training manual currently used in the course. Mark has previous experience as a wildlife veterinarian for California and Idaho and has held academic positions at UC Davis and Texas A&M. He is a past president of the American College of Zoological Medicine and the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians. Mark has authored over 45 peer-reviewed publications and six book chapters. A dedicated supporter of UW-Stevens Point students and faculty, Drew has donated a complete journal collection to the Wisconsin Center for Wildlife and frequently returns to campus to share new volumes and consult with students.

Don and Kelly Guay, Karyn Biasca, and Roland Gong all smile as Don and Kelly hold the Paper Industry Leadership Award.
Don and Kelly Guay (center) accept the Paper Industry Leadership Award on behalf of Ahlstrom Ohj presented by Roland Gong (right) and Karyn Biasca (left).

The Paper Industry Leadership Award has been awarded to Ahlstrom Oyj, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. There are ten manufacturing plants in the U.S., four of which are located in Wisconsin.  Ahlstrom produces specialty materials for filtration, packaging, and protective applications. In 2024, the company reported global revenue of €3 billion.  

Ahlstrom is recognized for its sustainability initiatives, which include promoting fiber-based alternatives to fossil fuel products and addressing the global need for clean air and water. The company is a strong partner to UW-Stevens Point, supporting student learning through internships, classroom presentations, field trips, and career placements.

The Conservation Leader Award has been presented to Wisconsin Healthy Grown, an initiative that is nearly 30 years in the making, created by the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association in collaboration with the Universities of Wisconsin, the International Crane Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund. This initiative supports farmers who integrate conservation practices into their operations through habitat restoration and sustainable land management.

In partnership with UW-Stevens Point, Healthy Grown annually sponsors an ecosystem restoration intern who contributes to on-farm restoration projects and conducts independent research. Past student projects have focused on topics such as neotropical bird habitat usage, prairie carbon storage, and the benefits of wetland ecosystems.

This year, the CNR Outstanding Contributor Award is presented to William Kolodziej, a UW-Stevens Point CNR alumnus who has made exceptional contributions to the college over many years. Kolodziej has provided hands-on instruction and practical experiences in various courses, including private on-site wastewater treatment systems, agronomy, and grazing, as well as the Sustainable Forestry Education managed grazing field trip. He has also played a key role in preparing students for the 2025 National Soil Judging Contest. His dedication, expertise, and support have left a lasting impact on both students and faculty.

“These honorees exemplify the mission and values of the College of Natural Resources,” said Brian Sloss, Dean of the college. “They are role models in their fields, mentors to our students, and champions of the environment. We proudly recognize their achievements and strong ties to our university.”

The awards were formally presented at the college’s annual spring banquets.