Honoring Key Contributors and Our Own

Honoring Key Contributors and Our Own

The UW-Stevens Point CNR recognized alumni, faculty, and staff for their accomplishments at their annual CNR Celebration Evening on Friday, April 8, 2022, at SentryWorld in Stevens Point, Wis.

The CNR Outstanding Alumnus Award was given to Kent Van Horn, a 1987 wildlife graduate of UW-Stevens Point. Kent worked as a biologist in various positions from Alaska to Florida, making his way back to Wisconsin in 2001, where he worked for the WDNR for the next 20 years as a Wildlife Manager, Waterfowl Specialist, and ultimately Chief of Bird and Habitat Programs before his retirement in 2021.

Kent VanHorn, UW-Stevens Point 2022 CNR Outstanding Alumnus Award Recipient is pictured with his wife Mia.

Michael Demchik was named the CNR Conservation Leader (individual). Since arriving at UW-Stevens Point, Mike has been a force in conservation from both forestry and restoration perspectives at the state and national levels. He continually focuses on connecting the science to implementation, especially with the inclusion of new research on wildlife habitat management. Mike served on the WDNR Silviculture Guidance Team. He is active with continuing education,offering online training, webinars, in-person training, and demonstration area development. He served on the Board of Directors for the Association for Temperate Agroforestry and as President of this international organization. He was the editor for the Temperate Agroforester. He is an active member of the Society for Ecological Restoration and has served as the advisor for the student chapter since 2005.

Michael Demchik, UW-Stevens Point 2022 CNR Conservation Leader Award Recipient.

Sue Kissinger received the CNR Outstanding Contributor Award for hercontributions as an advisor, colleague, and friend of the College. For over ten years, she was the primary contact for donors, coordinated the CNR scholarship program, and participated in numerous CNR committees. In addition, Sue led several CNR international trips, including Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, and the European Environmental Studies Seminar. When Sue transitioned to the UW-Stevens Point Academic Career and Advising Center, she regularly provided career and resume presentations. She also sat with countless students, helping transform their resumes into flawless documents that landed them the job of their dreams.

Sue Kissinger, 2022 CNR Outstanding Contributor Award.

Gregg Aiken received the Paper Industry Leadership Award. Neenah Inc. Aiken has an impressive history in the paper industry, including extensive service to the Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Foundation. A career of more than thirty years in the paper industry allowed Gregg to make connections with leaders across the country. These connections benefitted students through increased opportunities for internships and donations of equipment and time for curricular support. His leadership in the Foundation coincides with an extended period of growthin total contributions and endowments. In addition, throughout the last two years of Covid, he upheld the importance of recognizing the achievements of Paper Science and Engineering students by hosting virtual Scholarship Awards ceremonies.

Gregg Aiken (left), 2022 Paper Industry Leadership Award Recipient with Karyn Biasca, Chair of the Paper Science and Chemical Engineering Department.

The College also recognized the following faculty and staff members for their work during the 2021-2022 academic year.

• CNR Outreach Education Staff Award – Megan Espe, Learning Specialist for the Wisconsin Forestry Center

Megan Espe

• CNR Field Station Award, Michael Demchik, Professor of Forestry

• CNR Excellence in Teaching Award (peer-selected), Paul Doruska, Professor of Forestry

Paul Doruska

• CNR Outstanding Contributor, Brenda Lackey, CNR Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Brenda Lackey

• CNR Excellence in Teaching Award (student-selected), Bryant Scharenbroch, Assistant Professor of Soil and Waste Resources

Bryant Scharenbroch

• CNR Scholarship Award, Ben Sedinger, Kennedy-Grohne Chair in Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation

Ben Sedinger

• CNR Professional Service Award, Melinda Vokoun, Associate Professor of Forestry

Melinda Vokoun