John Ferrick, CALS associate director of international programs, and Bill Steffenhagen, outreach program manager emeritus, Department of Dairy Science are both recipients of UW-Madison 2009 Academic Staff Excellence Awards. Ferrick received the Robert Heideman Award for Excellence in Public Service and Outreach. Steffenhagen received the Ann Wallace Career Achievement Award. They were were among nine academic staffers recognized at a reception with Chancellor Martin on April 15 and at the Academic Staff Assembly on April 13.

John Ferrick has consistently gone above and beyond expectations in developing and leading the university’s engagement with rural communities in Uganda.

During his tenure, he has helped establish a public health and nutrition program that has benefited the people of Uganda, along with the health and water quality of villages there. Domestically, he has been a leading proponent of CALS international development and outreach programs.

“John’s contributions have been two-fold,” writes Kenneth Shapiro, his nominator. “First, his efforts have brought tangible benefits to some of the poorest people in the world. Second, he has introduced UW students to the wonderful experience of giving themselves to help others. Our students’ lives have been deeply changed by working with John on these projects.”

Bill Steffenhagen, who recently retired, is honored for his longtime dedication to campus academic staff. He was recently conferred emeritus status.

Beginning in 1989, he distinguished himself for hours of dedicated service to the Personnel Policies and Procedures Committee, the Academic Staff Executive Committee, the ASPRO board, and the Academic Staff Assembly. He was a valued mentor, colleague and manager and has a reputation as the “ultimate academic staff member.”

“Bill’s concern about what is in the best interests of the academic staff at UW was always clearly evident in the way he approached his duties,” writes his nominator, Karen Schwarz. “His extensive knowledge of UW-Madison and how it works has had a positive impact on all staff in his department and CALS and across campus. That style and knowledge will be missed!”