On Saturday, Sept. 10, more than 300 alumni and friends attended the Fire Up tailgate party sponsored by WALSAA (the Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association). This year’s annual fundraiser for student scholarships and other CALS programs was a celebration of the organizations fiftieth anniversary.

When WALSAA was established in 1972, the organization embarked on a journey of service and fellowship with alumni and friends of CALS. “As alumni, we can act more effectively than any single group to build the image of greatness and at the same time enjoy the fellowship of working together,” said Roger Biddick, the first WALSAA president at the inaugural annual meeting.

During Saturday’s event Jim Crowley, Jr. was posthumously recognized as the 2022 recipient of the WALSAA Daluge Red Jacket Award. Attendees received a commemorative tumbler donated by J. Henry & Sons and a WALSAA 50th Anniversary t-shirt. The annual silent auction included the option to bid online for select items.

To celebrate their fiftieth anniversary, WALSAA created a video highlighting their history and achievements, which premiered at the Fire-Up event.