On Thursday, October 29, CALS celebrated six friends of the college at the annual Honorary Recognition Banquet and Ceremony.

This year’s honorees, pictured above with the CALS students who introduced them during the ceremony, were:

• Sharon Brantmeier, Distinguished Alumni Award
• Christopher and Susan Salm, Honorary Recognition Awards
• Dennis Keeney, Distinguished Alumni Award
• Brian Holmes, Distinguished Service Award
• Kristin Kohlmann, Distinguished Recent Graduate Award

My business was the Wisconsin idea on a personal level. I was able to help clients across Wisconsin and the country reach their financial goals. All of the leadership and hard work that I learned from my education at the UW and previous positions helped me build a very successful practice.

Sharon Brantmeier

There’s a song that goes through my head, “Who’s going to fill their shoes.” And I’m not worried at all about that. The students here are going to be fantastic representatives for all of us.

Christopher Salm

When Chris and I attended college here, we were the recipients of extraordinary care and respect. That came freely and generously from the staff and the faculty of CALS. They trusted us to represent the college and to serve other students.

Susan Salm

The Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences got me here. They are a great bunch and it’s a great discipline. You have to appreciate we’re all here because of soils.

Dennis Keeney

Throughout the years, I’ve enjoyed the working relationship amongst the colleagues and the various departments and agencies. Thank you to all who have been so helpful in my career.

Brian Holmes

It has become increasingly evident tonight that myself and all recent alumni really stand on the shoulders of giants, so I’m just so fortunate to be here. My time as a college student helped shape a question that has guided my life and career: How can we use what we learn to help make people’s lives better?

Kristin Kohlmann