WCMA Supports Dairy Industry’s Future Leaders with Scholarships Worth $15,000

Showing its support for the dairy industry’s next generation of leaders, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) announced the winners of its 2018 scholarships, worth a total of $15,000.

“WCMA members recognize education as a key component to the continuing strength and growth of the dairy industry,” said John Umhoefer, Executive Director. “Through our Association, member companies have generously supported institutions of higher learning and students with total gifts worth more than $1 million.”

This year, a new record was set, with Umhoefer noting in a press release that more than 100 applications were submitted for WCMA’s five scholarship awards, making the selection process more competitive than ever.

Winners of the 2018 WCMA Myron P. “Mike” Dean Cheese Industry Student Scholarship included:

• Jamie Feldmann, a Production Supervisor at Sartori Company in Plymouth, Wisconsin, who is pursuing a Business Management degree from Lakeshore Technical College, maintaining a 3.5 grade point average while working full-time
• Alesha Radke, a Packaging Supervisor at Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, who is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average

Winners of the 2018 WCMA Cheese Industry Supplier Student Scholarship included:

• Mary McClure, a part-time Customer Support Engineer at ifm efector in Malvern, Pennsylvania, seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University, maintaining a 3.57 grade point average in her major
• Audrey Medrano, an Accounting Analyst at Yamato Corporation in Mequon, Wisconsin, holding a 3.9 grade point average in pursuit of an accounting degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• Andrew Bargender, a Purchasing Intern at A&B Process Systems in Stratford, Wisconsin, via the Wisconsin State Youth Apprenticeship Program, a straight “A” student entering the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in Fall 2018 with the goal of a double major in accounting and information systems

The annual Championship Cheese Auction, where gold medal cheeses from WCMA’s Championship Cheese Contest are sold to the highest bidder, is the source of the scholarship money. This year’s auction will be held Wednesday, April 18^th, at the International Cheese Technology Expo during the Chr. Hansen Reception at 5 p.m. For information on the upcoming event, visit CheeseExpo.org.

Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients! For more of the latest in the deli, dairy, and cheese world, stay tuned to Deli Market News.