College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Winter 2024 Commencement
CALS Pre-Commencement Celebration
Sunday, December 15 | 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Gordon Dining & Event Center, Symphony Room
770 W. Dayton Street, Madison, WI 53706
Please join families, staff, and friends from the UW—Madison College of Agricultural & Life Sciences for a breakfast with our December 2024 graduates. Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m. and Dean Gillaspy will share brief remarks at 8:45 and the formal program ends at 9:00. Students participating in the official commencement ceremony are asked to be seated at the Kohl Center by 9:40, guests are welcome to linger at the CALS reception until they are ready to head over to the Kohl Center. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Complimentary parking will be available in several campus parking lots.
Please note, this celebration is not the official commencement ceremony, and degrees are officially conferred at the doctoral, law, medical professional, master’s, and bachelor’s degree ceremony at the Kohl Center on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Find more information on the UW Commencement website.
CALS is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu to make a reasonable accommodation request.
Are you a December 2024 graduating student?
University Commencement Event
Winter 2024 Commencement
Doctoral, Law, Medical Professional, Master’s, and Bachelor’s Degree Candidate Ceremony
Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton Street
Graduates should consult the University’s Commencement website regularly for updates. You may also email commence@chancellor.wisc.edu with any questions regarding the University’s Commencement.
CALS Major-Specific Commencement Activities
Information about major-specific commencement activities are listed below. Students should contact their major advisor with any questions about these events.
Agricultural and Applied Economics
Graduates are invited to attend a weekly Friday coffee to be recognized in person and will also be recognized on the AAE website and social media. Additionally, graduation gifts will be sent to graduating students.
Biological Systems Engineering
December graduates will be recognized with a reception on Tuesday, December 12 at 6:00 p.m. in 130 Ag Engineering Lab.
Genetics and Genomics
A genetics graduation celebration for graduating students and their families/support systems will take place Saturday, December 14 from 4:00-5:30pm in Gen-Biotech 1111. Refreshments will be provided.
Biology
Graduating biology students can stop by the 3rd floor of the Microbial Sciences Building near the Biology Major advising offices on Wednesday, December 11th from 12:00-1:30 p.m. to enjoy ice cream with advisors and fellow grads. While you’re there, pick up your Biology Major mug – a gift to you as our newest alumni.
Life Sciences Communication
The LSC Fall Graduation Reception will take place Friday, December 13 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Hiram Smith Hall in the 2nd floor lobby Refreshments will be provided!
Bacteriology: Microbiology major
Graduating students in the biochemistry and microbiology majors are invited to a celebration hosted by the Biochemistry / Microbiology Undergraduate Advising Hub which supports students in the Department of Biochemistry and the Department of Bacteriology. Students can stop by 440 Henry Mall (room 1315) on Friday, December 13th, between 11am-3pm to pick up a sweet treat and a department gift. There will be a photo booth available, and friends and family are welcome to come! This event is drop-in style and casual.
Biochemistry
Graduating students in the biochemistry and microbiology majors are invited to a celebration hosted by the Biochemistry / Microbiology Undergraduate Advising Hub which supports students in the Department of Biochemistry and the Department of Bacteriology. Students can stop by 440 Henry Mall (room 1315) on Friday, December 13th, between 11am-3pm to pick up a sweet treat and a department gift. There will be a photo booth available, and friends and family are welcome to come! This event is drop-in style and casual.
Winter 2024 Graduate Profiles
London Bates
Community and Environmental Sociology, BS
London Bates, who grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in community and environmental sociology and a certificate in sustainability. She was selected to be the CALS flag bearer at the UW-Madison commencement ceremony. In this Q&A, she talks about her switch to the community and environmental sociology major, and her growth as a leader through student organizations. She plans to get a masters degree in environmental conservation.
Jonah Naatz
Soil Science, BS
Jonah Naatz, who grew up in Sussex, Wisconsin, will be graduating this winter with a bachelors in soil science. In this Q&A, he talks about why he chose soil science, his interest in turfgrass management, and his rewarding capstone project in soil science. He recently accepted a position as assistant superintendent at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
Quinn Ruzicka
Biology and
Life Sciences Communication, BS
Quinn Ruzicka, who grew up in Prior Lake, Minnesota, is graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in biology and life sciences communication. In this Q&A, she explains how she found the LSC major, her involvement in the Journal of Undergraduate Science and Technology, and the value of her hands-on coursework. She plans to enter the workforce and do marketing and branding for a science-related firm.
Hermary Gonzales
Wildlife Ecology, BS
Hermary Gonzales, who grew up in Pearl City Hawai’i, is graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in wildlife ecology and a certificate in environmental studies. In this Q&A, she explains why she chose wildlife ecology, her experience working as an undergraduate researcher, and her opportunities to bridge her culture and ecology. Her future plans included getting a PhD in wildlife ecology.
Dehlia Kilty
Biology, BS
Dehlia Kilty, who grew up in Marshfield, Wisconsin, is graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in biology. In this Q&A, she talks about how she discovered her interest in biology, her leadership roles in student organizations, and her study abroad experience in Vienna, Austria. Her future plans are to attend a physician’s assistant program and get a Master of Public Health degree.
Caitlin Hanley
Animal Science, BS
Caitlin Hanley, who grew up in Watertown, Wisconsin, will be graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in animal science and a certificate in food systems. In this Q&A, she talks about her hands-on learning experiences, student organizations she is involved in, and her meaningful work as a CALS ambassador. She plans to attend vet school on the path to becoming a small/exotic animal veterinarian.
Jason Kaiya
Genetics and Genomics, BS
Jason Kaiya, who was born in Nairobi, Kenya and grew up in Rochester, Minnesota, will be graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in genetics and genomics. In this Q&A, he explains why he chose the genetics major, his meaningful involvement in the CALS Quickstart program, and his advice for other CALS students. In the future, he plans to travel to Kenya to serve and do mission, and then apply to medical school.
Sophia Green
Animal Science, BS
Sophia Green, who grew up in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, will be graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in animal science. In this Q&A, she talks about her involvement in student organizations and research, the meaningful experience working at World Dairy Expo, and her future journey to become a food animal veterinarian.
Everardo Anta Galvan
Animal Science, MS
Everardo Anta Galvan, who grew up in Mexico City, Mexico, is graduating this winter with a master’s degree in animal science. In this Q&A, he talks about why he chose to work with animals, his experience as an international student, and some of the meaningful research he has done in reproductive physiology. He was recently accepted into UW–Madison’s endocrinology reproductive physiology program where he will pursue his PhD.
Pat Pharino
Animal Science, MS
Pat Pharino, who grew up in Udon Thani, Thailand, is graduating this winter with a master’s degree in animal science. In this Q&A, she discusses her involvement with events at the Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery building, and her worthwhile experience attending the international meat science conference in Brazil. She plans to continue her education and get a PhD relating to meat safety.
Recent Graduate Profiles – Spring 2024
Keira Obert
Wildlife Ecology, BS
Keira Obert, who grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in wildlife ecology and certificates in environmental studies and studio art. She was selected to be the CALS flag bearer at the UW–Madison commencement ceremony. In this Q&A, she talks about her experiences with the Hoofer Outing Club, attending her major’s “summer camp,” and her career plans, which involve promoting safe and sustainable outdoor recreation and conservation practices.
Bea Sutton
Food Science, BS
Bea Sutton, who grew up in Ashland, Wisconsin, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in food science and a certificate in global health. In this Q&A, she talks about finding the food science major, the value of participating in student organizations, and the satisfaction of working at campus’ Carson’s Market. Her future plans include interning at a California winery, then going to grad school.
Maxwell Chibuogwu
Plant Pathology, PhD
Maxwell Chibuogwu, an international student from Nigeria, will be graduating this spring with a PhD in plant pathology. In this Q&A, he talks about his route to UW–Madison, his motivation to study pathogens of crop plants, his leadership roles at UW, and the journey he’ll take to reach his future career goal: to consult for African ministries of agriculture.
Dev Desai
Biochemistry, BS
Microbiology, BS
Dev Desai, who grew up in Nashik, India, will be graduating this spring with two bachelor’s degrees – one in biochemistry and one in microbiology. In this Q&A, he talks about his experiences doing research and being a TA, his appreciation for bacteria, and his next step to get a PhD in molecular and cell biology.
Maezy Beams
Horticulture, BS
Maezy Beams, who grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture. In this Q&A, she talks about her decision to transfer to UW, finding a supportive community at CALS, and her eagerness to work in a public-facing role in the horticultural field.
Brenen Skalitzky
Genetics and Genomics, BS
Brenen Skalitzky, who grew up in Waterloo, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s degree in genetics and genomics, as well as three certificates: criminal justice, global health, and health policy. In this Q&A, he talks about his involvement in student orgs, undergrad research, study abroad – and his next steps to go to med school.
Andrea Wegrzynowicz
Biochemistry, PhD
Andrea Wegrzynowicz, who grew up in Ballston Spa in upstate New York, will be graduating this spring with a PhD in biochemistry. In this Q&A, she talks about the satisfaction of doing the “hard things,” the importance of saying “yes” to spontaneous trips to Babcock Dairy and the Terrace, and her plans to work in infertility and reproductive health.
Luke McCullough
Dairy Science, BS
Luke McCullough, who grew up in Juda, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in dairy science. In this Q&A, Luke talks about his role as student manager at campus’ Dairy Cattle Center, being on a winning team for the National Dairy Challenge competition, and his next steps to go to vet school and become a large animal veterinarian.
Jaya Suneja
Biological Systems Engineering, BS
Jaya Suneja, who grew up in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s degree in biological systems engineering and three certificates: business management for CALS, environmental studies, and studio art. In this Q&A, she talks about her experiences in the her major’s student org, the value of investing in your health and wellbeing, and her goal to become a licensed engineer who works on water management projects in water-scarce areas.
Jim Spoden
Environmental Sciences, BS
Life Sciences Communication, BS
Jim Spoden, who grew up in Milwaukee, will be graduating this spring with two bachelor’s degrees – environmental sciences and life sciences communication. This UW news article describes how Jim, who had been working in U.S. trade compliance, decided to go to college in order to shift his career path – to better align with his interest in addressing climate change.
Rosalie Powell
Environmental Sciences, BS
Life Sciences Communication, BS
Rosalie Powell, who grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with two bachelor’s degrees – environmental sciences and life sciences communication. In this Q&A, she talks about the satisfaction of registering students to vote, anticipation of publishing her undergrad research, and excitement about her upcoming conservation-focused fellowship in Washington State. Learn even more about Rosalie in this Grow article.