University of Wisconsin - Extension

MADISON -- In recognition of the thousands of individuals and organizations that make extraordinary contributions to University of Wisconsin institutions, the UW Board of Regents has instituted a new Partnership Award, on the occasion of the UW System's 30th anniversary.

Each UW institution nominates a recipient for this award to acknowledge an extraordinary contribution to the institution and to the UW System. The UW Partnership Awards will be presented during a special ceremony in Madison on April 4. Sponsors for the event are the Evjue Foundation and Kikkoman International, Inc.

UW-Extension nominated the Wisconsin Associated County Extension Committees (WACEC) as its outstanding partner. Don McKelvey, president of wacec and a member of the Grant County Board, will accept the award.

UW-Extension has a unique partnership with Wisconsin's 72 Wisconsin counties, with about forty percent of the funds for local Cooperative Extension faculty and staff coming from county governments. That adds up to an average of $20 million per year.

Formed in 1966, WACEC provides a forum for county boards to discuss issues related to Extension services. Members also provide invaluable grassroots support to the university.

"This event will provide a special opportunity for the Regents to celebrate the excellence of the UW System and to reaffirm the importance of the individuals and organizations within and outside the UW System who are vital to our success," said UW System Board of Regents President Jay L. Smith.

For information on other recipients of the UW System Partnership Awards, see http://www.wisconsin.edu/news/2002/r020403.htm

For more information on Cooperative Extension programs, see http://www1.uwex.edu/ces.