The Ralph K. Morris Foundation is pleased to announce that its Rod Nilsestuen Legacy Event was held on October 30, 2024 at the University of River Falls University Center.
Rod Nilsestuen was an innovative champion of cooperatives, a tireless advocate for farmers, a passionate believer in farmland preservation, a dedicated volunteer, a results-oriented public servant, and a visionary leader who inspired others to act for the common good. The Rod Nilsestuen Program at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls commemorates Rod’s achievements and sustains his legacy.
This year's program featured Secretary Randy Romanski, State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, whose message "What’s Ahead for Farmers in Wisconsin?" spoke to the health of the agricultural industry in Wisconsin and how policy can affect it. Secretary Randy Romanski previously worked with Rod Nilsestuen, and being, like Rod, also an alumnus of UW River Falls, he directed heartfelt remarks to the students about the value of education.
Secretary Romanski has held leadership roles at multiple state agencies, working on issues such as farmland preservation, local foods, Farm to School, and renewable energy.
Originally from Wisconsin Rapids, Romanski earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and his master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The Rod Nilsestuen Program’s mission is to encourage creative thinking, research, education and outreach in the areas of cooperative business and development, wise rural land use, and leadership. The Legacy Event features a special luncheon at which invited UW River Falls student leaders, faculty, and staff meet the featured speaker, guests, and members of the Rod Nilsestuen family, and is followed by a presentation open anyone from the UWRF and wider community.
The Ralph K. Morris Foundation was established in 2001 to carry on the legacy of cooperative leader and attorney Ralph Morris. The foundation provides development opportunities for emerging leaders expressing interest in applying and advancing the principles of cooperation, and in promoting farmland preservation, land stewardship, and sustainability. Gifts are deductible for federal income tax purposes as charitable contributions. For more information visit www.ralphkmorrisfoundation.org.
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