UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources Announce Recipients of Annual Awards for 2024-25

Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 -- 10:00 AM

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources has announced the recipients of its annual awards for 2024–25.

The awards recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to natural resources education, industry innovation, and environmental conservation.

Dr. Mark Drew was awarded the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources Outstanding Alumnus Award in recognition of his distinguished career and contributions to wildlife.

Drew earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1980. As a student at UW-Stevens Point, he received the Chancellor's Leadership Award and was recognized as the Outstanding Wildlife Student.

He then pursued a master’s degree in Zoology from the University of Alberta, graduating in 1984. In 1987, he obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota and completed a zoo and wildlife medicine residency at the University of California in 1991.

He has been a diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine since 1992. For over 25 years, Mark has been teaching for Safe Capture International, which pioneered chemical immobilization courses for wildlife and animal control personnel, significantly increasing veterinarians’ engagement in wildlife care.

He leads the Safe Capture program at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Academy and teaches a Safe Capture class at UW-Stevens Point every fall. Additionally, he helped revise the 250-page training manual currently used in the course.

Mark has previous experience as a wildlife veterinarian for California and Idaho and has held academic positions at UC Davis and Texas A&M. He is a past president of the American College of Zoological Medicine and the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians.

Mark has authored over 45 peer-reviewed publications and six book chapters. A dedicated supporter of UW-Stevens Point students and faculty, Drew has donated a complete journal collection to the Wisconsin Center for Wildlife and frequently returns to campus to share new volumes and consult with students.

The Paper Industry Leadership Award has been awarded to Ahlstrom Oyj, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. There are ten manufacturing plants in the U.S., four of which are located in Wisconsin.

Ahlstrom produces specialty materials for filtration, packaging, and protective applications. In 2024, the company reported global revenue of €3 billion.

Ahlstrom is recognized for its sustainability initiatives, which include promoting fiber-based alternatives to fossil fuel products and addressing the global need for clean air and water.

The company is a strong partner to UW-Stevens Point, supporting student learning through internships, classroom presentations, field trips, and career placements.

The Conservation Leader Award has been presented to Wisconsin Healthy Grown, an initiative that is nearly 30 years in the making, created by the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association in collaboration with the Universities of Wisconsin, the International Crane Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund.

This initiative supports farmers who integrate conservation practices into their operations through habitat restoration and sustainable land management.

In partnership with UW-Stevens Point, Healthy Grown annually sponsors an ecosystem restoration intern who contributes to on-farm restoration projects and conducts independent research. Past student projects have focused on topics such as neotropical bird habitat usage, prairie carbon storage, and the benefits of wetland ecosystems.

This year, the CNR Outstanding Contributor Award is presented to William Kolodziej, a CNR alumnus who has made exceptional contributions to the college over many years.

Kolodziej has provided hands-on instruction and practical experiences in various courses, including private on-site wastewater treatment systems, agronomy, and grazing, as well as the Sustainable Forestry Education managed grazing field trip.

He has also played a key role in preparing students for the 2025 National Soil Judging Contest. His dedication, expertise, and support have left a lasting impact on both students and faculty.

“These honorees exemplify the mission and values of the College of Natural Resources,” said Brian Sloss, Dean of the College of Natural Resources.

“They are role models in their fields, mentors to our students, and champions of the environment. We proudly recognize their achievements and strong ties to our university.”

The awards were formally presented at the college’s annual spring banquets.

(Pictured: Don and Kelly Guay with Ahlstrom accept award with UWSP Karyn Biasca and Roland Gong)

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