UWRF alumni honored with prestigious awards

Dr. Jason Staszko, a former U.S. Marine combat physician, and William Dobson, an economic advisor to former President Ronald Reagan, were honored by the UW-River Falls Alumni Association on April 24 in the University Center.

Dr. Staszko received the 2015 Outstanding Young Alumni Award and Dobson received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alumni Association.

“These honorees demonstrate how UWRF prepares graduates for successful careers and for making a difference in the lives of their communities,” said UWRF Chancellor Dean Van Galen.

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes the accomplishments of individuals who have excelled in professional and civic accomplishments and that have graduated from UWRF within the last 15 years.

Dr. Staszko, of Grafton, Wisconsin, graduated from UWRF with a degree in biology in 2000. He currently serves as the Associate Medical Director for Emergency Services and Co-Director of Trauma Services at Columbia St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While in medical school, he was awarded a full scholarship from the U.S. Navy and rose to the rank of lieutenant.

In 2006, Dr. Staszko was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he cared for soldiers and was responsible for the staffing and daily operations of his Battalion Aid Station.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the accomplishments of alumni who have provided long-time exceptional service and leadership in their profession, community and a continuing interest and loyalty to UWRF.

Dobson, of Waunakee, Wisconsin, is emeritus professor of agricultural and applied economics at UW-Madison. He has served as an agribusiness economist with the Babcock Institute for International Dairy Research, been professor and chair of agribusiness at Massey University in New Zealand and served as a senior staff economist with former President Ronald Reagan’s Council of Economic Advisors.

He graduated from UWRF with a bachelor’s of science degree in 1959 before receiving his master’s of science degree from Iowa State University in 1961, and his Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1969. Dobson has received numerous professional awards recognizing teaching excellence and has authored or co-authored 200 professional publications and articles.

For more information, email daniel.e.mcginty@uwrf.edu or call Alumni Relations at 425-3505.