CANR Alumni Board Spotlight – Lisa Woodke
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EmailCANR is releasing a series of spotlights on Alumni Board members. Lisa Woodke ('02, Agribusiness Management) is currently an Executive Board member representing the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) has nearly 60,000 alumni living around the world. The CANR Alumni Board plays a critical role connecting this large and diverse alumni community to meaningful ways to engage with the college after graduation.
The mission of the CANR Alumni Board is to build relationships that serve the college, alumni, students and friends of MSU. The board consists of volunteer members representing each of the college departments, MSU Extension, young alumni and at-large members. These members meet four times a year: September, December, March and July in East Lansing.
Alumni Board members have a variety of responsibilities, including promoting college events and philanthropic opportunities. They also serve as liaisons between the college, academic departments, alumni, and the agriculture and natural resources industries, among other duties. The work of the Alumni Board helps to keep the CANR community vibrant and connected.
CANR is releasing a series of spotlights on Alumni Board members. These stories will highlight each member's motivation for joining the board and share their experiences in this role.
Lisa Woodke (’02, B.S. Agribusiness Management) is an Executive Board member representing the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics. She is currently serving as Sustainability Director at Star of the West Milling Co.
How did your experience at CANR set you up for success in your career after graduation?
CANR has shaped many parts of my career. With the offer of college credit for having an internship, I found an internship! That internship led me to (eventually) my full-time job with that company. I also took FIM classes, that allowed me to experience a different side of ag, which is how I found my first job at HEB, never having been to Texas before. And lastly, the people I met at CANR are what really shaped my career; many of those students and faculty at MSU that I met while there are still in my life today.
What inspired you to become a CANR Alumni Board member?
I haven't been a huge financial supporter of MSU and CANR, and I felt that giving my time and talents would be a great way to say thank you to the college.
What advice do you have for CANR current students?
It's a big world out there, in terms of opportunity, but a small world in terms of people. Get to know others, reach out and connect. It will be the best thing for you both personally and professionally.
How would you encourage other CANR alumni to get involved and connect with the college?
I would recommend interacting with at least one class per year (or once per fall semester and once spring semester). Find out where you can help. Is it perusing and critiquing resumes? Talking as a guest speaker? Helping with a one-time event? Your time is valuable, both to you and the students. Share with them the experiences you have!
What has been your most memorable or rewarding experience while serving on the board?
I've loved being part of the scholarship committee to evaluate who receives scholarships. It's great to see the future of our college and world. I've also loved touring different parts of campus that I never saw as a student or are new since I was a student.
Learn more about the responsibilities and mission of the CANR Alumni Board and its members. To learn more about how you can get involved or serve on the CANR Alumni Board, please contact the CANR Advancement team.
