Congratulations CALS Winter 2026 Graduates!
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Winter 2026 Graduation Celebration
CALS Winter Graduation Celebration
Sunday, December 13, 2026 | 8:00–9:30 a.m.
Gordon Dining and Events Center, Symphony Room
770 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53706
Join families, staff, and friends from the UW–Madison College of Agricultural & Life Sciences to celebrate our winter 2026 graduates on December 13th at the Gordon Dining and Events Center!
The celebration begins at 8:00 am with a light breakfast and brief remarks at 8:30 a.m. by Interim Dean Troy Runge. Bucky will be in attendance to take photos and graduates and guests are welcome to stay as long as they would like before leaving for the Kohl Center. Graduates must be seated for the campus-wide commencement in the Kohl Center by 9:40 am.
Please note, this celebration is not the official commencement ceremony, and degrees are officially conferred at the university-wide commencement events.
Parking: Complimentary parking will be available in several campus parking lots.
Accommodations: CALS is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu. Requests should be made by November 24, 2026, though reasonable effort will be made to support late accommodation requests. Review this webpage for accessibility information for the campus-wide commencement events.
University Commencement Ceremony
Doctoral, Law, Medical Professional, Master’s, and Bachelor’s Degree Candidate Ceremony
Sunday, December 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Kohl Center, 601 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53715
Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Graduates should be in their seats by 9:40 a.m.
Questions?
Graduates should consult the University’s Commencement website regularly for updates. You may also email commence@chancellor.wisc.edu with any questions regarding the University’s Commencement ceremony.
CALS Major-Specific Commencement Activities
Many of our majors and departments have their own recognition programming for graduating students. Check back in November for more details!
Featured Graduate Profiles
Amanda Rusch
Global Health, BS
Amanda Rusch, who is from Waunakee, WI, graduated this spring with a bachelor’s in global health. Amanda was selected to be the CALS flag bearer at the UW–Madison 2026 spring commencement ceremony. In this Q&A, she talks about why she decided to major in global health and her involvement in activities all around campus. She plans to continue her research in Madison as she prepares for graduate school.
Steven Hsieh
Food Science, Biology, MS
Steven Hsieh, who is from New Taipei City, Taiwan, graduated this spring with a bachelor’s in food science and biology and a certificate in fermented food and beverages. In this Q&A, he talks about why he chose the food science major, his experience with research and the CALS Honors in Research program, and student organizations he is involved in. Steven plans to stay at UW–Madison and pursue a master’s in bacteriology.
Chloe Sroga
Biological Systems Engineering, BS
Chloe Sroga, who is from Minneapolis, MN, graduated this spring with a bachelor’s in biological systems engineering. In this Q&A, she talks about her leadership positions in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) UW Chapter and her research internship while studying abroad in Greece. After graduation, Chloe will join the Supply Chain Development Program at Conagra Brands.
Grace Zhang
Microbiology, BS
Grace Zhang, who is from Boston, MA, graduated this spring with a bachelor’s in microbiology. In this Q&A, she talks about her research in fungal genetics and the hands-on opportunities in lab courses she has had as an undergraduate. Grace plans to join a research lab and continue research as part of a post-BS research program.
Jackson Banks
Environmental Sciences, BS
Jackson Banks, who is from Omro, WI, graduated this spring with a bachelor’s environmental sciences and a certificate in fermented foods and beverages. In this Q&A, he talks about his involvement in clubs, Alpha Gamma Rho, and his work with CALS as a SOAR Peer Advisor, teaching fellow, and student ambassador. Jackson is exploring work in student services with plans to pursue graduate school in the future.
MacKenzy Taylor Price Drousth
Forest Science, BS
MacKenzy Taylor Price Drousth, who is from Madison, WI, graduated this spring with a bachelor’s in forest science. In this Q&A, she talks about returning to school to pursue another degree and the connections she’s built in the forest science program and the CALS community. MacKenzy plans to explore careers in land management and continue to volunteer with prescribed burn crews around Madison.
Tyler Diels
Animal and Veterinary Biosciences, BS
Tyler Diels, who is from Beaver Dam, WI, graduated this spring with a bachelor’s in animal and veterinary biosciences. In this Q&A, he talks about his passion for veterinary medicine, his involvement in the Pre-Veterinary Association, and the connections he made with faculty and professors. After graduation, Tyler will be attending veterinary school at UW–Madison with plans of becoming a small animal veterinarian.
Molly Keebler
Genetics and Genomics, Life Sciences Communication, BS
Molly Keebler, who is from Middleton, WI, graduated this spring with a bachelor’s in genetics and genomics and life sciences communication. In this Q&A, she talks about her interest in neurobiology, her extensive involvement around campus in student organizations, research, study abroad, and as a CALS student ambassador. Molly plans to stay in Madison for a gap year while applying to Genetic Counseling programs.
Courtney Meeks
Plant Pathology, PhD
Courtney Meeks, who is from Valdosta, Georgia, graduated this spring with a PhD in plant pathology. In this Q&A, she talks about her interests in plants and diseases and how valuable it’s been to work alongside scientists with different strengths. Courtney plans to continue her work in the field and help farms with their plant health issues.
Cesi Deng
Genetics, PhD
Cesi Deng, who is from Changsha, China, graduated this spring with a PhD in genetics. In this Q&A, she talks about her work in stem cell biology and serving on the CALS graduate school committee. Cesi plans to keep pursuing translational research to hopefully advance our understanding of disease and bridge basic biological discovery with therapeutic development.