Join us for an evening with Dean Sommer MS’81, a Neenah native and cheese technologist from UW–Madison. This will be a night of educational, cheese-filled fun. Come learn more about our cheese state — and the state of our cheese!
Dinner will be a buffet featuring pot roast in pan gravy, baked chicken, mashed potatoes, carrots, and broccoli and cauliflower in parsley butter. Please note any dietary restrictions at registration.
The cost to attend is $25 per person or $15 for current students and UW graduates within five years of graduation.
Please register by April 12 to help us finalize catering numbers. Late registrations and walk-ins are still welcome, but registering by April 12 will help us plan well.
About the Program
Enjoy a special presentation:
How Wisconsin Became the Cheese State
Today, Wisconsin is known as the Dairy State and the Cheese State — but it didn’t start out that way. Find out how and why Wisconsin transitioned from wheat production to milk, how UW–Madison played a central role in revolutionizing the dairy industry, and how the university continues to support the industry to this day!
Schedule of Events
5 p.m. Cocktail reception
6 p.m. Dinner is served, followed by the program.
About the Speaker
Dean Sommer MS’81 is a cheese and food technologist at the Center for Dairy Research (CDR). He serves as a technical resource to the dairy industry regarding cheese, whey products, and processing. He assists manufacturers as well as their customers by serving as a consultant and educator. Dean is often involved with troubleshooting, public and private company short courses, and consulting on issues regarding processing and product defects. Dean has worked at the CDR for more than 20 years. Prior to that, he has more than 18 years of experience in the industry, having worked at one of the largest cheese and whey product facilities in the U.S. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry and a master’s degree in food science. He enjoys the constant challenges and continued learning that comes with working at CDR and is honored to serve the dairy industry, helping producers and manufacturers to provide the world with quality nutrition through dairy products.
Additional Information
When you register, please let us know if you require accessibility accommodations.
