Department Honors Long-Time Supporter
William “Willie” Altenburg, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Platteville and long time supporter of CSU, was recently presented with the 2010 CSU Industry Partner Award. “I am honored to be recognized by CSU and was humbled by the award,” says Willie of his honor.
Willie graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 1973. Since then he has worked in the beef artificial insemination industry for over 40 years in semen production, beef semen marketing and beef division management. He has served in numerous well known beef organizations, councils and associations. He is a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association board of directors, an active Colorado Cattlemen Association member and a Colorado Livestock Association member.
He currently serves as Cooperative Resource International - Genex Associate vice president of beef marketing. Willie began to work at CSU when he first moved to Colorado after graduation in 1973. He first worked with Dr. Taylor and Dr. Brinks followed by Dr. Ames and Dr. Field. Enjoying CSU staff’s eagerness to help and admiring their strong roots in practical beef cattle research, Willie has stayed with CSU ever since.
Willie and his wife Sharon live and ranch in Fort Collins and own a herd of 175 Simmental and Angus/Red cows. This serves as the perfect opportunity to host student interns. Over 15 CSU student interns have been utilized over the past 12 years at Willie’s ranch. While interning, students live on the operation sometimes for two years. They participate in day to day tasks while learning the responsibilities of running a ranch.
“Several have gone on to become veterinarians, beef extension specialists, embryologists, A.I. technicians and others have returned to manage ranches of their own family purebred operations. I take a sense of pride knowing that we may have played a small part in their development, their success” comments Willie “It is rewarding to receive calls from former interns. All are like sons and daughters”.
With industry support like Willie’s, CSU and the College of Agricultural Sciences are able to successfully educate the best students. William Wailes, head of the animal sciences department, reflects on Willie’s support to the Department of Animal Sciences, “Willie Altenburg has been a tremendous asset to Animal Sciences and has always been a person that Animal Sciences can consult with on our genetic/breeding programs with our cattle herds. He has been a great partner, friend and mentor of our department”.
Article written by Juliana Velez, Intern, College of Agricultural Sciences
Comments or Questions can be sent to CAS_VIP@mail.colostate.edu
