News | Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation, Inc.

Meet Carson Klumb, WROF, Inc. Premier Scholar and Future Conservation Officer

August 28, 2026 by Marcy Heim | Comments Off

August 28, 2026

WROF, Inc. 2026 Premier Scholar Carson Klumb

You’ve met Ella and Storm. Please meet another WROF, Inc. Premier Scholar – Carson Klumb of Marshfield, Wisconsin!

Carson, the son of Josh and Deanna Klumb, grew up on his family’s 500-acre farm, home to about 200 head of cattle. Caring for the animals, preserving the land, and raising healthy crops helped shape Carson’s love of the outdoors and his determination to protect Wisconsin’s natural resources.

This fall, Carson is beginning his first year at UW-Stevens Point , where he is preparing for a career as a Conservation Officer.

“As a Conservation Officer, I hope to do more than enforce laws,” says Carson. “I want to educate the public, protect wildlife, support local economies through outdoor recreation and tourism, maintain the shared spaces we all rely on, assist those who are lost or in danger, and, when needed, help save lives.”

Someday, Carson also hopes to take over part of his family’s farm, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father and helping ensure the land remains in his family for generations.

Carson will also be busy outside the classroom, too! A competitive swimmer for the past eight years and a two-time state meet qualifier as part of a relay team at Marshfield High School, Carson will compete on the UW-Stevens Point swim team.

Carson is exactly why the WROF, Inc. Premier Scholars Program exists.

The program provides $3,000 scholarships to rural Wisconsin high school graduates pursuing education beyond high school who plan to return to rural Wisconsin and use their education and talents to help our farms and rural communities thrive.

Thanks to you, Carson is taking the next step toward a future serving rural Wisconsin — and WROF, Inc. is investing in another young person who wants to come home and make a difference.

With gratitude,

Marcy Heim

Executive Director

P.S. Carson’s story is one example of what can happen when a student from rural Wisconsin has the support to pursue their dreams. Your gift of any size to the WROF, Inc. Rural Scholar Program can help make those opportunities possible for more students.

Make your gift here!

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Marcy Heim

Executive Director

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Meet Storm Marshall-Buss: A WROF, Inc. Premier Scholar and Rural Trailblazer!

August 10, 2026 by Marcy Heim | Comments Off

August 7, 2026

WROF, Inc. 2026 Premier Scholar Storm Marshall-Buss

You would be so proud of our WROF, Inc. Premier Scholars!

This past Monday, August 3, WROF, Inc. hosted its 5th Annual Celebrating Excellence Luncheon , honoring seven outstanding Premier Scholars whose passion, determination, and commitment to rural Wisconsin inspired everyone in the room.

The event—and scholarships for two of our Premier Scholars—were generously sponsored by Rural Mutual Insurance Company . Dan Merk, Executive Vice President and CEO, welcomed our scholars, their families, guests, and members of the WROF, Inc. Board of Directors as we celebrated these remarkable young people.

Our sincere thanks to Rural Mutual Insurance Company for its investment in these future leaders. Founded in 1934, both Rural Mutual and WROF, Inc. share deep Wisconsin roots and a commitment to strengthening rural communities. It is a partnership built on shared values – and a shared belief in the future of rural Wisconsin.

At our luncheon, each of our Premier Scholars shared their stories and their dreams for the future. Over the coming weeks, you’ll continue to meet each of these inspiring young people here in our newsletter and on Facebook and LinkedIn. Today, we’re introducing Storm Marshall-Buss of Mineral Point, one of the scholars whose award was made possible through Rural Mutual Insurance Company’s sponsorship.

This summer has kept Storm busy working alongside her dad on the family’s organic cash crop farm while also showing sheep and horses across Wisconsin. Starting this fall, she looks forward to learning innovative growing techniques and sustainable practices at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC) , where she will earn a degree in Agribusiness.

Throughout high school, Storm received a head start on her post-secondary education through dual-credit classes offered at SWTC, while working full-time on the farm. Attending SWTC will also allow her to continue contributing to the family farm while earning her degree.

Storm hopes to help local farmers improve crop management, soil health, and overall efficiency by applying modern agricultural practices. By working with small farms, her goal is to ensure that family farms will continue to thrive in an evolving industry.

“I am most excited for the next generation of agriculturists to enter the industry for rural Wisconsin, because I believe that we can combine new technologies with tradition to create the most benefits for the land and animals our agricultural industry depends on,” says Storm.

On Monday, these young people and their families came together to celebrate, encourage one another, and share their dreams for the future. Thanks to supporters like you, they are gaining the education, confidence, and opportunities to show up for rural Wisconsin – and one day become the leaders our communities will depend on.

With gratitude,

Marcy Heim

Executive Director

P.S. If Storm’s story inspired you, imagine what your support could mean for the next student from rural Wisconsin. Whether you represent a company or simply want to invest in a promising young person, I’d love to visit with you. The best way to reach me is to text me at 608-772-6777 , and we’ll set up a time to talk.

Your gift of any size can be designated to the WROF, Inc. Rural Scholar Program , helping more students from rural Wisconsin discover what’s possible.

Make your gift here!

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Six Scholars Take the Next Step Towards Patient Care

June 30, 2026 by Marcy Heim | Comments Off

July 2, 2026

Header: Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation, Inc.: Fostering the vitality of rural Wisconsin since 1934

Congratulations to these SIX students for receiving their white coats! (Image of Claudia Loppnow, Diana Stanciu, Lydia Murphy, Lauren Linschied, Madilyn Volkmann, and Sam Dahl pictured with WROF, Inc. Executive Director Marcy Heim.)

A big day for, top left to right, Claudia Loppnow, Diana Stanciu, Lydia Murphy, Lauren Linscheid, Madilyn Volkmann, and Sam Dahl as they receive both their scholarship award and their White Coats!

Bet you believe this too: rural communities matter.

It was my honor and delight…in fact, this is one of my favorite programs of the year…presenting six scholarships to students in the UW-Madison Physician Assistant Program who have come from rural and underserved communities and are committed to returning to rural and underserved communities. With this White Coat on…these students now treat their patients as practicing physician assistants.

Here’s a bit of my message at the White Coat Ceremony….

Claudia, Diana, Lauren, Lydia, Madilyn, and Samantha—we celebrate you.

You are choosing something remarkable.

You are choosing communities where healthcare isn’t always easy to access.

Communities where people know your name.

Communities where your patient may also be your neighbor, your former teacher, the person sitting next to you at church, or the family waving at you at the grocery store.

You are not simply filling positions.

You are becoming part of the heartbeat of those communities .

WROF has been investing in rural Wisconsin for more than 80 years because we know this:

When you invest in people, they return that investment many times over.

Education becomes access. Access becomes health. Health becomes stronger families, stronger schools, stronger farms, stronger businesses – and stronger communities.

So as you put on your white coat today, I hope you remember this –

Knowledge matters. Skill matters.

But relationships matter too . Listen well. Learn continuously. See the whole person. And never underestimate what it means to simply show up and care .

As we celebrate our country’s 250th Birthday this July 4th, know we celebrate YOU…and thank you, each of you, for simply ‘showing up’ for the WROF, Inc. Your partnerships, your dollars, and your passion ensure a vibrant rural Wisconsin for our families and our neighbors. And THAT’S something to REALLY celebrate!

With gratitude,

Marcy Heim, Executive Director

(608) 772-6777 | marcy@marcyheim.com

Invest in rural healthcare!

Marcy Heim

Executive Director

(608) 772-6777

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Meet Ella Ranes – Trailblazer and Future Veterinarian

June 10, 2026 by Marcy Heim | Comments Off

June 11, 2026

WROF, Inc. 2026 Premier Scholar Ella Ranes

Your support has taken us on a journey to recognize rural Wisconsin’s brightest high school seniors. Thanks to you, we can help each of them achieve their academic and career goals through the WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Awards Program.

We can’t wait to introduce you to the WROF, Inc. 2026 Premier Scholars. This week, we’re kicking off the introductions with Ella Ranes of Marshfield, Wisconsin.

Ella is passionate about animals. During her senior year, Ella started a new club at her high school, the Animal-Wildlife-Empowerment-Society (AWES), because she saw a need for an organization dedicated to local animals and wildlife. Under her leadership, the club has supported a variety of animal-focused initiatives while also benefiting Wisconsin’s plant biodiversity.

Her commitment to animals began even earlier. Through her high school’s Youth Apprenticeship Program, Ella spent two years working as a Veterinary Assistant and Kennel Assistant at a local veterinary clinic. That experience, combined with her love of animals, fueled her dream of making a difference in the lives of the animals that help shape our communities.

This fall, Ella will attend UW-River Falls to pursue her goal of becoming a veterinarian. She hopes to serve farm animal populations and assist farmers who lack immediate access to veterinary care.

Ella is eager to bring her leadership skills to UW–River Falls. She will start a HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter on campus to promote healthcare involvement, leadership, and competition opportunities for students.

“I am very passionate about using what I will have learned as an expert in various species’ biology and medicine to improve the lives of farm animals like cattle, horses, and pigs, the security of Marshfield farmers, and the quality and quantity of food available to the town, providing more resources for the community,” says Ella.

Thank you for fuelling the dreams of students from rural Wisconsin. Your support empowers the future generation and ensures a thriving tomorrow for rural Wisconsin.

With gratitude,

Marcy Heim

Executive Director

P.S. Inspired by Ella’s story? Invest in rural Wisconsin’s brightest by making a gift today!

Make your gift here!

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Marcy Heim

Executive Director

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Announcing the WROF, Inc. 2026 Premier Scholars!

May 21, 2026 by Marcy Heim | Comments Off

May 21, 2026

You are part of something exciting for rural Wisconsin!

The Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation (WROF), Inc. 2026 Premier Scholars have been selected!

WROF, Inc. is honored to invest in the future of rural Wisconsin through its Premier Scholarship Awards Program. It is a meaningful opportunity to lift up students whose dreams, leadership, and passion are rooted in rural communities across our state. These remarkable young people represent the talent, determination, and heart that will help rural Wisconsin flourish for generations to come.

Thanks to you – our supporters, educational partners, and past scholarship recipients – seven scholarship awards of $3,000 will be awarded to help with post-secondary tuition and educational expenses.

We extend our sincere thanks to Susan Schultz, chair of the WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Awards Program, for her leadership. We are also grateful to the volunteer members of the ad hoc WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Selection Committee for their time, dedication, and careful consideration in selecting the seven recipients. The volunteer judges have no affiliation with the applicants or the program administration.

Your support plays a vital role in helping rural Wisconsin scholars pursue their academic dreams. Thank you for making this possible.

These SEVEN young people represent the bright future for rural Wisconsin.

Pictured from left to right, top row then bottom row, the WROF, Inc. 2026 Premier Scholars are:

Lillian Harmon of Dallas, WI

Carson Klumb of Marshfield, WI

Addison McCracken of Bloomer, WI

Madeline Maas of Iron Ridge, WI

Storm Marshall-Buss of Mineral Point, WI

Ella Ranes of Marshfield, WI

Emily Zemke of Clayton, WI

The scholarships for Lillian Harmon and Storm Marshall-Buss were made possible by a gift from Rural Mutual Insurance Company to the WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Awards Program.

“The WROF, Inc. celebrates our 2026 Premier Scholars. They represent the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and doers,” says Joan Behr, WROF, Inc. President. “Each one shares a goal of working and living in Wisconsin when they graduate from their studies. We look forward to their leadership and service to rural Wisconsin.”

Meet the Premier Scholars in upcoming newsletters!

With gratitude,

Marcy Heim, Executive Director

Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation, Inc.

Direct (608) 772-6777

marcy@marcyheim.com

Your gift creates bright futures in rural Wisconsin.

Please consider your gift today. Thank you!

Invest in Rural Wisconsin

Marcy Heim

Executive Director

(608) 772-6777

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Meet WROF, Inc. Board Member Sara Grunwaldt!

April 28, 2026 by Marcy Heim | Comments Off

April 30, 2026

We’re excited to introduce you to our newest board member, Sara Grunwaldt!

Sara attended UW-Eau Claire with the help of WROF, Inc. scholarships, and now she brings her perspective as a former scholarship recipient to the board.

Sara grew up on a family dairy farm in northern Wisconsin, where early mornings, shared responsibilities, and hard work were a way of life. “That upbringing instilled in me a strong work ethic, resilience, and a deep appreciation for perseverance – values that have guided me throughout my personal and professional journey,” says Sara.

As the first person in her family to attend college, Sara says that she carried those lessons with her to the UW-Eau Claire, where she earned a degree in medical technology. After graduation, Sara moved to Milwaukee, a challenging transition that pushed her beyond her comfort zone. “While the move was not easy, my upbringing and education prepared me well to navigate change and overcome life’s challenges,” says Sara.

Sara spent the first ten years of her career working in medical technology before transitioning into the insurance and financial services industry. “Throughout my career, lifelong learning, problem-solving, and collaboration have been essential skills that enabled me to adapt, grow, and succeed across different fields,” she says.

“During my college years, I was fortunate to receive WROF scholarships, support that played an important role in my educational journey,” Sara shares. “Today, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to give back as a contributing member of the WROF board. The WROF seeks opportunities to positively impact education for students in rural cities and towns across Wisconsin – students who aspire to make meaningful contributions to their communities and to our great state.”

Sara hopes that every young person who seeks an education is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a future shaped by possibility rather than limitation.

We are honored to have Sara as a member of our board. Thank you, Sara, for your time and dedication to WROF, Inc.

Warm regards,

Marcy Heim, Executive Director

(608) 772-6777 | marcy@marcyheim.com

Empower Rural Wisconsin Scholars today!

Marcy Heim

Executive Director

(608) 772-6777

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Investing in Tomorrow’s Dairy Leaders

April 13, 2026 by Marcy Heim | Comments Off

March 17, 2026

Pictured from left to right: WROF, Inc. Board Member Jerry Gaska, DVM; the WROF, Inc. 2026 scholarship recipients: Danielle Ware-Dreier, Brillion, Wis.; Reagan Kime, Fitchburg, Wis.; Matthew Fischer, Owen, Wis.; Jared Manske, New London, Wis.; and Kaylee Ferfecki, Cecil, Wis.; and WROF, Inc. Board President Joan Behr

You know that feeling when spring is just around the corner?

That same sense of anticipation comes every March when dairy farmers and professionals from Wisconsin, and around the world, gather for the Professional Dairy Producers’ Cornerstone Dairy Academy. Participants come together for world-class instruction in a three-pillar leadership development program designed to strengthen the future of the dairy industry.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, WROF, Inc. has offered five scholarships to the Cornerstone Dairy Academy each year since 2020.

This year’s scholarship recipients are:
Danielle Ware-Dreier, Brillion, Wis.;
Reagan Kime, Fitchburg, Wis.;
Matthew Fischer, Owen, Wis.;
Jared Manske, New London, Wis.;
Kaylee Ferfecki, Cecil, Wis.

All five recipients grew up on dairy farms, and several continue to assist with operations on their family farms.

“I’m always impressed with the number of people who have committed to all three leadership pillars and graduated from the program,” says WROF, Inc. Board Member Jerry Gaska, DVM. “Their dedication to developing their communication and leadership skills is remarkable.” Jerry also says that it is encouraging to see a wide and varied range of students, including recent school graduates, Hispanic leaders, and experienced individuals, strengthening their skills.

Your support helps make opportunities like this blossom every year.

Together, we can continue opening doors for the next generation of rural leaders and strengthen the future of Wisconsin’s dairy communities.

Make a gift today to invest in tomorrow’s dairy leaders.

With gratitude,

Marcy Heim, Executive Director

(608) 772-6777 | marcy@marcyheim.com

Invest in tomorrow’s dairy leaders

Marcy Heim

Executive Director

(608) 772-6777

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Meet WROF, Inc. Board Member Angela Zwald

February 6, 2026 by Marcy Heim | Comments Off

February 5, 2026

Angela Zwald, WROF, Inc. Board Member

Dear Friend,

We can’t wait to introduce you to one of our newest board members, Angela Zwald!

Angela grew up on a registered Holstein dairy farm in Manitowoc County that has been owned by her family since 1867. She earned a double major in Dairy Science and Agricultural and Applied Economics at UW-Madison, and then a Master’s degree in Dairy Science. She went on to earn an MBA, which she applies to her professional, personal, and volunteer responsibilities.

For more than 20 years, Angela has worked for Zoetis as a Senior Territory Business Manager in the Cattle Division. Angela is also a Certified DiSC Facilitator. She says that she enjoys helping people learn more about their own and others’ behavioral styles to build stronger relationships. Angela has held various leadership roles for St. Katharine Drexel Church and School.

Angela, her husband, and children currently live on a farm where they raise beef cattle and sheep.

“I believe strongly in WROF, Inc.’s mission of supporting education for our youth, who will be our leaders of tomorrow and help build rural communities in Wisconsin,” says Angela. “As a board member, I look forward to bringing my agricultural roots and professional experience to help invest in the future of rural Wisconsin.”

With gratitude,

Marcy Heim, Executive Director

(608) 772-6777 | marcy@marcyheim.com

P.S. Stay tuned to meet our new board member, Sara Grunwaldt, in an upcoming e-newsletter.

Empower Rural Wisconsin Scholars today!

Marcy Heim

Executive Director

(608) 772-6777

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Applications to the WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Program are NOW Open!

February 6, 2026 by Marcy Heim | Comments Off

January 15, 2026

Dear Friend,

We have a favor to ask you.

Do you know a high school senior from rural Wisconsin who is looking to pursue post-secondary education in Wisconsin?

If so, please let them know that applications for the WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Program are now open!

This year, the WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Program will award seven $3,000 scholarships to outstanding high school students from rural Wisconsin. These awards help cover tuition and other educational expenses for post-secondary education in Wisconsin.

“Our goal of the Premier Award Program is to support high school students from rural Wisconsin in pursuing their academic goals,” says Susan Schultz, WROF, Inc. Board Member and Chair of the WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Awards Program. “We look forward to honoring rural Wisconsin’s brightest scholars—young people whose future achievements will strengthen and sustain our rural communities.”

To be eligible, applicants must:

– Have lived in rural Wisconsin for at least two years

– Currently attend school in Wisconsin

– Demonstrate financial need

– Plan to return to their rural roots after graduation

Applications are accepted online until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026 .

Please visit www.wrof.org to learn about WROF, Inc. and to access the Premier Scholarship application.

With gratitude,

Marcy Heim, Executive Director

(608) 772-6777 | marcy@marcyheim.com

Make a Gift to Support Rural Wisconsin Scholars today!

Marcy Heim

Executive Director

(608) 772-6777

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NEWSFLASH: Rural Mutual + WROF = More Scholarships for Rural Wisconsin!

October 23, 2025 by Marcy Heim | Comments Off

October 23, 2025

Pictured from left to right: Chair of the WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Awards Program, Susan Schultz; Rural Mutual Insurance Director of Sales, Graig Beckstrand, and Rural Mutual Insurance Director of Marketing, Jenny Martin

Thanks to a new partnership, even more bright scholars from rural Wisconsin will see their academic goals take flight.

Recently, at an annual sales conference in Appleton, local Rural Mutual Insurance agents raised funds to provide two additional WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Awards! This means SEVEN remarkable high school students from rural Wisconsin will receive WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Awards next year – the largest number yet!

“This is a cause our agents across Wisconsin wholeheartedly rallied behind,” said Jenny Martin, Rural Mutual Insurance Director of Marketing. “Each year at our sales conference, funds are raised through raffle ticket sales, with proceeds donated to a different Wisconsin charity. The collective commitment and generosity of our agents resulted in the most successful fundraising effort we’ve ever achieved.”

Jenny is a past WROF, Inc. scholarship recipient and knows firsthand how much support a scholarship can bring to a student, both financially and morale-boosting.

Rural Mutual Insurance’s mission to keep Wisconsin strong aligns perfectly with the WROF. Inc.’s mission to foster rural vitality in Wisconsin. Both share a deep belief in supporting those who plan to live, work, and give back to our state’s rural communities.

“It’s incredibly inspiring to see partners like Rural Mutual step up for rural students,” said Sue Schultz, Chair of the WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Awards Program. “Their generosity not only opens doors for these young people but also strengthens the future of rural Wisconsin.”

With gratitude to Rural Mutual Insurance and to you, our caring community, the dreams of seven high school seniors from rural Wisconsin will be even brighter than ever next year.

With appreciation and joy,

Marcy Heim

Executive Director

P.S. Feeling inspired to help high school students from rural Wisconsin achieve their academic goals? Make a gift today that will fuel tomorrow’s trailblazers.

Support rural scholars today!

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Marcy Heim

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Meet Carson Klumb, WROF, Inc. Premier Scholar and Future Conservation Officer

Meet Storm Marshall-Buss: A WROF, Inc. Premier Scholar and Rural Trailblazer!

Six Scholars Take the Next Step Towards Patient Care

Meet Ella Ranes – Trailblazer and Future Veterinarian

Announcing the WROF, Inc. 2026 Premier Scholars!

Meet WROF, Inc. Board Member Sara Grunwaldt!

Investing in Tomorrow’s Dairy Leaders

Meet WROF, Inc. Board Member Angela Zwald

Applications to the WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Program are NOW Open!

NEWSFLASH: Rural Mutual + WROF = More Scholarships for Rural Wisconsin!

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