CFANS Alumni Shoutouts

Alumni

Celebrate the outstanding accomplishments, awards, and professional milestones of our CFANS alumni community! Check back regularly as we highlight the exceptional work CFANS alumni are doing to lead, innovate, and make an impact across the globe. Have a shoutout to share? Send us news about yourself or others so we can add it to our growing list of alumni highlights. 

Pat Duncanson, BS '83 agricultural business administration

Pat Duncanson at the 2026 NAADA awards.

July 2026: Pat Duncanson received the National Agricultural Alumni Development Association (NAADA) Volunteer Service Award, honoring his leadership, service, and dedication to inspiring support for agricultural alumni relations, development and student programs. As CEO and CFO of Highland Family Farms, Pat applies the values of sustainability, innovation, and stewardship to both his professional life and his volunteerism.

 

Kate Maertens, BS '13 agricultural education

Kate Maertens.

July 2026: Agriculture Future of America recognized Kate Maertens as one of 30 alumni featured in its "Celebrating 30 Voices" campaign, a special initiative honoring AFA’s 30th anniversary and the alumni making an impact across the agriculture industry. Learn more about Kate, who currently is a merchandiser at Renewable Products Marketing Group, Inc. 

 

 

Amanda Durow, BS animal science, MBA '14 Minnesota Carlson

Amanda Durow.

July 2026: Agriculture Future of America recognized Amanda Durow as one of 30 alumni featured in its "Celebrating 30 Voices" campaign, a special initiative honoring AFA’s 30th anniversary and the alumni making an impact across the agriculture industry. Learn more about Amanda, who currently is a vice president and lead relationship manager at CoBank. 

 

 

Mary Buschette, BS '87 agricultural economics 

Mary Buschette.

July 2026: The Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators recognized Mary Buschette with the Presidential Award of Merit, honoring her lifetime commitment of devoted support for Minnesota agriculture and agricultural education. Mary is the CFANS director of alumni and constituent relations and has worked for the University of Minnesota for 36+ years.