Future of Demeter

Demeter has continually evolved to meet the changing world around it to serve causes of the day and represent the demographics of the times. Today our membership reflects the increasing presence of women faculty and administrators in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the University of Wisconsin as well as leaders in agriculture across the state of Wisconsin. The student awardees of our scholarships and internships also reflect the high number of female students of merit in the CALS student body. We anticipate that these trends will continue as women gain greater representation in academia and agricultural industries. Opening membership to all women and men who share an interest in agriculture and life sciences while focusing on a commitment to education and service has led to new women members from outside of campus and an ever-increasing number of male members who represent past and present faculty, staff, and administrators of CALS and the broader institution. Men are now serving in leadership roles in Demeter on our board as well as volunteers for many of our events and service activities. Our membership and board are also increasingly representative of the cultural diversity of Wisconsin. Demeter has remained relevant to the needs of society as a service organization as well as the changing expectations of our roles as men and women for over 100 years. This ability has created a vitality that will carry Demeter into the 22nd century!