UW Foundation Board Chair Douglas Stark and his wife Deniz are both UW alums devoted to giving back to their alma mater.

After earning his degree in agricultural business in 1980, Doug joined Farm Credit Services of America. He served as president and chief executive officer from 2005 until his retirement in 2017, the culmination of a 37- year career. Deniz graduated in 1984 with her degree in agricultural business.

Together, the Starks have facilitated collaboration on research and outreach projects between UW and Farm Credit Services of America and helped launch UW’s first minor in leadership. Doug and Deniz also established the Stark Family President’s Endowed Scholarship, which supports transfer students to the UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources.

“I felt UW was a pivotal point in my life and career,” Doug says. “There are so many opportunities if students will look at their college education as that pivotal experience— that platform to propel them into an exciting future. That’s what keeps me motivated and giving back to UW.”