David Curwen

Barbara Curwen established the scholarship in memory of her late husband, David Curwen. David was born in New Jersey, and attended the University of Vermont and Pennsylvania State University before joining the UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences as a professor in the Horticulture department. He also held a joint appointment with UW-Extension. David taught for 30 years, and mainly worked at Hancock Agricultural Research Station in central Wisconsin where he became known as a potato specialist by many growers and processors. Dave published over 100 formal publications and over 70 Extension Bulletins during his career. He was a leader in developing the first Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program in Wisconsin. This idea was well received by potato and vegetable growers, and it is still being implemented in newer programs. He also lead the development of the Wisconsin Irrigation Scheduling Program (WISP), the Potato Crop Management Program (PCM), and also contributed to the development of the new Integrated Pest Management WISDOM program. Dave was awarded the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association’s Research and Education Award in 1984. In 1989 he received a citation from the Wisconsin Legislature for his Wind Control work. He also received Research Awards from the Stevens Point Plover area Chamber of Commerce and Ore-Ida Foods in 1994. On March 26th, 1998, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association Hall of Fame. He served as chairman of the PAA Extension Section for several years and also as a member of the Editorial Board. ost significant and appreciated by all PAA members was his dedicated service as Secretary of the Potato Association of America for 10 years. Dave retired from the University of Wisconsin in 1994.