A message from Craig Youdale, Dean, Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies:
Our Winery and Viticulture Technician program is just over 23 years old and so is the tenure of one of our retirees, Professor Dr. Tom Schulz or better known to most of us as Dr. Tom! Dr. Tom will be retiring from the College on September 30.
Dr. Tom was the first full-time professor hired for the launch of the new and innovative Winery and Viticulture Technician program. Dr. Tom greatly contributed to the instant notoriety of the program, where people came from all over the world to discover and learn about it. He understood what was needed for a solid foundation in wine science and contributed to the program from day one. As part of the initial team that helped build the program, he employed his extensive knowledge and passion for wine science to develop the scientific aspect of the program.
I will forever be in awe of Dr. Tom’s dedication to his students, ensuring all were well-prepared to embark on careers in the wine industry, as well as his genuine love and respect for the world of wine.
Whether Dr. Tom was seen in his lab coat, riding his motorcycle to campus, playing the accordion at the annual student wine crush/stomp, he constantly embodied someone who genuinely loved their job and loved supporting the students he taught.
Thank you, Tom.
