Aaron Jagdfeld, a 1992 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduate, has been chosen as the initial recipient of the University's Director of Athletics Award of Excellence.  

The Director of Athletics Excellence Award recognizes a graduate of UW-Whitewater who has distinguished himself/herself in academic, athletic and professional service.  Selections are made by the director of athletics and the leadership team.  

"Aaron has distinguished himself in the professional ranks as a bright, hard working, personable and dedicated leader," UW-W director of athletics Dr. Paul Plinske said.  "He is considered by many as a 'rising star'.  UW-W athletics is proud of Aaron and his professional accomplishments.  As a former Warhawk student-athlete, he has given back to the institution and helped us complete our multi-sport complex.  We are thankful to Aaron and his family for this contribution, but are most excited to recognize him as the first recipient of the Director of Athletics Excellence Award."

Jagdfeld graduated from UW-W with a degree in accounting.  He went to work for Deloitte and Touche in Milwaukee, then moved to the finance department at Generac in 1994.  He was promoted to chief financial officer in 2002.  In 2007 he was named president of the company, with responsibility for sales, marketing, engineering and product development, and he was promoted to chief executive officer in 2008

Jagdfeld was a member of the track and field team at UW-Whitewater.  He lettered four years, and served as a team captain his senior year.  He placed sixth in the long jump at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference indoor championship in 1991, and added a fifth place in the same event at the WIAC's outdoor meet.

Jagdfeld will be honored at UW-Whitewater's home football against Dakota State University September 11.  The game kicks off at 12:00 in Perkins Stadium on the north end of the UW-W campus.

For additional information:  Paul Plinske