Matthew Wenger, program coordinator with the Meat Science Extension program in animal science, is the recipient of the Professional and Scientific Outstanding Achievement in Extension and Outreach Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. Wenger has been a key player in the success of this program, which includes an extensive variety of short course and workshop offerings for the meat industry, customized training programs for specific client companies in the meat industry, collaboration on grants and support of Iowa food processors, and contributions to federally-funded projects for research. Most recently, Wenger initiated and coordinated the Pass the Pork and Beef Up Iowa programs in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to provide meat for Iowans experiencing food insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wenger is actively involved in university and community service. He has been an advisor to the ISU Block and Bridle Club and ISU Cardinal Key. He has also chaired committees for Special Olympics Iowa and served as a member of the Special Olympics Iowa Board.