Delaware Valley University recently hosted its first Walter and Alma Uebersax Endowed Lectureship in Food Systems.
Sponsored by Mark and Kristen Uebersax, the endowment is established in memory of Mark’s parents, Walter and Alma Uebersax, for their commitment to the higher education of their four sons. Mark was the 1986 recipient of the DelVal Alumni Achievement Award.
Prior to the lecture, Kevin Ladden, a member of DelVal’s Office of Advancement, discussed the family’s story behind the establishment of the lecture series.
“Mark and Kit have made a significant investment in DelVal students with the creation of this lecture series,” said Ladden. “Their vision to bring together industry leaders, faculty, staff, and students to discuss food science, dairy, and other agricultural disciplines is a prime example of philanthropic leadership, and DelVal could not be more grateful for their support.”
Christopher Urban, Senior Vice President of Growth Platforms and Partnerships at Dairy Management Inc., was the inaugural speaker for the lectureship and was introduced by agribusiness major Malcolm Ellis. Urban discussed alternatives to fluid milk in the dairy industry, highlighting consumer and industry trends that have led to new product development and an increased need for workers in both sustainability and research and development.
“From 1970 to today, there are so many more dairy products driving the marketplace,” said Urban.
Urban has more than 20 years of experience in the CPG (consumer packaged goods) food and beverage industry. Most recently, he was Vice President of the Global Growth Office at Kraft Heinz, where he ran a start-up with Oprah Winfrey, developed a global outbound licensing business, advanced a global sustainability strategy for condiments, and implemented a global program to accelerate creative excellence for 400-plus marketers. Prior to that role, Urban spent 10 years in the refrigerated business unit, where he ran brands like Lunchables, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Velveeta, and Kraft Natural Cheese.
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