AGNR Alumni Chapter Honorary Members

2008 AGNR Alumni Chapter Honorary Member:

Weida Stoecker 

Weida Walker Stoecker earned her bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Maryland in 1971. Weida’s connection to agriculture began over 40 years when she met her future husband, Charles “Chuck” Stoecker while they were students at College Park. Chuck was an agricultural economics major from Baltimore County and Weida was a self-proclaimed “city girl” from Silver Spring in Montgomery County.

Chuck’s passion and commitment to agriculture was contagious and soon became an integral part of Weida’s life. During the late 70’s, her late husband, Chuck, was building the family business, “Stocker Farms” which specializes in selling vegetables at local farmers markets in Baltimore City, Towson, Howard Park, Waverly Market and Washington D.C. While teaching special education during this time, she spent her weekends by Chuck’s side working a booth at one of the farmers markets.

In 1977 she earned her masters degree in elementary education from George Washington University and pursued a 30 year career in education teaching special education in Baltimore County, Baltimore City and today in Carroll Country.
Despite numerous professional awards, Weida’s most cherished award is her 1980 induction as an Honorary Member of & Chapter Farmer Award from the Hereford High School FFA.

In the late 1990’s Chuck was elected to the AGNR Alumni Board and Weida’s passion for agriculture extended to this new endeavor. She and Chuck frequently combined athletic committee meetings with AGNR Alumni events. Her relentless enthusiasm for the Silent Auction held at the reunion and awards program each year has been an inspiration to others. She has combined her love of Maryland athletics and agriculture to bring many one-of-a- kind items to the Silent Auction from the world of Terrapin Athletics including signed copies of books by Johnny Holliday and other notable Terps! She is the first to volunteer to help with alumni and AGNR outreach programs including tailgates even after working a full morning at the Baltimore Farmer’s Markets.

Weida and her four children, Miranda ‘03, Charles, Thomas, and Rebecca (an incoming AGNR freshman) operate Stoecker Farms in White Hall and actively participate in local farmers markets in Maryland selling vegetables.

2008 AGNR Alumni Chapter Honorary Member:

Karel Petraitis 

Karel C. Petraitis ’67 developed her connection to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources through the friendship she and Weida F. Walker ’71 established when Karel returned to College Park for additional coursework prior to enrolling at George Washington University where she earned her JD. The friendship between Karel, Weida (who became Mrs. Charles Stoecker in 1974) and the late Charles G. “Chuck” Stoecker ’71, Agricultural Economics, began at a Young Republican’s meeting and has continued over the years in various University venues.

Her connections and contributions to the University of Maryland are numerous but her devotion to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and its related activities is where she finds her “home” at the University. Karel’s intense commitment to her friends finds her promoting and assisting with causes that are dear to them. With the Stoeckers she has made not only an impact on the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources but also varied sports activities and other departmental causes.

As a friend of the University she assisted with the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Terrapin Club, “Rebounders”, “FOG” and many other leadership, service and philanthropic endeavors. She has also been active in the Prince George’ County Alumni Club.

Karel’s outstanding support of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Chapter’s auction for student scholarships started when Chuck joined the alumni board and has become legendary. Her theme baskets have consistently been top sellers at the annual Silent Auction. She scours the country during the year to secure items of interest to complete each basket. This year she traveled off her assigned route to go to the John Deere Headquarters to find items for the 2008 auction.

When she travels south for ACC away games, she always includes a stop at Replacements Unlimited, for items for her famous “Ag baskets.” She was the initial financial supporter of the AGNR Alumni Chapter’s “Outstanding in the Field” sculpture during the 150th anniversary campus celebrations. Her leadership gift and challenge to board members inspired them to reach the $4,000 sponsorship level.

Karel resides in College Park and operates her law office on Baltimore Avenue in College Park. She is genuine and generous with her time, financial resources, enthusiasm and caring for her friends and agriculture and natural resources.

Award Details

This award recognizes individuals who are not alumni of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and may or may not be alumni of the University of Maryland. Nominees shall have rendered outstanding service to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

This award requires the vote of the Board of Directors at least one (1) month prior to bestowing the award. All departments, programs and administrative units are encouraged to nominate an outstanding alumnus for this prestigious recognition. Nominations from non-university sources are also welcome.

• Nominating packets should include:
  • 1-2 page nominating letter
  • 1-2 page narrative of accomplishments
  • Total package not to exceed 3 pages
• Nominations are due by February 13 of each year
• 5 copies of the nominating packet should be submitted to Gail Yeiser, 0106 Symons Hall, College Park, MD 20742.

• 1990 Cathy M. Schwab
• 1991 Betty J. Ohler
• 1994 Paul H. Mazzocchi
• 1998 Craig S. Oliver
• 1998 Samuel Riggs IV
• 1999 Edward H. Covell Jr.
• 2002 T. Milton Nelson
• 2004 F. Grove Miller
• 2008 Weida Stoecker
• 2008 Karel Petraitis