Each year, the FWCB invites a distinguished scientist or conservationist to campus to give the Kolshorn Lecture. The Kolshorn lecture series was established in 1982 to honor Otto W. Kolshorn. Otto Kolshorn was a farmer, teacher, school board member, and Justice-of-the Peace from Goodhue County, Minnesota, who served 5 terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
FWCB's annual award ceremony is held in conjunction with the Kolshorn Lecture. The Early Career Alumni Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award are presented and students receiving fellowships and scholarships are honored.