06/03/2026
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire – Barron County Foundation announced their selection for 2026 Distinguished Alumna as David Greschner of Rice Lake at the campus’ May 14 Commencement ceremony in the Fine Arts Theatre of UW-Eau Claire – Barron County.
Greschner attended what was then the University of Wisconsin Center-Barron County from 1971 to 1973. While a student, Greschner was involved with the campus newspaper, The Twig, lettered in baseball and was a member of the S Club. He continued his education at UW-Eau Claire, majoring in Journalism and minoring in History.
Following graduation, Greschner was recruited as a reporter for the Rice Lake Chronotype. During his 45+ year career at The Chronotype, Greschner developed an Outdoors section and served as reporter, photographer, and Outdoors and Sports Editor. His work has earned 21 first-place awards from the WI Newspaper Association (WNA) along with two National Newspaper Association awards and many other accolades. Greschner says he is most proud of his two-part series on the state of the Red Cedar River in the face of city development and outdated farming practices, which earned first place in WNA’s Open category (all state newspapers) for Environmental Reporting.
Greschner’s extensive coverage of local events led to his election into the Rice Lake Speedway Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Rice Lake Sports Hall of Fame in 2023. He is a past president of the Big Rivers Sportswriters Association, has contributed time to Ice Age Trail activities and spoken at UW-Stevens Point’s Earth Day Celebration. His book, Soul of the Outdoors, was published in 2024 through Cornerstone Press. In retirement, Greschner continues to write a weekly outdoor journal for area newspapers.
