Dr. John Wise was recently recognized as the 2024 Cherry Industry Person of the Year, a prestigious award highlighting his significant contributions to the cherry farming community. The National Cherry Festival bestowed this honor upon Dr. Wise, who dedicated three decades to advancing the industry. Having recently retired from the MSU Department of Entomology, Dr. Wise expressed his commitment to continue supporting the field as a consultant.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Wise humbly remarked, "It's nice to have brilliant people, it is. But you don't have to be brilliant to be a contributor and to be a scientist. You don't have to be brilliant; you just have to be willing to learn and then the days pass, and the months pass and the years pass, and suddenly you realize, 'Wow, I did have something to give.'"
In addition to honoring Dr. Wise, the Cherry Festival paid tribute to the late George McManus, a respected former state senator and cherry grower. The event celebrated the remarkable achievements and profound impact of these individuals on the cherry industry, underscoring their invaluable contributions and lasting legacies.