Current News

Faculty Recognition of Excellence Award for Teaching

Dr. Casey Tobin joined the UW-L faculty in 2007 and she teaches courses such as Abnormal Psychology, Human Sexuality, and Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy.  She is described by her chair, Dr. Betsy Morgan, as “one of the top faculty members in the department in terms of excellence in teaching.”  She routinely teaches 120+ students per semester and student regularly comment about her passion, knowledge, and approachability. Part of Casey’s teaching responsibilities include coordinating fieldwork and internship courses, which includes site supervision and working closely with Career Services for student internships.  Casey was the first Psychology faculty member to teach an online course at UW-L and has been a role model for other faculty in the department in this area and developed her department’s online teaching policy and created a sample online class for colleagues to use as a model.  This is not the first or only teaching award for which Casey was nominated.  This last February, Students Advocating Potential Ability bestowed the “Most Accessible Nominee Award” to Casey.  In addition, she received the 2010 CLS Excellence in Teaching Award as a junior (pre-tenure) faculty member.

Faculty Recognition of Excellence Award for Research/Creative Endeavors

Dr. Mark Chavalas joined the UW-L faculty in 1989.  For the past ten years, Mark’s research has focused on the interconnections in ancient Mesopotamia with outlying areas (Anatolia, the Aegean, Iran, Egypt, and Syro-Palestine, and even the Adriatic) and issues such as gender constructs in the ancient Near East and Mesopotamian historiography.  Since first joining our faculty, he has been a prolific researcher, publishing over thirty refereed articles in books and scholarly journals as well as additional book reviews, annotations/short articles, or entries for historical encyclopedias.   In addition, he has edited or co-edited seven books about the ancient Near East and the Old Testament.  The strength of Mark’s scholarship is further evidenced by his ability to earn external grants or fellowships from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as his work as a visiting scholar at places such as Harvard, Yale, UW-Madison, Columbia, and Brown (to name a few).  Mark’s chair, Dr. Chuck Lee states “Mark Chavalas’ scholarly record follows the arc of a career that so many of us aspire to, but so few of us attain:  sustained, significant, and recognized by his peers.”

Faculty Recognition of Excellence Award for Research/Creative Endeavors

Dr. Pat Turner has been teaching courses in communication at UW-L for over 30 years.  She is a specialist in broadcast media and has a significant record of creative work in the form of media productions.  Many in the local area may be familiar with some of her work, including her 14 years producing the annual Coulee Region Humane Society Telethon.  She has also scripted and produced shows that were aired weekly on KQEG-TV/channel 23 and has been the executive producer for shows such as “30-Minute News Update” and “inside La Crosse.” Pat has been awarded grants from organizations such as the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation and UW System.  In addition to her own production work, Pat is regarded as a reputable teacher and mentor.  Her students have received Wisconsin Broadcasting Awards for their productions and have successfully obtained jobs in local, regional, and national television stations.  The chair of Communication Studies, Dr. Linda Dickmeyer, describes Pat as “an exemplar for excellence” and explains that her “creative endeavors are indeed examples of scholarship as recognized not only in CST, but within the disciplines of communication, media and journalism.  We are very proud of Pat and her accomplishments.”

Faculty Recognition of Excellence Award for Service

Dr. Virginia Crank is a dedicated colleague who has been actively serving her department, college, and university.  Since 2008, she has served as the Director of the Writing Center which is staffed by ten to fourteen tutors and serves approximately 1500 students each academic year.  Virginia has also served on seventeen English department committees since 2006, including four committees to hire new faculty, two committees to assess colleagues for promotion, the department Executive Committee, and all four of the department’s curriculum committees.  Additionally, she has mentored students in the Eagle Mentoring Program, served on the admissions committee for the Secondary Teacher Education Program, and is working to help develop and assess efforts to ensure the success of all students as part of UW-L’s national accreditation process.  Virginia’s service work extends beyond the walls of UW-L to include work in the local community and professional organizations.  For example, she is a reviewer for two scholarly journals, including The Wisconsin English Journal.  Her colleague, Dr. Darci Thoune, describes Dr. Crank’s work as impressive, noting that “What is more remarkable, however is how incredibly well she executes each of these service activities.  Her commitment to service at all levels. . . makes her an invaluable colleague in enumerable ways.”

Faculty Inclusive Excellence Award

Joe Anderson, Chair of Theatre Arts, says that Dr. Beth Cherne “has been guided by a sense of inclusiveness since she began teaching here in the fall of 2001.”  Beth’s professional accomplishments illustrate this sentiment. She teaches a variety of courses in theatre, including Multicultural U.S. Plays—which addresses dramatic literature from multiple cultures within the U.S.—and World Theatre—which is a survey of historical and contemporary theatre from various cultures and geographic regions around the world.  To support her teaching and to provide professional development opportunities for students and faculty, Beth has secured grants to bring actors and playwrights of color to campus to provide acting and playwriting workshops.  Students have recognized her inclusive teaching practices through awards such as a “Most Inclusive” teacher award from Students Advocating Potential Ability.  Recently, she submitted a book to the University of Missouri Press that addresses worker’s theatre and published an article titled “Empathy as a Diversity Teaching Tool:  A Performance-based Class in Multicultural Dramatic Literature” in Theatre Topics. In addition, Beth engages in service activities on and off campus that reflect a commitment to creating inclusive communities.  For example, she was a founding member and former board member of the 7-Rivers LGBT Center here in La Crosse and she regularly volunteers at the Dakota-Winona Unity Alliance Gathering and Pow Wow.

Instructional Academic Staff Recognition of Excellence Award

Since beginning his work at UW-L in the fall of 2011, Dr. Adam Putz has been an active teacher and scholar.  He has taught a full course load—often taking an overload, in fact—while achieving a publication record that matches or exceeds faculty who are required to teach much less.  As stated by two of Adam’s colleagues “In just the past two years, not only has Dr. Putz completed and will publish his first book . . . he also received a prestigious NEH grant to attend  the 2012 summer seminar, ‘James Joyce’s Ulysses: Texts and Contexts’ at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.”  Adam’s book titled The Celtic Revival in Shakespeare’s Wake:  Appropriation and Cultural Politics in Ireland, 1867-1922, is described as breaking new ground in the field of Irish Studies.  This summer, Adam will be co-teaching a course with Dr. Kelly Sultzbach in London titled “Street Haunting:  Investigating the Supernatural, the Strange, & the Curious in London Literature.”  Drs. Robert Wilke and Susan Crutchfield state “Dr. Putz is an excellent scholar and teacher and we are exceptionally lucky to have him in the English Department.”

Classified Staff Recognition of Excellence Award

Laurie Collison is described by her department faculty as “positive,” embodying “grace,” and “quietly humble.” Dr. Linda Dickmeyer, Chair of Communication Studies, says that “Laurie provides outstanding service to everyone she encounters.”  She is the “front person” for everyone who enters the Communication Studies department and coordinates the administrative processes for the entire department.  Ms. Collison has been instrumental in creating a master calendar for the department, assisting in scheduling all courses in the department, and coordinating a move from the Center for the Arts to Centennial Hall in 2011. In addition, Laurie is the department’s liaison to Academic Technology Services, Facilities and Maintenance, as well as other campus offices. She assists new faculty in transitioning into the department and has a welcoming and natural rapport when interacting with students. “Laurie Collison is our department’s greatest resource, our friendliest face, our hardest worker, and an incredible person with a wonderful spirit,” says Dickmeyer. 

John E. Magerus Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior

Sarah has had a distinguished undergraduate career at UW-L.  During her first semester as a freshman, Sarah received an Undergraduate Research Grant to study the play Phantom of the Opera.  This research included an international travel grant to travel to London to see the stage version of the play at a West End theatre as well as to investigate costuming for the production at the Bath Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.  She went on to receive another research and travel award that supported her semester-long study at Massey University where she connected Maori Studies with theatre.  During her time at UW-L, she has also earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.89, has been on the Dean’s List eight times, served as a dramaturg (or research specialist) for three theatre productions, and formed a theatre company with several of her peers.  Sarah’s accomplishments on campus have been achieved while working two jobs and volunteering with local community organizations such as Luke House in Madison or New Horizons shelter in La Crosse.  Furthermore, she was selected to share her role as Mother Teresa (from the UW-L production of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot) at the regional competition of the American College Theatre Festival.  Dr. Beth Cherne, a faculty member in Theatre Arts, aptly stated “In preparing to write this letter [of support for the Magerus Award], I knew she was an excellent candidate, but I knew only a small fraction of the things she has done or does on a regular basis. . . She is just the kind of student that John Magerus wished to celebrate.”

CLS Graduate Student Achievement Award

Laura is described by the School Psychology faculty as “at the top of her cohort” group.  Laura has a 3.96 cumulative grade point average in the School Psychology program and has accumulated over 500 hours as a practicum student and will add another 250 hours in this final semester on campus.  Laura’s supervisors from her work in the Westby and Holmen school districts have commented that Laura brings a genuine caring for children and a desire to ensure that the at-risk students with whom she works will be successful.  In February, Laura presented her capstone research at the National Association of School Psychologists Annual Convention in Seattle, WA.  The project was titled “The Relationship Between Persistence and Student Engagement in Youth” and was supervised by Dr. Joci Newton.  The Director of School Psychology, Dr. Rob Dixon, states “we see Laura as the ideal graduate student . . .We are proud to call her a graduate of our program.”

CLS Graduate Student Recognition of Excellence

Jeffrey currently teaches in the School District of Albany and has taught social studies to grades 5-6 and life skills and media to grade 7.  While working full time, Jeffrey has distinguished himself as a graduate student in the Master of Education Professional Development (ME-PD) cohort in Stoughton, Wisconsin.  Brenda Autz, one of his faculty members, describes Jeffrey as “a reflective educator who is constantly questioning and searching for ways to better meet the needs of students.”  Jeff has earned a 4.0 in his program and facilitates several clubs and volunteers in after school programs.  He was the recipient of the 2005 and 2006 Wisconsin “School Promise” award.

CLS Graduate Student Recognition of Excellence

Coree is a second-year online master’s student in Student Affairs Administration.  Currently, Coree is employed as a full-time student affairs professional in Residence Life at UW-Platteville.  More specifically, he is a Residence Hall Director who serves approximately 250 students.  Dr. Jeannie Hanley, an SAA graduate faculty member, states that “Coree is a model student in our online program.  He is always prepared and one of the first students to share insightful information in online discussions.”  His faculty also describe him as a strong writer, curious for knowledge, respectful, empathetic, and willing to encourage his classmates.  During his time working at UW-Platteville, Coree has also worked as a Diversity Education Coordinator and an Issues Education Coordinator.

CLS Graduate Student Recognition of Excellence

Abby is a second-year student in Student Affairs Administration and will be graduating this spring.  Abby’s department chair, Dr. Jodie Rindt, describes Abby as exemplifying “the best we can expect from a graduate student.” She is prepared, engaged, and creative.  Her faculty describe her papers as well-researched and substantive.  During her time in Student Affairs Administration, Abby has served as a graduate assistant for the Pride Center, has interned at Career Services, and worked as a summer intern at The College at Brockport-SUNY for the university’s First-Year Experience and Prevention and Outreach Services.  In addition, Abby has attended and/or presented her work at state and regional conferences.  Dr. Rindt also said “Abby is well respected by her academic cohort, the SAA faculty, and staff in the division of Student Affairs, as well as her colleagues across campus.”

CLS Graduate Student Recognition of Excellence

Mackenzie is completing her final semester in School Psychology and has been a strong graduate student as evidenced by her 3.9 grade point average.  Mackenzie has completed approximately 500 hours working with elementary school children, teachers, and parents as she worked with school psychologists in the West Salem School District and a school in Winona, MN.  Mackenzie’s faculty describe her as a detail-oriented, active learner who does not hesitate to ask questions.  This last February, Mackenzie presented a poster of her capstone project at the National Association of School Psychologists Annual Convention in Seattle, WA.  Her program director, Dr. Rob Dixon, says that the faculty “are happy that Mackenzie has selected our program and we are certainly proud of her growth and development” over the past year and a half.

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award

Chris is expected to graduate in May 2013.  He has served as Student Director of the UW-L Marching Band for the past two years.  Chris was also named to the CLS Dean’s List six semesters during his academic career.  “In addition to his work with the Screaming Eagles Marching Band, Chris was hired by several high school band directors to write drill and marching band arrangements.” according to Dr. Tammy Fisher.  During his academic career, Chris participated in the UW-L Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Pit Orchestra, Acapella Group, Symphonic Band, Scholarship Quartet, Mannerchor, Low Brass Ensemble and the Germantown Community Band.

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award

Hillary expects to graduate this May with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Ethnic and Racial Studies.  She has earned academic achievement by being named to the CLS Dean’s list every semester she has attended UW-L.  Hillary is involved in numerous groups within the UW-L community such as Active Minds, SPILL (Supporting Peers In Laidback Listening) and as a Teaching Apprentice in Social and Developmental Psychology.  Dr. Grace Deason describes her as “having clear goals and a passion for a future career in industrial/organizational psych.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award

May of 2013 will see Liz graduate with a double major in Art and English/Rhetoric and Writing Emphasis.  In addition to her strong academic record, she has received four awards at the annual All-Student Juried exhibition and worked as a studio assistant in multiple mediums for various faculty.  Liz gained experience with large installation works assisting Czech-Canadian artist Lenka Novakova, which is a rare opportunity for an undergraduate.  She received a UW-L Undergraduate Research Grant to study Native American art in Arizona.  Liz will present her research at the Capitol Rotunda in Madison this spring.  Her written works have appeared in literary journals in Wisconsin and Minnesota.  Department Chair Dr. Don Sloan sees Liz as “the kind of student we all hope to have in our classes.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award

Jake plans on graduating from UW-L in May 2013 with a double major in English Literature and German Studies.  He is a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, Eta Phi Alpha Honor Society, the Pre-Law Association and has achieved CLS Dean’s List honors numerous semesters.  During the 2011-2012 academic year, Jacob studied abroad in Frankfurt, Germany.  He continues to dedicate time to the UW-L Office of International Education as a student study abroad advisor.  According to Dr. Shelley Hay and Dr. Audie Olson, “He is a great ambassador for this vital aspect to our program and has surely helped us recruit participants over the past few years.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award

Dana anticipates graduating in the Spring of 2014 with an English major and a Rhetoric and Writing Emphasis.  She has gained valuable experience working as a tutor for the Guangxi 2+2 Program, an Upward Bound Residential Summer Tutor and is a Resident Assistant.  Dana regularly achieves CLS Dean’s List honors.  Dr. Haixa Lan finds her to be “an outstanding students and a very meaningful member of the communities she belongs to.”

 2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award

Adam is double majoring in Philosophy and Biochemistry and plans to graduate in the Spring of 2013.  He has been active during his college career as an Academic Resource Mentor, a member of Men United Against Sexual Assault, Students for a Free Tibet and various aspects of Residence Life.  Adam is interested in pursuing the field of Bioethics.  Dr. Eric Kraemer believes, “…he would make an excellent contribution with his clear, rational approach to investigation and problem solving combined with a caring and sensitive ethical understanding of situational complexity.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award

Chance has demonstrated his passion and commitment to building his broadcast career since beginning at UW-L.  He has held numerous management positions at WMCM-TV, UW-L’s Student Run TV Station.  Currently he interns as Executive Assistant at WMCM-TV where he oversees the managers of the various station departments and their staffs.  Chance co-hosted the 14th Annual Coulee Region Telethon in the Fall of 2012 and did “an outstanding job”, according to Professors Turner and Dickmeyer.  He will graduate in the Spring of 2013.

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award

Dr. Tesia Marshik believes Katie demonstrates sensitivity and thoughtfulness in her work, as well as, a great passion for social equity issues.  “She is a delightful person – caring, modest and an ideal representative of the UW-L community.”  Katie plans to graduate with a double major in Psychology and Spanish in May 2013.  She has earned CLS Dean’s List honors most of her academic career while being actively involved with the Golden Key International Honor Society, the Psi Chi National Psychology Honors Society, Women’s Cross Country, Track & Field and obtaining certifications in CPR, QPR [Suicide Prevention] and LBGTQQ Ally Certified.

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award

During her time at UW-L, Susan established a new Student Parent campus organization to support non-traditional, low-income student parents.  She also organized the Widening the Circle conference aimed at making formal curricula in higher education more inclusive of Indigenous Peoples.  Dr. Mahruq Khan writes of Susan, “Ms. Fabian continuously proves her commitment to exceptional academic performance.  She exemplifies the leadership and commitment qualities required to address the policy needs of marginalized communities.”  Susan graduated from UW-L in December 2012 and has applied to the Humphrey School of Public Affairs Masters of Public Policy Program.

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award

English Professors Crank, Crutchfield and Parker nominated Alex due to “his commitment to and passion for English, and his mature demeanor and work ethic”.  He has served as an Academic Tutor in the UW-L Office of Multicultural Student Services and as a Volunteer English Teacher for Networks for Voluntary Services in Nairobi, Kenya.  Alex will complete his English Education major in the Spring of 2013. His professors believe, “Alex will serve the discipline of English/Language Arts well, as he is a student whose undergraduate work reveals the promise of a great intellectual future.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award

A History and Political Science double major, Atticus has made the CLS Dean’s List multiple times.  He is also a McNair Scholar, an intern for the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission, served in the Eagle Mentoring Program and is a History Tutor.  Atticus is presenting a paper based on oral histories conducted on a 2012 study tour of Egypt at the 2013 National Conference on Undergraduate Research.  Professors Heidi Morrison and Charles Lee believe Atticus to be “an exceptional student, a gifted writer, a careful analyst of historical materials and class leader.”  They continue, “He is developing a sophisticated academic focus in urban history and environmentalism which he plans to carry into graduate study after his commencement in May of 2013.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award  

Kat is a full-time undergraduate Sociology and Spanish double major at UW-L planning to graduate in Spring of 2013.  Dr. Laurie Cooper Stoll explains,  “…Kat has remained actively engaged on campus through her service as a teaching assistant for Dr. Tim Gongaware, an international peer advisor in the Office of International Education, a senator in the student senate, a member of the Spanish club, secretary of the Residence Hall Life Council, and president of the sociology club.”  Dr. Stoll also believes the under-resourced students Kat will teach in Miami while in the Teach for America program, “will be extremely fortunate” to have her as their teacher.

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award  

Kinden will graduate in May 2013 as an Art Education major.  During her academic career at UW-L she has demonstrated her talents and commitment by achieving CLS Dean’s List honors and being granted an Undergraduate Research Grant for her study of “Impasto Painting Techniques.  Kinden’s work has been exhibited in Murphy Library, at the Vitamin Studio in La Crosse and in the All-Student Show.  She has volunteered her time and talents to the La Crosse Public Schools helping elementary to high school level students and special needs students. Dr.  Jennifer Terpstra says, “Kinden’s work ethic, her level of peer involvement and her skills in painting are unparalleled among current students and graduates of our program.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award    

Julie is a Sociology major planning to graduate in May of 2013.  The results of her undergraduate research grant project “contributed to the literature on religious identity because she identified an additional stage of identity transition that past researchers had not observed” according to Dr. Carol Miller.  Julie is presenting her paper at the joint conference of the Wisconsin Sociological Association and Sociologists of Minnesota, as well as, the National Conference of Undergraduate Research and the Midwest Sociological Society Meeting in Chicago.  Dr. Miller finds, “Julie Krueger is not just a student of excellence; she is a citizen of excellence.”

 2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award   

 Amy anticipates graduating in May 2013.  Dr. Betsy Morgan, describes her as “a shining example of a smart student taking advantage of a good education to grow personally and professionally.”  She is Psi Chi & Psychology Club President, a member of the Psychology Honors Program and gained early acceptance into UW-L’s School Psychology graduate school.  Amy is also President of the group Autism Speaks, a Teaching Assistant and a member of SPILL (Supporting Peers In Laidback Listening).

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award   

Dillon graduates in May of 2013 with a double major in English Literature and Spanish.  He is the newsletter editor of the UW-L Golden Key International Honors Society, has served as president and vice-president of the UW-L Nutrition Association and belongs to the UW-L Spanish Club, as well as, the UW-L French Club.  Recently Dillon founded the UW-L Speak Easy Club. The purpose of Speak Easy is to enlighten through formal, informal and impromptu speech.  Dr. Stephen Mann explains, “Dillon Mader is simply the quintessential example of what a student of liberal studies can do.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award   

 Kate is a double major in Archaeology and Spanish.  She is among the top students in UW-L’s nationally recognized program according to Dr. Tim McAndrews.  In addition to exemplary academic performance, Kate has conducted funded research in the Peruvian Andes which has and will be presented at the UW-L Research and Creativity Day and the National Conference of Undergraduate Research.  She simultaneously volunteers at the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center, the La Crosse County Historical Society and holds down two part-time jobs.  Dr. Mc Andrews describes her as “an extremely motivated student”, “excited about her research” and believes “her research is robust and promises to advance our knowledge of ancestor worship.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award   

Spenser is expected to graduate in December of 2015.  He is a History Education major and studying Ethnic and Racial Studies as his minor.  Spenser’s desire is to become a secondary education teacher.  He believes he can help to improve the learning of all students utilizing his knowledge gained through his education and his personal life experiences.  Dr. Sarah Shillinger has known Spenser for three years and finds he submits “exceptionally well researched work on a variety of topics.”   She states, “He often works at a graduate level. Overall, Spenser is highly intelligent and has exceptional analytical and communications skills.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award

 May of 2013 is Braeden’s expected graduation date.  Dr. Katy Kortenkamp characterizes Braeden as “incredibly diligent, thoughtful and thorough in her approach to academic tasks, all while exuding an amiable demeanor and eagerness to learn.”  She is a member of the Psych Club, a Research Assistant in the Psychology Department and is applying to join the Peace Corp.  Braeden has studied abroad in a Community Public Health Program in Buenos Aires and earned QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) certification in a suicide prevention program.

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award 

 Dr. Gary Walth recognizes Anthony by saying, “Even before he graduates in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with an Emphasis in Choral and General Music, Anthony is beginning to establish a career path.  He is a member of the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association Next Direction Board, which plans and facilitates a conference each September for Wisconsin high school seniors interested in becoming choral music directors.”  He was chosen as a tenor section leader and student conductor in each of the three ensembles he participated in. Anthony also represented UW-L as a member of the 2011 WCDA Collegiate All-State Choir. 

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award 

Natalie completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in December of 2012.  She presented her work on eyewitness memory to advanced level psychology students while working as a Research and Teaching Assistant within the department.  Natalie’s accomplishments include dean’s list honors and belonging to the International Honors Society for Psychology Majors.  Dr. Melanie Cary describes Natalie as, “ an exceptional person who takes advantage of opportunities and accomplishes tasks with enthusiasm and conscientiousness.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award  

Megan has been active as a scholar and volunteer during her career at UW-L.  She will earn two majors when she graduates in May 2013 - Archaeology and Biology.  Megan has attended two field schools, conducted an undergraduate research project and volunteered with the UW-L Circle K organization, food pantries, Salvation Army and the Children’s Museum while maintaining her place on the CLS Dean’s List.  Dr. Constance Arzigian characterizes her as “a bright and enthusiastic scholar” who excels as a teaching assistant due to “her love of both learning and helping others.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award  

Sommer plans to graduate in Spring of 2013 with a Communication Studies: Broadcasting and Digital Media Emphasis degree.  She has served as the Assistant News Director, News Director and General Manager of WMCM-TV Student Run TV Station at UW-L.  She also co-hosted weekly radio programs for RAQ Radio, the UW-L Student Run Radio Station at UW-L.  Dr. Patricia Turner believes, “Sommer has a vibrant future ahead of her in media production.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award  

 Lindsay will earn her Organizational and Professional Communication major in May of 2013.  She has been a pivotal student member of the CST hiring committee.  Professors Leahy and Dickmeyer believe, “Her voice is very important on this high workload committee.”  Lindsay has also been the lead student on the development of the UW-L Speaking Center.  She has trained additional students to be peer mentors and works collectively, with them, to host public speaking anxiety workshops and tutoring sessions.  Both professors acknowledge Lindsay as “truly deserving…….based on her dedication to the CST department and to the communication discipline.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award 

Rileigh plans to use the Archaeology major and Anthropology minor she will earn this spring in her pursuit to become an Applied Anthropologist.  Dr. Christine Hippert has found, “Rileigh brings endless motivation, energy, keen insight and honesty to all that she does, whether in the classroom or in the real world.”  She is the first Archaeology major, at UW-L, to conduct an honor’s cultural anthropology research project for her senior thesis requirement.   Rileigh regularly achieves CLS Dean’s List honors and will be presenting her thesis at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research and co-presented, with Dr. Hippert, at the American Anthropological Association meeting in San Francisco.

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award  

Jake anticipates graduating in December 2013 with a major in Music Theatre.  During his time at UW-L, Jake has been nominated twice for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship, been nominated for a Suppie Award three times, winning twice and named Outstanding Jazz Vocalist in 2009.  Jake has made major contributions as an actor in over ten productions at UW-L.  Professor May Leonard describes Jake saying, “He is a mentor to our students, working with and carefully and respectfully encouraging them to make a commitment for excellence in themselves.  He believes in the value of education and pushes himself to pursue his full potential.”

2013 Undergraduate Student Recognition of Excellence Award   

In December 2012, Caylie graduated, with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Child Youth Care Emphasis.  She presented her research project, “Reely Wrong: Reactions to Inaccurate Portrayals of Schizophrenia in Film” at the 2012 Midwest Psychological Association Conference in Chicago, IL.  She was chosen from a nationwide pool of 60,000 candidates to be a member of the Teach for America program beginning the summer of 2013.  “Exceptionally bright, caring and a joy to work with,” that is how Dr. Bianca Basten describes Caylie.  “I am excited that Caylie is about to embark on her next adventure with Teach for America, where I know she will do great things, but I also know that she is the type of student that only comes along once in a blue moon and I will miss having her around.”