Second Year, On-Campus Cohort, Graduating in 2010…

 

GET TO KNOW: ALEX BROWN...

 I am originally from Comfrey, MN and I attended South Dakota State University for my undergrad. Currently I have an assistantship with Greek Life.

WHY UW-L ALEX???

I chose to attend UW-L because of the reputation of the program, because I have the chance to learn from professionals in the field, and the assistantship opportunities to put theory to practice.

 

 

GET TO KNOW: MEGAN BUHRANDT...

I am originally from Hales Corners, WI and I completed my undergrad from UW- La Crosse. I currently have my assistantship in the Leadership and Involvement Center.

WHY UW-L MEGAN???

I came to (or stayed at) UW-L because I really wanted a graduate program that would provide me with a large amount of hands-on field experience, rather than a program focused solely on scholarly research. We are treated like full-time professionals at our assistantships, and are given many amazing opportunities (and the fact that they're paid is a plus, too). UW-L is the perfect size, is in a beautiful and fun city, and has the most dedicated and energetic staff of all the other schools I looked at.

 

GET TO KNOW: TIFFANY DAYTON...

I am originally from Little Canada, MN and I received my undergrad from UW-River Falls. This year will be my second year working for the Campus Activities Board (CAB) for my assistantship.

WHY UW-L TIFFANY???

I came to UW-L because of the assistantships offered throughout the program and also the option to take a comprehensive exam instead of doing a thesis.

 

 

 

GET TO KNOW: CHRIS DURKIN...

I am originally from Valparaiso, IN and I stayed in Indiana to attend Ball State University for my undergrad. For my first year assistantship I was an ORL Office Graduate Advisor to RHAC, and this year for my assistantship, I am an Assistant Hall Director in Angell Hall.

WHY UW-L CHRIS???

I came to UW-L for the program, the people, and the location.

 

 

GET TO KNOW: CALLIE FRIELER...

I am originally from Paynesville, MN and I attended UW-River Falls for my undergrad. During my first year assistantship I was in the Office of Graduate Studies and this year my assistantship is with the Campus Activities Board (CAB ).

WHY UW-L CALLIE???

I came to UW-L because I really liked the set-up of the program. I appreciated the fact that our professors all hold a current student affairs position on campus in addition to teaching. The program has a great long standing reputation and was in a great location for me.

 

 

 

GET TO KNOW: JEREMY GRAGERT...

I am originally from Stillwater, MN and I went to UW- Eau Claire for my undergrad. For my first year assistantship I was a Student Association Advisor and this year, I am the University Centers Sustainability Coordinator.

WHY UW-L JEREMY???

 I came to UW-L because of the excellent graduate assistantship opportunities, where I can make a difference on campus as well as get valuable work experience and challenges that allow me to do things I would not normally do. UW-L offers a classroom experience where the faculties are also student affairs professionals on campus, engaged in the issues of the day.   Working with some of the best students in the UW System every day is by far the biggest advantage of UW-L. Western Wisconsin is also a beautiful area where I can ride my bicycle for transportation as well as recreation, down the river valleys or up the bluffs, down to the People's Food Co-op in downtown La Crosse, or up to Hixon Forest in the bluffs.

 

GET TO KNOW:  TERA KRINGLE...

I am originally from Cokato, MN and I completed my undergrad from UW-River Falls. My first year assistantship was with the Graphics/Cellar Programming and this year, my assistantship, is in the Leadership and Involvement Center.

WHY UW-L TERA???

I wanted a program that would allow me to simultaneously learn and apply the knowledge we learn in the classroom.

 

 

 

GET TO KNOW: DARYL LAWRENCE...

I am originally from Soderville, MN and I attended Minnesota State University, Mankato for my undergrad. For my first year assistantship, I was an Office of Residential Life Graduate Assistant – Transitions, Diversity, Assessment, and Learning Outcomes. This year, I am the Assistant Hall Director in Coate Hall.

WHY UW-L DARYL???

I came to UW-L because I was inspired by my mentor, who did her undergrad work here, and to experience UW-L and all it has to offer.

 

 

GET TO KNOW: DAVID LEMON...

I am originally from Cedarburg, WI and I attended St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI. For my current assistantship, I am the Assistant Hall Director in Hutchinson Hall.

WHY UW-L DAVID???

After applying to and visiting a few other schools, I visited the UW-L campus. Even though it was freezing cold at the time, I absolutely loved everything about it. All of the faculty and staff I met were very kind and open to my questions. Everything really just felt right. I can really call UW-L home.

 

GET TO KNOW:  TERI PASSOW...

I am originally from Wausau, WI and I went to UW – La Crosse for my undergrad. For my first year assistantship, I was in Career Services and this year, for my assistantship, I am an Academic Advisor in the College of Science and Health.

WHY UW-L TERI???

Since I was already here for my undergrad, I knew it was a wonderful place to learn and grow. The program itself, though, is what really sold me. Being taught by professionals currently working in the field is one of the best ways I can think of to learn and prepare for a future in student affairs.

 

GET TO KNOW: RENEE SMITH…

I am originally from Colby, WI and I went to UW– La Crosse for my undergrad. My first-year assistantship was with University Centers. The responsibilities of that assistantship included working with student employment, serving as the graduate adviser for The Racquet, and helping plan events for "Celebrate UW-L: Family, Friends, & Alumni" Weekend. My second year assistantship is with Career Services.

WHY UW-L RENEE???

I completed my undergraduate coursework at UW-La Crosse, and because I loved my experiences here so much, it seemed like a natural fit for graduate school as well. What I like about UW-L's Student Affairs Administration program in particular is that it allows students to get a lot of hands-on, practical experience in the field, and I think that is extremely important in our profession. Also, having faculty members who are already student affairs professionals makes the coursework that much more applicable to the types of situations we will be experiencing throughout the program and in our future careers.

 

GET TO KNOW: CRYSTAL SVODOBA…

I am originally from New Prague, MN and I received my undergrad from UW-La Crosse. I was the Academic Resource Coordinator in Residence Life for my first year assistantship; and this year, my assistantship is in the Academic Advising Center.

WHY UW-L CRYSTAL???

I chose UW-L for my undergrad degree when I realized I was comparing all the other schools I was looking at to UW-L. When I decided to continue my education I already knew that the program, environment, and the people were the right fit for me.

 

 

 

GET TO KNOW: KRISTIN VAN VLEET...

I am originally from Marinette, WI and I attended UW-Marinette and UW-La Crosse for my undergrad. For my first year assistantship, I was with the Student Affairs Administration; and this year my assistantship is with the College of Liberal Studies.

WHY UW-L KRISTIN???

I visited UW-La Crosse and immediately loved the campus and the helpful people!  I was deciding between UW-Madison and UW-La Crosse, and I chose La Crosse because of the welcoming atmosphere of the campus as well as the fact that I have family and friends in the area. My undergrad and graduate experiences have been really positive here; I know I've made a good choice!

 

 

First Year, On-Campus Cohort, Graduating in 2011...

 

GET TO KNOW: ZOE CHANG…

I am originally from Lake Elmo, MN and I attended UW-La Crosse for my undergrad. This year I have an assistantship with the Office of Residence Life.

WHY UW-L ZOE???

I fell in love with the city and university during my undergrad, so that is why I stayed at UW-L.

 

 

 

GET TO KNOW: JENNA EICHBERGER...

I am originally from Black River Falls, WI and I received my undergrad from UW-Eau Claire. I have an assistantship in Cartwright Graphics and I am also on a committee that programs Celebrate UW-L.

WHY UW-L JENNA???

By the time I graduated, I knew that the world of Student Affairs could lead to a challenging, creative, and rewarding career. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I also have the guidance of experienced faculty at UW-L and the privilege of working with an outstanding cohort. It's an exciting time to be at UW-L, and I couldn't wait to get started.

 

GET TO KNOW: EMILY GLYNN...

I am originally from Dover, MN and I went to Ball State University for my undergrad. I have my assistantship in the College of Liberal Studies in the Dean’s Office this year.

WHY UW-L EMILY???

UW-L offers what seems to be a great Student Affairs program, and I can be closer to home before I go off and explore this great world!

 

 

 

GET TO KNOW: JUSTINE GRANT...

I am originally from Muskego, WI and I attended UW-Whitewater for my undergrad. I have an assistantship in the Psychology Department as an advisor this year.

WHY UW-L JUSTINE???

The program has a great practical component, the faculty and staff are very supportive, and it's a beautiful community.

 

 

 

GET TO KNOW: ASHLEY GRICE…

I am originally from St. Louis, MO and I went to Elmhurst College in Chicago, IL. I have my assistantship in the Office of Residence Life.

WHY UW-L ASHLEY???

I came to UWL for many reasons, the first being that I wanted to experience a school where the population of students wasn’t too large or too small. Another reason would be the location. La Crosse is in a small town and from my experiences; I think I enjoy the small town atmosphere the most. Of course, when I came to visit, I fell in love with other environmental factors such as it's convenient location by the river and the scenery of the trees and bluffs. But the number one factor that absolutely sold me was the ICE CREAM! But on a more serious note, UW-L was a place where I could have a fresh start to life and really pursue what I truly believe to be my passion in life; and that is to serve students in higher education.

 

GET TO KNOW: JACKIE HEHN...

I am originally from Niagara, WI and I went to UW-Green Bay for my undergrad. I have my assistantship at Western Technical College in the Lunda Center.

WHY UW-L JACKIE???

I want to work in the University of Wisconsin system after grad school so I hope to expand my professional network here at UW-L. I heard terrific things about the people at UW-L and the student affairs program has a great reputation. It doesn’t hurt at all that the La Crosse area is a beautiful area!

 

GET TO KNOW: JENNA KROSCH...

I am originally from Lake Crystal, MN and I received my undergrad from UW-River Falls. I have my assistantship in the Student Affairs Administration office this year.

WHY UW-L JENNA???

I came to UW-L because I liked the idea that everyone gained experience by having an assistantship. I knew this would give me great opportunities to see the different fields within student affairs. I also loved the bluffs and all of the other outdoor aspects La Crosse has to offer!

 

 

GET TO KNOW: ROB PETERSON...

I am originally from Spooner, WI and I attended UW-Eau Claire for my undergrad. I have an assistantship this year with the Office of Residence Life where I am an Academic Resource Mentor Supervisor and an Off-Campus, Residence Assistant (RA) for International Students.

WHY UW-L ROB???

I believe that the SAA program is incredibly strong and will prepare me for the next step in my professional career. The campus is nice, the staff and faculty are friendly, and I got an assistantship in my area of interest which is a huge plus.

 

GET TO KNOW: BRIANNE ROGERS...

I am originally from Birch Run, MI and I completed my undergrad at Northern Michigan University. I have my assistantship as a Student Association Advisor in the University Centers.

WHY UW-L BRIANNE???

I came to UW-La Crosse for three main reasons.  First, the program offers a good balance between learning inside and outside the classroom.  The academic portion is stressed equally with hands-on experience through assistantships and internships. Secondly, when interviewing for the program, I felt like people really wanted to learn about me, my background, and different experiences. I wasn't just a number, but a unique person. Finally, La Crosse is in a beautiful area and also offers a nice size city - the perfect balance.

 

GET TO KNOW: LAUREN SCHROEDER...

I am originally from Elroy, WI and I went to UW-La Crosse for my undergrad. I have an assistantship this year in Laux Hall as an Academic Advisor.

WHY UW-L LAUREN???

The atmosphere is wonderful, there is so much to do, and the program here at UW-L is amazing! I loved La Crosse so much as an undergrad that I just HAD to stay for graduate school!

 

 

 

GET TO KNOW: MICHELLE STERTZ...

I am originally from Bloomer, WI, but I now reside in Winona, MN and I completed my undergrad at Winona State University. My assistantship this year is in the Office of Graduate Studies and Institutional Research.

WHY UW-L MICHELLE???

I chose UW-L for the reputation of the SAA program.

 

 

 

 

GET TO KNOW: LESLIE SVACINA...

I am originally from Oneida, WI but now I reside in Baldwin, WI. I attended UW-River Falls for my undergrad and I also completed a Master’s Degree in agribusiness at Kansas State University. I have my assistantship this year in the Universities Centers working with Dining Services and advising The Racquet.

WHY UW-L LESLIE???

Choosing to attend UW-L was part of my process to transition into a student affairs career. I specifically came to UW-L because of the strong reputation of the student affairs administration program. I also chose UW-L because of the graduate assistantship opportunities, providing students with hands on, real world student affairs experience.

 

GET TO KNOW: RYAN VAN LOO...

I am originally from Janesville, WI and I received my undergrad from UW-La Crosse. My assistantship this year is in the Office of Student Life.

WHY UW-L RYAN???

I returned to UW-L because I was familiar with the high quality of the SAA On-Campus Program and the positive reputation of its faculty and staff. Also, I was intrigued by the opportunity to gain relevant work experience within Student Affairs through the Graduate Assistantships offered.  Lastly, I love the La Crosse area!  It is a beautiful region with plenty of opportunities to get involved; both on campus and in the community!

 

GET TO KNOW: XIA VANG...

I am originally from Wausau, WI and I went to UW-La Crosse for my undergrad. I am in the Office of Multicultural Student Services for my assistantship this year.

WHY UW-L XIA???

I like that the faculty cares about the success of their students and the reputation of the university.

 

 

 

GET TO KNOW: NOELLE WEBER…

I am originally from Onalaska, WI and I attended UW-Eau Claire for my undergrad. My graduate assistantship for this year and next is with the Violence Prevention Office; however, I will be working as the Violence Prevention Specialist over at Western Technical College. 

WHY UW-L NOELLE???

Although I am from the La Crosse area, and UW-L is conveniently located where I work and live.  The reason why I chose to study Student Affairs Administration at UW-L is largely because of the graduate assistantships available which will allow for me to apply what I learn in the classroom from the very beginning of the program.  I was also impressed with the faculty experience and diversity that will provide me with a well rounded and accurate picture of what the "day-to-day" business in higher education administration really involves. 

 

 

GET TO KNOW: CAYLA WENCL...

I am originally from Dodge Center, MN and I went to UW-River Falls for my undergrad.   I have an assistantship this year with the Universities Centers Pride Center.

WHY UW-L CAYLA???

I liked that the cohort sizes were small and that the college was a part of the UW system.  Most of all, I liked that the SAA program ensured the students were placed with grad assistantships. I think it is very important for students, especially myself, to apply classroom concepts to the everyday professional world. Since I was offered a grad assistantship upon acceptance into the program, I was ensured that I would receive the experiences that I needed.

 

The online cohorts will be up as soon as possible.