Newsletter
A page within Access, Belonging & Compliance
AB&C Newsletter
December 2025
In the December 2025 issue
Welcome to December!
Fall Semester can feel like such a long haul… and just like that, it’s nearly over. Congratulations to all of our students, from those who are wrapping up their very first semester of college all the way up to our soon-to-be graduates. Keep up the good work—you’re nearly there! And to our fellow faculty and staff across campus: thank you for showing up each and every day and making UWL an amazing place to work. We’re beyond proud to call you colleagues.
With fall break behind us, we hope you’re feeling rejuvenated and ready to finish 2025 strong! Though we have just a couple weeks left in the semester, December still brings us opportunities to connect, learn, and give back. Students, drop by OMSS during finals week for Final Study Days: grab a snack, study up, or just take a nap. Also, Campus Thread will be holding their Winter Cleanout Dec. 11-16, so if you find yourself in need of some new (to you) duds, be sure to visit CDCE next door!
Faculty and staff, don’t forget about another installment of Queer Coffee on Dec. 3, and if you have time to help out, please consider volunteering with the DRC to help proctor final exams.
We’re also excited to spotlight McNair Scholar Luke Schneider, our December Student of the Month. As a scholar and student leader, Luke has grown in leaps and bounds during his time at UWL, discovering a passion for research and a path toward a bright future. He’s a great reminder of why we all do what we do!
Read on for all the details in this, our final newsletter of 2025! You’ll hear from us again to kick off Spring Semester—until then, good luck, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!
In Community,
Stacy Narcotta-Welp, Vice Chancellor
Dr. Nevin J. Heard, Asst. Vice Chancellor
Other upcoming events
-
Queer Lunch
3115 Student Union
Multiple dates -
OMSS and CDCE Final Study Days
Multiple locations
Starts 8 a.m. Mon, Dec. 15
- Volunteer to help the DRC during finals week by proctoring or helping seat students before their exams. Sign up here
- The McNair Scholars application season is currently open. For prospective scholars, click here to find out more information.
Student of the Month
Luke Schneider
College of Science & Health
NAME
Luke Schneider
PRONOUNS
YEAR IN SCHOOL
Senior
ANTICIPATED GRADUATION YEAR
Spring 2026
MAJOR & MINOR
Biochemistry
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
What student orgs, teams, or leadership roles are you a part of?
I am currently serving as the vice president of UWL Chemistry & Biochemistry Club. This is my third year as an officer in that club.
What campus resources have been meaningful for you?
The McNair Scholars Program and Student Support Services have been especially meaningful to me for the support they've shown to me in my first few years here at UWL. After I found my footing here, I've tried my best to give back to those organizations through becoming a peer tutor at SSS and helping to recruit the next cohort of students for the McNair Scholars Program.
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Hobbies, passions, or fun facts:
I like listening to fan theories and film essays about my favorite book series. I also like to go for runs and hikes around the bluffs and rivers.
Favorite spot on campus:
My favorite study spots on campus are in front of the large windows on Murphy Library's first and second floors.
Book, movie, game, or show you love right now:
The book I'm currently reading is "Everything is Tuberculosis" by John Green. I recently saw him at a nearby university and picked up a copy of his book while I was there. I've loved many of his fictional books in the past, and have been enjoying his journey to the realm of nonfiction as well.
Hidden talent or surprising skill:
In middle and high school, I got really good at solving 2x2, 3x3, and 4x4 Rubik's Cubes and could solve the 2x2 and 3x3 consistently under 25 seconds and the 4x4 in about an minute.
ACHIEVEMENTS & HIGHLIGHTS
Something you're proud of:
I'm proud of the growth that I've had since coming to UWL. In particular, I'm proud of how I've been able to broaden my horizons as well as the growth that I've had academically and personally.
Recent accomplishment or milestone:
Recently, I was able to contribute to a scientific paper that was published earlier in the semester. I am also working on another paper that I hope to submit for publication before I graduate.
LOOKING AHEAD
Career goals / Dreams after graduation:
My career goals after graduation is to go to graduate school and earn a degree in the biomedical sciences. I want to contribute to the global fight to prevent and cure diseases and make a positive impact on those who come after me.
One piece of advice you'd give to other UWL students:
One piece of advice I'd give to other UWL students is to follow your passions. Don't be afraid of being judged or looked at differently, if you want to change your major because you discover you are more interested in something else.
Community events
- La Crosse Youth & Family Center Craft Day & Family Fun Night
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Saturday, December 6 & 5 - 7 p.m. Thursday, December 18 | La Crosse Youth & Learning Center
Stay involved!
If you're interested in having your event featured in our AB&C Monthly Newsletter, please reach out to belonging@uwlax.edu.
