Campus Connection | UW-La Crosse

Samuel Scinta, political science instructor and CEO of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, was named the 2025-26 Higher Education Advocate of the Year by the UW-La Crosse Student Association.

Investing in future leaders Posted 12:17 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026 Students honor Samuel Scinta as Higher Education Advocate of the Year Read

Current news

Junior Ben Westrick regularly visits the Student Health Center on campus for allergy injections. The combination of proximity and quality care allows him to feel well and focus on his education.

Wellness within reach Posted 7:13 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026 UWL's Ben Westrick finds care, convenience at Student Health Center Read

A collage of photographs key moments in Kaleigh Kunkel’s college journey, including studying abroad, performing a flamenco dance at the UWL International Banquet, presenting undergraduate research, posing with a faculty mentor and participating in a campus event.

Five moments that changed everything Posted 4:03 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2026 Graduating senior reflects on the unexpected moments that led her to a career dream Read

UW-La Crosse broke ground Friday, May 8, on the second phase of the Prairie Springs Science Center. The facility will replace Cowley Hall with 30 state-of-the-art labs, classrooms and specialized learning spaces.

Breaking new ground Posted 12:01 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2026 Construction begins on transformative second phase of Prairie Springs Science Center Read

UWL students practice conducting an ultrasound in the EMPOWER Lab in the Health Science Center, a lab focused on improving lifespan health through the intersection of pelvic health, physical activity and longevity. Lisa VanWiel, assistant professor of Physical Therapy, at right, leads the lab and mentors student researchers.

Scholarship that listens Posted 12:48 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2026 High-impact student research rethinks postpartum care, exemplifies depth of PT education and student authorship Read

A spring 2025 UWL graduate holds a bouquet of flowers and looks out over the Mississippi River at Riverside Park following the commencement ceremony.

UWL commencement is set for May 16 Posted 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Three ceremonies will celebrate 1,980 graduates at the La Crosse Center Read

Jaidyn Strang, a double-major in accountancy and finance and the recipient of this year's Hoeschler Award, is set to graduate at UWL's spring commencement Saturday, May 16.

Finding her fit, launching her future Posted 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Business grad Jaidyn Strang reflects on UWL experiences that shaped her success Read

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Submit your news suggestions using UWL Share by no later than noon on Wednesdays preceding the next Monday's edition.

For more information, contact University Marketing & Communications at 608.785.8487.

Currents

Brian Kumm- Schaley, associate professor of Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy, is a musician who has used his understanding rhythm to explore a way of life in uncertain times.

Find your rhythm Posted 10:14 a.m. Friday, May 1, 2026 UWL leisure expert explores a musical philosophy for living in uncertain times Read

More news

Light Reads

An aerial view looking east to the bluffs over the La Crosse State Teachers College with athletic field and fair grounds in the background ca. 1939. Photo courtesy UWL Murphy Library, Special Collections/ARC.

UWL history quiz Posted 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 Take this short quiz spanning UWL’s 114-year history Read

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Announcements Add Announcement

Human Resources News

Digital Confidence: Join Our Upcoming Digital Literacy Session Posted 8:24 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2026 Sign up today for the virtual session Read

NEW: WorkDay Notification for Benefit Eligible New Hires Posted 11:43 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026 The Benefit Workgroup is excited to announce enhanced notifications rolling out in May! Read

Use Paid Leave by June 30, 2026 Posted 10:13 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026 Leave eligible employees are encouraged to plan and schedule paid leave now to avoid losing hours that are not eligible to carry over into the next fiscal year. Read

Policy Review | Vacation, Paid Leave Banks, and Vacation Cash Payouts Posted 3:44 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2026 Learn about the UW System policy and employee vacation, paid leave banks, and vacation cash payouts. Read

Training Input Survey Posted 3:38 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2026 What Training Opportunities Would You Like to See at UWL? Read

General Announcements

Community Engaged Learning Proposals are now being accepted for Spring 2027

The window to apply for a Community Engaged Learning (CEL) designation for spring 2027 courses is now open. A limited pool of professional development funds and Supplies & Expenses funding is now available on a first-come, first-served basis. View a preview of the CEL proposal. If you’re looking to connect with a community partner, you can find potential project ideas on the UWL Community Idea Exchange or contact theUWL Director of Community Engagement Lisa Klein.

The round one deadline to apply for the spring 2027 semester is September 15, 2026. The CEL designation will be applied to your course by the start of registration. The round two deadline for spring 2027 is January 15, 2027. If you apply by the round two deadline, the designation will not be applied to your course at the start of registration.

The Office of Community Engagement is excited to welcome you to the growing list of CEL instructors at UWL.

Driftless IDEA Camp - spots available for middle school students

Driftless IDEA Camp at-a-glance

Dates: June 8–11, 2026
Ages: Youth entering grades 6–8
Location: UWL Student Union
Format: Four days of hands-on activities focused on innovation, discovery, experiential learning and adventures — everything that makes our region incredible — facilitated by UW-La Crosse faculty and staff.

Driftless IDEA Camp empowers middle school learners to think beyond the classroom — seeing themselves as creators, explorers and engaged community members — while building skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Early registration discount by May 22!
Learn more and register to attend!

Communications Corner

No Campus Connection on Monday, May 25

Please note that there will be no Campus Connection campus email newsletter on Monday, May 25, due to the Memorial Day holiday. Please plan announcements accordingly. Campus Connection will resume on Monday, June 1.

Upcoming events Calendar

Today

Midwest Conference on Asian Affairs 11:30 p.m.-11:59 p.m.

Tomorrow

Tuesday, May 19

Wednesday, May 20

Thursday, May 21

Friday, May 22

Saturday, May 23

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Remembering

Jane R. Temp, '60 Alumna

Alumna Jane R. Temp, '60, died April 28. For more information see the obituary.

Frederick Alfredo "Fred" Marini, '76 Alumnus

Alumnus Frederick Alfredo "Fred" Marini, '76, died May 6. For more information see the obituary.

Kenneth James (K.C.) Cook, '95 Alumnus

Alumnus Kenneth James (K.C.) Cook, '95, died April 16. For more information see the obituary.

Maria Hildegard Kritchman Holley, '74 Alumna

Alumna Maria Hildegard Kritchman Holley, '74 died April 28. For more information see the obituary.

Wayne A. Jacobson, '67 Alumnus and Fund Holder

Alumnus and Fund Holder Wayne A. Jacobson, '67, died May 2. For more information see the obituary.

Marion L. (Packman) Maier, '49 Alumna

Alumna Marion L. (Packman) Maier,' 49, died Jan. 20, 2021. For more information see the obituary.

Paul E. Johnson, '70 Alumnus

Alumnus Paul E. Johnson, '70, died Dec. 6, 2020. For more information see the obituary.

Theodore W. Lapitz Jr., '55 Alumnus

Alumnus Theodore W. Lapitz Jr., '55, died Dec. 22, 2008.

Classifieds Add Classified

Solid Oak Twin Bed Frame $25 or best offer

Solid Oak Twin Bed Frame — Honey oak twin bed frame includes headboard, footboard, two sideboards and two large drawers that can be assembled on either side of the bed for flexibility of placement in room. You will need to haul away. $25 or best offer. For more information, contact Amy Ticknor at 608.397.1287 or aticknor@uwlax.edu.

Campus News