Posted 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
Dan Kraeger to receive Graff Distinguished Alumni Award
Everywhere he has been, Dan Kraeger has put the heart in healthcare.
Throughout his 40-year career as a physician — much of it spent in sports medicine and culminating with his current role as medical director for Heartland Hospice-Central Wisconsin — Kraeger has left a glowing impression with the patients he has served and the aspiring doctors he has taught.
In recognition of his impact, Kraeger, ’83, will receive the 2026 Graff Distinguished Alumni Award from the UW-La Crosse Alumni & Friends Foundation. The award honors alumni who hahttps://www.uwlax.edu/foundationve achieved honor and distinction that extend well beyond the immediate environments in which they live and work.
“Dr. Kraeger is knowledgeable and current in his understanding of all things sports medicine and athletic training best practices. He is a kind, positive, thoughtful and encouraging physician,” says Perry Cook, professor of science and adolescent education at UW-Stevens Point. Cook has been a close friend of Kraeger’s since Kraeger moved to the area in 1996.
“I have witnessed his professional and personal life,” Cook says, “and perhaps the biggest compliment I can pay him is that he is a man of integrity and honor.”
Kraeger’s colleagues say he never fails to approach his work with extreme care, compassion and professionalism — qualities that have served him well in leading hospice services for Heartland Hospice in Stevens Point.
In this role, Kraeger manages a team of nurses, social workers, chaplains, hospice aides and volunteers who provide end-of-life care for more than 200 patients across central Wisconsin — in addition to his work as a collaborating physician.
Kraeger has cared for patients in all stages of life.
Before transitioning to hospice care, he spent 22 years specializing in sports medicine and rehab services. He was a medical director for Ministry Sports Medicine and for the Athletic Training Department at UW-Stevens Point.
During this time, Kraeger became heavily involved in collegiate and youth sports, serving as the team physician for UWSP and several high school programs in the area.
“Families all across Central Wisconsin have very personal stories of Dr. Kraeger’s exceptional care,” says Steven Slezak, an ophthalmologist for Aspirus Health. “I cannot think of another physician that has had a greater impact upon the Central Wisconsin community.”
Kraeger’s reach extends even farther — halfway across the world, in fact.
Over the past 15 years, he has embarked on regular mission trips to impoverished communities in Central and South America, administering much-needed care as part of a team of visiting medical professionals.
On each occasion, Slezak says, Kraeger has emerged as a leader to assist his colleagues in adapting to language and cultural differences, as well as suboptimal clinical settings.
“It would be difficult to imagine a greater leadership challenge than leading a truly successful, unifying and life-changing medical mission team,” Slezak says. “Dan has done this again and again and again. He has demonstrated truly phenomenal servant leadership that has changed the course of countless lives.”
Kraeger’s achievements have led to praise and accolades. He was voted Outstanding Medical Student Teacher at the Medical College of Wisconsin-Central Wisconsin in 2016-17, 2019-20 and 2021-22.
Despite all he has done, the most lasting mark of Kraeger’s impact may be seen through his teaching: the aspiring medical professionals he has mentored through the years, and who are now using the lessons he taught to make a difference in their communities.
“Hundreds of doctors in training have benefited from that mentorship,” Slezak says. “Kraeger is passing on to the next generation of doctors the patient-centered values and personal connection that turn good doctors into great ones.”
About the awards
The UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation is honoring five highly accomplished graduates from 1983 to 2012 with its top alumni awards for 2026. These individuals are being recognized for their distinguished service and outstanding careers.
The award recipients will return to campus Saturday, April 11, 2026, for the Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony. This event is open to the public, and all are welcome to join in celebrating these remarkable alumni and the pride of our UWL community.
See the full list of 2026 recipients.
Nominate outstanding alumni
Nominate alumni who are making a difference in our schools and communities to be considered for a future Altman Teacher Education Award.