Posted 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, 2026
Transfer student Del Kunze reflects on finding her home at UWL
National Transfer Student Week is Oct. 19-23 — a chance to celebrate the 1,000-plus transfer students who found their home at UW-La Crosse.
Transfer students enrich campus with unique perspectives, skillsets and experiences. But they also face a unique set of challenges. From making friends, to learning about services and resources, to finding their way around campus and the community, transfer students often face an uphill climb.
That’s why UWL offers a range of services, programs and engagement opportunities designed to support students and strengthen their sense of belonging.
As we celebrate transfer students and the staff and faculty who support them, we’re highlighting the story of one transfer student who found her place at UWL: Del Kunze, a sophomore majoring in radiologic technology.
Del Kunze
Q: Why did you choose to transfer to UWL?
A: I chose to transfer to UWL because of the strong sense of community I felt when I visited campus. As I explored different schools, UWL stood out because it felt welcoming and supportive from the very beginning. The university offers many opportunities for students to get involved, make connections and succeed academically. It quickly felt like a place where I could see myself growing, both academically and socially.
Q: What advice do you have for transfer students?
A: My biggest piece of advice for transfer students is to get involved as soon as possible. UWL offers a wide variety of clubs, organizations and activities that make it easy to meet new people and build friendships. I also recommend talking to people in your classes and being willing to step outside of your comfort zone. You might be surprised by how many other students are looking to make new connections and share similar experiences.
Q: What has surprised you about your experience at UWL?
A: What surprised me most about UWL was how easy it was to find my place on campus. Before transferring, I was nervous about meeting new people and adjusting to a new environment. However, I quickly realized how welcoming and friendly the campus community is. The support from students, faculty and staff made my transition much smoother than I expected.
Q: Who has helped or supported you in your transition to UWL?
A: Many people have helped support me throughout my transition to UWL. The Transfer Admissions team was especially helpful and made the entire process less stressful. Faculty and staff members have always been willing to answer questions and provide guidance when needed. I have also appreciated the efforts of the residence hall directors and resident assistants, who create a welcoming and social environment for students living on campus.
Q: What would you like to do with your degree after you graduate?
A: After graduation, I plan to continue working for Mayo Clinic as a radiologic technologist. I enjoy working in healthcare, and being able to make a positive impact on patients' experiences. My long-term goal is to further develop my skills and eventually work in the operating room. I am excited about the opportunities for growth and advancement within the field of medical imaging.
