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The 20 top stories of 2020

Posted 9:54 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020

Image of campus at sunset with the Hoeshler Tower at center. The sun is setting on 2020 — a year history won't forget.

Most popular posts shine a light on innovation, resilience in a challenging time 

The year 2020 is one history will never forget. New pandemic norms, social unrest, economic pressures, a contentious election, and the death of more than 1.5 million people globally are just a few of the year's realities. But growing needs in communities, at times, brought out the best in people. Many of these stories came from UW-La Crosse students, faculty, staff and alumni. And they were recorded right here in campus news.  

Here are the top five most popular stories from campus news in 2020 — from each college and the School of Education, Professional and Continuing Education.  

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities  

Brittany Jacob, who oversees sewing for Olympus Group in Milwaukee, is leading the company’s efforts to produce masks and face shields in hopes of slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

“I worked with Joe Anderson in the costume shop, learned about patterning, cutting, sewing — things like that. I loved the theater staff and all the faculty. Some of my best memories are from La Crosse and UWL.” - Alumna Brittany Jacob.

  1. A music alum shared what life was like behind the scenes – and sound – of one of America’s most popular evening programs. He went from UWL to SNL.
  2. Alumna Brittany Jacob used her mascot production background to produce masks and face shields in hopes of slowing the spread of the coronavirus.   
  3. UWL art students didn’t let a pandemic get in the way of their senior art exhibition. Those graduating this December are planning another online exibit.
  4. Tami Plourde, ’98, a psychology major and English minor, credited her studies for her success as a brewer with Pearl Street Brewing Co.   
  5. A UW-La Crosse professor led us down dark and dusty corridors to uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt — without having to leave the couch. 

College of Business Administration  

A massive renovation of Wittich Hall was completed to become the new home of the CBA. We were able to see the transformation in action.

"I feel excited. I feel like this is a great opportunity for students ... There are places to collaborate and work on innovatitve projects. It feels so incredible and exciting to have your own space." - UWL student Cate Wiza while getting a tour of Wittich Hall renovations.

  1. A UWL student hip hop artist launched a business and landed on Forbes Communication Council.
  2. College seniors appealed to peoples’ needs in a pandemic, selling loungewear that sparks ‘meaningful conversations.’    
  3. A familiar face, recognized as a 7 Rivers Region economics specialist, was named interim dean of the College of Business Administration.
  4. Wittich Hall was renovated into the new home of the CBA.  
  5. UWL’s Beighley Leth earned a high finish in virtual sales competition by selling a computer to, well, a computer. 

College of Science and Health  

Peter Thielen, front, works with Tom Mehoke on immediate sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, the virus that causes COVID-19, at the Johns Hopkins Hospital molecular diagnostics laboratory. Johns Hopkins APL / Ed Whitman Read

“The experience I had in La Crosse, compared to peers I worked with immediately out of undergrad, was unparalleled." - Alumnus Peter Thielen.

  1. UWL science faculty stepped up to provide enough supplies to run 2,900 COVID-19 tests.   
  2. As world awaited a vaccine, a UWL alumnus worked to sequence virus’ genome. 
  3. UWL graduate students created programming for people with progressive neurological diseases. 
  4. UWL received a $1.25 million U.S. Department of Education grant to help improve educational services for children with disabilities throughout the country by empowering the university’s Adapted Physical Education and School Psychology graduate programs.   
  5. A UWL alum helped spearhead COVID testing at a Minneapolis hospital.  

School of Education, Professional and Continuing Education  

Aaron Scott, a 2007 alum of UW-La Crosse, sings on stage this fall on NBC's "The Voice." Scott passed his blind audition and stamped his ticket to Hollywood.

“Managing your emotions and nerves … I still don’t know how I was able to do it. And because of COVID, we were only able to meet with our vocal coaches virtually. So when it came time for the blind audition, I couldn’t see them in person or get any pointers or positive vibes. I was on my own.” - Alumnus Aaron Scott.

  1. Alum Aaron Scott starred on the hit singing show, “The Voice.”  
  2. An alumna's estate gift will support future educators forever. It is the largest gift ever to the School of Education.
  3. UWL Alumnus Jackson Baumgart put an exciting spin on a January fishing trip. 
  4. Global Cultures and Languages SOE-affiliated faculty linked research to teaching, creating a future generation of forward-thinking teachers. 
  5. Alumna Meredith Conn was named command chief of Wisconsin Air National Guard.   

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