Campus Connection

Six UW-La Crosse alumni will be honored this fall for distinguished service and successful careers

The alumni will return to campus to speak with students and attend an Alumni Awards Luncheon and Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Tickets are $25 per person and can be ordered through the Alumni Association at www.uwlalumni.org or 608.785.8489. The awards and those being honored include: The Maurice O. Graff Distinguished Alumnus Award Recognizes outstanding achievement in the lives of alumni who have brought honor and distinction to the university. Long-time administrator Maurice O. Graff instituted the honor in 1977. [caption id="attachment_5408" align="alignright" width="150"] Pat Stephens[/caption] Pat Stephens

• Extraordinary community advocate, motivator and leader.
• Fundraiser for the UWL Foundation for 35 years; long-time adviser to the UWL Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity.
• Known as the area’s “Mr. Fest” for his involvement in Deke Slayton Airfest, Freedom Fest, Freedom Honor Flight, Irishfest and Riverfest.
• Founder of La Crosse’s Rotary Lights project.
• Member of many community service groups, including Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Rotary, and the La Crosse County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
• Recipient of Viterbo’s Pope John XXIII Award, Jefferson Community Award, the Wisconsin Jaycees Statesman Award and the Iverson-Freking Community Award. UWL graduate: bachelor’s in education, ’71.

Rada Distinguished Alumnus Award Recognizes alumni who have graduated within the last 20 years, achieved professional distinction and taken part in humanitarian activities. Professor emeritus Ron Rada and his wife, Jane, created the award in 2002. [caption id="attachment_5406" align="alignright" width="150"] Ron Sissel[/caption] Ron Sissel

• Exceptional public administrator and member of the Senior Executive Service.
• Current deputy associate administrator of budget at the National Nuclear Security Administration, providing leadership and direction for a $12.5 billion budget.
• Prior comptroller at the U.S. Employee & Training Administration.
• Coordinator for Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner with his church.
• Master’s in public administration from University of Texas at El Paso.
• UWL graduate: bachelor’s in public administration, ’95,

[caption id="attachment_5411" align="alignright" width="150"] Ryan Johnson[/caption] Ryan Johnson

• Emerging entrepreneur, real estate and restaurant owner.
• Owner and/or founder of these La Crosse businesses: B.A. Burrito Co., State Room, Howie’s on La Crosse, The Old Crow, RRJ Holdings.
• Board of directors member of UWL L-Club, La Crosse County Convention and Visitor's Bureau Board; former Hunger Task Force Board member.
• Winner of the American Red Cross La Crosse Dancing with the Stars, 2011.
• UWL graduate: bachelor’s in marketing, ’01.

Parker Multicultural Alumni Award Recognizes outstanding alumni who have contributed greatly to the improvement of multiracial culture and understanding on the campus and in their careers. History Professor Emeritus James Parker initiated the award in 1997. [caption id="attachment_5409" align="alignright" width="150"] Marcia Stribling Ellis[/caption] Marcia Stribling Ellis

• Enthusiastic leader and mentor.
• Prior executive assistant, manager of student center and assistant director of student activities at Ramapo College of New Jersey.
• Former executive director of Girl Scout Council of Bergen County, New Jersey; law-related education coordinator, State Bar of Nevada; and high school career counselor, Georgia Department of Labor.
• Vice president, program director for National Coalition of 100 Black Women — Bergen/Passaic Chapter.
• Volunteer, Paterson Habitat for Humanity, New Jersey.
• Volunteer of the Year, BEST Coalition, Clark County, Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Nevada recognition.
• UWL graduate: bachelor’s in recreation leadership, ’75; master’s in college student personnel, ’85.

Burt and Norma Altman Teacher Education Award Honors and recognizes outstanding educators and the significant contributions they make to children and communities. Professor Emeritus Burt Altman and his wife, Norma, both long time supporters of teacher education, created this award in 2015. [caption id="attachment_5401" align="alignright" width="150"] Eugene "Gene" Conger[/caption] Eugene “Gene” Conger

• Accomplished career educator, coach and middle school principal.
• National Distinguished Principal Award and Wisconsin Middle School Principal of Year Award, 1993-94. Transformed a traditional junior high school into a highly successful and innovative exemplary middle school; one of eight schools to win National Blue Ribbon Schools Award.
• Outagamie County Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention and Intervention Award for developing outstanding school and community program.
• Leadership roles in church, community, county and state.
• Community involvement and leadership in Lions Club, Jaycees, Hortonville Commercial Club, church, men’s golf league, Babe Ruth summer baseball program, and Village of Hortonville Administrator Selection Committee.
• Coordinator of GMO golf outing for UWL alumni in Appleton for 15 years.
• Inducted in UWL Wall of Fame, 2008.
• Master’s in administration from Winona State University.
• UWL graduate: bachelor’s in physical science and physical education, ’60.

[caption id="attachment_5413" align="alignright" width="150"] Christopher Werner[/caption] Christopher Werner

• Innovative music educator and performer.
• Current assistant professor of music and director of bands at Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
• Former instrumental music teacher and music department chair at La Crosse Central High School where his bands worked with guest artists and composers and commissioned 17 works.
• President and vice president of two state music associations, where his leadership encouraged innovation, retention, budgeting and collaborations with composers at all levels of public school music programs.
• Master’s of music from UW-Milwaukee, 2002; doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2005.
• UWL graduate: bachelor’s in music education with an instrumental emphasis, ’99.