Campus Connection

Through scholarships, Silver Eagles take students under their wing

As a student at UW-La Crosse, Mandi Hinrichs didn’t just receive a great education — she learned the value of networking and the importance of students connecting directly with the local business community. 

“I could not wait for the day I could return the favor and give back to UWL students just as so many had helped me," Hinrichs, ’03, says. 

Now, that day has come. 

Hinrichs recently completed her term as president of the UWL Silver Eagles, a group of College of Business Administration alumni supporting students through scholarships, internships and employment opportunities.  

The Silver Eagles are celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2026, and the Silver Eagles Scholarship Fund just marked 25 years — a testament to the group’s enduring impact. Since 2000, the Silver Eagles have awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships, supporting dozens of students on their educational journeys.

“The Silver Eagles want to lessen the financial burden on students,” Hinrichs explains. “When dedicated, committed students can focus on their education, networking and involvement that builds the base of the future career, they thrive. Scholarships ease some of the financial burden and let students focus on the classes and experiences that will make them successful.” 

Jacob Martens, a senior majoring in international business and business management, says receiving the Silver Eagles Scholarship was not only financially impactful, but personally impactful. 

For Martens — a U.S. Army veteran who run his own business, Cosmo Automotive Events — the scholarship demonstrated that he does not need to do it all on his own, that there’s a broader support system looking out for his future. 

“My entire college experience has been unsupported by anyone other than myself, so being supported financially was an honor,” he says. “It was a new feeling, and I am extremely grateful.” 

Martens has been highly active during his time at UWL, including serving as chief justice of the Student Court and rallying UWL student organizations to advocate for state funding to complete the Prairie Springs Science Center. All this, while pursuing a double major that he hopes will position him for a successful career in business. 

“I'm planning on using my degree to increase efficiency and mitigate waste for a company and its respective stakeholders,” Martens says. “Profit doesn't always need to incur waste.” 

Like Martens, Mackenna Kelly, another Silver Eagles Scholarship recipient, says the scholarship helped relieve some of the financial burden of college. An accountancy major, she hopes to works as a public accountant in Madison after graduation. 

“Receiving the Silver Eagles Scholarship was really helpful,” she says. “It eased some of the financial pressure of school and allowed me to focus more on my classes.” 

Hinrichs, who serves as president of the FLASH Family of Companies, a transportation and logistics company headquartered in Green Lake, Wisconsin, is an example of someone who has used a UWL degree as a springboard for career success. 

But it’s about more than a degree. Hinrichs credits extra-curricular activities — intramural sports, the water ski team and especially the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity — for helping her develop time management and organizations skills, expand her network, and gain exposure to area businesses. 

Today, the same opportunities and academic rigor continue to make UWL a high-quality university where students can find all the tools to build rewarding careers. 

By investing in scholarships, Hinrichs knows the Silver Eagles are making an impact not just for students, but also for the companies that will one day hire them. 

“As the college landscape has changed in the UW System, I am proud UWL has maintained admission standards and continues to grow in a time of decline,” Hinrichs says. “Getting into UWL was not easy in 2000, and it’s certainly not easy today.  Those standards provide for a challenging but rewarding education, making UWL grads highly regarded and sought after.” 

Learn more about scholarships at UWL.

Support the CBA 

Jeff Meyer, the development officer for the College of Business Administration, is here to assist alumni and friends looking to give back and create opportunities in the CBA. 

Interested businesses and prospective donors can reach Meyer at 608.785.8502 or jmeyer@uwlax.edu. If an in-person meeting is preferred, Meyer travels regionally and nationally to meet with CBA partners.