College Tips

Alumni recall the moments they knew they belonged at UWL

The first days of college can feel exciting, overwhelming and, at times, lonely. For many first-year students, it isn't one big moment that creates a sense of belonging — it's the small moments and unexpected connections along the way. 

As we approach a new academic year, we asked UWL alumni what made them feel at home when they first arrived on campus. Their answers painted a picture of the UWL experience across generations. Some alumni remembered learning to swing dance outside the Student Union, attending welcome concerts, bonding over meals with new roommates, walking along the Mississippi River, or finding an instant sense of community in the Screaming Eagles Marching Band (SEMB). Others recalled faculty members who saw their potential from day one. 

Here are just a few responses from UWL alumni. 

Faculty and mentors

Sometimes all it takes is one person who believes in you. Many alumni remembered professors, coaches and mentors who made a large campus feel personal from the start. 

Al Graewin, ’75 — the presence of a familiar football coach 

"I arrived on campus in the fall of ‘68 — two weeks early to play with the freshmen football team coached by Bill Terry. Coach Terry was from Westby, and I played against his teams all four years of high school. We never beat them, but his presence made my transition much easier. His son Larry, later UWL head coach, was our water boy. Arriving early, they housed all the freshmen football players in Reuter Hall. Reuter had been a women’s dorm with only six-foot shower heads and no urinals in the bathrooms. We were affectionately known as Reuter ‘RATS’." 

Lynn Stubbe, ’93 — a professor’s personal connection 

"Dr. Otto making a personal connection to everyone’s hometown in our recreation classes. It made you feel like you belonged." 

Becky Belter Roberts, ’97 — supportive professors 

"I remember how supportive and friendly my professors were. They inspired me in every way." 

Richard Knutson, ’24 — faculty who encouraged me 

"I arrived to campus as a transfer student from Western Technical College back around February 2021. Both Dr. Beth Boser and Dr. Michael Tollefson from the Communication Studies Department made me feel right at home when fall 2021 came around. They encouraged me to try new things on campus that I wouldn’t have thought of myself. UWL will always be home to me! Go Eagles!" 

Residence hall life

For many alumni, home started in the residence halls, where roommates, resident assistants and neighbors quickly became a support system. 

Gina Nocco Hanson, ’00 — an unforgettable birthday 

"The night after I arrived was my birthday. My RA (resident assistant) heard this and announced that we were all 'going out.' I was turning 18. Like 20-plus of my floormates, my RA and I took a trip to Chuck-E-Cheese! It was so thoughtful and fun. I decided I hoped to be an RA someday ... and I was!" 

Whitney Schumacher, ’10 — an early start 

"Joining my dorm council and being able to come a week earlier than everyone else was awesome! It gave me time to become comfortable on campus before it was packed, and I met great people." 

Rhianna (Zuleger) Schmidt, ’16, — a roommate who became my best friend 

"What helped me feel at home at UWL was the community I felt in Angell Hall my freshman year — especially my roommate LeAnna (Bender) Kavanaugh. We chose each other through the UWL Roommate Finder in 2012, so we were 'random' but not entirely. We were lucky to have a great group of women in our cube, including our neighbors and our RA. She was exactly what I needed for support while being away from home, and our similar interests, values, and personalities is what took us from being 'just roommates' to best friends! So many times I would catch myself wondering how we had only known each other for a few months, when I felt like we had been friends for years. 

"We supported each other through changes in our majors, tough decisions, beginning adulthood, celebrations and more. We ended up living together off campus for two years after the dorms and still spend time together when we can today!" 

Jack Rabbitt Lebahn, ’17 — a Super Nintendo and new friends 

"The check-in desk at Reuter Hall let me rent out a Super Nintendo to play in my room! All the classics — and it was such a hit with new roommates and hallmates! I bought one right when I graduated to make sure the nostalgia never died!" 

Student groups and organizations

Getting involved helped many alumni discover friendships, purpose and a sense of belonging beyond the classroom. 

Gregg Slapak, ’73 — ‘Hell Week’ with the marching band 

"Arriving 10 days prior to my first day as a freshman from Wheaton, Illinois, in late August of 1969 for the, then, Wisconsin State University 'Marching Chiefs' HELL WEEK and to be embraced by the couple hundred upperclassmen of the band. It was wonderful for me at 18 who had never been away from home to have felt such genuine camaraderie. I still have such fond memories of my very first days on campus. By the way ... we were 'The 1970 Rose Parade-bound Marching Chiefs' 350 members strong." 

Amy Vollmer Andrews, ’00 & ‘01 — Finding a musical community 

"Being a music major and being surrounded by others who took music seriously like I did. I immediately made awesome friends in orchestra and concert choir, then later a semester in SEMB.” 

Amanda Braun, ’19 — a community of fellow veterans 

"Growing up in Ohio, serving in the Navy, and eventually settling in Wisconsin before returning to college, I often found myself in unfamiliar places. One thing that always made me feel welcome and gave me a sense of belonging was the Veterans Lounge. It was a safe space where I could connect with fellow veterans who understood my experiences, and I truly appreciated having that community." 

Friends who became family

Some alumni remember the people who stood beside them. 

Nikki Boyer-Lang, ’00 — friends to support you 

"I felt at home because I had wonderful friends around me (and my boyfriend that is now my hubby). They supported me during some challenging times." 

Mike Gee, ’00 — a welcoming community 

"Honestly, I feel like it was the La Crosse and Onalaska community as a whole. It's just a proud and welcoming community that makes any first-year college student feel at home." 

Dave Whisner, ’68 — just being with others 

 ”It was sitting out on the lawn in front of the old student union with a lot of other freshmen before classes began in the Fall of '64 — it was the best of times.”