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College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Humanities (CASSH)

2021

Congratulations

2021 CASSH Recognition of Excellence Winners!

These awards recognize outstanding contributions by the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CASSH)/Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) faculty, staff and students.
Take a moment to celebrate these individuals on their achievements.

Faculty Award Recipients

Nicholas Bakken CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence, Research/Scholarship/Creative Endeavors
Rebekah Fowler CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence, Teaching
Kathleen Hawkes CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence, Service
Patricia Stovey CASSH Excellence Award for Community Engagement
Darci Thoune CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence, Service
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department CASSH Excellence Award for Inclusive Excellence

Academic Staff Award Recipients

Shuma Iwai CASSH Academic Staff Recognition of Excellence, Teaching
Jennifer Mohlenhoff-Baggett CASSH Academic Staff Recognition of Excellence, Service

University Staff Award Recipient

Shannon Suddeth CASSH University Staff Excellence Award

Friend of CASSH(2)

Gary Isakson Friend of CASSH

John E(2). Magerus Award for Outstanding Senior

Laura Zinnel John E. Magerus Award for Outstanding Senior, Department of Psychology

Graduate Student Award for Academic Achievement

Nic DeKeyser CASSH Graduate Recognition for Academic Achievement, School Psychology

Nominee for Graduate Student Award for Academic Achievement

Myxee Thao Nominee for Graduate Recognition for Academic Achievement, Student Affairs Administration

Graduate Student Excellence Award Recipients

Sam Beckett CASSH Graduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Psychology, School Psychology
Lo Moser Klink CASSH Graduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Student Affairs Administration

Undergraduate Student Excellence Award Recipients

Emily Kinney CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
Savannah Stanley CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
Amber Boesel CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Art
Bailey Brandner CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Communication Studies
Brady Fischer CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Communication Studies
Amanda Lee CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Communication Studies
Natalie Sims CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Communication Studies
Zoe Bossert CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of English
Alison Obright CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of English
Isabel Bauer CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Environmental Studies
Grace Koch CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Environmental Studies
Mickey Redington CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Ethnic and Racial Studies
Johnathon Jaeger CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of History
Sam Hantzsch CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Music
Dylan Dooley CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Philosophy
Aliza Hitz CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Political Science and Public Administration
Amanda Kind CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Political Science and Public Administration
Tessa Brantner CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Psychology
Bailee Golisch CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Psychology
Cameron Heiman CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Psychology
John Roherty CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Psychology
Emma Svendsen CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Psychology
Sydney Vian CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Psychology
Leah Williams CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Psychology
Aleda Brokaw CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
Samuel Fritz CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
Emily Ludewig CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Theatre Arts
Olivia Paulson CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence, Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Nicholas Bakken(2)

Nicholas Bakken

CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence, Research/Scholarship/Creative Endeavors

Nick Bakken is the 2021 CASSH Recognition of Excellence award recipient for research. Nick was nominated by his home department (Sociology and Criminal Justice) as a respected criminologist who is highly recognized within his subfield for his expertise on criminal offending and health with a focus on prisoner reentry and mental health. He is a distinguished and prolific scholar who has published 13 articles in a wide range of top-ranked journals, with some journals having acceptance rates as low as 5%. Additionally, he has demonstrated a strong record of successful grant writing, collaboratively (with Dr. Lisa Kruse) securing almost a million dollars in nationally competitive funds. Nick is also a generous scholar with his time and intellectual endeavors, serving as a reviewer for more than eight separate journals in his field. According to his Chair, Dr. Timothy Gongaware, seeing the importance of undergraduate research is also clear to Nick, and he has a strong and consistent track record of involving undergraduate students in the research process as mentees and collaborators.

Kathleen Hawkes(2)

Kathleen Hawkes

CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence, Service

Kathleen Hawkes is one of two 2021 CASSH Recognition of Excellence award recipients for service. According to her Chair, in the Department of Art—Brad Nichols—Kate’s (Kathleen) service at UWL has been instrumental in a series of major transitions in the Art department, in the School of Visual and Performing Arts VPA), and at the larger institution. She serves, always, as a mentor and collaborative/inclusive role model. Kate’s collaborative spirit shows itself in particular in her work in the Art department and with VPA. She has served on multiple work-intensive committees in the department; of note, Kate demonstrated exceptional service leading the curriculum committee and department through a complete revision of programs. Kate’s commitment toward the shared vision to have all studio faculty work together to find common curricular objectives and language highlights her passion and enthusiasm for the cohesion and strength of the department and the learning experiences of students. Additionally, Kate served as the Art Department representative on the work-intensive VPA taskforce, whose report is currently being reviewed by an external consultant and parts of which will be implemented in upcoming years.

Darci Thoune(2)

Darci Thoune

CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence, Service

Darci Thoune is one of two 2021 CASSH Recognition of Excellence award recipients for service. In her thirteen years at UWL, according to Dr. Kate Parker, Chair of English, Darci’s service work has made a lasting mark on its institutional landscape, demonstrating a consistently remarkable commitment to advancing the strategic goals of her department, college, and the University—especially those related to transformational education, inclusive excellence, curricular innovation, and faculty and student retention. Important to note, as well, is that while Darci holds an administrative position on campus, this award recognizes her service outside of that role. Since her hire in 2008, for example, Darci has served the English Department on 7 search & screen committees and 9 promotion committees, in addition to serving two terms on the English Department Executive Committee and on multiple other committees in the department. She was elected to Faculty Senate and served a term on the Senate Executive Committee from 2019-2020. Additionally, Darci sits on the UW System English Placement Test Committee.

Rebakah Fowler

Rebekah Fowler

CASSH Faculty Recognition of Excellence, Teaching

Rebekah Fowler is the recipient of the 2021 CASSH Recognition of Excellence award for teaching. Since her arrival to the English department in 2011, she has taught a remarkable 16 separate courses ranging from general education to department-specific courses. Dr. Fowler devotes much of her scholarly work to teaching; she expands and deepens her content area and works to improve her students’ engagement and learning. Dr. Fowler’s teaching has been recognized with a Wisconsin Teaching Fellowship, her acceptance to Faculty College, and a variety of other notable recognitions for her teaching. Per her Chair, Dr. Kate Parker, Rebekah has a keen ability to help her students traverse and appreciate a labyrinth of literature and makes such work relevant and engaging for students.

Patricia Stovey(2)

Patricia Stovey

CASSH Excellence Award for Community Engagement

Patricia Stovey, Department of History, is the recipient of the 2021 Community Engagement Award for her continued excellence in community outreach associated with National History Day (NHD). For over eight years, Patricia has spearheaded local and regional National History Day contests, connecting UWL with middle and high schools in the greater western Wisconsin. As an extension of her commitment to improving the quality of student’s NHD entries, in 2016 she launched the National History Day in Wisconsin Friendly Finding Aid (FFA) project. This collaborative website—where UWL history majors and minors help NHD students identify local history primary sources they can use in their projects—demonstrates Patricia’s core commitment to the Wisconsin Idea and to access for regional and rural students in academic pursuits. Per her colleagues, Drs. Tiffany Trimmer and Ken Shonk, Patricia’s hard work, thoughtfulness and organization helps bring together the region’s communities.

Shuma Iwai(2)

Shuma Iwai

CASSH Academic Staff Recognition of Excellence, Teaching

Shuma Iwai is the 2021 CASSH Recognition of Excellence IAS award for teaching. Shuma receives some of the highest student evaluations in the department and university and has been recognized as an excellent teacher by various students and student groups. Per his Chair in Ethnic and Racial Studies, Dr. Sara Docan-Morgan, Shuma has demonstrated his ability to teach in, and across, disciplines and teaches in multiple departments including Ethnic and Racial Studies, History, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Shuma goes above and beyond for his students: he created the first-ever ERS study abroad opportunity and was in the final stages of recruitment for the experience to Japan; the opportunity was unfortunately cancelled due to Covid. In his nomination letter, students and administrators alike shared countless stories on Shuma’s impact on them by teaching in an understandable and engaging way.

Jennifer Mohlenhoff-Baggett(2)

Jennifer Mohlenhoff-Baggett

CASSH Academic Staff Recognition of Excellence, Service

Jen Mohlenhoff-Baggett is the 2021 CASSH Recognition of Excellence award for IAS service. Jen has taught in the English Department since 2008 and was promoted to Lecturer in 2014. She has taught a wide range of general education courses and is an outstanding teacher, beloved by students and colleagues alike and consistently earns some of the highest SEI’s in the English department. According to her Chair, Dr. Kate Parker, Jen has an incredible commitment to fostering supportive community in her classroom, especially for struggling students. Jen is an innovative, accomplished and exciting teacher who approaches the teaching with the hopes that students will adopt curiosity, openness, engagement, creativity, persistence, responsibility, flexibility, and metacognition. She is very invested in the success of each of her students.

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department(2)

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department

CASSH Excellence Award for Inclusive Excellence

The Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, nominated by Sara Docan-Morgan, receives the 2021 Department/Unit Inclusive Excellence Recognition of Excellence Award. The mission of the WGSS department is to empower students to think critically about gender and sexuality, challenge social inequality, and become ethical problem-solvers, preparing them for careers, engaged citizenship, and advanced degrees. The department advances knowledge and critical conversations about social justice through teaching, research, service and community engagement. The departmental mission is inseparable from inclusive excellence: an “active, intentional, and ongoing commitment to bridge differences with understanding and respect so all can thrive.”

Shannon Suddeth(2)

Shannon Suddeth

CASSH University Staff Excellence Award

Shannon Suddeth is the recipient of the 2021 CASSH University Staff Recognition of Excellence Award. Shannon joined the Department of History in late summer 2019 and despite a steep leaning curve she approached her new position with dedication, commitment, and focus. By the end of the first semester, she had nearly mastered most aspects of the job and brought with her new approaches that helped streamline department operations. Her work with the department’s multiple and complex budget lines proved masterful and she was able to stretch shrinking funding and accurately project department needs. Shannon also assisted the department with negotiating Textbook Rental purchases. Shannon is described by the department as dedicated, far beyond competent, highly professional, personally engaging, and genuinely a pleasure to work with.

Friend of CASSH

Friend of CASSH - Gary Isakson

Friend of CASSH - Gary Isakson

Gary Isakson graduated from UWL in 1981 with a degree in History.  He passed-away unexpectedly in April 2020.  In his will Gary left a $1.3 million estate gift to the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities for creating student scholarships.  This is the largest and most impactful gift received by CASSH to date.  This fund will provide ongoing outstanding educational opportunities for students into the future.  We anticipate the initial Isakson Scholarships to be awarded for the Fall 2022 Semester. 

 

Emily Kinney(2)

Emily Kinney

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Archaeology and Anthropology

Emily will be graduating May of 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeological Studies and a minor in Anthropology. -- has experience as an archaeological field technician as well as a field school teaching assistant at the Tremaine Site in Holmen, Wisconsin. Emily also has experience in being a lab assistant—adept at identifying and labeling faunal remains by taxa including modern and Bronze Age specimens. Specialty skills in floatation, artifact cataloging, AutoCAD, and Spanish. Currently on the Dean’s List and involved in Eta Phi Alpha Honor Society and the Golden Key National Honor Society.

Savannah Stanley(2)

Savannah Stanley

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Archaeology and Anthropology

Savannah will graduate in May of 2021 with a double major in Archaeology emphasizing Cultural Anthropology and Spanish. --has earned an Undergraduate International Research and Creativity Grant in 2020 as well as the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship in 2019 to study abroad in Costa Rica. Savannah interned for the Latin American News Digest as a journalist in the summer of 2019 and was a Spanish language conversation partner and tutor for the 2019-2020 school year. -- is currently an executive team member of the Spanish Club.

Amber Boesel(2)

Amber Boesel

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Art

Amber will graduate in May 2021 with a double major in Art and Psychology. Amber’s work has been featured in Ceramic’s Monthly and on exhibition in the All Student Juried Exhibition at the UWL Gallery in 2020. Since 2019, Amber has worked as a student archivist in the Special Collections of Murphy Library and has contributed photographic content to the Hear, Here project. -- also conducted an independent study with the Hear, Here project by updating the website with photographic content and archival material consistently.

Bailey Brandner(2)

Bailey Brandner

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Communication Studies

Bailey will graduate in May of 2021 with a major in Interpersonal Communication Studies and a minor in Psychology. --currently an office assistant in the Office of Financial Aid and an undergraduate teaching assistant in the Psychology department. --involved with Lambda Pi Eta and the Gerontology Club. Bailey completed undergraduate research as a senior project in Fall of 2020 that examines the relationships between sisters and analyzed themes for commonalities.

Brady Fischer(2)

Brady Fischer

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Communication Studies

Brady is graduating in May of 2021 with a major in Communication Studies—emphasis in Media Studies, and a minor in Leadership Development. --has been on the Dean’s List for five semesters and was a social media/recruitment coordinator for the Vangard Organization from 2020 to 2021. Brady is currently president of the RAQ Radio, student-run radio station at UW-L and has been the public relations coordinator for the Communication Club since 2019.

Amanda Lee(2)

Amanda Lee

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Communication Studies

Amanda is double majoring in Communication Studies and Psychology and will graduate in May of 2021. --has worked as an Associate in Business since 2019 writing news stories, employee profiles, updating websites, and designing content for company social media pages. Currently the president of the First-Generation Organization for College Students on campus. --is also a program advisor in the Leadership & Involvement Center, and a peer consultant with the Public Speaking Center.

Natalie Sims(2)

Natalie Sims

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Communication Studies

Natalie will graduate in May of 2021 with a major in Organizational and Professional Communication and two minors: Professional and Technical Writing and Digital Media and Design. Natalie was a Resident Assistant at UW-L for two years and is currently a peer consultant in the Public Speaking Center. --works for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue as a communication specialist, managing social media accounts and a recruiter intern for Remedy Inteligent Staffing.

Zoe Bossert(2)

Zoe Bossert

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of English

Zoe is graduating in May of 2021 as an English major with an emphasis in Literary and Cultural Studies. Zoe has made the Dean’s list for seven consecutive semesters, has been invited to audition for the Music Department’s Honors recital for three years, received a scholarship from the UWL Department of Music, invited to join the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society and the English Honors Society. In addition to this Zoe has been published in the UWL undergraduate journal: The Catalyst as well as being a featured artist in a Racquet Press article titled “Quarantine art: UWL student artists discuss inspiration and creativity amidst a pandemic”. Zoe currently works as an assistant childcare provider as well as being the co-owner and creator of an online clothing company for second-hand fashion.

Alison Obright(2)

Alison Obright

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of English

Alison is graduating in May of 2021 with a double major in English and Biology. --currently the President of UWL Reed Making Club and performs with a Bassoon in the UWL Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Woodland Quintet. --has received the Cordeiro Woodland Quintet Scholarship for four years, as well as two scholarships for English and a UWL Undergraduate Research and Creativity Grant. Alison presented “The Craft and Community of Reed Making” at the 2020 URC Symposium. -- is currently an assistant director with the UWL Writing Center, an arts and entertainment reporter for the Racquet Press, and is a freelance tutor for high school students, tutoring writing, biology, chemistry, and math.

Isabel Bauer(2)

Isabel Bauer

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Environmental Studies

Isabel is majoring in Geography and minoring in Environmental Studies and graduating in May of 2021. -- has additional education from Western Technical College with an Associate of Science-Liberal Arts. Currently the president of the Geography Club and Treasurer for the Golden Key International Honour Society, as well as a tutor of geography. Received honorary mention in the GIS and Mapping Poster Competition for poster titled “Going Bananas: The Spread of Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4” in 2019.

Grace Koch(2)

Grace Koch

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Environmental Studies

Grace will graduate in May of 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. -- has earned certification in First Aid and Bleed Control, as well as Dementia Friend certified. Currently a Biology Lab Assistant for the fourth year. Grace is involved with the Biology Club, PT Club, Students for Sustainability, and Advocates for Children. Previously volunteered as a presenter at the student-led Climate Change Event in 2020. Continues to make blankets for children at the MAYO Clinic.

Mickey Redington(2)

Mickey Redington

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Ethnic and Racial Studies

Mickey will graduate in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a minor in Ethnic and Racial Studies. Through an internship with McNair Scholars, Mickey is currently working on a project entitled “White Passing as a Racial Identity in Biracial and Multiracial Individuals.” Mickey is also involved in many organizations on campus, including: Native American Student Association, Black Student Unity, Intercultural Organization Promoting Awareness, International Student Organization, Awareness Through Performance, and Rainbow Unity. --also works in Murphy Library as a Circulation Assistant and as a Social Justice Peer Educator.

Johnathon Jaeger(2)

Johnathon Jaeger

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of History

Johnathan is majoring in History—emphasis in Public and Policy with a minor in Philosophy, graduating May 2021. President of Phi Alpha Theta for two years, and currently a member of the History Club on campus. Johnathan is an Intern at the La Crosse County Historical Society, participating on a volunteer basis. Presently also employed as a Digital Preservation Technician in the Oral History Program and a Visitor Services Associate at the La Crosse Heritage Center. --has contributed multiple publications made to the La Crosse County Historical Society and the public library archives. Completed undergraduate research that studied socially constituted narratives in tall tales and histories.

Sam Hantzsch(2)

Sam Hantzsch

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Music

Sam will graduate in May of 2021 with a major in Music Education, emphasis on Percussion Performance. --ensembles include concert percussion, drum set, and marching percussion. Has demonstrated teaching as a Percussion Coach and Drumline Instructor at La Crosse Central High School, as a Percussion Clinician at La Crosse Middle School honors Band, as a Summer School Band Instructor at Wauwatosa East High School. Notable performances include Honors Recital with a Solo Marimba performance, Senior Recital for Brynn Dutelle as a drum set performer, and the New Music Festival among others. --has been the Principal Percussionist, Section Leader, and Student Instructor for ensembles, orchestras, and the Screaming Eagles Marching Band.

Dylan Dooley(2)

Dylan Dooley

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Philosophy

Dylan will graduate in May 2021 with a double major in Philosophy and English Literature as well as minor in French. -- has earned Dean’s List standing five out of eight semesters at UW-L thus far. Elected as an officer of the UW-L Ultimate Frisbee Club. --has work experience from Texas Roadhouse as a serving assistant, as well as from Menards as a front-end employee, and Ferguson Enterprises as a warehouse associate.

Aliza Hitz(2)

Aliza Hitz

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Political Science and Public Administration

Aliza will graduate in May of 2021 with a major in Political Science and minor in Communications emphasizing Public Advocacy. Aliza has experience working with the Ron Kind Campaign as an intern, making calls to eligible voters, sharing information about Ron Kind’s platform, and curated a social media page to keep volunteers informed and engaged with voters. Was a Fellow/Captain for the Wisconsin Democrats after internship with Ron Kind, where Aliza implemented data entry and facilitated voter outreach. Subsequently, was a Field Organizing Intern for the Wisconsin Democrats from October 2020 to November 2020. Aliza has a passion for the environment, education, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and justice system reform.

Amanda Kind(2)

Amanda Kind

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Political Science and Public Administration

Amanda will graduate in May 2021 with a major in Political Science and two minors, one in International Relations, and one in Legal Studies. During the 2020 election season, Amanda worked as a Field Organizer with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin to recruit, train, and manage volunteers to increase voter engagement. Oversaw the “Get Out the Early Vote” program which included 400 completed shifts by 146 volunteers. Notably, voter turnout increased by 7.46% from previous years. Amanda is currently working in UW-L Rec Sports as an Intermural Supervisor and a member of the Rec Sport’s Executive Council.

Tessa Brantner(2)

Tessa Brantner

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

Tessa will graduate in May 2021 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Communication Studies, emphasizing Interpersonal Communication. -- has been on the Dean’s List for two semesters and has completed coursework from Social Psychology to Gender Communication, to Addictive Behaviors. Tessa is Co-President of the Student Nutrition Association as well as a member of Psi Chi and Lambda Pi Eta at La Crosse. -- representative of the Dahl Family YMCA, supervising personnel and weekend projects, as well as being a resource to guests and ensuring safety.

Bailee Golisch(2)

Bailee Golisch

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

Bailee is majoring in Psychology with minors in Neuroscience and Biology; graduating in May of 2021. --has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor for two years in La Crosse and mentored for the Extra Mile Organization afterschool program for a year. Bailee is currently a Resident Assistant working with transfer students at UW-L and is a McNair Scholar Summer Research Intern. Bailee is a teaching assistant for two courses of interest and working as a research assistant with three separate projects.

Cameron Heiman(2)

Cameron Heiman

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

Cameron will graduate in May 2021 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. Made the Dean’s List for seven semesters thus far. Volunteered at the National Crisis Texline for a year to provide counsel and support to people in crisis. Interned at the New Horizons Shelter to aid residents with childcare and promote awareness of teen dating violence. Cameron also interned at Chrysalis Pops Inc, encouraging clients recovering from mental health experiences. --awarded with volunteer and service awards and earned certificates in prevention of child abuse and CRLA international mentor training. Engaged in an experimental psychology research project in the Spring of 2019 and was also a teaching assistant for a Social Psychology course.

John Roherty(2)

John Roherty

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

John is graduating in May of 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Psychology and Spanish, as well as a minor in Ethnic and Racial Studies. -- achieved Dean’s List standing for seven semesters thus far while being employed as a peer advisor since 2017. Engaged in research for Experimental Psychology that surveyed 700 students at UW-L to examine correlations between psychological disorders and sample populations of students. John is currently a Spanish Conversation Partner through the UW-L Language Resource Center, providing services that deal with grammar, vocals, and other aspects of the language to fellow students. John is also a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and Psi Chi.

Emma Svendsen(2)

Emma Svendsen

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

Emma is an international student who will graduate in May 2021 with a major in Psychology and minor in Sociology. Currently an intern team lead at the Gunderson hospital in La Crosse, working on a special population project. Emma is working as a childcare worker, assisting with classroom structure and lesson plans as well working as a translator and with logistics at Grandcruwijnen.nl, translating Dutch to English and assisting customers. Also previously volunteered time at the campus child center and has been volunteering with the International Education & Engagement Office for four years.

Sydney Vian(2)

Sydney Vian

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

Sydney is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Statistics, graduating in May of 2021. --is currently in the Psychology Honors program and has been on the Dean’s List since the Fall of 2017. An internship at the New Horizons Shelter has allowed Sydney to support shelter residents, answer crisis helplines, and participate in advocacy training. --represents UW-L Women’s Dive Team as a Team Captain since 2019, with multiple recognitions and rewards. Presently a research assistant, and in 2020, presented developments of research at the American Psychological Association’s Conference in Washington D.C.

Leah Williams(2)

Leah Williams

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology

Leah will graduate with a double major in Psychology and Musical Theatre in May of 2021. --involved in over a dozen theatrical productions since 2017 and three music groups: Concert Choir, Chamber Chair, and Jazz Combo. --ongoing Honors Research Project, exploring the effectiveness of documentaries about human trafficking in mobilizing audiences. Leah is the primary investigator of the project and has received funding from the Undergraduate Research and Creativity Committee. Another two independent research projects occupied Leah in previous semesters by combining aspects of both psychology and theatre in research. --is currently working as a research assistant in the Psychology department and a teacher assistant for Honors Seminar. --has been elected as a Student Representative in the theater department.

Aleda Brokaw(2)

Aleda Brokaw

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice

Aleda has graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. As an unofficial research assistant, Aleda was responsible for data entry, clean up, descriptive statistics, and multiple tests. --Participated in independent research from 2019 to 2020. The project, titled “P@tients: The Relationships of Digital Natives with their Healthcare Providers,” aimed to complete a comprehensive paper, detailing eight qualitative interviews conducted during research. Currently, Aleda volunteers at the ReStore for Habitat for Humanity, focusing on recycling, upcycling, and hazardous materials disposal.

Samuel Fritz(2)

Samuel Fritz

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice

Samuel will graduate in May 2021 with a major in Sociology and a minor in Environmental Studies. Upon graduation, Sammuel plans to pursue a post-secondary education to work within city planning. Since 2017, they have been employed as a Database Entry Assistant with Murphy Library, working with a large reference and information system. In the summers of 2015-2017, Samuel volunteered as a Camp Counselor for the UW Marathon County Wizarding Academy. While at camp, Samuel supervised a “house” of campers, planned activities, played roles in scripts, and encouraged exceptional teamwork.

Emily Ludewig(2)

Emily Ludewig

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Theatre Arts

Emily is majoring in Theatre Arts emphasizing Design/Technical Theatre, Technical Direction and Sound Design with three minors, including Theatre Arts emphasizing Stage Management, Theatre Arts emphasizing Performance, and Business Administration; graduating in May of 2021. -- employed for four years running as an Event Support Specialist with duties ranging from set up and tear down of lighting, sound, and projection sets of various events, to interacting with patrons, problem solving, and working on a team as well as self-motivated to work solo. --has experience in nearly a dozen theatrical productions relating to sound design/mixing, and scenic carpentry. Was Technical Director of Middletown in 2019, and Assistant Technical Director in Romeo and Juliet, The Country Wife, and The Laramie Project in 2019 and 2018.

Olivia Paulson(2)

Olivia Paulson

CASSH Undergraduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Olivia will graduate in May 2023 with double major in Psychology and Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies. --finalist in the UW-L Speaking Competition in 2020 and received the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2018. Currently employed as a cashier at Festival Foods with past experience working as a Desk Assistant in a residence hall on campus last year. Volunteered nearly two years at the Animal Humane Society, aiding adopters with the cat adoption process.

Sam Beckett(2)

Sam Beckett

CASSH Graduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Psychology, School Psychology

Samantha Beckett is being recognized by the School of Psychology faculty not only for her strong intellectual work, but for the high quality of her contributions. Samantha’s contributions thus often go beyond the volume that is expected and are always curated to be the most meaningful to others. Her observations frequently pull together information from diverse sources and/or from independent research she has conducted. Samantha received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in December of 2018; she then went on to receive her Masters of Science in Education in May of 2020 and is finishing her program as an Educational Specialist in May of 2021. Samantha has 400+ hours of experience as a researcher for the UWL Psychology Honors Program as well as researching alongside Dr. William Cerbin. Samantha has been a member of the National Association of School Psychologists since Spring of 2021 and was a convention presenter at the virtual convention in February of 2021. She has also been a member of the Wisconsin School Psychologist Association since Fall of 2019 and has been an attendee of both fall and spring conventions since Fall of 2019.

Lo Moser Klink(2)

Lo Moser Klink

CASSH Graduate Recognition of Excellence,
Department of Student Affairs Administration

Lo is being recognized by the Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education faculty for her outstanding academic achievement and contributions to her community. Lo will be graduating from the SAA program in May of 2021 with a 4.0 GPA, and is a fantastic model of a critically-reflective scholarly practitioner. For example, her capstone research on “Implicit bias in academic scholarship decisions” contributes to a gap in literature and informs the practice of financial aid administrators. Lo is a phenomenal contributing member of her online learning community in the SAA program; in addition, she has over a decade of progressively responsible leadership in higher education. Lo has experience as a higher education administrator and is an active participant in promoting a culture of inclusion in all settings in which she inhabits.

Laura Zinnel(2)

Laura Zinnel

John E. Magerus Award for Outstanding Senior,
Department of Psychology

Laura will be graduating in May of 2021 and receiving her Bachelor’s degree as a double major in both Psychology and Mathematics with an overall GPA of 3.84. Laura has plans to attend graduate school in either Computational Neuroscience or Mathematics. Laura truly exemplifies excellence in all areas, approaching everything she does with thoroughness, enthusiasm, and utmost professionalism. She excels as a student, an advocate, and an undergraduate researcher. Laura has made substantial contributions to a manuscript based on the last year of data collection in Dr. Hiris’ lab as a research apprentice. This manuscript has recently been revised and resubmitted for publication in the journal Perception. In addition to the work that Laura does as a research assistant, she is involved in many clubs as well where she takes on leadership roles. She is the Vice President of Womxn and Minorities, treasurer of the Mathematics and Statistics Club, Outreach Leader of the UWL InterVarsity, and a member of the Screaming Eagles Marching Band and the Psychology Club. Laura has many additional accomplishments, including a Dean’s Distinguished Fellowship Research Grant, a CASSH Recognition of Excellence Award, five UWL foundation scholarships, and ten scholarships from national and regional organizations.

Nic DeKeyser(2)

Nic DeKeyser

CASSH Graduate Recognition for Academic Achievement,
School Psychology

Nic is the 2021 recipient of the CASSH Graduate Student Achievement Award. He is being recognized for his demonstration of scholarly accomplishment that goes above and beyond his degree course work. Nic’s capstone research project on anti-bullying interventions will lead to the potential of Tier I interventions in the classroom and support for teachers to positively impact children and reduce the incidence of bullying. Nic has also shown superior performance on the Pracis II: School Psychology exam, the national expectation is a score of 147, Nic achieved a 172 which is considered above average in three of the four content areas. In addition to this Nic is the president of the graduate school psychology student group and his GPA stands at a 3.90, ranking first among his cohort of strong students. Nic has a combination of strong academics, experiences, and a positive outlook that has the potential to truly make a difference in the lives of children.

Myxee Thao(2)

Myxee Thao

Nominee for Graduate Recognition for Academic Achievement,
Student Affairs Administration

Myxee was nominated by Student Affairs Administration (SAA) for the 2021 CASSH Graduate Student Achievement Award because of her scholarly accomplishments that go above and beyond her degree course work. Myxee’s capstone project focuses on BIPOC activist students at predominantly white institutions and the racial battle fatigue and trauma students experience advocating for social justice and equality. The paper Myxee delivered is described as unparalleled; such work is proven by her 4.0 GPA, which is difficult to achieve in SAA’s two-year program. Myxee has proven to both faculty and classmates that she is reflective and compassionate by asking challenging questions and analyzing complex concepts. For the past two years, Myxee has served as a graduate assistant for Campus Climate where she has impressed others with her authenticity and dedicated ways which relate to values that foster equity, justice, and belonging.

Previous CASSH Recognition of Excellence Award Winners