Student Affairs

Intercollegiate athletics

Kemmesha Thomas | Public Health & Community Health Education

For Kemmesha Thomas, taking part in athletics has helped her hurdle challenges and led her down the track to success.

“It has molded me into a better version of myself,” says Thomas. “It has done this by teaching me how to communicate, how to be self-disciplined, how to work with others and much more.”

Being on the track & field team helps Thomas overcome challenges, simply by distraction. “There were times when I felt that everything was falling apart except for sport,” she explains. “And in those times, it was nice to know at least one thing is going right.”

Thomas says being part of the team helps her hurdle challenges. “I had teammates and coaches who I could talk to and know they would give honest feedback, even if it is not what I wanted to hear,” she says.

Thomas appreciates the collegiality of a team. “I have the resources to talk to different people about different topics of my life,” she says. “I am very grateful for that.”

There are many pros and cons of making such a big time commitment to being a student-athlete. Thomas understands that, but she’s glad she suited up.

“I am 100 percent confident to say that if I did not participate in sports at the collegiate level, I would be only part of the person I am this point in my life,” she says. “I would have missed out on so many things if I decided not to try out.”

Parent Advisory Board

Bill O'Donnell | Parent

It’s challenging for new students to adjust — and almost as challenging for their parents.

But Bill O’Donnell, a parent of a freshman from Nekoosa, Wisconsin, got his questions answered and calmed his anxiety through UWL’s Parent Advisory Board.

“We found that UW-La Crosse truly makes every effort to ensure a rich life experience for our children,” says O’Donnell, who joined the board in fall 2018. “We gain a deep understanding of the university’s efforts, and the university leans on the advisory board to guide them on the best ways to make this enrich life experience even better by promoting a platform for us to contribute.”

O’Donnell credits the Parent Advisory Board for improving communications with the university. When he questioned why his son was being asked to make housing decisions early in the semester, he got answers. And Student Affairs staff made plans to tweak information provided to parents the following year.

“We worked through the issues to improve communications for next year to extend parent orientation for next year covering the topic of housing for the following year,” O’Donnell explains.

When his son struggled to pick a major, O’Donnell found information on the array of student services available on campus valuable and comforting.
“Explaining what the different student services provide was a big item that armed me with information on how they can help,” he notes. “When my son was struggling how best to pick a major, I was able to suggest to him to consider seeing the student services department.”

O’Donnell encourages other parents to take part in the board, and to look to Student Affairs for answers.

“The UWL Parent Advisory Board is a perfect opportunity allowing us parents to engage from a distance by playing an active role in working with the administrative staff on maintaining this enriching life experience for our children,” he says.

Recreational Sports

Hatim Alruwaili | Nuclear Medicine Technology

Hatim Alruwaili had more to deal with than just the regular adjustments to college. He was also challenged with learning English better.

The nuclear medicine technology major from Saudi Arabia found nearly instant help interacting with others working in the Recreational Eagle Center (REC).

“With the multitude of interactions with customers, I was able to improve my English skills — one of my biggest challenges,” says Alruwaili. “My co-workers were very open-minded and understanding of the challenges I faced during the beginning of my college career. This put me on the right track, by directing my focus to other matters that helped me gain more confidence.”

Alruwaili says being a REC Sports family member has been one of the greatest opportunities he’s ever had. “It shaped me into the person I am today, related to who I am as a leader in the professional world,” he notes.

REC professional staff members have impacted him too — both in work and life matters. Particularly, he’s found a mentor in Mo McAlpine.

“With her generosity, compassion and empathy, I was able to share my ideas with her and my other colleagues without hesitation,” he says. “Mo has always been there for me.”

Alruwaili credits McAlpine for preparing him well for the professional world. “By encouraging me to get out of my comfort zone, she has taught me to be a better employee and student, which I believe is very valuable to anyone’s college experience,” he says.

Taking part in REC Sports is beneficial for both those working for the department or using their services, says Alruwaili.

“Joining the REC Sports staff is like having another family away from my family,” he explains. “Being a part of this organization also contributes greatly to my social life. The experience I gained at the REC through my co-workers is invaluable.”

Residence Life

Andrew Jarrett | Geography

Andrew Jarrett admits he doesn’t like asking for help. But by becoming friends with fellow students he’s met through Residence Life, it’s a lot easier admitting he needs help — and knowing help is always there.

Residence Life has had a huge impact on Jarrett’s college career. Not only did working in Residence Life teach him valuable communication, organization and management skills helpful in class, Jarrett also met people from countless backgrounds he otherwise wouldn’t have.

“Some of my best friends today I met while working for Residence Life,” notes Jarrett. “They’ve had a tremendously positive affect on my life.”

A lot of people don’t consider working for Residence Life because of the extra work. Jarrett says that’s true — but only to some extent. The benefits far outweigh the challenges.

“Residence Life also provides an extensive support network to help you get stuff done in the halls and in the classroom,” he explains. “So many of my study partners are also resident assistants, desk coordinators or desk assistants.”

Jarrett says Megan Pierce, his hall director as a freshman and the first person to hire him, has become a mentor.

“She’s a fantastic hall director and I really came out of my shell working under her in a RA position,” he says. “She helped me develop organizational skills I didn’t have, and was really amazing when it came to teaching diversity and inclusion.”

Jarrett encourages students questioning working in Residence Life to give it a try. “If you like helping people and enjoy the connections you make living in the residence halls, the RA or DC positions are something to consider,” he advises.

Student Health Center

Claire Fischer | Radiation Therapy

Fresh off hip surgery, Claire Fischer had all she could do to walk across campus. Physical therapy was necessary to get back to normal. And help was just a few steps away in the Student Health Center.

“They got me back to feeling like myself again in a timely fashion,” says Fischer. And it was much cheaper than going off-campus.

Without campus PT, Fischer doesn’t know what she would have done to overcome that obstacle. But the Student Health Center doesn’t stop there. Whether it’s a flu shot, ear infection, or another health issue, Fischer’s found help. Center physicians even write new prescriptions when she’s sick. “It was a convenient option that allowed for less stress in an already stressful situation during the semester,” she notes.

Center staff members are extremely comforting and helpful, says Fischer. Physical Therapy Assistant Julie Nelson stood out.

“Julie made sure that I knew what I was doing with each exercise and would watch to make sure I was doing every exercise correctly,” says Fischer. “She was incredibly easy to talk to and I looked forward to my sessions each week which made my experience much more enjoyable.”

Any time Fischer had a setback or felt discouraged, Nelson would always give her confidence to keep going. “I could tell just how genuine she was about getting me back to my old self which made me feel more confident as well.”

Fischer has no problem recommending the Student Health Center. It offers a variety of care, including online options for making appointments and more.

“It is an affordable option that is easily accessible,” she says. “The staff is understanding and comforting throughout any type of service they are providing.”

Student Life

Marissa Marino | Exercise and Sport Science, pre-professional track

As a first-generation college student, Marissa Marino felt out-of-place on campus. She sensed she knew even less than other students whose parents didn’t attend college.

So, Marino sought somewhere to connect. That led her to the Office of Student Life, where she eventually became an Eagle Guide — a peer leader for new students.

“This position gave me the opportunity to connect with my peers and faculty members, which has given me a sense of belonging at UWL,” explains Marino. “The Student Life Office has continued to open doors to many opportunities and different resources that have been positive.”

Marino was challenged to get out of her comfort zone. She found it hard to ask questions. But being an Eagle Guide changed that.

Marino was often asked questions for which she didn’t know the answer. She had to reach out to faculty and others to help the first-year students she was mentoring.

“By doing this for other students, it allowed me to feel confident in finding answers for myself,” Marion says. “It has since allowed me to have a more successful academic career, as I feel comfortable asking questions I would have been previously nervous to ask.”

Marino cites Sarah Joslyn in the Student Life Office as key to helping her grow. “She has shown me that a great idea can start with one person’s input and become better with the influence and ideas of others,” notes Marino. “She also has taught me the importance of feedback, which has encouraged me to do the same in academics.”

Marino adds that programs like this are a great way to meet peers and make a positive impact on incoming first-year students.

University centers

Ben O'Connell | Political Science & Communication Studies

When he transferred to UWL, Ben O’Connell had a hard time adjusting to campus. It was difficult simply getting to know people. That changed when he became a student senator his sophomore year.

“I love serving my fellow students and advocating for them on campus and with local, state and national government,” says O’Connell who was elected student body president.

Student Association gave O’Connell motivation to do the most he could for UWL. Along the way, he made some of his best friends. “Student Association transformed my life at UWL and I wouldn't be where I am without it,” he says.

University Centers has been at the center of O’Connell’s transformation. It houses the Student Senate chambers and it’s home to the COVE, the student organization and leadership hub.

O’Connell worked at the COVE during summer and forged new friendships while getting firsthand knowledge of the importance University Centers is for students. He has visited many colleges and confidently says the COVE is unmatched.

Through those experiences, O’Connell has found a mentor in Larry Ringgenberg, University Centers director and Student Association advisor.

“He has been an invaluable resource and it is clear he is one of the greatest advocates for UWL students,” notes O’Connell. “He always gives great advice and helps show me and other Student Association representatives how we can accomplish our goals.”

O’Connell encourages students to discover their passion. “Don't sit on the sidelines and wonder if you should or shouldn't take a chance and join, just do it,” he says. “The only way you'll know if you like it or not is if you try.”