Campus Connection

More than just tour guides — a behind-the-scenes look at the experiences of UWL Vanguards

In the traditional sense of the word, “vanguard” is defined as a group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas. At UW-La Crosse, the Vanguard organization is a group of outstanding students who showcase campus for prospective students and families — but their impact extends far beyond leading tours. 

“The UWL Vanguards are students that represent the UWL student body during campus tours, Campus Close-Up programs, and other events, and assist the Admissions Office in recruiting high-quality students to UWL,” says Sam Pierce, associate director of Admissions. "The Vanguard Organization is crucial to the success of the Admissions Office by utilizing a personalized approach to admissions from a student’s perspective.” 

The Admissions Office has approximately 35 to 40 students acting as Vanguards per year, with each student leading about one tour per week.  

“The Admissions Office looks for individuals who are outgoing, friendly, possess excellent communication skills and are excited about UWL,” Pierce explains. 

Applications open every February for students interested in becoming a Vanguard for the upcoming academic year. Each year, 15 to 20 students are selected from a pool of four times that number.

Autumn Seebach, a biomedical science and pre-med student, first joined the Vanguard organization at the end of her freshman year and has returned every year since.  

“I continue to return to the Vanguard organization because of the incredible community within the group and my genuine enthusiasm for both La Crosse and our university,” Seebach says. “I take great pride in sharing my excitement with prospective students and their families, helping them discover all that the city of La Crosse has to offer.” 

On campus, Vanguards lead personalized tours, participate in campus panels and help represent UWL’s student body in marketing campaigns. Off campus, they serve as ambassadors for campus — showing the community what it means to be an Eagle. 

“You become someone who is recognizable both on and off campus as a face of UWL,” explains Gavin Vink, a marketing major who became a Vanguard during his junior year. “Fellow students will recognize you from seeing you give tours on campus, and families who have had you for tours may run into you off campus.”

Vink shares that joining the organization allowed him to become better connected on campus and beyond. 

“Through the Vanguard organization, I became more connected to UWL than ever before, meeting staff members at UWL beyond my academic advisor and professors,” he says. “It has built a deeper sense of pride in my attendance at UWL and made me more aware than ever of our touchpoints with the local community, as well as the happenings here on campus.” 

In addition to fostering connections, Seebach and Vink both highlight how being a Vanguard helps to improve confidence and communication skills.  

“This role has helped me grow more confident in speaking to large groups and has pushed me beyond my comfort zone,” Seebach says, something that will benefit her as she pursues a career in medicine. “Sharing my personal experiences has given me a greater sense of gratitude for being an Eagle, while also allowing me to connect with prospective students and their families in a meaningful way.” 

“Overall,” Vink says, “I think being a Vanguard has simply helped me appreciate and enjoy my time here at UWL more than I ever had before.”