Campus Connection

Constance Arzigian Anthropology PhD, UW-Madison 1993 Employed at UWL since 1988, first at the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center; currently, teaching in the Archaeology and Anthropology Department La Crosse Constance Arzigian knows the importance of giving — and getting — scholarships. She received scholarships and assistantships in graduate school that made a tremendous impact. She could complete coursework without having to work multiple non-archaeology jobs and it gave her the flexibility of working career-relevant jobs. “More importantly,” she adds, “it told me someone else thought I was worthy of being in school and of being supported which can be very encouraging.” Q: Why did you contribute to scholarships through the UWL Foundation?  A: I contribute because I want to help other students explore their passion for archaeology. I teach an archaeology field school for high school students, so I see many who aren't sure what they want to do with their lives, but really like archaeology and want to pursue it. Many will come to UWL, and I'll teach them again as undergrads. It's very satisfying to see a student progress from learner to colleague. The scholarships make an important financial contribution for their academic career, and give them a point of pride for their future job resumes. And hopefully, they tell students that someone wants them to succeed, has faith in them, and is willing to put money on it. Q: Why would you encourage others to support funding scholarships? A: It can make a profound difference in someone's life, particularly for those who might otherwise literally never dream of attending college or pursuing their passion. If you have the resources to share, scholarship funds are one of the most direct and specific ways to facilitate someone's successful education and hopefully, the rest of their life.