Posted 9:54 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020
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Most popular posts shine a light on innovation, resilience in a challenging time
The year 2020 is one history will never forget. New pandemic norms, social unrest, economic pressures, a contentious election, and the death of more than 1.5 million people globally are just a few of the year's realities. But growing needs in communities, at times, brought out the best in people. Many of these stories came from UW-La Crosse students, faculty, staff and alumni. And they were recorded right here in campus news.
Here are the top five most popular stories from campus news in 2020 — from each college and the School of Education, Professional and Continuing Education.
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
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“I worked with Joe Anderson in the costume shop, learned about patterning, cutting, sewing — things like that. I loved the theater staff and all the faculty. Some of my best memories are from La Crosse and UWL.” - Alumna Brittany Jacob.
- A music alum shared what life was like behind the scenes – and sound – of one of America’s most popular evening programs. He went from UWL to SNL.
- Alumna Brittany Jacob used her mascot production background to produce masks and face shields in hopes of slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
- UWL art students didn’t let a pandemic get in the way of their senior art exhibition. Those graduating this December are planning another online exibit.
- Tami Plourde, ’98, a psychology major and English minor, credited her studies for her success as a brewer with Pearl Street Brewing Co.
- A UW-La Crosse professor led us down dark and dusty corridors to uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt — without having to leave the couch.
College of Business Administration
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"I feel excited. I feel like this is a great opportunity for students ... There are places to collaborate and work on innovatitve projects. It feels so incredible and exciting to have your own space." - UWL student Cate Wiza while getting a tour of Wittich Hall renovations.
- A UWL student hip hop artist launched a business and landed on Forbes Communication Council.
- College seniors appealed to peoples’ needs in a pandemic, selling loungewear that sparks ‘meaningful conversations.’
- A familiar face, recognized as a 7 Rivers Region economics specialist, was named interim dean of the College of Business Administration.
- Wittich Hall was renovated into the new home of the CBA.
- UWL’s Beighley Leth earned a high finish in virtual sales competition by selling a computer to, well, a computer.
College of Science and Health
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“The experience I had in La Crosse, compared to peers I worked with immediately out of undergrad, was unparalleled." - Alumnus Peter Thielen.
- UWL science faculty stepped up to provide enough supplies to run 2,900 COVID-19 tests.
- As world awaited a vaccine, a UWL alumnus worked to sequence virus’ genome.
- UWL graduate students created programming for people with progressive neurological diseases.
- UWL received a $1.25 million U.S. Department of Education grant to help improve educational services for children with disabilities throughout the country by empowering the university’s Adapted Physical Education and School Psychology graduate programs.
- A UWL alum helped spearhead COVID testing at a Minneapolis hospital.
School of Education, Professional and Continuing Education
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“Managing your emotions and nerves … I still don’t know how I was able to do it. And because of COVID, we were only able to meet with our vocal coaches virtually. So when it came time for the blind audition, I couldn’t see them in person or get any pointers or positive vibes. I was on my own.” - Alumnus Aaron Scott.
- Alum Aaron Scott starred on the hit singing show, “The Voice.”
- An alumna's estate gift will support future educators forever. It is the largest gift ever to the School of Education.
- UWL Alumnus Jackson Baumgart put an exciting spin on a January fishing trip.
- Global Cultures and Languages SOE-affiliated faculty linked research to teaching, creating a future generation of forward-thinking teachers.
- Alumna Meredith Conn was named command chief of Wisconsin Air National Guard.