Campus Connection

Four UW-La Crosse graduates have been named the university’s top alumni for 2014, and six graduating seniors will be recognized for their academic achievement. The alumni and soon-to-be graduates will be honored during an Alumni Awards & Reception, Friday, May 9, at the UW-L Cleary Alumni & Friends Center. A heavy hors d’oeuvres reception begins at 5:30 with awards at 6:30. Reservations are $25 per person and due Friday, May 2, to the Alumni Association at 608.785.8490 or online. [caption id="attachment_4392" align="alignleft" width="112"] Corey Sorenson[/caption]

 Corey Sorenson

Actor and La Crosse native Corey Sorenson will receive the Rada Distinguished Alumnus Award. Sorenson, a 2003 UW-L graduate, has appeared in more than 50 plays nationwide, numerous network TV appearances, films, web series, voiceovers and commercials. The honor recognizes alumni from the last 20 years with professional distinction and humanitarian activities. [caption id="attachment_4393" align="alignright" width="112"] Joseph E. Nyre[/caption]

Joseph Nyre

Iona College President Joseph Nyre will receive the Maurice O. Graff Distinguished Alumnus Award. Nyre, a 1991 UW-L graduate, is a nationally recognized researcher in autism, mental health service delivery and system development. The award recognizes alumni who have brought honor and distinction to the university. [caption id="attachment_4394" align="alignleft" width="112"] Susan Jans-Thomas[/caption]

Susan Jans-Thomas

Educator Susan Jans-Thomas will receive the Parker Multicultural Alumni Award. Jans-Thomas, a 1986 UW-L graduate, is an associate professor of research and advanced studies at the University of West Florida. [caption id="attachment_4395" align="alignright" width="112"] Orby Moss, Jr.[/caption]

Orby Moss, Jr.

Educator Orby Moss, Jr. will also receive the Parker Multicultural Alumni Award. Moss, a La Crosse native and a 1963 UW-L graduate, is a retired longtime director of athletics at numerous colleges. The honor recognizes alumni who have contributed significantly to the improvement of multiracial culture and understanding on the campus and in their careers.    

[caption id="attachment_33371" align="alignleft" width="111"] Stefanie Sippl[/caption]

Graduating senior awards and the students being honored include:

[caption id="attachment_33397" align="alignright" width="111"] Elizabeth Camenga[/caption]

Stefanie Sippl

The Murphy Awards for Academic Excellence, which recognize the university’s top two graduating scholars, as chosen by the Scholarship and Awards Committee — Stefanie Sippl who graduates in May with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and biology, from Wausau; and Elizabeth Camenga who graduates in May with a Bachelor of Science in physics, from Milton. [caption id="attachment_33379" align="alignright" width="110"] Mitchell Reiser[/caption]

Mitchell Reiser

The Jake and Janet Hoeschler Award for Excellence, which recognizes an outstanding College of Business Administration graduate — Mitchell Reiser who graduates in May with a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics, from Eitzen. [caption id="attachment_33383" align="alignleft" width="111"] Anthony Brandt[/caption]

Anthony Brandt

The Strzelczyk Award in Science and Health, which recognizes an outstanding senior in the College of Science and Health — Anthony Brandt who graduates in May with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, from Baraboo. [caption id="attachment_33386" align="alignright" width="111"] Karin Johnson[/caption]

Karin Johnson

The John E. Magerus Award for the Outstanding Graduating Senior from the College of Liberal Studies — Karin Johnson who will triple major in public administration, political science and English rhetoric in May, from Bloomington, Minn.

Darren Knox

The Rosandich Graduate Thesis Award, which recognizes the best graduate thesis —Darren Knox who graduated with a master’s degree in public health in community health education in 2013, from La Crosse.