Profile for Jake Speer

Jake Speer, University Marketing & Communications, received the Most Accessible Staff Award at DREAM's Accessibility Awards on April 29 in La Crosse, WI. Jake is continuously searching for new ways to make a more accessible campus. Working with Marketing & Communications and leading the Individuals with Disabilities Advisory Committee (IDAC), he always strives for accessibility. He creates spaces where people with disabilities feel welcomed and supported.

Submitted on: May 2

Jake Speer, University Marketing & Communications, received the 2023 UWL Academic Staff Excellence Award. The award was announced Wednesday, Aug. 30, during Chancellor Joe Gow’s opening remarks for the fall semester. The award is given annually to a member of the UWL non-instructional academic staff who has excelled in performance and service. Speer, director of Web & Design Service, received the award for his commitment to collaboration, relationship-building and creating a website that supports UWL’s vast array of programs and services. While his work is behind-the-scenes, Speer plays a crucial role in establishing UWL’s reputation among the public, including prospective students and families.

Submitted on: Sept. 1, 2023

Jeff Baggett, Mathematics & Statistics; Victoria Rahn, Records & Registration; and Jake Speer, University Marketing & Communications; received the award for Friend of Graduate & Extended Learning Award at Friend of Graduate & Extended Learning Award Ceremony & Reception on April 27 in La Crosse, WI. This award recognizes UWL faculty and staff who, through their collaboration with Graduate & Extended Learning, have created and championed learning opportunities that extend UW-La Crosse into the community.

Submitted on: May 9, 2023

Jake Speer, University Marketing & Communications, envisioned and directed "Web Workshop" on Tuesday, Aug. 9 in La Crosse, WI. The first Web Workshop was a huge success with 88 participants from across campus and strong positive feedback. Thanks to Jake for all of his hard work making the workshop happen and inviting collaborators. Other workshop sessions were led by Kaylie Connaughty, Britney Heineman, Neal Meier, Nhouchee Yang, and Kjerstin Lang.

Submitted on: Aug. 9, 2022

Brenda Leahy, Michele Nauman and Kalia Vang, all Academic Advising Center & Career Services; Ana Mendoza and Corey Sjoquist, both Admissions; Kaylie Connaughty, Heather Dutcher, Britney Heineman, Jake Speer and Maren Walz, all Advancement; Michael Abler and Renee Redman, both Biology; Zac Knutson, Budget Office; Dawn Hays, Campus Child Center; Mark Sandheinrich, College of Science & Health; Ashley Jochimsen, Counseling & Testing; Ryan Friesen, English; Samuel Schmidt, Exercise & Sport Science; Meredith Thomsen, Extended Learning; Ka Lia Smith, Financial Aid; John Kelly, Geography & Earth Science; James Longhurst, History; Natalie Solverson, Institutional Research, Assessment & Planning; Christine Manno, Management; Suzanne Anglehart, Microbiology; Anthony Chergosky, Regina Goodnow and Sean Hurtubise, all Political Science & Public Administration; Sandra Grunwald and Betsy Morgan, both Provost's Office; Nathan Barnhart and Jeff Keenan, both Rec Sports; Vitaliano Figueroa, Student Affairs; Kara Ostlund, Student Life; and Kyle Burke, University Centers; served Verification Tent Staffing during Move In Week. THANK YOU to the many staff and faculty who greeted students and their families at the Verification Tent during Residence Life Move In Week. These welcoming faces helped ensure those who are vaccinated are recorded as such and those who are not vaccinated had completed a negative COVID test prior to move in. We could not have completed this large task without their assistance. They have helped keep our community healthy and contributed to the campus-wide endeavor of welcoming students back to campus.

Submitted on: Sept. 13, 2021