UW-La Crosse Distinguished Alumni Awards 2014

UW-La Crosse Alumni Association & UW-La Crosse Foundation present

Alumni Awards

Reception & Ceremony Friday, May 9, 2014

UW-L Alumni Awards Reception & Ceremony Emcees Lisa Butterfield, ’83, UW-L Alumni Association Board Member Rob Wolf, Ph.D. FRM Welcome Joe Gow, Chancellor The Murphy Awards for Academic Excellence Stefanie Sippl, ’14 Elizabeth Camenga, ’14 The Jake & Janet Hoeschler Award for Excellence Mitchell Reiser, ’14 The Strzelczyk Award in Science & Health Anthony Brandt, ’14 The John E. Magerus Award for the Outstanding Graduating Senior in the College of Liberal Studies Karin Johnson, ’14 The Rosandich Graduate Thesis Award Darren Knox, ’13 The Parker Multicultural Alumni Award Susan Jans-Thomas, Ph.D., ’86 Orby Z. Moss, Jr., ’63 The Rada Distinguished Alumni Award Corey Sorenson, ’03 The Maurice O.Graff Distinguished Alumni Award Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D., ’91

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recognize the university’s top two graduating scholars, as chosen by the Scholarship and Awards Committee.

A grant from the Murphy Foundation created the awards in 1980. Marjorie P. Murphy, foundation president, cited a desire to recognize outstanding and exceptional scholastic ability. Recipients receive $1,500 and $1,000, respectively.

Stefanie Sippl

Stefanie Sippl graduates with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and biology with a concentration in biomedical science and minors in Spanish and nutrition. She was a member of the UW-L swim and dive team for two seasons, Pre-Medicine Club, and Chemistry and Biochemistry Club where she was community outreach coordinator and helped organize a mobile chemistry magic show for elementary students.

Sippl volunteered at Gundersen Health System and the UW-L Greenhouse, and worked as a chemistry prep student and at the Onalaska YMCA. For two and a half years, she was a researcher for a UW-L funded research grant in “Dynamic Versatility: How understanding hydroxamic acid behavior can lead to novel therapeutic treatments in a variety of pharmacological settings.”

Following graduation, she will apply to medical school. Sippl’s professional goal is to practice medicine in an underserved area of the Midwest and become actively involved in medical research. She is the daughter of Robert and Carol Sippl, Wausau, Wis.

Elizabeth Camenga

Elizabeth Camenga graduates with a Bachelor of Science in physics with a biomedical concentration and minors in mathematics and music. Camenga was a leader in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, a physics tutor and teaching assistant, a Relay for Life team captain, and held memberships in Sigma Pi Sigma physics honor society, Golden Key Honor Society and Wind Ensemble. She participated in research at the University of Maryland and Mayo Graduate School, working on auditory cortex and spinal cord injury research, respectively. For four years Camenga worked in the Strzelczyk Clinical Biomechanics Laboratory researching ACL tension. Last year she presented a poster on filtering protocols at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. This year she presented “Effect of Tibial Translation on Estimated ACL Tension.” Following graduation and a summer mission trip to Jamaica, Camenga plans to attend medical school. She is the daughter of Eric and Deirdre Camenga, Milton, Wis. UW-L Alumni Awards 2014 | 3

Graduating senior awards

The Murphy Awards for Academic Excellence …

Graduating senior awards

The Jake and Janet Hoeschler Award for Excellence …

recognizes a College of Business Administration graduate for academic accomplishment and qualities of leadership demonstrated in campus and community activities. Janet Hoeschler, a 1940 graduate, established the award in 1992 to signify a partnership of business and the university. The award extends the Hoeschlers’ belief in excellence, education, philanthropy and the La Crosse community. Recipients receive $1,500.

Mitchell Reiser

Mitchell Reiser graduates with a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics. He served as vice president of the UW-L Collegiate Entrepreneur Organization, a financial peer mentor for the It Make$ Cents! financial literacy program, and was active in Assistant Professor Adam Hoffer’s economic discussion group. Off campus Reiser took part in entrepreneur ventures, first with TR Electronics LLC and then DR Rentals LLC, where he is still active. Following graduation, Reiser will stay in the La Crosse area to expand his real estate business. He also plans on working with his father in his business, The Floor Guys of Eitzen. Reiser plans on completing his Master of Business Administration at UW-L. His parents are Curt and Peggy Reiser, Eitzen, Minn.

The Strzelczyk Award in Science and Health …

recognizes an outstanding senior in the College of Science and Health for academic achievement and service to the campus and community. Robert, a 1954 graduate and Judy Strzelczyk endowed the award in 1996. Also, they have provided funding for physical therapy research projects, research equipment, student loans, and four full-time tuition scholarships. Recipients receive $1,000.

Anthony Brandt

Anthony Brandt graduates with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry. He has been secretary and president of the Eta Phi Alpha Honor Society, a biochemistry tutor in the Chemistry Department, a mentor for the Physical Activities Mentoring Program, a volunteer for Franciscan Skemp Healthcare and active in intramurals. Brandt has been an undergraduate researcher in the Biochemistry Department working on a university-funded project, “In vitro determination of the 30 nm Chromatin Fiber.” Following graduation, he plans to attend the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and pursue an advanced degree in biomedical sciences. Brandt hopes to use his science background and degrees in healthcare or agricultural industries. He is the son of Charlie Brandt and Donna DeMeo, Baraboo, Wis.

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recognizes an outstanding graduate for academic accomplishments, leadership, and involvement in the campus and community. The award is named for Magerus, who retired in 2004 after 28 years of teaching and serving as an administrator for the college. The recipient receives $1,000.

Karin Johnson

Karin Johnson is triple majoring in public administration, political science, and English rhetoric. Her research interests include political language, civic engagement and treatment of subjugated populations. As a freshman Johnson was appointed to the La Crosse County Board and kept her seat by election as a sophomore. She served as the youngest-ever vice chair of the Health and Human Services Board and chaired the Family Policy Board Executive Committee, bringing together nonprofit and government agencies. Johnson served as communications director for two successful political campaigns. She interned with Fulcrum Publishing, Minnesota’s Central Corridor Light Rail Project, and LTK Engineering Services. Johnson has a passion for bettering lives of the underrepresented. After graduation she plans to enter Minnesota public policy and pursue graduate studies in that field. She is the daughter of Kevin and Lyn Johnson, Bloomington, Minn.

The Rosandich Graduate Thesis Award … recognizes the best graduate thesis annually, based on originality, impact and written quality.

This award is funded through the generosity of Dr. Thomas P. Rosandich, ’54, president of the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Ala. The recipient receives $1,000.

Darren Knox

Darren Knox graduated with a master’s degree in public health in community health education in 2013. During his studies, Knox worked as a certified nursing assistant at Village Apartments on Cass, tutored high school students in algebra and trigonometry, volunteered overnight at the La Crosse Winter Warming Center, was a preceptor at Scenic Bluffs Community Health Center in Cashton, and worked as a project assistant with the Changing the Culture of Risky Drinking Behavior Coalition. Knox, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UW-Madison in 2009, began medical school in August through UW-Madison’s Wisconsin Academy of Rural Medicine. among children and teens. He hopes to work as an emergency medicine physician to promote health and well-being. He is the son of Richard and Carol Knox, La Crosse.

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Graduating senior awards

The John E. Magerus Award for the Outstanding Graduating Senior from the College of Liberal Studies …

The parker multicultural alumni award

Susan Jans-Thomas • Passionate and respected educator on diversity and civil rights.

• Accomplished author, including “Reflections of the 1965 Freedom March from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama: A Memoir of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.”

• Currently a tenured professor of research and advanced studies at the University of West Florida; coordinator for doctoral program in diversity studies.

• Received the 2013 Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of West Florida.

• Holds a doctorate and bachelor’s degree from Marquette University, associate degree from Chipola Junior College and a master’s from UW-L, 1986.

Orby Moss, Jr. • Respected educator and mentor.

• Longtime director of athletics at numerous colleges, including Siena Heights College, University of the District of Columbia, North Carolina A & T, Georgia State University and Norfolk State University.

• Director of Student Recruitment and Support Services, University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

• Inducted into the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Director Hall of Fame.

• Holds a master’s from Winona (Minn.) State University and a bachelor’s from UW-L, 1963.

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The Parker Multicultural Alumni Award …

recognizes outstanding alumni who have contributed significantly to the improvement of multiracial culture and understanding on the campus and in their careers. History Professor James Parker initiated the award in 1997.

2013 Darryl Lipscomb, ’77 & ’82

2006 Elice Rogers, ’83, ’89 & ’91

2012 Gregory Banks, ’81 (posthumously)

2004 Philip Henry, ’77 Charlie Hornett, ’80 Rodney McLain, ’88 Dorothy Travis, ’71

2011 Virgil Jones, ’96 2010 Jeff Taylor, ’85 Ronald Sentwali Bakari, ’82 2009 Michael Downs, ’83 2008 BerNadette LawsonWilliams, ’97 2007 Mary Lee Vance, ’79 & ’83

2003 Amy Hutchthausen, ’99 Greg Ware, ’88 Antoiwana Kamara Williams, ’00 & ’04 2002 Fermin Burgos, ’71 Chris Schumacher ’91 & ’92 2001 Mick Miyamoto, ’79 Priscilla Cooper, ’97

2000 Stan Davis, ’94 Bee Lo, ’92 Anthony Ortiz, ’81 Reggie Rabb, ’82 1999 Truman Lowe, ’69 Alfonso Thurman, ’71 Brazilian Thurman, ’71 Joel Williams, ’78 1998 Eddie Bedford, ’75 Joan Greendeer-Lee, ’81 Greg Holley, ’79 Sharon Weston, ’78 1997 Everett Bellamy, ’72 David R. Brown, ’72 Bill Coleman, ’75 Albert Grace, ’73 James Reynolds, ’77

thank you to our Sponsors Lantern Gail K. Cleary Marv & Darryle Clott Thomas P. Rosandich Vern D. Seefeldt Ashton & Norma Veramallay Stephen D. Willett

Gray Katie & Chad Hammerschmidt Lammi Sports Management Nate Melby Roger W. Schlies Ron Stadler

Maroon Jim Leonhart Joe & Charlotte Richard Trust Point, Inc. Kathie & Robin Tyser Randy Van Rooyen & Kelly Nowicki

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The rada distinguished alumni award

Corey Sorenson • Accomplished career as a professional actor with performances in more than 50 plays nationwide, numerous network TV appearances, films, web series, voiceovers and commercials.

• Network TV acting includes roles on “Chicago Fire,” “General Hospital,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “As the World Turns,” “NCIS,” and more.

• Screenwriter; producer; director.

• Lecturer in theater and dance; adjunct professor of voice and theater; acting instructor; voice and acting coach.

• Holds a master’s of fine arts in acting from Temple University; certified in Fitzmaurice Voicework; bachelor’s in theater from UW-L, 2003.

The Rada Distinguished Alumni Award … recognizes alumni in the early to mid stages of their careers and making exceptional contributions to their professions and communities. The concept for the award, established in 2002, came after Ron Rada and his wife, Jane, attended the university’s alumni award ceremonies for many years. “It was inspiring for us to see graduating students recognized for excellence and to see alumni honored for long, outstanding careers and service to their professions and communities,” said Rada, emeritus professor and administrator from 1975-2006.

2013 Brian Lammi, ’96 Nathaniel J. Melby, ’02

2009 Christopher Finn, ’96 Jennifer Shilling, ’92

2012 Thomas Harris, ’01

2007 Lauren Lieberman, ’88

2011 Robert Jacobs, ’94

2006 Jay Hertel, ’93 Michelle Schry, ’92

2010 Brenda Moraska La Francois, ’97

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2005 Todd Ellenbecker, ’85

2004 Robert Steffan, ’84 2003 Stan Davis, ’94 2002 Jan Gallagher, ’88 Kelly Rusch, ’86

2013-14 UW-L Alumni Association board of directors 2013 - 2014 Officers Lore Vang, ’04 & ’08 President Sandy Jensen, ’01 Treasurer Lisa Butterfield, ’83 Past President Janie Spencer, ’85 & ’86 Executive Director Directors Jeff Bryant, ’80 Matt Damico, ’08 Linda Kastantin, ’80 Nikki Kenyatta, ’02 & ’08 David Johnson, ’92 Patty Loew, ’74 Kelly Nowicki, ’98 & ’02 David Peterson, ’84 Roger Schlies, ’60 Ken Schmocker, ’75 Corey Sjoquist, ’96 & ’03 Alicia Stratman, ’97 David Wambach, ’80

Alumni Network Representatives Scott Butler, ’07 Delta Sigma Phi Kara Pennoyer, ’06 Madison Kris Cvikota, ’90 Marching Band

Ex-officio: Ilene Kernozek UW-L Foundation Liason Mary Ann Gerrard UW-L Foundation Liason Braden Hocking Student Alumni Ambassador President

Jessica Karis, ’05 Milwaukee Kristina Rynes, ’04 Residence Life Chris Bowron, ’99 Rochester Derek Hebrink, ’06 Silver Eagles Adekunle Samuel, ’09 Twin Cities

2013-14 UW-L Foundation board of directors Jerry Augustine Barb Benson Mark Carpenter Mark Dahlke Stan Davis Randy Erickson Greg Frings Mary Ann Gerrard Mike Hayford Joe Heim Anne Hlavacka

Jim Jorstad Ilene Kernozek David Kluesner Jenny Kuderer James Langdon Larry Lebiecki Jay Lokken Tom Miskowski Terry Murphy Kelly Nowicki Barb Skogen

Brent Smith Rod Stadler Karla Stanek Brad Sturm Andy Temte Michele Thorman Kathie Tyser Don Webber Teri Wilczek

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The maurice o. graff distinguished alumni award

Joseph E. Nyre • Outstanding leader who is mission and service driven.

• Currently president of and full professor at Iona College, New Rochelle, N.Y. • Nationally recognized researcher in autism, mental health service delivery and system development; recipient of more than $44 million in extramural funding.

• Authored and co-authored vital state and federal legislation.

• Member of many boards and service organizations.

• Completed pre and post-doctoral studies at Harvard Medical School and the University of Kansas. Holds a master’s and doctorate from the University of Kansas, master’s from the University of Missouri and bachelor’s in psychology from UW-L, 1991.

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Nominate a UW-L alum!

Alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university are encouraged to make nominations. Simply forward the name to the Alumni Association at alumni@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8489.

We will contact the nominees.

Nominations are accepted throughout the year. Nominations must be received by Oct. 1 to be considered for the award in the spring of following year.

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The Maurice O. Graff Distinguished Alumni Award …

recognizes alumni who have achieved honor and distinction with recognition and reputations that extend well beyond the immediate environments in which they live and work. “I believe that merely ’doing one’s job,’ even though doing it in an outstanding manner, should not be enough to merit one of the awards.

The recipients should be widely known and recognized for their accomplishments outside their immediate work-service area,” said Maurice O. Graff, vice chancellor emeritus in establishing the award. Graff was a professor and administrator from 1941-1972.

2013 Shirley Otis-Green, ’81 Alfonzo Thurman, ’71

1999 Steven J. Buelow ’75 John D. Folts ’57-59

1987 Sarah Harder ’63 Joseph Porter ’70

2012 Robert W. Arnhold, ’80

1998 Julia M. Olson ’64 Jerry R. Ebner ’69 Ahmed Samatar ’78

1986 Margaret Walsh Fenn ’42 Richard Collins ’60

2011 Ralph Karst, ’58 Patricia Loew, ’74 2010 A.J. Wagner, ’78 2009 Abdi Samatar, ’78 Robert Synovitz, ’53 2008 Darryle Clott ’66 & ’99 2007 Paul Beitlich ’79 Mary Watson ’43 2006 Duncan Cameron ’69 2005 Greg Mahairas ’82 John Schwenn ’71 2004 Ashton Veramallay ’70 2003 James L. Leonhart ’68 Gale Huse Tanger ’68

1997 William Kraemer ’75 Carlton Caflisch ’70 1996 Fredrick Hagerman ‘57 Tony Tanke ‘72 1995 Gerald Moriarity ’37-’41 Robert Strzelczyk ’54 1994 Kenneth Olson ’69 Bruce Thomas ’40-’42 1993 Gary Blomquist ’69 John Ellison ’48 1992 Truman Lowe ’69 Clinton Strong ’52 1991 Le Roy Holm ’39 Vern Seefeldt ’55

2002 Jess Ondell ’73

1990 Norman Flynn ’63 & ’66 George Schubert ’62

2001 Stephen Willett ’69 Bill Collar ’66 & ’68

1989 Thomas Rosandich ’54

2000 Bill Merwin ’61 Joe Richardson ’56

1985 Betts Rivet ’50 Barry Beaty ’71 1984 Donald Herbert ’40 1983 John Bibby ’56 Keith Briscoe ’60 1982 Paul Hassett ’40 Herbert Prochnow ’17 1981 Merle Evenson ’56 & ’60 John Mwaura ’65 1980 Russell Cleary ’51-’53 Gayle Anderson ’64 1979 Timothy Nugent ’47 James Van Tassel ’51 1978 John Thomas ’56 Thomas Hancock ’31-’33 1977 Howard Mumford Jones ’12 Thomas McDonough ’21

1988 Carl Miller ’60 UW-L Alumni Awards 2014 | 11

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