Beyond the Classroom
From student-faculty collaborations to study abroad to on-campus internships, learn more about how students have taken their education beyond the classroom.
See Xiong
As an intern in the Integrated Marketing and Communications Office, using my eyes is exactly what I do. Working here gives me the chance to photograph and share the liveliness of campus life at UW Oshkosh. My job duties vary from day to day. Some days I’ll be running around photographing campus events while on other days I’ll only be editing photos at my desk.
Jordan Clark-Mand
As a STEP intern in UW Oshkosh’s athletic department, senior journalism major Jordan Clark-Mand is learning the intricacies of sports promotion and making meaningful contributions through writing scripts, designing posters and covering events.
Laura Klein
Biology major Laura Klein serves as a technician at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s Neil A. Harriman Herbarium, where she focuses on the growth of laboratory plants as well as her own personal growth, through the high-impact learning opportunities afforded by STEP.
Nate Wielgosh
While Nate Wielgosh is working toward a Master of Public Administration, UW Oshkosh’s STEP is giving him the opportunity to develop both technical and interpersonal skills as an online content migration manager. Major: Master of Public Administration -- Hometown: Princeton, WI
Katie Steil
Campus safety intern Katie Steil experiences the good type of stress as she plans events and communications campaigns for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s Counseling Center as a part of STEP. Major: Journalism/Public Relations -- Minor: Speech Communication -- Hometown: Beaver Dam, WI
Matthew Meyers
Working with LEGO blocks and artificial intelligence is how STEP intern Matthew Meyers applies his computer science acumen at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Major: Computer Science -- Minor: German -- Hometown: Appleton, WI
Aaron Wintheiser
As a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) intern Aaron Wintheiser has received advanced and international certification in preparation for tax season so that he can serve the community and overcome challenges as part of the Student Titan Employment Program (STEP).
Marla Sayaovang
I’ve been a full-time mom since high school graduation, staying at home with our children and running our home business. In the past, I’ve taken a few classes as I could fit them into my schedule. I discovered the Center for New Learning and looked into their program offerings.
Anne Winslow
"I earned my associate degree at a community college in Saginaw, Michigan. Soon after, I joined the Navy, but I always wanted to go back to school and finish what I had started. After getting married, having two kids and serving six years in the service, I enrolled at UW Oshkosh."
Rachel Ben-Ismail
"I love working with kids. I started my career as a preschool teacher in inner-city Chicago, but after my children were born I took some time off to raise them. When my youngest son started kindergarten, I decided it was time for me to get back to my passion — teaching."
Damion Drover
"I have a passion for growing organic fruits and vegetables and even started a community garden in Oshkosh. I’ve always been attracted to the outdoors, but only recently did I realize that I could make a career of it." Major: Science/Biology -- Hometown: Oshkosh, WI
Dawn Jensen
"My husband served in the 1991 Gulf War and is a disabled veteran. He’s spent a lot of time in hospitals, and I’ve learned a lot about hospital care from assisting him. My goal is to be a critical care nurse in an intensive care unit, where I’ll have hands-on time with patients."
Ron Hobson
"I was an electrical engineer in the states of Washington and Illinois. When I retired in 2002, I decided to change careers. Teaching has always been something I’ve wanted to do full-time, so I enrolled in the education program at UW Oshkosh."
Blaine Nowak
"I earned the position of plant manager in a contract sheet metal manufacturing firm the old-fashioned way: through hard work and experience. Business was booming in 2000, but then September 11, 2001, brought production to a standstill. I had taken some business courses here and there from other colleges and universities, but the experience was not very rewarding. That changed when I enrolled at UW Oshkosh."
Kelsey Hendricks
When Kelsey isn’t giving campus tours as a student ambassador for Titan Gold Corps or getting a grass stain playing on the UW Oshkosh women’s rugby team, she’s hanging out with friends at Titan Nights or pursuing her dream of working as a physician’s assistant.
Jaime Castillo
Jaime’s underprivileged background and desire to make a difference in the Latino community fuels his motivation to strive academically at UW Oshkosh. As a commuter student, Jaime fills in gaps between biology and Spanish classes by volunteering with the Student Organization of Latinos and mentoring high school students as a Voices of Oshkosh ambassador for the Admissions office.
Hannah Kirk
Coming from the city of Milwaukee to the Oshkosh community, Hannah Kirk didn’t know what to expect. She wasn’t sure if she’d find people like her – or if she’d find her place. But UW Oshkosh’s welcoming campus community embraced her, and helped her make friends she’ll have for a lifetime and connections that will be resources as she develops a career.
David Rathsack
"As I considered where to attend college, I didn’t think I would stay in my hometown. But after visiting campus, I felt comfortable and welcomed. There are so many different ways to establish friendships with over 150 student organizations on campus. I never question my decision to attend UW Oshkosh."
Deseray Aguirre
"As a first-generation college student, I thought college would be intimidating. But when I visited UW Oshkosh, I met a family-like group of Admissions counselors and advisors willing to answer my questions and listen to me. My concerns became confidence as I discovered that UW Oshkosh is the place where my dreams will become reality."
Devon Doan
"When I came to UW Oshkosh I realized I wanted to be a nurse practitioner — but like with powerlifting, I knew it wouldn’t happen with just a few trips to the library. UW Oshkosh’s nursing professors and learning labs have been unbelievable resources. I'm looking forward to being a success as a nurse – lifting patients' spirits and achieving my dreams."
