Seventeen senior students who exemplify high academic and leadership qualities and a deep commitment to serving others were awarded with a Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.
The students were recognized at the recent Honors and Awards Ceremony; they are also recognized in the commencement program.
The criteria for this award include academic performance, University-related service and community involvement.
This year’s recipients are:
Sara Arafeh graduates with majors in biology and chemistry. While at UW Oshkosh, Arafeh served as a student research assistant in both the biology and chemistry departments. She has also been involved outside the classroom as a volunteer for Student Legal Services, member of the Rotary Club and completed a Fair Trade internship. Last year, Arafeh received the award for excellence as a tutor at the Center for Academic Resources. She would one day like to become a dentist or university professor.
Alissa Becker graduates with a major in English education. Her career goal is to empower young adults to reach their goals and aspirations. Becker graduates from UW Oshkosh with almost four years of service to the Admissions Office as a tour guide. It was her experience at Best Version Media that made her realize how important it is to be a lifelong learner. In addition, Becker has been involved in Titan Catholics, Alpha Sigma National Honor Society, Student Wisconsin Education Association and the Wisconsin Counsel for English Teachers.
Gideon Bernthal graduates with a major in political science. After serving two tours in Iraq, he came to UW Oshkosh, which put him one step closer to earning a Ph.D in international law. Many of Bernthal’s professors praise him for his dedication and work ethic. He is actively involved with his church, coordinating visits to members in home care or nursing homes. During his time at UW Oshkosh, Bernthal also participated in a study aboard trip to Germany and France. Additionally, Bernthal researched United States Counterinsurgency Strategy.
Derek Brown graduates with majors in political science and criminal justice. It was the Chess Club that pushed Brown to think outside the box and grow as a leader. He served as an undergraduate research assistant, presenting two projects to the Midwestern Criminal Justice Association. He enjoys helping others by tutoring at the Center for Academic Resources and volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club. Brown consistently made the dean’s list at UW Oshkosh and was inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha in 2014. Brown plans to attend law school after graduation.
Michelle Leona Cecil graduates with a major in communication. Cecil says the world is too silent, so she is determined her voice has to be powerful. On campus, she managed the United Students in Residence Halls organization, assisted in UW Oshkosh preview days, and was a member of the World AIDs Day committee. Cecil’s advocacy is not limited to campus; she has participated in advocacy days to educate others on bleeding disorders in the Wisconsin State Capitol and in Washington D.C. In 2014, Cecil traveled to Australia to serve as a United States delegate at the World Federation of Hemophilia’s World Congress.
Angela Dusenberry graduates with a major in international economics. Dusenberry was the founder and president of the UW Oshkosh Red Cross Club. Under her leadership, UW Oshkosh students have completed more than 450 service hours to the American Red Cross. In addition to Dusenberry’s work with the Red Cross, she participated in University Speaker Series, Titan Volunteers and the International Business Club. While attending UW Oshkosh, Dusenberry said she has grown into a leader, collaborator, analyzer, risk-taker, traveler and so much more.
Dustin Hackbarth graduates with a major in political science. After serving eight years in the U.S. Army, Hackbarth became the Oshkosh Student Association’s Director of Veteran Affairs and Battalion Cadet Commander for the Fox Valley ROTC battalion. His service driven values run deep as he also interned for U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, volunteered with the Special Olympics, coaches little league football and is an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Hackbarth said he tries to give back as much as UW Oshkosh has given to him.
Thomas Kenote graduates with a major in environment studies. Kenote participated in the McNair Scholars program where he studied the experience of fellow members of the Menominee Nation with higher education and presented his research at Harvard University. Kenote’s professors said his ability to blend critical inquiry paired with a gentle demeanor and constant goodwill has significantly enriched the classroom. Outside the classroom, Kenote has been actively involved in the Inter-Tribal Student Organization, playing a key role in the Inter-Tribal Powwow, Winona LaDuke presentation and the Native American Hip Hop concert.
Sarah Kofler graduates with a major in secondary English education. Kofler said her university involvement gave her a sense of belonging and led her to develop her personal and professional goals. She worked as an ambassador and peer mentor in the University Studies Program, and as an Odyssey captain and PreCollege resident Assistant. While at UW Oshkosh, Kofler was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, National Society of Leadership and Success and Golden Key International Honor Society. After graduation, Kofler hopes to become a University Studies Program Quest III alumni mentor and stay connected with her alma mater.
Andrea Larson graduates with a major in journalism. Driven to succeed, Larson became a member and leader in the Advertising Club, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), University Speaker Series, the University Studies Program and the athletics department. As chairperson of the University Speaker Series, she managed a committee of 24 members while aiding in marketing efforts of the committee. Larson’s expertise in marketing aided the University Studies Program in telling the story of Quest III. During her time at UW Oshkosh, Larson interned at Littlest Tumor Foundation and GenArt in Los Angeles, California.
Rebbeca Mussatti graduates with majors in elementary and special education. Mussatti has served the Department of Residence Life in multiple capacities including manager on duty, community adviser, and Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Lodging Program desk manager. Mussatti was a part of the Great Lakes Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls and Wisconsin Resident Assistant Conference. She also served as a Titan Pride Student Ambassador with the Admissions Office. In the future, Mussatti would like to work at a university helping students with disabilities.
Shariah Salahaladyn graduates with a major in criminal justice. Salahaladyn served UW Oshkosh in many capacities, such as Odyssey leader, the Rural PreCollege Program Night host, Titan Map mentor, president of Sisterhood and vice president of the Black Student Union. She has also been a strong academic leader, shown through her involvement in the National Society for Leadership and Success, the UW Oshkosh Honors Program and Gamma Alpha Omega. Interested in pursuing her doctoral degree, Salahaladyn became a McNair Scholar where she researched graduation and retention rates of African American males. Salahaldyn notes after leaving UW Oshkosh she will continue to her dedication to diversity and social activism.
Zachary Telfer graduates with a dual major in biology and microbiology. During his time at UW Oshkosh, Telfer has been intrigued by the healthcare field and hopes to one-day play a role in the betterment of global health. He has served as the president of the Pre-Medical Society, student leader for Applied Parasitology, and co-founded Ignite (Students Igniting Change Toward a Tobacco-free Future.) A study abroad experience took Telfer to Central America to volunteer in clinics alongside medical staff. Telfer plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health.
Steven Thompson graduates with a major in political science. With aspirations of becoming an attorney, Thompson interned at the Winnebago County District Attorney’s office, the Winnebago Legal Assistance Clinic and served as Student Legal Services director for the Oshkosh Student Association. He is also actively involved in Beta Theta Pi, the Oshkosh Student Association Student Senate, as well as Boy Scouts of America. Thompson has excelled academically, making the dean’s list every semester at UW Oshkosh. He has been inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, National Society for Leadership and Success, in addition to receiving the UWO Outstanding Greek Scholar Award in 2014.
Hallie Turnbull graduates with a major in political science. Fascinated to learn how the world works, Turnbull made it her goal to get involved in a variety of activities at UW Oshkosh including serving as a Residence Hall community adviser, writing consultant and as the Oshkosh Student Association’s vice president pro tempore. In addition to Turnbull’s academic success and campus involvement, she volunteered in the community at the B’nai Israel Congregation, Organizing for America and Habitat for Humanity. After graduation, Turnbull plans to volunteer in French Africa while studying for the LSAT before law school.
Jesse Waldvogel graduates with majors in economics and finance. Waldvogel said he enjoys inspiring and teaching young students through Junior Achievement. Waldvogel volunteers at local schools teaching business and financial literacy skills to fourth through eighth graders. On campus, he was involved with the Student Managed Endowment Fund, the Economics Student Association, Pre-Law Society and tutored economics students through Project Success. After graduation, Waldvogel plans to pursue a career as a financial analyst at an investment firm.
Bailie Whittaker graduates with a major in psychology. While at UW Oshkosh, Whittaker was passionately involved in the Department of Residence Life. She was also active in the Oshkosh Placement Exchange, Residence Hall Director search and screen and the Alternative Spring Break program to Honduras. Her professors describe her as eager to give credit where credit is due by supporting and recognizing the contributions of others, which makes her an invaluable member of any collaborative community. Upon graduation, Whittaker plans to pursue a master’s degree in student affairs and higher education.
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