Twenty-six 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:
Alex Albertson graduates with a major in English. While at UW Oshkosh, Albertson served as senior editor of the Wisconsin Review, writing consultant and mentor at the UW Oshkosh Writing Center, tutor in the Project Success Writing Lab and peer mentor for the University Studies Program. Albertson was also a co-programmer for the Rainbow Alliance for HOPE, intern at the Day by Day Warming Shelter, chair of the Pepsi Allocations Committee, voting member of the Reeve Advisory Council, intern at the UW Oshkosh LGBTQ+ Resource Center, writer and cartoonist for the Advance-Titan and legislative intern for State Senator Jessica King. Albertson plans to pursue a career as a contemporary narrative writer.
Max Ayres graduates with a major in special education. While at UW Oshkosh, Ayres served as a peer mentor for the University Studies Program and worked as a community adviser. Ayres has also been involved outside the classroom as a volunteer for Special Olympics Oshkosh, Salvation Army, Oshkosh Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fox Valley and as a volunteer coach for the Port Edwards Football Team. Ayres participated in an Alternative Spring Break to Washington D.C. Ayres plans to pursue a career as a special education teacher.
Barbara Bass graduates with a major in chemistry. While at UW Oshkosh, Bass was a member of the gymnastics team and served as a front desk worker in Residence Life, a gymnastics coach for the Flip Fest Summer Camp and as a peer mentor for the University Studies Program. Bass also founded and led the Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy Society, served as treasurer and secretary for the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success. Outside the classroom, Bass volunteered for Feeding America mobile food pantries, Hands on Oshkosh, Youth Leadership Conference, Relay for Life, the Special Olympics Polar Plunge and served as a missionary in Sucre, Bolivia during the summer of 2013. Bass plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist.
Callie Blakey graduates with a major in finance. While at UW Oshkosh, Blakey was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, was inducted into the Golden Key International Honor Society, participated in the University Honors Program and served as a community adviser. Outside the classroom, Blakey volunteered for the Salvation Army, Tunnel of Oppression, Hands on Oshkosh, Dragonboat Festival, at Water Fest and at the Chamber of Commerce golf outing. Blakey also worked as a credit analyst intern at Bank First National and as a global procurement and supply chain finance intern at Oshkosh Corporation. Blakey traveled abroad through the Viessmann Student Sustainability Seminar, learned about business and economics in Peru, and gender, activism and social justice in Tanzania. After graduation, Blakey plans to pursue a career in finance.
Rebecca Bronson graduates with a major in secondary English education. While at UW Oshkosh, Bronson worked as a community adviser, a lifeguard, swim instructor and director of instruction for Appleton Parks and Recreation, and as a nanny. Outside the classroom, Bronson served as a bible study leader for CRU Campus Christian Organization, a small group leader for GreenHouse Student Ministries, and as a sustainability liaison for UW Oshkosh Residence Life. Bronson served in Swaziland, Africa as an ambassador for Hosea’s Heart Organization and in Musquiz, Mexico as an instructor for Christ the Rock Church. Following her passion for social justice issues, Bronson will serve as a missionary in 11 third-world countries in 11 months after graduation.
Elizabeth Chapin graduates with a major in human resources management. While at UW Oshkosh, Chapin worked as a senior community adviser, tutor for the Center for Academic Resources and as a peer mentor for the University Studies Program. Outside the classroom, Chapin volunteered for Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Second Harvest Foodbank and NewPAWSibilities animal shelter. Chapin also worked as a diversity and inclusion intern at American Family Insurance and served as the Web presence director for the UW Oshkosh Society of Human Resource Management and student alumni ambassador for the Alumni Association. Chapin was recognized as a Business Scholar and was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society. Chapin plans to work as a human resources professional advocating for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Elizabeth Duffey graduates with a major in communication studies. While at UW Oshkosh, Duffey served as a Peer Advising Liaison (PAL) for the UW Oshkosh Undergraduate Advising Resource Center, community adviser, Odyssey leader and captain, president of the Communication Club, social media director of the Dr. Julie Henderson PRSSA Chapter at UW Oshkosh, member of the University Speaker Series and team member of the UW Oshkosh Swim Team. Duffey also worked as a marketing coordinator for Fox World Travel, digital communication intern for the Viessmann Group, American Counselor for Guy Healy USA Summer Camp in Tokyo, Japan, and volunteered as a swim coach for Special Olympics Wisconsin. After graduation, Duffey plans to pursue a career in marketing and public relations, starting with a full time job as a traveling brand embassador for Oscar Mayer in the wienermobile.
Zachary Dunton graduates with majors in chemistry and psychology. While at UW Oshkosh, Dunton served as chairman for the differential tuition finance committee, president of InterFraternity Council, Speaker of the Assembly and Vice President Pro Tempore for the Oshkosh Student Association, and as an Odyssey captain. Outside the classroom, Dunton worked as a cognitive psychology research assistant, completed his honors thesis in biochemistry and was co-founder of Ordinary Heroes, a not-forprofit crisis response organization. After graduation, Dunton plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a neurosurgeon.
Alexandria Ebert graduates with majors in psychology and biology. While at UW Oshkosh, Ebert was a member of the University Chamber Choir, University Honors Program, Psi Chi Honors Society, Association for Psychological Sciences and was vice president of the UW Oshkosh Undergraduate Research Experiences and Creative Activities. Outside the classroom, Ebert volunteered for the STEM Outreach Center Science Olympiad, OSSCAP Celebration of Scholarship, Oshkosh Area United Way, in the surgical/ICU waiting room at Appleton Medical Center, Oshkosh Area Humane Society, Harbor House Childcare Center, Darboy Kiwanis Club and at a variety of UW Oshkosh Residence Life events. Ebert also worked as a biology office assistant, tutor and community adviser. Ebert also had her research published in two journals. After graduation, Ebert plans to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist.
William Frank Fath II graduates with a major in political science. While at UW Oshkosh, Fath served as a senior community adviser, community adviser and peer mentor for the University Studies Program. Fath was also a student senator and director of legislative affairs for the Oshkosh Student Association and participated in the Veterans Memorial Committee, Wisconsin United Residence Hall Association, Be The Match—UW Oshkosh, University Studies Programming committee, LGBTQ Education and Advisory Council, Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board, UW Oshkosh College Democrats, Advance-Titan and Differential Tuition Finance Committee. After graduation, Fath plans to pursue a master of higher education administration.
Monika Greco graduates with majors in philosophy and political science. While at UW Oshkosh, Greco participated in the University Honors Program, University Honors Student Association, The Socratic Society, the National Residence Hall Honorary, the UW Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra and Camerata Chamber Orchestra. Greco was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society and the Pi Sigma Honor Society. Greco also served as an honors community adviser, FVTC community adviser, Gruenhagen Conference Center manager and “Biscotty’s” Residence Life Program Coordinator. Greco volunteered at Park View Retirement Center, Clarity Care Assisted Living and the Oshkosh Youth Symphony Orchestra in addition to working as an intern with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. After graduation, Greco plans to pursue a Ph.D.
Aaron Jackson graduates with majors in criminal justice, psychology and sociology. While at UW Oshkosh, Jackson participated in the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, Rainbow Alliance for H.O.P.E., Veterans of Foreign Wars, Criminal Justice Association, Student Veterans Association, Student Organization of Latinos, Multicultural Education Coalition and Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu Club. Jackson held leadership roles in the Black Student Union, Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Delta. Jackson volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and AmeriCorps, and was a head combative instructor, squad leader and team leader in the U.S. Army. Jackson also served as an intern for Taycheedah Correctional Institute, where he lead a class for incarcerated female offenders and served as an intern for the UW Oshkosh Sociology Department. After graduation, Jackson plans to pursue a Ph.D. in sociology with an emphasis in military sociology
Emma Lenz graduates with a major in secondary education English. While at UW Oshkosh, Lenz served on the Wisconsin Council of Teachers of English, worked as a writing consultant and mentor in the UW Oshkosh Writing Center, as a reader for the Wisconsin Review, volunteered with Special Olympics of Wisconsin and participated in the University Honors Program. Lenz also worked in the membership department at the Oshkosh YMCA and as a splash pad and slide attendant at the Pollock Community Waterpark. After graduation, Lenz plans to pursue a career as a middle or high school English teacher.
Samuel Maier graduates with majors in political science and philosophy. While at UW Oshkosh, Maier served as president of Beta Theta Pi and UW Oshkosh Pre-Law Society, and was involved in UW Oshkosh Political Science Association, Philosophy Club and student government. Maier also volunteered with UW Oshkosh Student Legal Services and interned at the Legal Assistance Clinic and the Guy Healy Japan USA Summer Camp. Maier attended the Chapter President Leadership Academy, John and Nellie Wooden Institute for Men of Principle and Keystone leadership programs. Maier also traveled abroad to Amsterdam, Paris, London, Rome, Venice, Dresden and Berlin through the UW Oshkosh European Odyssey program. After graduation, Maier plans attend law school and pursue a career in international law and global injustice.
Stevan Mazibrada graduates with a major in political science. While at UW Oshkosh, Mazibrada participated in undergraduate research through the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program and the biology department. Mazibrada worked as an emergency room medical scribe at Appleton Medical Center, hotel night auditor with Wyndham Group, healthcare insurance sales representative with Blue Cross Blue Shield and as a tutor at the UW Oshkosh Center for Academic Resources. Mazibrada also volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Oshkosh Area Community Food Pantry. After graduation, Mazibrada plans to attend medical school to become a surgeon and join Doctors Without Borders.
Molly Elizabeth Merrill graduates with a major in nursing. While at UW Oshkosh, Merrill participated in the Oshkosh Student Nursing Association and the University Honors Program and served as a liaison for Omani business students. Merrill was also a peer mentor in the University Studies Program, a math lab tutor and a test reader for Project Success. Merrill worked as a student nurse assistant at UW Health, as a CNAT at SSM Franciscan Courts and as a caregiver at Evergreen Retirement Community. Merrill gained clinical experience in community health in Masaya, Nicaragua, surgical at Theda Clark Hospital, medical surgical at Saint Agnes Hospital and rehabilitation/long-term care at Brewster Village. Merrill also worked as an American Counselor for USA Summer Camp in Tokyo, Japan. After graduation, Merrill plans to work at UW Health and pursue a doctor of nursing practice degree.
Daniel Meyer graduates with a major in athletic training. While at UW Oshkosh, Meyer was a member of Titan Volunteers, Athletic Training Club, National Residence Hall Honorary and served as chair of Hands on Oshkosh, vice president of United Students in Residence Halls and president of the Fletcher Hall Government. Meyer volunteered as a student athletic trainer for the Division III World Series, Cheesehead Wrestling Invitational, Oshkosh on the Water Wrestling Tournament, UW Oshkosh Cross Country meets, volleyball and soccer games and at the Dan Gable Wrestling Tournament. Meyer also worked as a summer camp athletic training and health staff intern at UW-Whitewater, and participated in an Alternative Spring Break trip to Honduras. Meyer plans to pursue a master’s degree in athletic training, and work in a collegiate setting with a soccer team and teaching classes.
Jason Neumeyer graduates with a major in political science. While at UW Oshkosh, Neumeyer served as a research assistant in the political science department, as a columnist for the Advance-Titan and as a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, UW Oshkosh Be The Match and Pi Sigma Alpha. Neumeyer also presented research with UW Oshkosh Professor Gregory Gunderson at the Wisconsin Political Science Association meeting. Neumeyer worked as a sales associate at Play It Again Sports, on the grounds crew at Countryside Golf Club, and as a bus, wait staff, host and catering leader at Van Abels of Hollandtown. After graduation, Neumeyer plans to pursue a graduate degree.
Taylor Rich graduates with a major in psychology. While at UW Oshkosh, Rich worked as a research assistant in the psychology department, community adviser and math tutor. Rich participated in the University Honors Program, CARE, and many other organizations. Rich also served as a president for UMatter and historian for Alpha Lambda Delta. Rich volunteered for the Oshkosh Boys and Girls Club, Gabriel’s Villa and Hands on Oshkosh. Rich was inducted into Psi Chi, Golden Key International Honor Society and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. After graduation, Rich plans to pursue a master’s degree in trauma counseling.
Emily Ruck graduates with a major in social work. While at UW Oshkosh, Ruck was a member of the Student Social Work Association, Alternative Spring Break leadership team, Citizen’s First Next Generation, Hands on Oshkosh Committee and Titan Volunteers leadership team. Ruck was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success, participated in the Student Diversity and Leadership Conference and served as trip leader for the 2014 Alternative Spring Break Trip to New York. Ruck also worked as a social work intern at Riverview Gardens, volunteerism program assistant for Reeve Memorial Union, dance instructor at Footworks Dance Company, sales associate at Old Navy Outlet and line therapist for the Fox Valley Autism Treatment Program. After graduation, Ruck plans to work in the social work field and pursue a master’s degree.
Jordan Schettle graduates with a major in political science. While at UW Oshkosh, Schettle served as the Oshkosh Student Association president, UW System Student Representatives intergovernmental relations chair, Leadership Council student member, Pre-Law Society marketing executive and volunteered with College Goal Wisconsin. Schettle also worked as a paralegal intern at SECURA Insurance and financial aid intern at UW Oshkosh, and studied abroad in Germany through the Viessmann Academy of Sustainability. After graduation, Schettle hopes to one day become a lawmaker for the State of Wisconsin.
Jessica Schier graduates with majors in elementary and special education. While at UW Oshkosh, Schier served as a Titan Gold Corps Student Ambassador, peer mentor and public relations student ambassador for the University Studies Program. Schier was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Golden Key International Honor Society. Outside the classroom, Schier volunteered for the UW Oshkosh Seeds of Inclusion Conference, Clark County Home and Community dairy food stand, Granton FFA Alumni Chapter and as a student assistant at Carl Traeger Elementary School. After graduation, Schier hopes to work in a kindergarten or first grade classroom and start a cabinetry business with her husband.
Vishwajit Tuchscherer graduates with a major in biology. While at UW Oshkosh, Tuchscherer participated in research in the biology department, as well as at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin as a gastroenterology and hepatology department research assistant. Tuchscherer participated in the University Honors Program and was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success and Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society. Tuchscherer also worked as a tutor in the Center for Academic Resources, as a peer mentor in the University Studies Program and as an Odyssey captain. Tuchscherer plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician.
McKenzie Valenta graduates with a major in human services leadership and a minor in women’s and gender studies. While at UW Oshkosh, Valenta served as the inclusive excellence ambassador for OSA, conference speaker for “Elect Her,” president for the UW Oshkosh Women’s Advocacy Council, a council member for the chancellor’s gender equity council and senior community adviser. Valenta also volunteered for the Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Habitat for Humanity, Franklin Elementary School and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Valenta worked as an emergency medical technician for the Mosinee Fire District, programs assistant for Diversity and Inclusion Program of Reeve and a frontline staff member at the Day by Day Warming Shelter. After graduation, Valenta plans to pursue a career in mental health counseling.
Alyssa Valentyne graduates with majors in biology and Spanish. While at UW Oshkosh, Valentyne participated in the University Honors Program, Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, Pre-Med Society and Student Support Services. Valentyne worked as a mentor for Student Support Services, teaching assistant at Biological Concepts, and math and biology tutor for the UW Oshkosh Math Lab and Center for Academic Resources. Valentyne also volunteered for the Winnebago County Health Department, Affinity Health System, All Good Records and abroad in Antigua, Guatemala. After graduation, Valentyne plans to pursue a dual MD/Ph.D. program in environmental health and toxicology.
Reegan Wallander graduates with majors in radio tv film and journalism. While at UW Oshkosh, Wallander worked as a social media specialist in the Department of Residence Life, operations manager and promotions director for Titan TV, news director for 90.3 WRST and game day marketing intern for the Green Bay Bullfrogs. Wallander also worked as a cashier and customer service and night counter at Tadych’s EconoFoods and as a front desk worker for Residence Life. After graduation, Wallander plans to pursue a career in new and emerging media communications.
Amber Wilkinson graduates with a major in communication studies. While at UW Oshkosh, Wilkinson worked as a senior community adviser, community adviser, admissions tour guide and Titan Central information specialist. Wilkinson also participated in United Students in Residence Halls, Reeve Advisory Council, Pepsi Allocations Funds, Campus Sustainability Council, National Residence Hall Honoria, Future Leaders in Student Affairs and Wisconsin United Residence Hall Association. Wilkinson volunteered for Goodwill not Landfill, Hands on Oshkosh, Dragonboats Festival, Special Olympics of Wisconsin Polar Plunge, Titan Nights, Oshkosh Boys and Girls Club, Tunnel of Oppression, Beaming, Inc. and Habitat for Humanity. After graduation, Wilkinson plans to pursue a graduate degree in student affairs.
Read more: