This week the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh welcomed the start of a new academic year. The day before the start of classes—known at UWO as Opening Day—includes gatherings for both students and employees.

Before students assembled on the academic mall for the annual Titan Fest, UWO employees came together at the Culver Family Welcome Center at the start of the day to recognize the achievements and milestones of their colleagues.

Here are the awards and the honorees:

• The Universities of Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars program offers UW faculty and teaching academic staff a unique opportunity to collaborate with other exceptional teachers from across the UW System and from various disciplines. Recipient Karrie Rukamp is an assistant professor of bio-organic chemistry who has served students across the UW System since 2006.
• The Universities of Wisconsin Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on behalf of LGBTQ+ People. Honoree Carmen Hetzel is a former program adviser for student organization and leadership programs at UWO.
• The Universities of Wisconsin Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award is given to faculty, staff, students or community members to recognize achievements in advancing equity and Inclusion for people of color within the Universities of Wisconsin as well as communities across the state. Recipient Maria Graf is an associate professor in the School of Nursing and Health Professions at UWO, where she combines academic leadership, global health advocacy and a deep commitment to equity in nursing education.
• The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents Diversity Award recognizes individuals and programs that foster diversity and inclusion within the Universities of Wisconsin. Alphonso Simpson, representing the African American Studies program, is this year’s honoree.
• The Marilee White and Larry D. White awards on the UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities campus have recognized outstanding employees annually on the campus since 2000. Marilee White was a former lecturer in English, and Larry White was a former political science professor. Greg Landsverk, winner of the Larry White Award, has been a valued member of the UWO Fox Cities custodial services team and recently transitioned to the Oshkosh campus, supporting the university community. Lynnette Kopetsky, winner of the Larry White Award, is a Circulation Assistant in the Library’s Access Services department at UW Oshkosh. Christina Marty is a Teaching Assistant Professor of English, is winner of the Marilee White Award.

• The John McNaughton Rosebush Professorship Award reflects the past service of John McNaughton Rosebush, who worked for the UW-Oshkosh Foundation in the 1970s. The two recipients are David A. Lishner, a professor of psychology who studies empathic processes, prosocial behavior, psychopathy, and aggression; and Tracy Hoffmann Slagter, a professor of political science and the director of UW-Oshkosh’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL).
• The Edward M. Penson Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes demonstrations of teaching excellence by faculty and instructional academic staff. Honorees are Stewart Cole, professor in both the environmental studies program and the English department; and Katy Schmitt, an associate professor in the School of Nursing and Health Professions.
• The Barbara G. Sniffen Faculty Governance Service Award commemorates exceptional service by a member of faculty. Recipient George Thomas is a professor of computer science whose research explores teamwork in 15 heterogeneous agent teams, and more recently, the application of generative AI in software development and engineering.
• Endowed professorships are awarded to faculty members who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and/or creative accomplishments, along with a record of quality teaching. The three honorees are Joseph Peterson, professor of geology ; Dr. Bill Gillard, professor of English; and Dr. Nadia Louar, professor of French and Francophone Studies.
• The Office of Student Research and Creative Activity annually recognizes a Research Mentor of the Year. This year’s recipient is Brian Wallace from Kinesiology.
• The University’s Outstanding Service Award recognizes the exceptional contributions of non-teaching academic staff in providing student and professional support services. Angela Zemke, Fraternity and Sorority Life adviser; Cordelia Bowlus, PI for the McNair and Beckman Scholars programs; Deanna VanderWielen, transfer student admissions counselor in the admissions office; and Miranda Garske, residence hall director for South Scott Hall, are this year’s honorees.
• The Penson Faculty Award is named to honor former Chancellor Penson, with awards recognizing faculty members who have made significant contributions to their colleges and the university. This year’s recipients are Jessica Tomasiewicz, program director for the Doctorate of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia Emphasis; Dr. Maria Graf, associate professor in the School of Nursing and Health Professions; Dr. Kyle Steele, associate professor and the area coordinator for Leadership, Literacy and Graduate Studies; Dr. Kazeem Akinyele, associate professor of accounting; Dr. Andrew Soderberg, associate professor of management and human resources; Dr. Robert Sipes, professor of kinesiology and athletic training; Dr. Andrew Smock, associate professor of digital media in the radio TV film program; and Dr. Jessica Lucas, associate professor of biology.
• The Elevate Award, honoring innovation through adversity and a commitment to rise above, was presented to the Registrar’s Office—a team awarded for not only meeting challenges head-on, but “redefining what it means to adapt, lead, and innovate with grace.”
• See Opening Day awards photo gallery here