Carla Molloy, WiSys research development manager, will be joined by Blane Huppert, sponsor and partnership associate at WiSys, who was instrumental in developing the partnerships that were central to Forward Agriculture’s NSF Engines application. Huppert will share his insights into developing external partnerships that can open up new and exciting funding opportunities. Register in advance online. Contact the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs with any questions.

Have a question, idea, concern, or just want to put a face to Student Affairs? Stop by our “Chat with Student Affairs Leaders” table in the Whitney Center or the Student Union and talk with us—no appointment needed.

These casual tabling sessions are designed to make Student Affairs more visible, approachable, and easy to connect with. Come for a quick hello or stay awhile and share what’s on your mind.

Who you'll meet

At every session, you’ll be able to chat with:

• Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Vitaliano Figueroa
• One Student Affairs director (a rotating leader from across Student Affairs)

What you can talk about

Anything. Seriously. Students often stop by to:

• Share concerns or barriers they’re running into
• Offer ideas to improve campus life
• Ask questions about resources and services
• Talk about what’s going well (we want to hear that too)
• Get to know the people behind Student Affairs

• Drop-in format: come and go when it works for you
• Low-pressure conversation: no forms, no presentations—just a chat
• Real connection: your experience matters, and we’re here to listen

• Wednesday, April 8
  • 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Whitney Center
  • w/Crys Champion, director of Counseling & Testing
• Monday, April 13
  • Noon-1:30 p.m., Whitney Center
  • w/Patrick Heise, director of Residence Life
• Monday, April 20
  • 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Whitney Center
  • w/Ashley Franzo, director of Campus Child Center
• Monday, April 27
  • 10-11:30 a.m., Student Union (by Sono)
  • w/Kara Ostlund, assistant vice chancellor and dean of students
• Wednesday, May 6
  • 3-4:30 p.m., Student Union (by Sono)
  • w/Kyle Burke, director of University Centers and Student Engagement

The Take a Student to Coffee program, supported by the Division of Student Affairs & The Parent Fund, is an opportunity for outside-the-classroom connections between students and faculty/staff. The program is designed for a faculty or staff member to invite a student for a coffee, beverage or snack and use the time to get to know each other better and/or to discuss projects, events or activities. We hope this program encourages meaningful discussions and the development of lasting mentor/mentee relationships.

Faculty/staff members may apply to receive a $10 certificate to use to take a student out to coffee or a snack at an on-campus Chartwells dining location. Certificates will be mailed through campus mail. Faculty/staff are then welcome to invite any student to a coffee conversation. Once a certificate is used at the Chartwells location, both the faculty/staff member and the student will receive a survey to complete.

More information is available on the Student Affairs Website. 

How did people in Ice Age Europe stay connected over vast distances and across generations?

Charles Egeland, a professor of Anthropology and Director of the Archaeology Program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, will explore the surprising ways in which art and artifacts helped ancient societies share ideas, signal identity, and keep communities strong. Using archaeological evidence, social network analysis, and a little computer science, he will uncover how even the smallest objects can tell big stories about human connection — and why connecting with each other has always defined us as a species.

The talk will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, in Skogen Auditorium, 1400 Centennial Hall, UWL.

Charles Egeland, a professor of Anthropology and Director of the Archaeology Program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, earned his doctoral degree from Indiana University-Bloomington. He is particularly fascinated by how ancient hunter-gatherers interacted with their environments and how these interactions laid the groundwork for humans’ profound ecological footprint on Earth today.

Lecture is free and open to the public and students.

In partnership with the Division of Student Affairs, and on behalf of UWL's Student Association, we are excited to announce that nominations are open for the 3rd annual Eagle Excellence in Leadership Awards!

The annual Eagle Excellence in Leadership Awards provide a dedicated platform to recognize the good work UWL student leaders are doing each day. The awards are designed to create a moment of reflection on, appreciation of, and gratitude for the exceptional contributions made by student leaders who enrich our campus and community. Please join us in recognizing Eagles by taking the time to nominate for one or more of the Eagle Excellence in Leadership Awards.

2026 Important Dates

• Nominations are currently open
• Nominations close: Monday, April 6 at 11:59 p.m.
• Ceremony: Thursday, May 7 (by invitation only)

The individual awards have been designed to recognize the impact of our students at every level, from first-year to graduating senior, from student organizations to community advocacy and much more. Brief descriptions of each award are below. More information and nomination forms can be found on the Eagle Excellence in Leadership Awards website.  

Eagle Excellence in Leadership Awards

• Student Organization of the Year, designed to recognize a student organization which has impacted the campus and community, and demonstrated a commitment to the University mission.
• Student Organization Advisor of the Year, designed to recognize a student organization advisor who has gone “above and beyond” as an advisor and resource for their students.
• Student Organization Member of the Year, designed to recognize a student who has emerged as a leader in a student organization, without holding any titles.
• Aerie Award, affectionately named after a “group of eagles”, designed to recognize a non-student-organization group of students who have shown a commitment to service and the institution.
• Emerging Eagle Award, designed to recognize up to two students who have completed less than four semesters at UWL, have shown a commitment to getting involved, and have exhibited leadership potential.
• Stryker’s Student Leader Award, designed to recognize up to two students who have completed four or more semesters at UWL, have shown a continuous commitment to campus life, and have positively influenced their peers.
• Eagle Advocate Award, designed to recognize a student who has made contributions in areas of inclusive excellence, belonging, public policy, environmental stewardship, and/or community advocacy.  
• “Mens Corpusque” Award, designed to recognize up to three graduating seniors (upcoming May or December), who have shown a commitment to the university’s motto, “Mind and Body.”

Thank you for considering nominating a fellow Eagle for one (or many!) of these awards. If you have any questions regarding the nomination process, please reach out to Jacob Hart, associate director of Student Engagement & Leadership.

Board Match and Volunteer Fair with Great Rivers United Way

Looking for ways to get involved in the La Crosse community? Join us for a Board Match and Volunteer Fair hosted in partnership with Great Rivers United Way as part of Social Justice Week 2026.This event is open to the public and all are welcome! 

Local nonprofit organizations will be present to connect with students, staff and faculty interested in volunteering, serving on nonprofit boards, or supporting community initiatives across the Coulee Region. This event offers a chance to learn about the missions and impact of organizations working in areas such as youth development, housing stability, environmental stewardship, community health, food systems and disaster relief.

Representatives from more than twenty local organizations will be available to share opportunities, answer questions, and help you find meaningful ways to contribute your time, skills and leadership.

Stop by, explore the organizations, and discover how you can take action in your community.

Location: Student Union rooms 3310 and 3314

Participating organizations include:

New Horizons
CASA for Kids
Boys & Girls Club La Crosse
The Good Fight
La Crosse Lighthouse
CouleeCap
Next Steps for Change
Mental Health Coalition
Great Rivers United Way
The Sustainability Institute
OASIS Respite Program
Medical Reserve Corps
Explore La Crosse
YWCA La Crosse
La Crosse 4-H
Coulee Recovery Center
Hope Restores
Friends of Refuge Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8
La Crosse County Historical Society
American Red Cross – Wisconsin Region
La Crosse Farmers Market Association

You're invited to join us in celebrating the 2026 UWL Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. This special brunch and ceremony honors UWL alumni who exemplify excellence and have made a lasting impact on their professions, communities and our university.

Attendees will enjoy socializing, brunch, live music performed by a UWL student musician, inspiring remarks from Distinguished Alumni Award recipients and the opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the UWL community.

For faculty and staff, please RSVP here to join us in celebrating. 
For alumni & friends, please RSVP here to join us in celebrating. 

2026 UWL Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients 

• Amy Oliver, ’05 & ’08
  Burt & Norma Altman Teacher Education Award
  
  
• Dan Kraeger, ’83
  Graff Distinguished Alumni Award
  
  
• Elizabeth Evans, ’05
  Morgan Improving Lives Alumni Award
  
  
• Tacara Lovings, ’12
  Parker Distinguished Multicultural Alumni Award
  
  
• Sarah Arendt-Beyer, ’07
  Rada Distinguished Alumni Award

The City of La Crosse would like to remind residents and students that large item collection is no longer provided by the city. Items that are too large or heavy to fit in your garbage cart are considered a large item. These include couches, cabinets, desks, carpet, tables, etc. It is the resident's responsibility to dispose of large items.

Students who are renting in the City of La Crosse should be actively discussing this situation with their landlords to see what options are available according to the terms of their lease. Materials should not be left out for disposal unless the materials have been contracted for removal.

Here is a list of resources to consider when disposing of unwanted large items. Some of these organizations also provide free large-item pickup services.

Donated items

Habitat for Humanity
The Exchange
The Salvation Army

Unusable items

Harter’s Curbside Pickup (Arrange for curbside pickup for a fee.)
La Crosse County Landfill (Residential drop off for a fee.)

Five alumni. Real industry insights. Your UWL legacy begins today.

Hear from UWL Distinguished Alumni Award recipients as they deliver brief insight talks on their industries, reflect on their UWL experiences, and share advice as you begin shaping your own legacy.

Students who attend can also:

• Participate in a live, digital interaction and brief Q&A following the presentation
• Download a Legacy in Action Certificate of Participation for LinkedIn
• Enter to win a Build Your Legacy Kit
• Enjoy coffee and grab-and-go snacks

Register here by Monday, April 6. Space is limited for this interactive program.

Featuring the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients:

Sarah Arendt-Beyer, ’07
Marketing Communications Manager | Nortek Air Solutions
AI Is Just the Beginning: Embracing Change Throughout Your Career

Elizabeth Evans, ’05
Community Impact Director | Great Rivers United Way
Community Impact: Turning Needs into Action

Dan Kraeger, ’83
Medical Director | Heartland Hospice–Central Wisconsin
Advancing Health: Through Service and Leadership

Tacara Lovings, ’12
Executive Director, Office of Strategic Initiatives | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Leading for All: Education as a Common Good

Amy Oliver, ’05 & ’08
Principal | Hintgen Elementary School
Student Success: Expanding Support Beyond the Classroom

The Friend of Graduate & Extended Learning Award recognizes UW-La Crosse faculty and staff who, through their collaboration with Graduate & Extended Learning, have created and supported learning opportunities that extend UW-La Crosse into the community. These individuals share Graduate & Extended Learning’s commitment to public service, life-long learning and growth through collaboration. View details.

Gamma Sigma Sigma and the Leadership and Involvement Center are excited to partner with the American Red Cross to host the next campus blood drive on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Did you know that while about 38% of Americans are eligible to donate blood, fewer than 10% actually do each year? Your donation can make a real and immediate impact. If you’re healthy and able, we encourage you to take an hour out of your day, book an appointment and help support the Red Cross’s lifesaving mission.

Not sure if you’re eligible? No worries — just stop by, and the Red Cross team will help you find out.

Sign up on the America Red Cross website and learn more.

Roll up your sleeve, save a life and be part of something bigger than yourself!

Donors will receive a free T-shirt (while supplies lasts) and a free Culver's Pint for Pint coupon. 

The blood drive runs from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at the UWL Cleary Alumni & Friends Center.

View this event on UWL MyOrgs.

Join us for the last Science Café of the 2025-26 Season. Marc Williams, professor and director emeritus, Geisinger Health, will present "Using the Information in Your Genes to Improve Your Health" at 6 p.m. Friday April 10, at JavaVino, 2311 State Road, La Crosse, WI 54601. Food and/or beverage purchase is required. Making reservations with JavaVino early is strongly recommended. Please make sure to arrive early to place your order to truly enjoy this experience of world class science!

Visit the La Crosse Science Café Facebook page for information about future events.

The UWL Fashion Show: Nothing New Under the Sun will be Monday, April 20 at the UWL Student Union. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the show starts at 5 p.m. 

6:30 p.m. will be a "drop and shop" event. More details to come. 

Please join us for the Earth Month Festivities! Here is a highlight of the events happening at UWL or nearby in the community. Follow @uwlsustainability on Instagram or Facebook to stay up to date!

• During Social Justice Week  

• • Mending Masters 

• • • April 7, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• • • Mending Masters invites participants to explore clothing repair as a practice of community care, creativity, and sustainability. In a culture built on disposability, mending becomes an act of resistance, extending the life of garments while acknowledging the labor, materials, and stories they hold.  

• • Uplifting Our Youth: Understanding the Impact of Mentorship During a Climate Crisis

• • • April 7, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

• • • Are you concerned about climate change? You aren’t alone. Join us for a viewing of “Sam & Me”, a short film starring the Protect Our Winters alliance member Mike Douglas and his mentee Sam. 

• • Meet Me at the Creek  

• • • April 7, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

• • • Many Indigenous People believe that what happens to water happens to us and call for a One Water approach to conservation and environmental protection. This perspective is at the heart of the Meet me by the Creek, a documentary by Cherokee Nations filmmaker Loren Waters, which examines the profound relationships that Indigenous communities hold with land and water. Join us to watch and discuss this short but powerful documentary.  

• • Decolonizing Environmental Well-Being 

• • • April 8 ,5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

• • • This session will focus on exploring the history of environmental activism under the guise of individualism and capitalism. We will take a deep dive into what accessibility issues and environmental racism looks like today and the impacts it can have, especially on historically marginalized communities. We will also explore the intersection of environmental well-being, accessibility, medical bias and racism 

• Biophilic Cities: How to Better Connect Nature and Cities 

• • April 15, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. 

• • The 2026 Prairie Springs Environmental Lecture series event. This year’s featured speaker is Timothy Beatley, professor of Sustainable Communities in the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning at the University of Virginia and the Founder of Biophilic Cities. In his talk, he will present the contours of an emerging vision of cities, Biophilic Cities, that at once emphasizes the health and ecological benefits of nature for humans, but also the inherent moral worth of nonhuman life. 

• Campus Sustainability Update 

• • April 17, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. 

• • Join us for campus sustainability update on the successes of the last year, the work in progress, and a view of what is to come next. The event is being hosted by the UWL Forward Work Group for sustainability. Come with your questions, thoughts and opinions. 

• Nothing New Under the Sun 

• • April 20, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

• • 2026 Fashion Show presented by Campus Thread. 

• Earthapalooza 

• • April 22, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

• • UWL's flagship Earth Day event, Earthapalooza, is a celebration of all things beautiful on this wonderful planet that we call home. Expect games, activities, music and free food. It's a classic UWL event that you don't want to miss 

• UWL Marsh Clean Up 

• • April 25, 10 a.m. to noon

• • Join the UWL Marsh Clean Up, run by the Sustainability and Environmental Studies Department and UWL Sustainability. All supplies provided. Wear closed-toed shoes and pants. 

• Earth Fair in Myrick Park 

• • April 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

• • The annual Earth Fair will be held at Myrick Park and The Nature Place.