Campus Connection

Monday, Mar. 23
Events for the week of March 23

Announcements

Grant Writing Webinar, 4/2: Leveraging AI Tools for Grant Writing

This webinar will explore how to use AI tools effectively to save time and strengthen your proposals. It will cover elements such as effective prompts, different applications of AI in proposal development, and sponsor policies regarding the use of AI. Register in advance online. Contact the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs with any questions.

Chat with Student Affairs leaders

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:

  • Vitaliano Figueroa, vice chancellor of Student Affairs
  • 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

What to expect

  • 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

Where and when to find us

  • Wednesday, March 25
    • 11:30 a.m-1 p.m., Whitney Center
    • w/Tara Miller, operations manager of Student Health Center
  • Monday, March 30
    • 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Student Union (by Sono)
    • w/Jeff Keenan, director of Rec Sports
  • 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 a.m.-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

Introduction to Mindfulness

UWL Counseling & TestingWellness & Health Advocacy and Rec Sports have teamed up to provide non-credit "Intro to Mindfulness" courses for the campus community! UWL "Intro to Mindfulness" courses use curriculum designed by the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults (MIEA). 
 
Mindfulness is simple, but not easy. Our four-week "Intro to Mindfulness" is an introductory class that will teach students the skill of mindfulness. It will also help you build the habit of using it in your life on a regular basis. Positive outcomes include: 

  • Less self-judgment 
  • Manage stress 
  • Increased self-compassion 
  • Better sleep 
  • Increased calm 

Faculty and staff: please consider referring students to attend!  

The course is open to UWL students, staff and faculty only. There is no fee to attend; however, attendees must register in advance by the deadline. More information and registration are available on the Rec Sports Intro to Mindfulness webpage. Two sessions are offered for the spring semester, starting Feb. 19 and March 30.    

Take a Student to Coffee Program

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

Biggest Money Game Changers presentation

What will you do to stand out from the rest? What does it take? Learn the game-changing habits of millionaires and what steps you can take to build your wealth starting as a student right now!

The presentation is brought to you by Brett Killion, CPA, of UW Madison's School of Business. Killion is a senior lecturer in Accounting & Information Systems and program director for the Master of Science in Financial Management & Accounting at UW-Madison. He is also founder of NextGen Financial Freedom.

Free Pizza and Chance to win $50 Scholarship!

It makes cents to learn life-skills!

Don't forget! There are two ways to make your time and money count! By attending our events you have the chance to win a $50 scholarship each time! What's even better? Double up your odds to win a $150 scholarship if you attend an event and come in for a financial consultation. Cha-ching!

Eagle Excellence in Leadership Awards

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 at 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 6.
  • A ceremony will be 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, as well as the 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.

Western WERF (Wisconsin Education Recruitment Fair)

Western WERF, an education focused career fair, will be from 2-4 p.m. Friday, March 27 in The Bluffs Ballroom Student Union.

Candidates interested in working in the K-12 school setting will have a chance to engage with school districts and other education employers throughout the U.S. to explore their opportunities. The event is free for students, alumni and community members. The fair is sponsored at UWL by the Academic Advising Center & Career Services. See Handshake for a list of participating employers.

The majority of organizations participating will be from Wisconsin and Minnesota. Additional organizations are from Colorado, Iowa and Illinois. For current teachers, there will be an opportunity to connect with UWL Professional Studies in Education. Programs include: Educational Leadership, Reading Programs, Director of Instruction, Master of Education - Professional Teaching with various emphasis opportunities, and other certificate programs.

Anyone can attend. Bring copies of your resume/vitae if you have them. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided during the fair. The event is free and no registration is needed.

Women's History Trivia Night

Women's History Trivia Night will be from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 at the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center at UWL. This event aims to be fun, noncompetitive, relaxing, inspiring and intergenerational. 

Come out and learn (or share your knowledge) and have some snacks!

  • Refreshments and drawings
  • No cost or pre-registration
  • Everyone is welcome

Sponsored by:
UWL College Feminists
UWL Early Childhood Education
UWL Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies
AAUW-La Crosse Branch

Wellness & Health Advocacy is hiring Peer Health Advocates!

Are you a student interested in health education and social media? If you are passionate about wellness and looking for on-campus work, apply to be a Peer Health Advocate on Handshake by April 3, 2026.

Are you faculty or staff member with a student in mind for this role? Share this post with them.

Visit the Wellness & Health Advocacy page for more information, or email wellness@uwlax.edu to recommend them for the position.

You're Invited: 2026 UWL Distinguished Alumni Awards

You're invited to join us in celebrating the 2026 UWL Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients! This special brunch & 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 

UWL Athletics

Volunteers are needed for the 2026 NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships at UWL

The 2026 NCAA Division III National Track & Field Championships will be hosted by Athletics on May 21-23, 2026.  UWL has the honor of hosting over 800 student-athletes from around the country – the largest Division III championship event of the year.

Many volunteers are needed to help make this a successful event. Check out and sign up for volunteer roles and shift times. None of the volunteer positions require any formal track & field knowledge. Volunteers will receive an event staff T-shirt and free entry into the meet.

Submit an announcement
Samantha Lyons profile photo Samantha Lyons Biology

Samantha Lyons, Biology student, presented "Comparative immunotoxicity of PFHxS and PFOS in larval zebrafish and fathead minnows" at the Midwest Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Annual Meeting on March 9 in Beloit, Wisconsin. Lyons is a Master of Science student working with Tisha King-Heiden, Biology. Travel costs were supported by a UWL Graduate Professional Travel Grant.

Samantha Lyons profile photo Samantha Lyons Biology

Samantha Lyons, a Biology student, was elected to be a board member for the Midwest Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. She will graduate with her Master of Science in Biology this May, and will start as a technician in an Environmental Toxicology Lab with UW-Madison and the Wisconsin Sea Grant.

JoAnn Breier profile photoCarissa Maske profile photo JoAnn Breier and Carissa Maske Biology and Microbiology

JoAnn Breier, Biology student, and Carissa Maske, Microbiology student, presented "Are forever chemicals forever altering embryonic development?" at Research on the Rotunda on March 11 in Madison, WI. They were selected to co-present for the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. These amazing students work with Tisha King-Heiden, Biology.

Marissa Eckrote-Nordland profile photo Marissa Eckrote-Nordland Economics

Marissa Eckrote-Nordland, Economics, was interviewed by Kate Archer Kent of Wisconsin Today-WPR on Friday, March 13.

Abrielle Klawitter profile photoAudrey Langworthy profile photoDean Vesperman profile photo Abrielle Klawitter, Audrey Langworthy and Dean Vesperman History

Abrielle Klawitter, Audrey Langworthy and Dean Vesperman, all History students, presented "Improving the Rigor of AI-Gen Curriculum: Mastering the Machine" at Wisconsin Council of the Social Studies on March 13 in Madison, WI. This session begins with a short overview, giving historical context for the AI-generated lessons. Next, discuss the generative AI curriculum and the various generative AI engines that were used to generate the curriculum. This includes what each tool created and the limitations of each AI engine. Then, participants will work through stations examining lesson plans created with various generative AI engines.

Mikayla Johnson profile photoAlder Yu profile photoPaul Schweiger profile photo Mikayla Johnson, Alder Yu and Paul Schweiger Biology and Microbiology

Mikayla Johnson, student, and Alder Yu, both Biology; and Paul Schweiger, Microbiology; presented "Time of Day Variation in the Gut Microbiome and Feeding Behaviors of Drosophila melanogaster" at the Genetics Society of American 67th Annual Drosophila Conference on March 5 in Chicago.

Remembering

Dennis R. Stannard, '66 Alumnus

Alumnus Dennis R. Stannard, '66, died March 1. For more information see the obituary.

Betsy Morgan, Academic Affairs thanks the Communication Studies Department, History Department, Accountancy Department, Computer Science Department, Psychology Department, and English Department Gateway+ Instructors

Thanks to the Communication Studies Department, History Department, Accountancy Department, Computer Science Department, Psychology Department, and English Department Gateway+ Instructors for completing 100% of their Gateway+ PRO@UWL progress reports this semester. Thank you for your commitment to student success.
— Betsy Morgan, Academic Affairs

Classifieds

There are no Classifieds for this Campus Connection, but you can submit one using our submission form.