UWL recognizes top scholarship recipients

UWL recognizes top scholarship recipients

Seven UW-La Crosse undergraduate and graduate students are being recognized for academic excellence and campus and community involvement. The honorees are:

Murphy Award

Recognizes the university's top graduating scholar, as chosen by the Scholarship and Awards Committee. A Murphy Foundation grant created the award in 1980 to recognize outstanding and exceptional scholastic ability.

Anna Meilahn graduates with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and a certification with the American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. She completed a minor in Spanish as well as the Spanish for Health Professions Certificate. Since her first semester at UWL, Meilahn has conducted biochemistry and virology research in Professor Kelly Gorres' lab, where she earned multiple Undergraduate Research and Creativity Grants and a Dean's Distinguished Fellowship. Meilahn has presented her research at university, regional and national conferences. Additionally, she has served as president of the Pre-Medicine Club and as a community resource connector for Emplify Health by Gundersen. She is from Plover, Wisconsin.

Hoeschler Award

Recognizes a College of Business Administration graduate for academic accomplishment and leadership on campus and in the community. Janet Hoeschler, a 1940 graduate, established the award in 1992.

Jaidyn Strang graduates with bachelor's degrees in accountancy and finance, having achieved a 3.98 GPA and consistent recognition on the dean's list. Strang supplemented her coursework with impactful experiences outside the classroom, including tax internships with Baker Tilly in Madison and RSM US LLP in La Crosse. She also completed the Global Consulting Abroad Program in Bratislava, Slovakia, where she collaborated on an international consulting project that allowed her to practice analytical and cross-cultural communication skills. On campus and in the community, Strang participated in the Outdoor Recreational Community, volunteered with Operation RiverWatch and officiated youth basketball games, among other involvements. She is from Shullsburg, Wisconsin.

Svec Award

Recognizes an outstanding graduate in the School of Education. The award is named for Alice Svec, '59, who taught elementary education before changing course and working as a visiting nurse for five decades.

Aly Theilen graduated in December 2025 with bachelor's degrees in elementary/middle education and special education, and a minor in psychology. She maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned dean's list honors each semester on campus. Theilen completed extensive field placements and student teaching experiences in local schools, consistently exceeding required hours and demonstrating strong instructional and leadership skills. In 2024-25, she volunteered with Great Rivers United Way, supporting reading development and building relationships with local third-grade students. Theilen also served as treasurer of UWL's Kappa Delta Pi education honor society, among other campus and community service. She is from Columbus, Wisconsin.

Magerus Award

Recognizes an outstanding graduate for academic accomplishments, leadership, and campus and community involvement. The award is named for John Magerus, who retired in 2004 after 28 years as a professor and administrator in the college.

Katie Spence is pursuing a bachelor's degree in sociology and criminology with minors in political science, legal studies and economics. She has maintained a 3.78 GPA while completing advanced coursework and multiple research projects exploring corrections, policing and community engagement. Spence has held leadership roles as a resident assistant and teaching assistant, serving as a role model inside and outside the classroom. She is involved in campus organizations including the Pre-Law, Sociology and Triathlon Clubs, and has served as a volunteer coach for the Special Olympics. This summer, she will begin a prestigious internship with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Milwaukee. She is from Sheboygan.

Strzelczyk Award

Recognizes an outstanding senior in the College of Science& Health for academic achievement as well as campus and community service. Robert, '54, and Judy Strzelczyk endowed the award in 1996.

Samantha Spencer graduated in December 2025 with a bachelor's degree in biology (biomedical science concentration) and a minor in chemistry. During her seven semesters at UWL, Spencer conducted undergraduate research alongside Associate Professor Alder Yu, earning multiple Undergraduate Research Council grants and presenting at campus research forums. While maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Spencer has assisted her peers as a teaching assistant and tutor, specializing in chemistry and anatomy. Highly involved outside the classroom, Spencer has worked as a CNA at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center, served as vice president of UWL's Pre-Medicine Club and volunteered with local community health organizations. She is from Fall Creek, Wisconsin.

Rosandich Award

Recognizes the best graduate thesis and dissertation, based on originality, impact and writing quality. The award is funded by Thomas P. Rosandich, '54, founding president of the U.S. Sports Academy in Daphne, Alabama.

Ben Patschull graduated in December 2025 with a master's degree in biology (aquatic science concentration) after earning a bachelor's degree in biology from UWL in 2020. As a grad student, Patschull conducted applied fisheries research exploring winter patterns of sportfish behavior and habitat use within backwater ecosystems of the Mississippi River. His master's thesis evaluated underwater camera methods for monitoring ice-covered habitats; his findings were incorporated into new state-sponsored winter monitoring programs. Patschull balanced a position at the Wisconsin DNR with his intensive academic fieldwork. He was also an engaged member of UWL's Freshwater Ecology and Management Club. He is from La Crosse.

Rosandich Award

Melina Merrie Remesha graduated in August 2025 with a doctoral degree in student affairs administration and leadership, and a 3.96 GPA. Currently serving as assistant dean of student affairs at the University of California San Diego, Remesha approached her studies at UWL with the goal of better understanding the students she serves. Her dissertation, "Unmasking College Life: The Lived Experiences of Autistic College Students Attending Four-Year Public Universities," sought to center autistic voices and experiences, identify systemic barriers that perpetuate ableism, and explore how universities can best support students with autism. She is from Marshfield, Wisconsin.