UW-Stevens Point faculty, staff honored at University Awards

Outstanding faculty and staff members were recently recognized at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for their work during the 2025-26 academic year.

The Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service Award was given to Associate Professor James Berry, english. He is praised for his caring attitude and ability to teach difficult concepts, using educational research to inform his teaching. He was the driving force behind the interdisciplinary certificate in Language Studies and Linguistics minor and he dedicates time to advancing the field of linguistics at the national level.

The winner of the Carolyn Rolfson Sargis Award, recognizing employees with more than 25 years of service who work behind the scenes, was Chris Brindley, building and grounds manager. His love for the university is shown in his unwavering commitment and willingness to be available 24/7 for emergencies and whatever work is needed, as well as managing custodial, auto repair, recycling and surplus.

Those selected for the Excellence in Teaching Award include:

• Laura Anderson-McIntyre, professor of forest recreation, promotes relevance by engaging students in real-world experiences through field-based projects, experiential learning and reflection.
• Dave Dettman, professor and Library Instruction Program manager, builds courses that establish a strong foundation for undergraduate research instruction for students across multiple academic programs.
• Ann Herda-Rapp, professor of sociology, is the face of the major for many students, introducing them to important concepts that help them understand societal issues and create interests that recruit students for the major.
• Sarah Orlofske, associate professor of biology, mentors a large and active group of undergraduate researchers, with dozens presenting at professional meetings and many pursuing graduate studies.

Recognized with the University Scholar Award were:

• Miao David Chunyu, associate professor of sociology, has presented work locally, nationally and internationally and collaborates with highly regarded sociologists, linking UW-Stevens Point with leading research universities.
• Kathryn McGarry, associate professor of chemistry, is involved in a project that has resulted in two successful National Science Foundation grants and support for low-income students in biology, chemistry and biochemistry at UWSP.

The University Service Award recipients were:

• Timothy Buchholz, professor of vocal jazz and contemporary voice, volunteers for the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge Scholarship Fundraiser which raises funds for music department student scholarships while highlighting adventure racing.
• Kristi Roth, professor of education, volunteered to serve as the Common Council chair for the 2026-2027 academic year, allowing Common Council the tradition of shared governance at UWSP to continue.

The recipient of the Academic Staff Excellence Award was Sean Ruppert, instructional technical support specialist for the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning. He acts as a reliable source in helping instructors navigate new learning technologies and works closely with the Disability Resource Center to develop a program remediating course content for individual students with disabilities. He has played an integral role in UWSP's response to federal changes in ADA Title II digital accessibility expectations.

The Academic Staff Spirit of Community Service Award was given to Amy Kowalski, a communication specialist in Extension Lakes in the College of Natural Resources. She has helped develop hundreds of publications and produced more than 500 educational videos that support educators, clean waters agency staff, volunteers and community members across Wisconsin.

Several staff members were recognized for Outstanding Work Performance:

• Kathryn Blakeman, Common Council secretary, stepped up to chair the University Staff Awards and Programming Subcommittee when needed despite not being on the subcommittee or its supporting council.
• Dan Kieliszewski, custodian,has been a dependable and hardworking presence in the Dreyfus University Center, demonstrating perfect attendance and commitment to his responsibilities.
• Ken Kulich, custodian, was recently assigned to the Communication Arts Center and has improved both the physical space and the building's working culture.
• Colleen Meis, administrative assistant in Continuing Education and Outreach, took on new and unexpected tasks and sought ways to make procedures more efficient.