Fox Cities News

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh marked the beginning of its academic year with an Opening Day ceremony that recognized faculty and staff for their achievements and contributions. The event, held at the Culver Family Welcome Center, brought together university employees before students gathered for Titan Fest.

Several awards were presented during the ceremony. Karrie Rukamp, assistant professor of bio-organic chemistry, was named a recipient in the Universities of Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars program. Carmen Hetzel received the Universities of Wisconsin Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on behalf of LGBTQ+ People.

Maria Graf, associate professor in the School of Nursing and Health Professions, was honored with the Universities of Wisconsin Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award for her work advancing equity and inclusion within both UWO and communities across Wisconsin.

Alphonso Simpson was recognized by the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents Diversity Award for his role in fostering diversity as part of the African American Studies program.

On the Fox Cities campus, Greg Landsverk received the Larry White Award after years with custodial services; Lynnette Kopetsky, Circulation Assistant in Library Access Services, also received this award. Christina Marty, Teaching Assistant Professor of English, won the Marilee White Award.

David A. Lishner (professor of psychology) and Tracy Hoffmann Slagter (professor of political science and director of CETL) were recipients of the John McNaughton Rosebush Professorship Award.

Stewart Cole (environmental studies/English) and Katy Schmitt (School of Nursing and Health Professions) were given the Edward M. Penson Distinguished Teaching Award.

George Thomas, professor of computer science whose research includes teamwork among heterogeneous agent teams and generative AI applications in software development, received the Barbara G. Sniffen Faculty Governance Service Award.

Endowed professorships went to Joseph Peterson (geology), Dr. Bill Gillard (English), and Dr. Nadia Louar (French and Francophone Studies).

Brian Wallace from Kinesiology was named Research Mentor of the Year by the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity.

The University’s Outstanding Service Award recognized Angela Zemke (Fraternity/Sorority Life adviser), Cordelia Bowlus (PI for McNair/Beckman Scholars programs), Deanna VanderWielen (transfer student admissions counselor), and Miranda Garske (residence hall director).

Recipients for this year’s Penson Faculty Awards included Jessica Tomasiewicz, Dr. Maria Graf, Dr.Kyle Steele, Dr. Kazeem Akinyele, Dr. Andrew Soderberg, Dr. Robert Sipes, Dr. Andrew Smock, and Dr. Jessica Lucas.

The Registrar’s Office received The Elevate Award “for not only meeting challenges head-on,” but also “redefining what it means to adapt, lead, and innovate with grace.”