Congratulations to the UWSP Class of 2025! For more information, visit https://www.uwsp.edu/commencement.
Commencement December 13, 2025 Doctoral Degree Master’s Degree Baccalaureate Degree Associate Degree
10 a.m. College of Letters and Science College of Natural Resources College of Professional Studies College of Fine Arts and Communication
To view the full commencement program scan the QR code or visit uwsp.edu/commencement
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Officers Pratima N. Gandhi, Interim Chancellor Marty Loy, Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Erin Hintz, Interim Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Al S. Thompson Jr., Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs William Broussard, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Robert Manzke, Interim Chief Marketing and Enrollment Officer
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College Deans Stuart M. Benkert, Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication
Joshua Hagen, Dean, College of Letters and Science Rebecca Sommer, Dean, College of Professional Studies Brian L. Sloss, Dean, College of Natural Resources Gretel Stock, Dean, University College
Universities of Wisconsin Officers Jay O. Rothman, President Johannes Britz, Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Julie Gordon, Vice President for Finance and Administration Christopher Patton, Vice President for University Relations Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents Amy B. Bogost, Regent President Kyle M. Weatherly, Regent Vice President Angela Adams Desmond Adongo Noah Fritz Haben Goitom Jim Kreuser Edmund Manydeeds III
Timothy Nixon Tom Palzewicz Joan Prince Ashok Rai Sara Rogers Jack Salzwedel Linda Terwilliger Amy Traynor Jill Underly Karen Walsh
Winter 2025 Commencement 2
Welcome from the Interim Chancellor
On behalf of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, congratulations to our 2025 graduates! These dedicated students have completed years of purpose-driven learning, rigorous work and personal growth to become future professionals and leaders in their disciplines. It is my honor to mark the achievements of our graduates and celebrate this milestone with their families and supporters by conferring degrees as UW-Stevens Point’s chancellor. I have enjoyed meeting and working with students at all three of our campuses. I’ve been inspired by the ambition I see displayed daily inside the classroom, in our communities and at our athletic and student organization events. Every higher education experience translates into success both personally and professionally, with an impact that continues for generations.
Pratima Gandhi
Completing a university degree is a major accomplishment, one achieved by meeting challenges with determination, adaptability and creativity. As our graduates go out to fulfill their purpose in the world, they can look to a bright future with confidence knowing the skills they attained at UW-Stevens Point are highly sought by graduate schools, employers and community organizations. Graduates, we are so proud of all you have achieved. Please know UW-Stevens Point will always be your home, and you are welcome back anytime. To our graduates’ family and friends, thank you for lending your student your support, sacrifice and encouragement. To our faculty and staff, thank you for your time, mentorship and inspiration. Your dedicated work has helped transform the lives of our graduates so they can reimagine the world. I see great things happening from our graduates!
Sincerely,
Pratima Gandhi Interim Chancellor
Winter 2025 Commencement 3
Keynote Speaker
Regent Jack Salzwedel is the former chair and CEO of American Family Mutual Insurance Company, a position he held from 2011 to 2021. Prior to becoming chair and CEO, Regent Salzwedel was the president and COO of American Family, and served in many different roles and leadership positions at the company since his start there in 1985. Regent Salzwedel earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He has served on several boards, including the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, the American Family Children’s Hospital Development Advisory Board, the Aldo Leopold Foundation, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Dane County and the UW Chancellor’s Advisory Board, among many others.
ROTC Graduates Commissioning
Administering the Oath of Office Captain Olivia R. Logan, an assistant professor of Military Science at UW-Stevens Point, has served in the U.S. Army for thirteen years, first as combat medic in Vilseck, Germany, then as an Officer in various leadership positions. Before her time in the armed services, she was a waiver service provider for foster children in New York. Her military awards and decorations include a Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among many others. Born in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and raised in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., she holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Syracuse University. She and her husband, CPT Daniel Logan, a U.S. Army logistics officer, have three children. Carraigh Monien The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at UW-Stevens Point is a commissioning program that produces United States Army Officers. ROTC curriculum is comprised of leadership and military courses. Cadets are eligible to earn a minor in military science at completion of the program. Along with leadership skills, ROTC offers various scholarship options for qualifying cadets. Cadets are expected to meet ROTC’s academic, student leadership, and physical standards to receive these benefits.
Winter 2025 Commencement 4
December 13, 2025 10 a.m. Ceremony
Grand Marshal Christopher Yahnke Professor of Wildlife College of Natural Resources
Faculty Marshals Chris Kaiser Assistant Professor of Dance College of Fine Arts and Communication Justin Sipiorski Professor of Biology College of Letters and Science Student Marshals Robert Michitsch Professor of Soil and Waste Resources College of Natural Resources Timothy Halkowski Professor of Health Sciences and Doctor of Physical Therapy College of Professional Studies
Reader Jim O’Connell
Associate Professor of Arts Management College of Fine Arts and Communication
Announcer Sondra Reynolds Director of Clinical Services-Speech and Language Pathology College of Professional Studies
Winter 2025 Commencement 5
Order of Exercises 10 a.m. Ceremony
Prelude UW-Stevens Point Symphonic Wind Ensemble John Lynch Director of Bands Processional Guests will please be seated during the processional. Presentation of Colors UW-Stevens Point ROTC Color Guard National Anthem Meredith Johnson Bachelor of Music Candidate College of Fine Arts and Communication Welcome Pratima Gandhi Interim Chancellor Honor Announcements Marty Loy Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Speaker Introduction Interim Chancellor Gandhi Commencement Address Regent Jack Salzwedel Board of Regents Universities of Wisconsin Introduction of Student Speaker Al Thompson Jr. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Class of 2025 Student Speaker Bailey Bauer Bachelor of Science Candidate College of Professional Studies
Alumni Pinning Ceremony Ashley Gerdes Bachelor of Science Candidate College of Professional Studies Marcus Lewis Class of 2007 ROTC Commissioning Interim Chancellor Gandhi Captain Olivia Logan
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees Doctoral, Master’s, Baccalaureate and Associate Degree Candidates Joshua Hagen Dean, College of Letters and Science Brian Sloss Dean, College of Natural Resources Rebecca Sommer Dean, College of Professional Studies Stuart Benkert Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication Conferral of Degrees Interim Chancellor Gandhi Charge to Graduates Interim Chancellor Gandhi Alma Mater – “The Purple and the Gold” Megan Griffith Bachelor of Music Candidate College of Fine Arts and Communication Words are printed on the last page of the program. Recessional Guests are asked to remain seated. Join us for a reception inside the Quandt Fieldhouse following the ceremony
Winter 2025 Commencement 6
Doctoral Degree Programs
College of Professional Studies Doctor of Education in Educational Sustainability
Ace, Ashley Kramer, Kate
Li, Jie Mangan, Tara
Nussbaum, Deborah Schultz, Jean
Tidd, Rachel
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Brown, Joshua Carlo, Ava Carsten, Gretchen Ecker, David Gessert, Kurtis Graves, Daniel Grosskopf, Lauren Heil, Meghan Huenink, Erica
Jumbeck, Joshua Kaegi, Lydia Larson, Michael Laska, Evan Lee, Juho Lee, Sophia Lorenz, Jessica Lynch, Carlee Marley, Jack
Mullen, Kerry Palma, Ryan Pepka, Abbigail Pernsteiner, Faith Prahl, Caden Pruess, Jenna Reams, Broderick Renwick, Gavin Rinehart, Matthew
Sater, Abigail Sayer, Andrew Schmenk, Sierra Wehner, Amelia Werry, Joshua
Master’s Degree Programs
College of Letters and Science Master of Science in Cybersecurity Morton, Weylin Master of Science in Data Science Bradford, Carla College of Natural Resources Master of Natural Resources Cafferty, Jacob Champeau, Taylor Master of Science in Natural Resources Eastman, Ryan Embersits, Samantha Hartlaub, Madisen Lensing, Braden
Winter 2025 Commencement 7
College of Professional Studies Master of Business Administration in Applied Leadership and Decision-Making
DeAngelis, Julia Froehlich, Daniel Hackworth, Samuel
Jensen, Gunner Kesler, Ray Politoski, Emma
Przybyl, McKenna Steinman, Olivia Sweet, Christopher
Thiel, Lydia Weiler, Jon
Conant, Daniel Diamond, Carrie Gill, Vikram Master of Science in Community and Organizational Leadership
Master of Science in Education
Benson, Jordan Bird, Hayley Dusso, Amanda Fair, Brittany Gresham, Jennie Hansen, Laura Harper, Andrew Hehir, Caroline
Henke, Allie Kissner, Kirsten Laurent, Jayden Lee, Thania Lemens, Samantha Litherland, Melissa Mason, Brianna Moe, Rebecca
Mokler, Eden Nelson, Cassandra Nelson, Taylor Olson, Jennifer Peterson, Megan Proue, Ashley Rodriguez, Vanessa Siders, Savannah
Taccini, Carly Walker, Melinda Wisniewski, Helen Wizner, Emily Zdziarski, Kelsey
Daane, Michelle Hovanec, Katherine Meicher, Kathryn Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
Steen-Martin, Amelia Master of Science in Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems
College of Fine Arts and Communication Master of Music Education Gajewski, Arthur Hanke, Erin Holley-Mallo, Ryan Rexroat, Rehanna
Winter 2025 Commencement 8
Baccalaureate Degree Programs
College of Letters and Science
Belcher, Eleanor*** Bender, Cora* Dinehart, Zoie Goetter, Gwendolyn Graham, Patience Bachelor of Arts
Holdsworth, Jaden*** Johnson, Jazmyne* Koeshall, Kevin Krause, Katherine* Lucas, Paolo*
Lyshik, Delila Potter, Angela Rodriguez Hernandez, Lesly Rottier, Giselle***
Stennett, Crysta Winter, Benjamin* Wood, Brandon
Bachelor of Science Anderson, Katelynn Becker, Grace Bejin, Alissa
Jessee, Ben Jiannacopoulos, Nina Kagigebi, Shaniah Kempinger, Justin* Kleman, Marissa Knapstein, Faye Kollross, Mikayla Konkol, Jack** Koran, Madeline*** Kosulandich, Madelynne Krauska, James LaChapelle, Kaitlyn*
Overturf, Morgan Peer, Brady* Pollesch, Marli Post, Cody** Powers, Anna Rasmussen, Jenna Reigel, Isabella* Richter, Veronica** Riehle, Brenna Roth, Alexis Rottier, Giselle*** Schaefer, Ashlei Schroedel, Madalyn Schroeder, Benjamin* Shuda, Brett Sliwicki, Laura* Smith, Leo** Staats, Jacob Stocksdale, Samantha** Strand, Anna** Szabo, Gwendolyn Szucs, Tristan Tegtmeier, Rachel Vanderpoel, Ellianna VanKleef, Stephanie Viegut, Parker Wachowiak, Nicholas
Wellens, Sara Yang, Teng Yang, Yeleng Zabel, Madison***
Beth, Abigail* Beyer, Kamryn Blaszczak, Eric* Bongiorno, Josh Borkowicz, Payton* Brown, Natalie** Budde, Sarah* Carlson, Annie* Crain, Justin* DeBruin, Isabel*** Dickman, Delaney* Drover, Abby Duran, Candace Ebben, Michael** Engel, Kristin Erickson, Katie* Gessler, Ashlyn Graham, Patience Harper, Lacy Hegarty, Ashley** Heindel, Logan Heuring, Natalie* Hochhalter, Lily Hoppe, Jasmine* Hormann, Alyssa* Jaeger, Jacob
Lamb, Amanda Landis, Sophia Leveille, Rachel* Lindsey, Connor Lopez, Aurora Marquardt, Greta Martin, Chloe McMahan, Sarah Metzler, Grayson* Meyer, Katie** Moen, Jalyn Monien, Carraigh Mussell, Cody* Neupert, Taylor Newton, Natalie Nowak, Emma* O’Donnell, Michael
Wallace, Gethin* Warden, Luke**
Winter 2025 Commencement 9
College of Natural Resources Bachelor of Science
Balthazor, Liliana* Banach, Noah Bartsch, Reagan* Bielawa, Jack Bostrom, Autumn Bowman, Gabriel* Brabant, Kilyn Brandt, Vincent Broerman, Brooke* Bruegger, Gretchen Case, Ethan Casper, Garrett Ceranske, Heather Chappelle, Michael Clementi, Ian Colby, Taylor Coleman, Samuel* Cunningham, Landon Degrave, Paige Doege, Alexander
Feldbruegge, Isabella*** Gates, Blake Gerberding, Seth*** Gregorski, Tyler Hanten, Benjamin Hau, Avery Haugen, Jack Heeringa, Elijah Hetland, Madeline*** Hoeft, Jonathan Homuth, Tessa*** Ireland, Bradley Jenerou, Amanda Jura, Caleb* Keller, Jacalyn Kelnhofer, Alyssa** Kent, Leah Klawiter, Aleena** Klopp, Benjamin Koehler, Benjamin Komis, Jacob Koseor, Campbell***
La Ronge, Sarah Lamorelle, Carlo Leibsle, Darren Loosen, Grace** Maas, Alice*** Mauhar, Dominique***
Rudolph, Nicholas Sinclair, Emily* Smith, Reed Spangler, Kailin Stevens, Zappa Stoflet, Helena Suddeth, Ksenia Sullivan, Cameron Swisher, Evan Sylvester, Isasia Szafran, Marci Tamez, Jonah*** Turczyk, Sidney* Van Den Heuvel, Berrin** Vang, Peter Lee Wallner, Emily Watry, William Weber, Mackenzie Wilson, Nikolas
Mettille, Cody Millard, Olivia Neeser, Connor Notinokey, Hunter Obgartel, Carolyn* Oehmichen, Chase Otto, Veronica Peotter, Nick Petit, Jayden Phillipich, August Pierce, Cameron Pocernich, Lisa Ponshock, Indya Ponzer, Mitchell Quinnell, Sydney Rolling, Aiden*
Dynako, Grace Erickson, Paige
College of Professional Studies
Shirk, Makayla Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Abhold, Alayna Albright, Abbigail Alft, Selah Atwood, Tessa* Backes, Renee Bangart, Brett* Bauer, Bailey** Bauer, Dylan Beavin, Jessica***
Bender, Jocelyn Beyer, Lydia** Boettcher, Aidan Bohman, Jacob Bonikowske, Megan** Borchardt, Carter Bradl, Kaiden
Chiapuzio, Taylor Chrisman, Braylee** Cibrario, Emmie** Coleman, Derek Crossman, Alexis* DeBruin, Trevor** DeGroff, Zack* Derenne, Brooke* DeRosier, Grace*
Devenney, Kayley* Ebben, Maya* Ellis, Kylie*** Ely, Ryan Erickson, Tayler Ertl, Josephine* Ewing, Anthony* Faber, Skylar** Fournier, Rose***
Chapel, Hailey** Chartier, Lauren
Winter 2025 Commencement 10
College of Professional Studies Bachelor of Science continued Fritz, Morgan** Gamez, Madison* Gerdes, Ashley Gigl, Cory* Golbach, Abbe** Gonnering, Marlayna** Grieser, Isabella* Konkol, Isaac*** Kort, Kaitlyn** Kutschenreuter, Jenna*** LaQua, Elizabeth*** Larson, Gage* Larson, Jessica Larson, Kathryn*
Ratz, Cameran Rehrauer, Aiden Rennhack, Austin Rick, Amanda*** Rinzel, Emma** Rivera, Allyssa Rogge, Adam Romero, Adrien Rupp, Harlan Sabec, Angela Samuels, Alexys Sankey, Nathan*** Schaefer, Connor Schiro, Quentin Schmidt, Emily Schmitz, Joseph Schultz, Jennifer Seidler, John* Spatoulas, Anthony Spratlin, Aidan Stevens, Sawyer* Sutcliffe, Andrew Tandberg, Tiffany Tapia, Jacob Tesch, Claire** Thao, Kayli Thomas, Joshua* Thompson, Megan*** Tibbetts, Jordan Uelmen, Cooper** Underwood, Jaden Vandeleygraaf, Kyle Vanderloop, Andrea Vue, Yang Pao Wagner, Evelyn*** Walenta, Olivia Washkoviak, Claire Way, Lauren* Wehrman, Emily** Weider, Mason
Weiler, Kate Weinig, Morgan* Werner, Veronica* Whitt, Gunnar* Wildner, Matthew Wilkins, Grace* Williams, Brianna* Yager, Jason Ziegler, Grace Zurawski, Meghan
Gundersen, Gracie* Hammond, Kiara*** Handel, Brianna* Hansen, Collin Harmelink, Dylan** Hartsell, Caitlin*
Lathrop, Paige* Leach, Adrianna Lebeck, Ethan* Leher, Robert LeVeque, Evelyn Lo, Kongpheng Luedtke, Cole
Hawkins, Elise Heiser, Molly** Herzer, Jade Heuss, Carolyn*
Magolski, Gabrielle* Mcconnaha, Molly* Mcgrath, Libby** Mertz, McKayla Michalske, Mitchell Mickelson, Madeline*
Hoeppner, Callen* Hofacker, Abagail** Homolka, Logan*** Jarr, Connelly** Jashinsky, Angelina Jeffers, Alec Johnson, Christopher*** Johnson, Eric Johnson, Gus Johnston, Anna* Joseph, Kasie Kalepp, Keith* Kawleski, Emma Kazmierczak, Jamie** Kearns, Kylie Kettlewell, Carrissa Khang, KaiLei Kirsch, Christopher***
Miller, Kylie*** Miller, Mikenzi Moen, Natalie* Mueller, Riley* Nielsen, Sarah Nikolai, Austin Notinokey, Alexia Olson, Caroline* Olson, Elizabeth Olson, Jonathan* Pappas, Morgan Passini, Maya Paul, Nicholas Pearce, Holly Phillips, Jamie Pillath, Alliyah** Pinciak, Emma** Premus, Nicole* Prey, Carter*
Kleiber, Brooklyn* Klein, Alexander Klein, Marissa*** Kluck, Rick** Koback, Nicole
Winter 2025 Commencement 11
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Bartel, Elijah
Bootz, Lucy Casey, Caitlin Cowart, Samantha Jahnz, Stephanie
Kornkven, Lindsey Krzmarcik, Jayda Livermore-Faber, Lena Pecher, Alexis
Peters, Zoe Richmond, Emily* Schmies, Ashlynn* Strong, Kelsey*
Beversdorf, Bergen Billmann, Lauren Blohowiak, Sadie
College of Fine Arts and Communication Bachelor of Arts
Bejin, Alissa Marquardt, Greta Mcgillivray, Ellie*
Pilgrim, Deirdra*** Rasmussen, Ryan Roach, Daniel
Taber Nelson, Tina Theisen, Nicholas* Walker, Brandon
Yezek, Averi
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Boughton, Sara Cross, Emalee Eilers, Jenna Krajnik, Sydney Kruzan, Karly**
Luedtke, Jack* Marks, Paige*
Preston, Taylor Price, Hannah Rockweiler, Emma*** Strobel, Elise Thompson, Samuel**
Walters, Taylor* Yang, Pachoua Zertuche, Deangelo
McNeely, Emilie Morreau, Melanie Poeschel, Emily***
Bachelor of Music
Durham, Micah Griffith, Megan
Hartmann, Andrew** Havey, Nathanial*
Johnson, Meredith*** Karbash, Caitlyn**
Kester, Amanda**
Bachelor of Science
Brefka, Caryn** Butscher, Luke Coffin, Olivia*
Fris, Kasey* Olson, Alyssa Paulson, McKenna*
Rusch, Elijah Salm, Adam Schoenholz, Adam
Vang, Chiadoua
Winter 2025 Commencement 12
Associate Degree Programs
College of Letters and Science Associate of Arts and Science
Anderle, Hannah Davis-Jahnke, Zoey**
Hackel, Kateri Jensen, Morgan
Landeau, Marshall** Pfeifer, Nicholas
Tazelaar, Ethan
Associate of Science Foulk, Jaden***
Undergraduate Honors The faculty has established a program of academic honors to recognize undergraduate students for outstanding academic achievement. There are three levels of undergraduate academic honors, which are awarded on the basis of grade point average for all courses attempted.
Summa Cum Laude: overall GPA of 3.9 or above *** Magna Cum Laude: overall GPA of 3.75 to 3.89 ** Cum Laude: overall GPA of 3.5 to 3.74 *
Winter 2025 Commencement 13
Chancellor’s Leadership Award Recipients
The Chancellor’s Leadership Award was established in 1978 at the urging of former Chancellor Lee Sherman Dreyfus. The award recognizes UW-Stevens Point graduates who contribute significant leadership, demonstrate university and/or community service, and display a commitment to personal growth. Each recipient receives a bronze medallion emblazoned with the University Seal and presented with a purple and gold ribbon.
Abbigail Albright Jocelyn Bender Megan Bonikowske Samuel Coleman Maya Ebben Andrew Hartmann Madeline Hetland Tessa Homuth Jazmyne Johnson Meredith Johnson Carrissa Kettlewell Christopher Kirsch Jack Luedtke Alice Maas Gabrielle Magolski Dominique Mauhar Olivia Millard Mikenzi Miller Carraigh Monien Emma Nowak Amanda Rick Giselle Rottier Emily Sinclair Laura Sliwicki Anna Strand Nicholas Theisen Samuel Thompson Sidney Turczyk William Watry Brianna Williams
Winter 2025 Commencement 14
Special Honor Designations
Braided navy and gold cords ending in fringed tassels and/or a two-inch cloisonné medallion featuring a rendering of the Phi Kappa Phi emblem suspended from royal blue ribbon represent Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Black and gold cords ending in fringed tassels represent Phi Eta Sigma, the nation’s oldest and largest honor society for first-year college and university students in all disciplines. Teal cords represent Alpha Kappa Delta, the National Sociology Honor Society. Blue, brown and gold cords represent Gamma Theta Upsilon, the International Geographical Honor Society. Green and purple cords represent Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society. Red and white cords represent Lambda Pi Eta, the Communication Honor Society. White, black and blue cords represent Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society. Blue and white cords represent the National Residence Hall Honorary. White, purple and gold cords represent Phi Upsilon Omicron, the National Honor Society in Family and Consumer Sciences. The cloisonné enamel on a brass-finished medallion, suspended from a red grosgrain ribbon, depicts the symbol and Greek letters for Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. Colored sashes worn by students who have spent one or more semesters abroad represent the host countries of UW-Stevens Point’s semester abroad programs–Australia, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland and Spain. Purple sashes with a gold globe are worn by students who have completed a short-term study abroad program. Purple and gold cords represent the University Honors Program. Scarlet and black cords represent Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society. Green and white stole with an evergreen emblem represent Xi Sigma Pi, the National Natural Resource Management Honor Society. Platinum and black cords and stole represent Sigma Alpha Pi, the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success. Red and white cords represent Phi Alpha Theta, the History Honor Society. White stole with NCFR emblem represents Honor Student recognition from the National Council on Family Relations. White sashes with gold globe and blue insignia represent Lambda Alpha, the National Anthropology Honors Society.
Winter 2025 Commencement 15
Wisconsin Native American Representation
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point exists upon land inhabited by the original indigenous people of this area, including the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and the many other nations and groups that predate colonial borders. We acknowledge that with colonialization Native American people have been dispossessed of their lands and irreparably changed by the actions of individuals and institutions. We acknowledge our responsibility to understand and respond to those actions. In partnership with the Native American Center, we commit to working together to honor the past, be intentional in the present, and to build our future with truth. UW-Stevens Point is proud to display the flags of the 12 Native American tribes of Wisconsin in the Dreyfus University Center. The following tribal flags are represented on campus: Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Brothertown Nation Forest County Potawatomi Ho-Chunk Nation Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin Oneida Nation Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Sokaogon Chippewa Community - Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians
For the full Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Statement, please visit: uwsp.edu/indigenous-land-acknowledgment-statement .
Winter 2025 Commencement 16
Special Honor Designations
As a depiction of the university’s commitment to fostering global citizenship, the international flags represent the home countries of our international students since 1980, and also the countries in which our students have studied through international programs. The current total of 125 nations includes the following:
Angola Anguilla
Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Estonia Ethiopia Fed States of Micronesia Finland France The Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Great Britain Greece
Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya
Portugal Puerto Rico Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Singapore Slovakia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka St. Kitts and Nevis
Argentina Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Belize Bermuda Bosnia-Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burma Burundi Cameroon Canada Chile China Colombia Congo Democratic Republic Costa Rica Côte d’Ivoire Croatia Cuba Czech Republic Denmark
North Korea South Korea Kuwait Laos Latvia Libya Luxembourg Malawi Malaysia Mali Mauritania Mexico Mongolian Peoples Republic Morocco Myanmar Namibia Nepal
St. Lucia Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan
Greenland Guatemala Guinea Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia
Tanzania Thailand Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine Venezuela Vietnam Yugoslavia Zambia Zimbabwe
Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Nigeria North Ireland Norway Oman Pakistan Palestine Peru Philippines Poland
Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Japan
Winter 2025 Commencement 17
Chancellor’s Medallion and the Ceremonial Mace
The Chancellor’s Medallion and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Ceremonial Mace were both handcrafted by Henry M. Runke, former chairman of the UW-Stevens Point Art Department. The medallion was cast in a 14k gold pendant in 1968 and contains a purple amethyst to represent the school colors. The four-sectioned areas beginning near the center symbolize the four colleges of the university and terminate as prongs for the gem. The mace, carried by the grand marshal in academic processions, was completed in 1976 and has a square base on which important dates from the school’s history are recorded. The most prominent feature is the head of the mace, which is a miniature of the cupola on Old Main, the university’s symbol. The inside of the mace also contains a purple amethyst.
Cupola Replica Commissioned by Chancellor Bernie L. Patterson, 2012 Cupola by Joseph Hoover, artisan Weather vane by Boleslaw Kochanowski and sons, artisans Bill McKee, consultant
The cupola replica that resides in Old Main was created from materials significant to the university and surrounding communities: white ash and elm from campus; white pine from Marathon Park in Wausau; lead curtain weights from Jenkins Theatre in the Noel Fine Arts Center; slate from a chalkboard in the Communication Arts Center; and hemlock from the former Lullabye Furniture factory. The original weather vane stood atop Old Main for 118 years and was replaced in 2011. The replica iron weather vane is a one-fifth scale model of the original.
It is a tradition for first-year students to seal their commitment to the university by touching the cupola replica as they depart from Convocation. Faculty and staff renew their commitment in a similar fashion. A bookend tradition is observed upon graduation as students become alumni and receive a pin bearing the iconic symbol. This represents the use of their knowledge to engage responsibly with a diverse and sustainable world. On special nights the cupola atop Old Main shines purple in honor of all those the university has served and our bright future ahead. On Commencement night, the cupola is lit in honor of the graduates.
Winter 2025 Commencement 18
Welcome 2025 graduates to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Alumni Association. Today, you become one of the university’s most important ambassadors—a major force in shaping and cementing the reputation of UW-Stevens Point. Part of the UW-Stevens Point Advancement unit that includes the UWSP Foundation and the development team, the Alumni Association works to strengthen relationships with more than 90,000 Pointer alumni worldwide. The association helps alumni stay in touch with former classmates and friends through a variety of services, including reunions, Homecoming and alumni volunteer opportunities, as well as various communications and social media forums and special events. To learn more about the Alumni Association and its board of directors, contact the Alumni Affairs Office at 715-346-3811 or alumni@uwsp.edu, or visit uwsp.edu/alumni. Congratulations to the Class of 2025! University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Alumni Association
The Purple and the Gold Original song written by Kenneth Pray | Rewritten by James Arrowood
Other schools of valor boast Of victories galore, Of laurels never lost, Of triumphs by the score; Let them tell you of their prowess Of warriors strong and bold, But their colors ever lower To the Purple and the Gold! Alma Mater, our Wisconsin Dear Stevens Point we toast, Recalling former times, Of challenge and repose. On the banks of old Wisconsin, Alumni glories told; We offer our allegiance To the Purple and the Gold!
Winter 2025 Commencement 19
Notice The students in this program have been recommended for the appropriate degrees by their faculty, subject to satisfactorily completing all graduation requirements.
UW-Stevens Point is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution.
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