Each year the Office of Undergraduate Advising presents awards to those in the advising and career services communities who demonstrate a commitment to improving the undergraduate advising experience. We’re also excited to announce the winners of the Graduate School Awards sponsored by the Graduate School.
Join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals and teams during our virtual Career Services and Advising Fall Gathering on September 30 from 9:00-10:00 am. Learn more and register
Keystone Award
Janine Yeh, L&S SuccessWorks
If there ever was a person who deserves to be called a Keystone, it is Janine. She is one of the most hard-working and positive people I’ve had the privilege to know in over 30 years in the workforce. She is kind, thoughtful, and can engage with everyone from Gen Z to Boomer with grace and ease. Her role at SuccessWorks is one of the hardest because she is the “face” of the office; the first person to greet students & employers when they arrive and often the last to leave after a late night event. – Marie Koko
Early Career Excellence Award
Amy Betzelberger, College of Agricultural and Life Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology
Amy has been critical to the survival of Biochemistry’s Undergraduate Advising services and the development of CALS’s first-of-its kind shared Advising Hub. She is a natural leader; she anticipates the needs and concerns of her team, has a vision for her field of expertise, and can not only articulate a purpose, but communicate to, activate, inspire, and guide her team to accomplish it. Amy is a rare find, and an invaluable campus citizen and colleague. -Sarah Saunders
Early Career Excellence Award
Maria Hartwig, College of Letters & Science, Department of Psychology
Maria is an engaged, innovative and exceptional advisor, and she brings a high level of thoroughness, as well as compassion and patience to advising. Beyond her incredible advising skills, Maria is innovative and contributes key ideas that improve the advising services we offer in the Department of Psychology. Finally, Maria feels a responsibility to the advising community at UW-Madison. She regularly engages in campus events so that she can share her insights and questions with other advisors. -Kari Mass
Outstanding Achievement Award
Chou Yee Her, College of Letters and Science, Center for Academic Excellence
Mr. Chou Yee Her deserves this award because of his truly transformative approach to advising practice. This advising is nothing like I’ve ever seen before: it takes time, it’s proactive, it’s student-centered, it’s empowering. In working with underrepresented students of color, he creates a space of belonging and validation on our large campus. -Aygul Hoffman
Outstanding Achievement Award
Jamie Macias, Wisconsin School of Business Career and Employer Engagment
I nominated Jamie because she is an outstanding career advisor, leader, and career expert. She has coached and mentored countless WSB students on their path to their careers and earned the trust of our most important employer partners. Jamie’s work and dedication are outstanding and she’s very deserving of this award. -Jim Franzone
Community Leadership Award
Alicia Hazen, School of Human Ecology
Alicia embodies an inclusive and decision leadership presence within SoHE and across campus. One of her most notable contributions is the development of a required career and leadership development course that is the cornerstone of SoHE’s career readiness curriculum. Whether thoughtfully supervising her team, chairing a committee, or teaching a course, Alicia’s purposeful commitment to student growth and development is a guiding force in her work. -Annette McDaniel
Collaborative Impact Award
Alexis Steinbach, Center for Pre-Health Advising
BAT is a critical organization to the UW Bioscience advising community. Alexis and Kendra’s leadership allows not only continued learning opportunities, but also a space for networking, collaboration and support. Alexis and Kendra have fostered a welcoming group that makes the people who attend feel valued in the UW community. -BAT Community Member
I can think of no more deserving campus partnership for this advising award than Kendra and Alexis. The two have shown excellent leadership working together over the past year to ensure that BAT remains a strong community and that the work of this group improves the student services landscape
for all bioscience students across campus. Leading BAT is a vital campus service that demands significant time investment of those in this role, and their commitment is very much appreciated by all of us in this community. -BAT Community Member
Collaborative Impact Award
Kendra Gurnee, Pharmacology and Toxicology Major
BAT is a critical organization to the UW Bioscience advising community. Alexis and Kendra’s leadership allows not only continued learning opportunities, but also a space for networking, collaboration and support. Alexis and Kendra have fostered a welcoming group that makes the people who attend feel valued in the UW community. -BAT Community Member
I can think of no more deserving campus partnership for this advising award than Kendra and Alexis. The two have shown excellent leadership working together over the past year to ensure that BAT remains a strong community and that the work of this group improves the student services landscape
for all bioscience students across campus. Leading BAT is a vital campus service that demands significant time investment of those in this role, and their commitment is very much appreciated by all of us in this community. -BAT Community Member
Outstanding Student Employee Award
Alondra Avitia, International Studies Major student
Alondra embodies everything we hope for our IS Majors, and more. She pursues her passions and intellectual interests with vigor while serving her campus as a leader and advisor. Her kindness, intelligence, empathy, and principled drive to serve her global community- whether at home or abroad, whether as a leader or a participant- contribute to her merit in earning this award. We are so very proud of you – congratulations, Alondra! -Molly Donnellan
Excellence in Graduate Academic Services & Advising
Carmela Diosana, L&S Department of Botany
Carmela is an excellent Student Services Coordinator. She has helped to build a strong and supportive Graduate Program in our department, has worked intentionally to increase (and maintain, once the students arrive) our diversity, and has greatly improved the orientation process for new students. The Botany Department is lucky to have someone as dedicated and skilled as Carmela. -Kate McCulloh
Carmela Diosana embodies professional excellence and the deepest possible commitment to the wellbeing of students. She manages the hard work of keeping our graduate program running smoothly, works tirelessly in the service of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and always provides students with kindness and wisdom as they navigate the challenges of graduate school. Our department is lucky to have someone as dedicated and skilled as Carmela. -David Baum
Carmela wears many hats in the Department of Botany, and wears them well. She advises undergraduate majors & graduate students, she provides career and even life counseling to many in our department, she assist with curriculum development, student award selection, admissions, and so much more. Few people have the multi-disciplinary skill set that she does and the organizational skills to remain so highly organized. -Prof. Ken Cameron, Chair of Botany
Excellence in Graduate Career Advising & Professional Development
Julie Rae, College of Engineering, Career Services
Julie is awesome! She goes above and beyond for students, giving each one her undivided attention. Her calming demeanor sets students at ease during very stressful times such as job offer discussions. As a colleague, Julie is always willing to lend a hand and pitch in to ensure the success of all office programs. -Stephanie Salazar Kan
