Scholarships provide boost for UW–Madison students headed abroad

University of Wisconsin–Madison students preparing to embark on a range of international experiences in the coming months received words of encouragement and financial support at the fall 2015 International Division Scholarship Award Ceremony on December 3, at the Gordon Dining and Event Center. The event – hosted by the UW–Madison International Division and organized by International Academic Programs (IAP), the Division’s study abroad unit – brought together students, parents, donors, UW–Madison faculty and staff. Awards were presented by IAP, the Division’s International Internship Program (IIP), and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), which has established a new partnership with the Division through IAP. “All UW–Madison students deserve access to study abroad opportunities that meet their personal and academic goals,” says IAP Director Dan Gold. “The International Division and our partners offer scholarships to make these experiences accessible to more students.” Gold notes that studying abroad enables students to see the world from a new perspective while earning academic credit across a variety of disciplines, including biology, business, engineering, global health, the arts, humanities, and languages. “Their work takes them to classrooms as international students at universities abroad, to field work experiences addressing issues of conservation and public health, and to internships in businesses and organizations around the world,” Gold says. “We look forward to the valuable lessons and perspectives they will bring back to the UW–Madison community when they return. CALS Dean Kathryn VandenBosch gave the keynote remarks at the ceremony. Two students who recently studied abroad – Aaryn Kealty, who went to Denmark, and Neda Sattler, who went to Morocco and Germany – also talked about their experiences. Associate Dean Rick Keller gave welcome remarks on behalf of the International Division. See photos from the ceremony

List of awards presented

Scholarships presented by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences: The William F. Renk Study Abroad Scholarship honors Renk, a graduate of the UW Farm and Industry Short Course Program, who formed the William F. Renk & Company with his sons in 1934 and served as the state’s Commissioner of Agriculture in the 1930s. The scholarship assists CALS students planning to study abroad.
  • Recipients: Emilie Braun, of Neenah, WI, going to South Africa, year 2016; Sarah Cook, of Elm Grove, WI, going to England, spring 2016; Christopher Diaczun, of Madison, WI, going to Australia, spring 2016; Caroline Fazzio, of Eden Prairie, MN, going to Spain, spring 2016; Tom Hazenfield, of Eagle, WI, going to Spain, spring 2016; Matthew Hupy, of Madison, WI, going to Ethiopia, winter intersession 2016; Marissa Korte, of Milwaukee, WI, going to Spain, spring 2016; Joshua Larson, of Verona, WI, going to Ethiopia, winter intersession 2016; Diana Liu, of Cottage Grove, MN, going to Australia, spring 2016; Kayla Saslow, of Atlanta, GA, going to Italy, spring 2016; Alexa Schnurr, of Lake Geneva, WI, going to Italy, spring 2016; Anthony To, of San Diego, CA, going to Australia, spring 2016
The Fest Family Study Abroad Scholarship – DY SCI was established to enhance undergraduate education and unique experiential learning opportunities in the hopes of creating a prosperous future for those interested in dairy science.
  • Recipients, all going to Mexico during the winter intercession 2016: Carissa Brooks, of Monroe, WI; Lindsi Hagen, of Mauston, WI; Rachel Hartlaub, of Cleveland, WI; Anuj Modi, of Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
The Daughters of Demeter Education Fund Study Abroad Scholarship is sustained by The Daughters of Demeter, an organization of those who share an interest in agriculture and a commitment to education and service.
  • Recipients, winter intercession 2016: Brittany Cobb, of Madison, WI, going to Uganda; Kimberly Vidmar, of Muskego, WI, going to Ethiopia
The Douglas D. Sorenson Study Abroad Scholarship was established in the memory of Sorenson, who earned his undergraduate degrees in soil science and agronomy, his M.S. in soil science and later his M.S. in Agricultural Journalism, all at UW–Madison.
  • Recipient: Madeline Fischer, of Blanchardville, WI, going to Denmark, spring 2016
The George W. & Dorothy D. Sledge Study Abroad Scholarship recognizes the life work of Dr. George W. Sledge, longtime CALS faculty member, associate dean and director of academic affairs, and his wife, Dorthy D. Sledge, who served as president of the Daughters of Demeter and the University League.
  • Recipient: Megan Opperman, of Rockford, IL, going to Mexico, winter intersession 2016
The H.L. & Jobelle Shands Daughters of Demeter Study Abroad Scholarship honors the years of service of Jobelle Shands, a member and officer of the Daughters of Demeter.
  • Recipient: M. Paula Phillips, of Milwaukee, WI, going to Mexico, winter intersession 2016
The Oscar N. & Ethel K. Allen Memorial Endowment for Daughters of Demeter Study Abroad Scholarship recognizes the Allens – researchers, authors, and graduates of UW–Madison in bacteriology – for their far-reaching contributions on the UW–Madison campus.
  • Recipients, spring 2016: Joseph Salata, of Libertyville, IL, going to Italy; Katelyn Salzburger, of Franklin, WI, going to Australia
The George E. Shook International/Study Abroad Scholarship honors Dairy Science Emeritus Professor George Shook. The William & Janice Ward Family Study Abroad Scholarship recognizes William, who received a B.S. in agricultural education in 1948 from UW, and his wife, Janice, for their contribution to community and agriculture.
  • Recipient of both: Collin Wimmler, of Waldo, WI, going to Netherlands, spring 2016
The Neil & Audrey Barrows Study Abroad Scholarship honors the parents of Dick Barrows, a former associate dean of CALS.
  • Recipient: Sarah Witt, of Ontario, WI, going to Mexico, winter intersession 2016
The International Internship Program (IIP), part of the International Division, also awarded a grant: The International Internship Fund was established to help defray the costs associated with work abroad opportunities. International internships reinforce students’ academic experiences and advance their professional training as well as foster global competence and international literacy. Students who participate in internships affiliated with UW–Madison’s International Internship Program are awarded scholarships, including the Worldwide Internship Program Grant, from this fund on an annual basis.
  • Recipient: Jackson Lines, of Winneconne, WI, junior majoring in political science, interning in Gaborone, Botswana at the U.S. Embassy, spring 2016
Scholarships present by International Academic Programs: The Cerk Family Fund for Study Abroad, established by Norman J. and Heewon B. Cerk, to support undergraduate study abroad experiences. Norman (B.A. ‘94 in political science) regards his study abroad experience as a UW–Madison student as a factor in his success.
  • Recipients, spring 2016: Grace Corry, of Shorewood, WI, going to France; Courtney Mroczenski, of New Berlin, WI, going to England
The Joseph Elder Award is supported by gifts from alumni, colleagues and friends to honor Professor Elder, who has served as academic director of the UW–Madison College Year in India program since 1961.
  • Recipient: Jalika Ceesay, of Madison, WI, going to Japan, spring 2016
The Julie & Michael Gerend Scholarship is made possible by a generous donation from Julie and Michael Gerend to help provide financial support to students who wish to study abroad since their own study abroad opportunities profoundly influenced their lives.
  • Recipient: John Biemann, of Sheboygan, WI, going to New Zealand, spring 2016
The George B. and Lisa N. McReddie International Studies Scholarship was created to provide support for students studying in Latin America. George McReddie did his undergraduate work in political science and Latin American studies at UW–Madison, and went on to earn his MBA in international finance at Thunderbird School of Global Management.
  • Recipient: Jake Kowalski, of Madison, WI, going to Chile, spring 2016
The Nave Scholarship – established in 1975 with a bequest from the estate of Cyril W. Nave, a 1918 UW business graduate who had many dealings in Latin America – is given to students studying in Latin America who have at least a 3.0 GPA and need.
  • Recipient: Cathryn Phouybanhdyt, of Waukesha, WI, going to Chile, spring 2016
The School of Education Lois E. Hack Study Abroad Scholarship – supported by alumni – is awarded to undergraduates in the School of Education, with priority for first-time study abroad students and those participating in programs in Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
  • Recipient: Ellie Anderson, of Milwaukee, WI, going to South Africa, Year 2016
The Morton and Lena Wax Scholarship – established by their children as a tribute to their parents – is awarded as an expression of appreciation for the excellent education family members have received at UW–Madison.
  • Recipient: Kelsey Wilkerson, of Milwaukee, WI, going to Mexico, winter intersession 2016
The Study Abroad Alumni Awards have come about through generous contributions from committed UW alumni and friends of study-abroad programs. Gifts to the Study Abroad Fund provide direct assistance toward increasing the number and diversity of students studying overseas.
  • Recipients: Jamie Cohen, of Woodbury, NY, going to Czech Republic, spring 2016; Anna Olla, of Fox Point, WI, going to France, spring 2016; Alexa Snow, of Richfield, MN, going to Italy, spring 2016; Maisie Tolzmann, of Onalaska, WI, going to Ethiopia, winter intersession 2016
The First-Year Interest Group (FIG) Study Abroad Scholarship – established in 2013 – provide support for students enrolled in FIGs to study abroad, and are made possible by the Schoenleber Foundation and UW–Madison Office of Diversity and Climate.
  • Recipients, all going to Ecuador, winter intersession 2015: Liam Olson, of Madison, WI; Rachel Schmitz, of Grafton, WI, also summer 2016; Nichole Truby, of Wadsworth, IL; Carly Wilson, of Madison, WI; Megan Wood, of Sheboygan, WI
The Chou Kuo-ping Award honors the UW–Madison faculty member who taught Chinese language here in the mid-1960s and organized opportunities for students to study in Taiwan. This scholarship was created by a former student – Tom Sternberg, of White Plains, NY – to support study in Chinese-speaking countries.
  • Recipients, spring 2016: Monica Chritton, of Roswell, GA, going to China; Kadija Howes, of Creve Coeur, MO, going to Taiwan; GT Lee, Chou Kuo-ping Scholarship, of Yongin, South Korea, going to Hong Kong; Hannah Park, Chou Kuo-ping Scholarship, of Edina, MN, going to Hong Kong
The Wisconsin International Scholarship Program (WISc) is an undergraduate honors enrichment program for students interested in global affairs, cultures, and languages. To support the efforts of this Program, International Academic Programs established the IAP WISc Scholarship to support the efforts of the program and encourage all WISc students to participate in an overseas academic experience.
  • Recipients: Devin Edge, of La Crosse, WI, going to Denmark, spring 2016; Lena Law, of Marshfield, WI, going to Spain, spring 2016; Jonathan McHugh, of Madison, WI, going to Ecuador, winter intersession 2016; Sarah Meiners, of De Pere, WI, going to Ireland, spring 2016; Abby Pratt, of Minneapolis, MN, going to Scotland, spring 2016; Margaret Sullivan, of Bethesda, MD, going to South Africa, spring 2016
The Great People – International Studies Scholarship aims to make study abroad for undergraduates accessible and affordable.
  • Recipients, winter intercession 2016: Molly Jo Bautch, of Milwaukee, WI, going to Mexico; Rebekah Dix, of Baldwin, WI, going to Costa Rica; Laurel Kordyban, of Appleton, WI, going to Ecuador; Danielle Lundstrom, of Brooklyn Park, MN, going to Ethiopia; Sheniyah Mckoy, of Brooklyn, NY, going to Uganda; Saba Moges, of Milwaukee, WI, going to Ethiopia; Julia Raupp, of New Berlin, WI, going to Costa Rica; Lauralyn Rosenberger, of Florissant, MO, going to Mexico; Aleja Ross, of Milwaukee, WI, going to Uganda; Jordyn Van, of Appleton, WI, going to Costa Rica
  • Recipients, spring 2016: Destiny Baars, of Jefferson, WI, going to Ireland; Sydny Fink, of Redgranite, WI, going to South Korea; Lynsey Hagen, of Shell Lake, WI, going to Italy; Courtney Rodriguez, of Menomonee Falls, WI, going to England; Aika Wojt, of Madison, WI, going to Scotland
The IAP Graduate & Professional Student Scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW–Madison graduate and professional students studying abroad on a program offered through International Academic Programs.
  • Recipients: Yue Du, of Beijing, China, year 2016; Ruanda McFerren, of Madison, WI, going to Mexico, winter intersession 2016
The ScanDesign Study Abroad Fellowship – established in 2010 by Inger and Jens Brunn of the ScanDesign Foundation, Seattle – aims to foster Danish-American relations by providing generous financial support to undergraduate and graduate students who have been accepted to study in Denmark for a semester or a full academic year through any of UW–Madison’s Danish study abroad programs.
  • Recipients, all going to Denmark, spring 2016: Cullen Billhartz, of Fox Point, WI; Brian Carlson, of Madison, WI; Kelsey Connors, of Appleton, WI; Alec Cordero, of Playa del Rey, CA; Devin Edge, of La Crosse, WI; Nicole Gregorich, of New Franken, WI; Adam Henningsen, of Menomonee Falls, WI; Jessica Kanter, of Excelsior, MN; Sydney Krassen, of Orefield, PA; Rachel Lerman, of Mendota Heights, MN; Susan Luo, of Marshfield, WI; Molly McMahon, of Madison, WI; Kayla Pfeiffer-Mundt, of Sauk City, WI; Katherine Phillips, of The Colony, TX; Tyler Piehl, of Appleton, WI; James Rasmussen, of Merrill, WI; Emily Roll, of Cross Plains, WI; Ariana Rosenthal, of New York, NY; Britney Schopf, of Madison, WI; Jamie Truitt, of De Forest, WI; Zachary Vander Velden, of Sturgeon Bay, WI; Sylvie Weintraub, of Duluth, MN
The Study Abroad Scholars Award aims to break down the financial barriers to study abroad and to encourage students to: “Discover the world … and bring the world back to Wisconsin!” All Study Abroad Scholars must carry out a “Share Your Experience” project upon their return to campus.
  • Recipients, winter intercession 2016: Lauren Devries, of Union Grove, WI, going to Uganda; Nicholas Engen, of Madison, WI, going to Ethiopia; Steven Mikel, of Foxboro, WI, going to Costa Rica; Michelle Morgan, of Ladysmith, WI, going to Costa Rica; Kimberly Phillips, of Mount Horeb, WI, going to Ecuador; Cassondra Poeske, of West Allis, WI, going to Ecuador; Julia Raupp, of New Berlin, WI, going to Costa Rica; Matthew Russell, of Madison, WI, going to Costa Rica; Rachel Schmitz, of Grafton, WI, going to Ecuador, also summer 2016
  • Recipients, spring 2016: Juan Aguirre, of Madison, WI, going to Chile; Joseph App, of Madison, WI, going to Ecuador; Julia Baird, of Baraboo, WI, going to Spain; Lee Bongey, of Duluth, MN, going to South Africa; Kayla Burton, of Madison, WI, going to Australia; Alexis Dunnum, of Westby, WI, Norway, going to Norway; Allison Ebben, of Green Bay, WI, going to Spain; Jack Fritschler, of Green Bay, WI, going to Spain; Leah Fulmer, of Madison, WI, going to Chile; Nicole Gregorich, of New Franken, WI, going to Denmark; Brianna Knudtson, of Juda, WI, going to South Africa; Katherine Kokkinias, of Inverness, IL, going to Australia; Tristan Krause, of Phillips, WI, going to England; Caden Lambie, of Kaukauna, WI, going to Ecuador; Heidi Langan, of Madison, WI, going to France; Mary Larson, of Eagan, MN, going to Morocco; Rebecca Liu, of Maple Grove, MN, going to England; Lila Ly, of Madison, WI, going to South Korea; Sara McKearn, of Beloit, WI, going to Italy; Amanda Mcenroe, of Oshkosh, WI, going to England; Deshawn McKinney, of Madison, WI, going to Japan; Magdelyn Mueller, of Watertown, WI, going to England; Kelsey Paisley, of Bangor, WI, going to England; Hannah Paulson, of Madison, WI, going to Ecuador; Kayla Pfeiffer-Mundt, of Sauk City, WI, going to Denmark; James Rasmussen, of Merrill, WI, going to Denmark; Colleen Schmit, of Madison, WI, going to Ecuador; Lauren Sklba, of Racine, WI, going to Italy; Mckenna Splett, of Luck, WI, going to Spain; Madeleine Stoelinga, of Aurora, IL, going to Italy; Samantha Stowers, of Goshen, CT, going to England; Shia Vang, of Stevens Point, WI, going to Spain; Melanie Wagner, of Apple Valley, MN, going to Australia; Emily Warne, of Livingston, WI, going to Italy; Lauren Wayne, of Orland Park, IL, going to Spain; Lucille Williams, of Madison, WI, going to Sweden; Collin Wimmler, of Waldo, WI, going to Netherlands
– Text and photos by Kerry G. Hill