your
generosity matters
________________________________ PRESENTED WITH GRATITUDE TO MARY HANSON | ’69
YOUR GENEROSITY MATTERS The education I’ve received at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse has benefitted me in more ways than I can describe. Most importantly, however, as a young UW-L student with a mild interest in biology, the outstanding faculty and administration in the departments of Biology and Chemistry/Biochemistry helped guide me through an academic plan that allowed me to decide for myself what field of biology and biochemistry interested me most. By dedicating the time and energy to provide exceptional individualized mentorship, they then gave me the tools to turn these interests into the beginning of a successful career as a scientist dedicated to cancer research at one of the leading Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States. Beyond the boost in confidence receiving this scholarship gave to me, this scholarship helped grant me the economic freedom to immerse myself in campus activities that would not have been otherwise possible if I was required to find a part-time job to help cover the cost of my tuition. Thankfully due of this freedom, I used this extra time to become an active member of the UW-L football team and to attend meetings for both UW-L Radiation Therapy and Chemistry/Biochemistry clubs. By getting involved in these clubs and campus activities as a freshman, I was able to make early connections with outstanding faculty mentors and had the opportunity to meet with and be inspired by classmates with similar academic interests. This early involvement also gave me the confidence and experience to later become elected as a leading cabinet member of the Chemistry/Biochemistry club as a Junior and Senior at UW-L. As I continue to grow as a scientist and as a leader in my community, I carry with me the valuable lessons gained from these early experiences and I am tremendously grateful for the Mary Guertler Hanson Scholarship that helped make these possible. Janek Walker, ‘17, Biochemistry PhD Candidate: The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Program
UW-L gave me a solid foundation and a love of learning. This has led me to continue my education. After completing undergrad with majors in Biology and Spanish and a minor in psychology, I enrolled at UW-L in their PA (physician assistant) program. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Medical Education in Health Professions degree through Johns Hopkins University. I think that this love of learning has turned into a desire to teach others. I currently work part time as a PA in the emergency department with Mayo Clinic Health System in the Eau Claire area and I am a faculty member with the Mayo Clinic NP/PA Fellowship in Emergency Medicine. I am also excited to be able to help teach the emergency medicine course for Mayo Clinic’s new PA program. This scholarship was meaningful to me, because it meant that someone believed in me. Someone else thought that I could succeed. This is very important, because as an undergraduate student, I knew that I would have a long road ahead of me and there were times when I wasn’t sure it would be worth all the time and effort. Karissa (Hultmark) Kerstan, ‘14 & ‘16, Biology ‘14; Physician Assistant ‘16 Graduate Student, Master of Medical Education in Health Professions, Johns Hopkins University
My education has benefited me in a multitude of ways. It was well-rounded, but the focus on my major of Athletic Training was strong. It opened doors for me, including doing an internship for a NFL team, that would not have been possible at other institutions. It was a big reason I was able to get a job before graduation and eventually helped me get into a wonderful graduate program that allowed me to fulfill my ultimate career goals. I’m grateful for what UW-L provided for me and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Logan Galezio, ‘15, Athletic Training Athletic Trainer, SSM Healthcare, Ripon College
your
generosity matters
MARY HANSON, ’69, MATH THREE DECADES OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE! _________________________________ • 29 years of giving • 18 consecutive years supporting scholarships • $407,969 in personal and matching gifts • 67 students received a Mary Guertler Hanson Scholarship
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1991
2000
2002
2019
First $1,000 gift made through the UWL phonathon
First matching gift from Boise Cascade
First Gift of $200
2004
First gift to support scholarships
2020
Largest gift of $100,000 to support scholarships Joined the Legacy Society and endowed the Mary Guertler Hanson Scholarship
OUTSTANDING SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Crystal Stundahl, ’12 & ’13 – Clinical Lab Sciences Senior of the Year & Strelczyk Award in Science and Health for outstanding graduating senior
Amy Baker,’14 & ’17 – Microbiology Senior of the Year 2013-2014
The education I received at University of Wisconsin - La Crosse allowed me to achieve my goal of becoming a doctor of physical therapy. I attended both undergraduate and graduate school at UW-L and I could not have asked for a better place to spend six years of my life. I expanded my knowledge, met treasured friends, and found a career I am passionate about. In addition to career goals, the education I received instilled a love of travel and adventure. As a student, receiving this scholarship lifted a significant weight off my shoulders. Although I took out student loans and worked throughout college, tuition and living costs were still a heavy burden. This generous gift allowed me to avoid taking out additional private loans to cover these costs. Alexis Mehr, ’14 & ’17, Biochemisty Physical Therapist, Intermountain Medical Center, Murray Utah
“The scholarship was extremely important to me. Without the support, I would have likely not considered studying abroad or have taken a completely different route, which would have led me to an entirely different destination. I am living my dream. I have been very fortunate to have been trained so well, to have found a job in my desired field immediately upon graduation and to have returned several times to live and travel in Europe since. Had I not had the opportunity to study abroad, I would not be the person I am today. Please convey my most sincere “thank you” to Mary. Her scholarship was incredibly meaningful, and I am so grateful for having received it.” DelRae Felton, ’14, French Education English as a Second Language Teacher, Barcelona, Spain
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Alumni
Alexis Mehr, ‘14 & ‘17, Biochemistry Laura Mead, ‘15, Psychology Logan Galezio, ‘15, Athletic Training Amy (Baker) Wescot, ‘14 & ‘17, Microbiology: Biochemistry concentration, ‘14, M.S. Microbiology, ‘17 DelRae Felten, ‘14, French Education Karissa (Hultmark) Kerstan, ‘14 & ‘16, Biology ‘14; Physician Assistan ‘16 Crystal Stundahl, ‘12 & ‘13, Biology ‘12 ; Clinical Lab Sciences ‘13 Chas Haas, ‘17, Biology Luke Mroczenski, ‘17, Mathematics Education Janek Walker, ‘17, Biochemistry Courtney Anderson, ‘19, Exercise & Sport Science Pre-professional track Korl Bomkamp, ‘19, Biology Bethany Dempze, ‘19, English Brianna Reeder, ‘19, Psychology Elizabeth Yandry, ‘20, Accountancy Anna Langdon, ‘20, Economics
Current Students (2020-2021 Academic Year)
Max Sundby, Senior, Nuclear Medicine Technology Kayla Averbeck, Senior, Therapeautic Recreation Julie Fleegal, Senior, Biology Lindsay Heagle, Senior, Chemistry Rhiana Pochman, Senior, Therapeautic Recreation, Pre-OT Josey Sorenson, Senior, Biology Marilyn Budde, Junior, English Donovan Campbell, Sophomore, History Emily Gruenling, Junior, Biology Michael Schimelfenyg, Junior, Accountancy Nicholas Stahn, Junior, Biology Laura Zinnel, Senior, Mathematics Tia Bechard, Sophomore, Education Hunter Brame, Sophomore, Marketing Lauren Brochtrup, Junior, College of Science and Health: Undecided: Environmental Studies Minor Noah Coleman, Sophomore, Mathematics - Pre-Law Louisa Goeke, Sophomore, Education Preston Hendrix, Freshman, College of Science and Health: Undecided
Abigail Lemke, Senior, Sociology Jade Maki, Sophomore, Physics Ashlyn Neader, Sophomore, Communication Studies Riley Radle, Sophomore, Computer Science Emma Rauman, Sophomore Liv Swanson, Sophomore, College of Social Sciences and Humanities: Undecided Clare Bargender, Freshman, Accountancy Taylin DeLong, Freshman, College of Social Sciences and Humanities: Undecided Kelsey Fisk, Freshman, Biology Brady Gagner, Freshman, Physics Abigail Lent, Freshman, College of Business Administration: Undecided Anna McClintock, Freshman, College of Social Sciences and Humanities: Undecided Joshua Piechowski, Freshman, Biology Morgan Priem, Freshman, Biology Mackenzie Reischl, Freshman, Exercise & Sports Science pre-professional track Madeline Ross, Freshman, Biochemistry Kaitlyn Stehr, Freshman, Public and Community Health Madelin Zumstein, Freshman, Chemistry
Non-graduate Scholarship Recipients Forest Stehula Andrew Bruggink Ryland Jackson Nathan Meisner Tiffany Myers Jacob Newborn Adam Tomter Julia Warshauer Alexis Bertram Rachel Rosencrans Alexandria Conlin Jordan Francis Alicia Niemisto Marisa Zimmermann Camryn Schulz
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The scholarship that I received from Mary means the world to me. I am now able to attend college without as much stress because I don’t have to worry as much about finances. I am paying for college on my own, so it really helps to have the assistance.
This scholarship was meaningful to me because for the past couple of months, I have been out of work due to a work injury. Compiled with the COVID-19 pandemic, I was worried about where I was going to get the money that I needed to complete my college education. This scholarship means a lot to me because it also shows that my rigorous academic schedules and all the hard work I have put in over the years is paying off!
Abigail Lent, Freshman College of Business Administration
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The scholarship is meaningful to me because it shows that my dedication to my academics in high school paid off (no pun intended). That, and to be honored with this award is very special to me. Out of so many different students, I was chosen, and it’s humbling. Brady Gagner, Freshman Physics
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The scholarship’s meaning to me is like a pat on the back. It gives me encouragement to move forward in my academic career because it feels like someone has faith in me, and I am so thankful for that. Madeline Ross, Freshman Biochemistry
Abby Lemke, Senior Sociology
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The scholarship she provided me with was as helpful as anything else I have experienced in college. When I received the scholarship, it served as motivation for me to be successful in my schooling because it showed that someone trusted my ability to work and learn. Mike Schimelfenyg, Junior Accountancy
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The scholarship was very meaningful! I don’t have a lot of money to pay for school, so I need to take out more loans. This scholarship helped lower the cost of loans, especially because I want to go to law school after I graduate! Kaitlyn Stehr, Freshman Public and Community Health
THANK YOU!
your
generosity matters
CLEARY ALUMNI & FRIENDS CENTER | 615 EAST AVE. N. | LA CROSSE, WI 54601 USA