2015 Dr. Ernella S. Hunziker Scholarship Recipients
2015 Dr. Ernella L. Hunziker Scholarship Recipients
Mary Abbott
Our first recipient, Mary Abbott is most passionate about bringing the arts to the public and reaching out to young people with disabilities and encouraging them to pursue higher education. Mary currently serves as a board member for the Geneva Lakes Arts Foundation (GLAF). She volunteers countless hours and cares not only about the organization, but the individual and the community. Mary holds membership with several regional arts organizations, most notably the Wisconsin’s Regional Artist’s Association in Madison, Wisconsin. She has actively exhibited her artworks at local and regional venues for many years. This past summer, she was awarded the Grand Champion’s ribbon for the 3rd straight year, at the Walworth County Fair for her artwork. Professor Porcaro indicated that in class, Mary is open-minded and very analytical, and it is from this perspective that she approaches critiques about her work and the work of her classmates. He defines Mary as an exceptional student, talented artist, and a wonderful person. Mary is dedicated and committed to a lifetime in the arts as she continually seeks opportunities that allow the Arts to play an important and significant role in defining her present and future self. We look forward to seeing more of your work unfold. Congratulations Mary!
Phoua Khang
In 2012, Phoua transferred to UW-Whitewater from Northcentral Technical College. She had to quit her job and relocate to be able to attend full-time and pursue her degree in Human Resource Management. Phoua immersed herself immediately and became an active member of the Southeast Asian Organization and the Japanese Culture Club on campus. In addition, she is a registered national and local member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and volunteers for United Way. Phoua is a student payroll assistant in our Human Resources Office on campus. Her direct supervisor, Angela Stuckey has witnessed Phoua’s passion for her education and work experience. In school and in work, Angela shares she has witnessed Phoua’ s problem solving and human resource skills conquering challenge after challenge, welcoming each experience as a chance to grow and learn, and emerging as the rarest and most motivated individual while being resourceful, responsible, and a great example of a student and leader to others. Her professor, Young Chang echoes Angela’s sentiment and credits Phoua’ s leadership and excellent communication skills as a reason for her team’s project being one of the most successful and performing units in the class. Please help me in congratulating Phoua Khang, an individual who goes above and beyond to help others.
Emily Koresh
Our next recipient, Emily Koresh started college in 1999 right after high school. She dropped out in her sophomore year to pursue her goal of being a lifeguard at Walt Disney World which she did for a year. She returned to Wisconsin and began her own swimming school developing it from 16 students to over 700 students a week taking lessons, and the oversight of 20 employees. After selling her successful business in 2010, she returned to complete the education she started years earlier. Emily’s love for psychology at an organizational level and working with children are a great fit for her to pursue the School Psychology Graduate Program upon graduation in December. Emily is very motivated to get the most out of her college experience and appreciates its value due to the sacrifices she makes to pursue it. Her professor Dr. Yanklevitz describes Emily as a very talented student who works hard, who offers a great combination of exceptional skill, professionalism, strong character, with excellent interpersonal skills. She states that Emily is a joy to teach and work with. Congratulations Emily!
Aileen Molina
Our next recipient, Aileen Molina was described by one of her references as an individual with a positive attitude that is contagious to her peers, and always has the outlook of, “The glass is always half-full”. Aileen is involved on campus with the Latinos Unidos Organization and the Sociology and Anthropology Student Organization while working two, on campus jobs. In addition to her busy schedule, she is currently working on an undergraduate research project exploring the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, class, and culture. Aileen will be presenting her preliminary findings at a conference this semester and ultimately, she plans to submit her work to a peer-reviewed journal. Aileen is majoring in Sociology, and plans to attend graduate school to earn her doctorate, and become a Sociology Professor. Her former manager, Nathan Regan has no doubt that Aileen will be successful in teaching for two simple reasons. First, her character and work ethic do not allow her to fail. He states, Aileen is a woman whose focused passion allows her to overcome all obstacles between her and her goal. She recognizes that the work and time that it takes to achieve her goals are part of the success itself. Secondly, her innate talent to connect with those around her will allow her to have her students feel welcome and included in a collaborative teaching environment. Aileen’s passion and professionalism coupled with her concern for student’s learning will push her to strive to find a way to make sure the material resonates with students. Aileen, we look forward to seeing you succeed and congratulate you today on receiving this scholarship.
Michelle Sardina
Michelle is an excellent student maintaining a 3.9 GPA. She is working toward her degree in Social Work and would like to work as a licensed grief bereavement counselor. She is an active member of the campus Social Work Student Organization, serves meals at the Rockford Rescue Mission, and volunteers her time with terminal patients through VNA Hospice Care. On the weekends, Michelle travels to her hometown of Roscoe, Illinois to work as an Activity Director at a nursing home. Michelle’s supervisor at the nursing home, Danielle Freeman-Russell states that Michelle has a true compassion for each and every one of the residents she serves. She is dedicated and caring while making sure that the resident’s social, mental, and physical needs are continually met. Those who have had the pleasure of working with Michelle know that she will succeed because she is well equipped to grow and potentially change many others lives with her multi-faceted skills and talents. Michelle uses her skills, talents, energy, and knowledge to the fullest extent and is not afraid to work hard to obtain her goals. We congratulate you today and wish you continued success in your endeavors Michelle.
Berenice Solis
Berenice Solis sought out to be an accountant, but through her life experiences and volunteer efforts she realized her true passion is Social Work. Volunteering in her community has inspired her to work with minority students and successfully advocate for services not provided for an at-risk population, specifically Latinos in the schools. Berenice solicited and succeeded at having the school board hire a full-time coordinator of English Acquisition Services in July of 2013. She is the President of the Parent Teacher Organization at Turtle Creek School and currently serves as the citizen representative on the Walworth County Health and Human Services Board and the Delavan-Darien School District Scholarship Board. Retired Director of Special Education and Pupil Services, Joe Overturf describes Berenice as a natural leader and supporter of disadvantaged people. He states, Berenice epitomizes the heart, mind, and soul of individuals serving others. Berenice is a very caring professional with endless potential. She sees the needs of others, including the community and has the vision to see things through working diligently with organizations, as well as, the system to make her community a better place. Bernice is a service driven individual with outstanding character and personal values that are strongly connected to her ideas about social justice and human rights. Please help me in congratulating Berenice!
Jenna Stahl
Jenna Stahl refuses to let barriers get in the way of her dream of earning her degree in Psychology and becoming a counselor or psychologist. In September of 2008, Jenna’s life changed when she was hit by a stray bullet and became a quadriplegic. Through her internship at a Public Defender’s Office, Jenna realized despite (and in many ways because of) the nature of her injury, that she wanted to help incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives. Jenna volunteered with the Human Rights Authority, the investigative branch of the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission. The program protects due process rights of all individuals with disabilities in any public or private service setting. Jon Burnet, Human Rights Authority Administrator admired Jenna’s dedication, commitment, diligence, attention to detail and keen insight and experience as well as her inviting, personal touch. Jenna brings a positive attitude and consistently showed professionalism with clients in adverse situations. We look forward to watching you succeed Jenna – Congratulations!
Debbie Toth
Debbie Toth’s educational journey began in 2009 when she enrolled at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) graduating in the spring of 2012. She transferred to UW-Whitewater in the fall of 2012. Debbie’s 1 ½ hour school commute limits her ability to be more involved; however, she is a member of the Golden Key and Kappa Delta Pi honor societies. Karrie Aleshire, Early Childhood Instructor describes Debbie as personable, cheerful, open minded and hard working. Another one of Deb’s WCTC instructors expounded on Deb’s critical thinking skills and her ability to analyze different viewpoints. The instructor recalled how they argued in class over a definition only to have Deb do independent research the following week and change her understanding based on what Deb found. Deb is the type of person that draws people in and creates an environment of trust and acceptance. She is an effective leader because she is inclusive in her approach and graciousness in working with others. Debbie’s experience and interactions in the classroom gain her high praises from her cooperating teachers. Debbie has an infectious positive attitude, an excellent work ethic, and clearly loves and motivates children to learn. Please help me in congratulating Debbie.
Renewals
Bonnie Chan
Bonnie is the first in her family to attend college, let alone earn a degree. Growing up in a less privileged home has not only offered financial and academic challenges, it has helped Bonnie realize the value of a college education. Watching her parents struggle inspired Bonnie to embrace learning. Initially Bonnie chose to pursue a degree in Elementary Education, but after taking a Biology course last year, she has changed her course of action. Bonnie is pursuing a Biology degree with a Pre-Pharmacy emphasis. Bonnie has always been driven to help others in her community, whether it’s teaching students to achieve their maximum potential or making a positive impact on a patient’s well-being. Bonnie actively volunteers in Janesville with United Way, Literacy Connection, and the YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter. Her top priorities are learning and sharing her knowledge. Please help me in congratulating this motivated, dedicated, and talented recipient, Bonnie Chan.
Adrianna Clift
Adrianna is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and will graduate in December of 2015. With the help of the Ernella Hunziker Scholarship, Adrianna was able to work less hours and focus both on her homework and preparation for her Junior Review, a unified body of focused artwork that is required to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Her Junior Review consisted of ten pieces of varying sizes of art; five paintings and five drawings that addressed the dehumanization of individuals on both sides of a crime. Her work was on display in the Crossman Gallery for a week and included an in depth interview with professors who critiqued her work. She was thrilled to pass her review. This past year, Adrianna took advantage of an internship offered at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. She helped artists; Eric and Heather ChanSchatz paint seven murals in the gallery space at the museum which will be on display until May 17, 2015. Adrianna continues to be involved on campus. She is an active member of Student Art Association, served as a Lab Technician in the Metals studio last semester, and currently is a Gallery Attendant in the Crossman Gallery. Adrianna plans to go to graduate school for her Master of Fine Arts in Painting; open her own studio, and foster her independent filmmaking skills by creating socially conscious movies. Congratulations Adrianna!
Jennifer Pendur
Our next recipient, Jennifer Pendur is working toward a degree in Fine Art with a Sculpture and Print Emphasis. With the help of the Ernella Hunziker scholarship over the past year, Jennifer has been able to focus on her studies and purchase some essential tools and professional materials enhancing her range and skill as an artist. Jennifer continues to excel academically (3.8 GPA) and is involved as the President of the Print Farm on campus. Jennifer is looking forward to learning more by attending the Southern Graphics Council International Conference in Knoxville later this month. She has met many difficult personal challenges in her life including health-related and financial problems, but has always worked extremely hard to help other people in need. In the fall of 2015, Jennifer will attend school on a part-time basis to allow her more time to dedicate opening a Studio Shop in Whitewater. The shop will provide an outlet for her and other local artists to exhibit. She would like to enhance Whitewater’s reputation as an artistic learning community with an interesting downtown retail district. Jennifer, we wish you luck and congratulate you on receiving this scholarship today.