Seniors receive scholarships from Prospera program

December 3, 2007

Six scholarships.  More than 90 applicants.  Two University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students.
 
Seniors Michael Baumhardt of Fond du Lac and Katie VanBeek of Mayville were recipients of J.J. Keller & Associates Prospera University Program scholarships.  Baumhardt was awarded the top scholarship worth $5,000; VanBeek received a $1,000 scholarship.

"I am thrilled to learn that Michael and Katie received the top scholarship of $5,000 and one of the $1,000 awarded this fall using the Prospera system," professor of management and faculty advisor for the UW-Whitewater chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, Jon Werner, said.  "This is tremendous news for them, as well as for our program and university."

Marketing Communications Specialist for J.J. Keller & Associates Stephanie Dean added, "It speaks highly of UW-Whitewater and their business department that two of their students won the awards. Of all of the applications the UW-Whitewater students did an exceptional job of understanding what Prospera does and how it can benefit them as they enter the workplace."
  
Both Baumhardt and VanBeek are human resource majors who joined the Prospera Program to further enhance their curriculum. J.J. Keller, a risk and regulatory management company, launched the program as part of its commitment to higher education. Professors and students have access to reference materials, HR specific interactive tools and applications and valuable industry information.
 
Baumhardt was excited when he won the scholarship. "I opened the letter and started yelling and cheering.  This scholarship will allow me to continue to spend more time engaged in my classes and involved in the university."
 
VanBeek said she had to re-read the letter stating she received the scholarship. "When I sent the application in, I did not really think I had a chance.  It was definitely a great feeling to be selected," she said.