James R. Connor Student Leader grant winners announced
Released: February 14, 2008
Michael Baumhardt, Kelly Kleinhans and former Chancellor
James R. Connor
The James R. Connor Student Leader Grant rewards and recognizes student leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to the development of their personal leadership skills. Two University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seniors, Michael Baumhardt and Kelly Kleinhans, have been recognized for their outstanding work on campus and were presented with the award by former Chancellor James R. Connor and the UW-Whitewater Student Foundation.
Baumhardt is a human resource management major graduating in May 2008. Kleinhans is an elementary education major graduating in December 2008. Both students are extremely involved in UW-Whitewater campus life and have met the designated criteria for the Leader Grant. The requirements include a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, 45 credits completed, documented leadership abilities and a successful contribution to the enrichment of UW-Whitewater's campus and community. The James R. Connor Student Leader Grant recipients are considered role models for other UW-Whitewater students and involvement in one or more campus organizations is preferred. Baumhardt and Kleinhans are both active in several on-campus organizations.
Baumhardt has been active in student affairs since his freshman year. He has held leadership positions in Residence Life and the Peer Mentor program. Baumhardt is the co-founder and president of the UW-Whitewater Student Personnel Association. He is also a Warhawk Ambassador and was elected chair of this year?s Homecoming Steering Committee.
"This scholarship means a lot to me," Baumhardt said. "It shows me that my contributions have made an impact on the growth and future of this campus. At the same time, my experiences at this premier university have allowed me to experience tremendous personal and professional growth."
Kleinhans is the president of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters student organization and is the University Center Information Services student manager. She has also attended the National Collegiate Honors Conference the past two fall semesters as a representative for UW-Whitewater and is the University Honors Program student manager. Kleinhans is currently working on an undergraduate research proposal and has a 3.85 GPA.
"It is a great honor to receive a scholarship of this distinction. Throughout the years, the people I have known to have received this award have been the best and the brightest, and I am truly honored that Chancellor Connor and the Student Foundation have deemed me qualified to receive such a notable grant," Kleinhans said.
For more information on the James R. Connor Student Leader Grant, contact Alumni Relations Director Tommie L. Jones at 262-472-1391.
- Katie Rankin,rankinkd12@uww.edu
