Veterans coordinator receives Patriot Award for service to student veterans

November 11, 2009

For her outstanding service to student veterans, Jan Nordin is being honored by the Department of Defense with the Patriot Award.

Nordin, veterans coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, will be presented with the award at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Registrar’s Office. Retired Colonel Mike Williams will present Nordin with the honor on behalf of the National Guard.

The Patriot Award honors employers who go above and beyond in their support of the National Guard and Reserves. UW-Whitewater student and Army Staff Sgt. Brian Butzler nominated Nordin for the award. Butzler is currently serving in Afghanistan and works under Nordin in the Registrars Office.

This is the second time Nordin will receive the Patriot Award. “It’s an honor to be nominated and recognized by one of my veterans,” she said. “It humbles me to receive this award.”

Jodi Hare-Paynter, interim registrar, said Nordin deserves this honor because of the amazing amount of support she gives to student veterans.

“Jan works exclusively with veteran students and she gives them her support by working on both their personal and professional development,” Hare said.

Hare has worked with Nordin for 13 years and said that Nordin’s knowledge of veterans affairs sets her apart from others in similar positions. Nordin also serves on several UW System committees that deal with the topic.

For more information on the Patriot Award, contact Nordin a nordinj@uww.edu.