Class of 2026
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is honored to announce the 2026 Founders Day Award winners.
This represents the highest honor the University bestows upon individuals who epitomize our values of collaboration, diversity and opportunity, integrity, learning and academic excellence, service and social responsibility, and shared governance.
Six awardees are being recognized this year for their outstanding professional and personal achievements.
Outstanding Recent Alumni
Distinguished Alumni for Professional Achievement
Distinguished Alumni for Service to UW-Whitewater
Distinguished Alumni for Community / Regional Service
S.A. White Award for Contributions to UW-Whitewater
Lori & Eric Lorenz Outstanding Student Scholars
- Anna Quartucci - College of Arts and Communication
- Emma Henningfeld - College of Business and Economics
- Sophie Stutzman - College of Education and Professional Studies
- Lex Cardoso-Reyes - College of Integrated Studies
- Simon Michels - College of Letters and Sciences
Founders Day Awards Celebration
Each year, since 1955, we have celebrated the founding of our institution and the contributions and achievements of over 110,000 graduates by recognizing individuals for their professional achievement, community/regional service or service to the university at our annual Founders Day Celebration. This year's Founders Day Awards Celebration will be held on April 18, 2026. Join us for brunch and the awards ceremony from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the James R. Connor University Center. Click here for more details and to register.
Nominations for the 2027 Awards can be submitted until October 31, 2026.