Class of 2026

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is honored to announce the 2026 Foundation Award winners.

This represents the highest honor the University bestows upon an alumnus or alumna who epitomizes 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

• Kyree Brooks BSE '17

Distinguished Alumni for Professional Achievement

• Maysee Yang Herr B.A. '98

• Anthony Prater B.S. '80

Distinguished Alumni for Service to UW-Whitewater

• Denny Waldera BBA '70

Distinguished Alumni for Community / Regional Service

• Kurt D. Rose B.A. '09, M.S. '19

S.A. White Award for Contributions to UW-Whitewater

• Mary C. Rowin

Lori & Eric Lorenz Outstanding Student Scholars

• College of Arts and Communication
• College of Business and Economics
• College of Education and Professional Studies
• College of Integrated Studies
• 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.