Chippewa Valley Times

On May 1, UW-Stout held its annual Leadership Awards ceremony, recognizing more than 100 students for their exceptional contributions to the university. Thirteen seniors were honored with the Samuel E. Wood Medallion, the highest nonacademic award for students at UW-Stout, given to less than 1% of full-time students.

The Wood Medallion is awarded to seniors who have made significant contributions in student activities, leadership and scholastic ability. The recipients are chosen by a committee representing faculty, staff and students. This year's winners include Olivier Charest from La Prairie, Quebec; Ava Cinealis from Sheboygan; Kalie Dahl from Cologne, Minn.; Josie Finocchiaro from Rockton, Ill.; Camryn Gettendorf from Weyauwega; Emily Holze from Chilton; Anna Johnson from Eau Claire; Ethan Myers from Pleasant Prairie; Bailey Pedersen from Gillett; Aliyah Smetana from Suamico; Amanda Shipley from Rockford, Minn.; Hans Stelpflug from Colgate and Hannah Timm from Fremont.

Samuel E. Wood was a longtime assistant chancellor for Student Services/Dean of Students who retired in 1991 and passed away in February 2013. "It is a true honor to be associated with Samuel’s name," said Charest upon receiving the award. Timm also expressed her gratitude: “This award is not just a reflection of my efforts, but a testament to the communities built here on campus.”

In addition to the Wood Medallion winners, several other awards were presented during the ceremony including Outstanding Student Leader of the Year, Student Employee of the Year and Outstanding Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year Award.

Career success is a key aspect of an education at Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University along with applied learning and industry collaboration. According to UW-Stout's latest First Destination Report, graduates from fall 2022 through summer 2023 were employed at a near historic high of 99% soon after receiving their degree and also had a record average starting salary of $58,000.