Chippewa Valley Times

The winners of the 2024 excellence awards at the Blugold Breakfast include Scott Lien, Dr. Joanne Jahnke-Wegner, Dr. Stephen Drucker, Jennifer Steinhorst, and Dr. Gerardo Licón. Not pictured are Dr. Christa Garvey and Karen Morris.

The recipients were recognized as follows:

- **Dr. Stephen Drucker**, professor in chemistry and biochemistry, received the Faculty Excellence in Scholarship Award. Drucker has secured over $1.5 million in grants to support his research and has mentored 35 undergraduate students. "Whatever this award is going to recognize, the students should be a big part of that community of recognition," he said.

- **Dr. Christa Garvey**, professor of music-oboe in music and theatre arts, received the Faculty Excellence in Service Award for her work with historically marginalized composers at International Double Reed Society Conferences.

- **Dr. Joanne Jahnke-Wegner**, assistant professor in history, was awarded the Excellence in Advising Award for her commitment to high standards while understanding student life outside the classroom.

- **Dr. Gerardo Licón**, assistant professor in Latin American and Latinx studies, received the Excellence in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award for his dedication to advising first-generation Latinx students.

- **Scott Lien**, lead groundskeeper in Facilities, was honored with the University Staff Excellence in Performance Award for his collaborative approach and attention to detail.

- **Karen Morris**, teaching professor in communication and journalism, was UW-Eau Claire’s nominee for the UW System Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award.

- **Jennifer Steinhorst**, human resources manager, received the Academic Staff Excellence in Performance Award for her empathetic handling of sensitive employee relations situations.

Each award recipient received a university medallion and $1,500 from funds provided by Markquart Motors and Markquart Toyota of Eau Claire. The nomination honoring Morris is funded by Dr. Sally Webb.

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