Chippewa Valley Times

Walking down the hill on her first visit to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Sam Consiglio's mother remarked, “You look like you're comfortable here; you’re going to be spending the next four years here.” That moment would frame Consiglio's college experience as she embarked on what she describes as the best decision of her life.

Hailing from Waukesha, Consiglio was attracted to the university's size, community support, and its scenic campus, which she described as a "hidden gem." She pursued a geography major with a minor in actuarial science, also earning certifications in equity, diversity, and inclusivity, urban and regional planning, and geospatial techniques. As the president of the Student Senate, she has felt a sense of belonging at UW-Eau Claire.

Her academic journey began with an interest in the math department as an actuarial science major. However, after a discussion with a professor, she discovered geospatial technology and humanistic geography, finding passion in understanding “people’s senses of place.” This new interest led her to urban planning as her true calling. Consiglio found the same supportive community in the geography department as she had experienced in the math department. She noted, “It’s something really cool about UW-Eau Claire — you can find that connection in any department.”

Consiglio's involvement in the Cosby Honors College was a significant aspect of her academic experience. She emphasized the support and growth she found there, describing it as an environment where “everyone in honors is so supportive, uplifting and wants to grow and learn.” Serving as an honors first-year experience mentor, she was inspired by students who actively engaged in campus and community life. Her roles in the Cosby Honors College led her to become vice president and current president of the Student Senate, opening doors and expanding her network.

Consiglio's leadership began as the housing coordinator on the Student Senate's executive board and included positions such as a Residence Hall Association representative and Circle K International member, a volunteer organization. She highlighted the rewarding experience of connecting new students through her role as a Blugold Welcome intern. As student body president, she worked on projects like advocating for fall break, closed captioning in classrooms, and improved campus accessibility, stating, “Being able to navigate all that with our senators, directors and everyone a part of Student Senate has been really interesting and fun.”

Her achievements extend into research with projects like a collaboration with Mayo Clinic Health System examining rural healthcare systems. Consiglio's capstone research project, expanded into an honors thesis, focused on analyzing neighborhood walkability in Eau Claire.

Looking toward the future, Consiglio plans to pursue a master's degree in city and urban planning, aspiring to work in urban improvement. The Cosby Honors College has been pivotal in teaching her to “use different lenses and bring different voices to the table." As she prepares for graduation, Consiglio reflects on UW-Eau Claire as a supportive environment for all students.