The University of Wisconsin-Stout and its Learning and Information Technology department received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Certificate of Appreciation on March 17, according to a March 18 announcement. The recognition was presented by United States Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Nelson, who is also a System Engineer III at UW-Stout, along with Wisconsin ESGR Area 6 Chair Mike Hallquist and ESGR volunteer Martha Stratton.
The award highlights the university’s commitment to supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. This recognition matters because it underscores the importance of employer flexibility for service members balancing civilian careers with military obligations.
Nelson nominated Deputy Chief Information Officer Tom Janicki for the Patriot Award, stating, “I’d like to thank Tom, Sue, the Chancellor, and everyone at UW-Stout for the incredible support they’ve shown me throughout my Air Force Reserve career. I nominated Tom for the Patriot Award because he consistently demonstrates understanding, flexibility, and encouragement for my military obligations, ensuring I never feel conflicted between my responsibilities here and my service to our country.”
Janicki accepted both awards alongside Assistant Chancellor Sue Traxler and Chancellor Katherine Frank. Janicki said he was honored but credited UW-Stout’s policies: “Our policies and culture empower supervisors to support Guard and Reserve members effectively, making service and work responsibilities easier to balance.”
UW-Stout’s Statement of Support affirms its pledge to comply with federal law protecting service members’ employment rights while encouraging opportunities for veterans and reservists. The statement reads in part: “We recognize the Guard and Reserve are essential to the strength of our Nation and the well-being of our communities… We will continually recognize and support our country’s Service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war.”
Chancellor Frank said, “At UW-Stout, we are proud to support veteran and active service students and employees across the university. Recognition from organizations like ESGR and others is important confirmation that we are succeeding as a university in support of our students, faculty, and staff. The fact that an employee nominated their supervisor for this recognition makes the award even more special, and we are ‘Stout Proud’ of the example set by Tom Janicki and LIT.”
UW-Stout has also been recognized as a Best for Vets College by Military Times for its commitment to serving veterans. Last spring marked its sixteenth consecutive year earning a Military Friendly School designation.
