The UW-Stevens Point School of Business & Economics handed out 18 scholarships to 34 students at its 2015 Awards Reception sponsored by Associated Bank Friday, April 17 in the Dreyfus University Center Laird Room. [Photo Gallery]
John C. Seramur Economics and Business Scholarships
This scholarship was made possible by a substantial endowment from John C. Seramur, President of what was then called First Financial Savings and Loan Association–now known as Associated Bank. The scholarship was established to recognize the high scholastic achievement and potential of economics, business administration and managerial accounting majors at UWSP.
Graduating Senior
Brandon Jaeger from Champlin, Minn., is double majoring in accounting and business administration. Brandon is a member of the NCAA Division III national runner-up men’s hockey team. He is also a volunteer assistant with the Ice Hawks Youth Hockey Association.
Continuing Scholars
Stacy Brokish from Junction City, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in management, and is minoring in communication. Stacy is a member of the Auburndale Athletic Booster Club and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She also volunteers for the Boys and Girls Club of Portage County.
Juan Garcia-Lopez from Bogota, Colombia, is majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance, insurance and real estate. Juan is an economics and mathematics tutor for the Tutor-Learning Center and the treasurer for UWSP’s International Club. He also volunteers for Ciudad de Dios and Buen Vecino, a non-profit organizations helping hungry families and families living in extreme poverty.
Jared Kust from Clintonville, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in management. Jared is the captain of Pointers wrestling team and a member of the Bass Fishing Team.
Taylor Lucas from Brookfield, Wis., is majoring in business administration and minoring in political science. Taylor is a member of the Pointers football team and the Football Leadership Council. He is also a part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and is an Athletics Department honors intern.
Kaleb Matz from Weston, Wis., is double majoring in business administration and economics.
Joann Wolfenberg from Adell, Wis., is majoring in accounting and business administration with concentrations in both management and entrepreneurship, and is minoring in economics. Joann is a member of the Pointers women’s basketball team, the National Society of Leadership & Success, and Habitat for Humanity. She is also a youth sports advocate for UWSP and an administrative assistant volunteer at the Portage County Humane Society.
Business Advisory Council Scholarship
The School of Business & Economics Business Advisory Council (BAC) was formed to keep our programs relevant to the needs of regional organizations–our external stakeholders. The BAC members are the business leaders from various industries. The inaugural meeting was September 2011. Through the generous contributions of our BAC members listed below, we are able to award scholarships to our talented students.
Continuing Scholars-International Study
Julian Basuki from Antigo, Wis., is majoring in economics and business administration with a concentration in international business. Julian is
a member and volunteer for the Lake Wausau Association, as well as a member of the Rib Knights Snowmobile Club and the National Society of Leadership and Success. He also trains Brazilian style Jiu Jitsu at Great White Martial Arts in Wausau, Wis.
Spencer Hamann-Kohnen from Rudolph, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in international business.
Zee Her from Wausau, Wis., is majoring in business administration. She is a member of the Business Club at UWMC.
Amara Heroux from Neenah, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Amara volunteers at Our Saviors Lutheran Church.
Anne Kamstra from Fort Atkinson, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in management and is minoring in computer information systems. Anne participates in intramural soccer and is a member of the Pointers with Passports Club.
William Krull from Appleton, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing, and minoring in communication. William is a member of Toastmasters International.
Kyle Kuzynski from Mosinee, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Kyle is a peer adviser for the School of Business & Economics. He is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Frankie Manecke from Wausau, Wis., is majoring in business administration with concentrations in marketing and management. She participates in UWSP intramurals.
Carli Navin from Waupaca, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance, insurance, and real estate, and is minoring in economics. Carli is involved in the Financial Wellness Coaching Program and the Financial Literacy Association. She also participates in UWSP Intramurals and The Cupboard food pantry.
Kelsey Tornow from Wausau, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in international business.
Tylor Whistler from Westfield, Wis., is double majoring in accounting and business administration.
Shoua Yang from Wausau, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in management. Shoua spends most of her time involved in church activities and organizations.
Carl N. Jacobs and Sentry Insurance Scholarship
Sentry Insurance provides the School of Business & Economics with
a generous annual grant for scholarships. Originally, the scholarships mentioned Sentry alone; later Carl Jacobs was also named. Mr. Jacobs was the son of the founder and CEO of Sentry Insurance. Over the years, countless business and economics interns and graduates have pursued their careers at Sentry Insurance.
Graduating Seniors
Patti Ostrem from Mosinee, Wis., is triple majoring in accounting, business administration, and economics with a concentration in business economics. Patti is a volunteer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. She is also a peer mentor for the School of Business & Economics.
Chantel Wolf from Bolingbrook, Ill., is triple majoring in business administration, economics and international studies.
Continuing Scholar
Crystal Olson from Coloma, Wis., is double majoring in accounting and business administration.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Scholarship
Representing more than 250,000 members in over 140 countries, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest association devoted to human resource management. The society serves the needs of HR professionals and advances the interests of the HR profession. Founded in 1948, SHRM has more than 575 affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices in China and India. The UWSP student Chapter of SHRM has established a scholarship to promote the study of Human Resource Management at UWSP and reward those students who have demonstrated an interest in the subject.
Graduating Senior
Andy Francis from Wrightstown, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in management and minoring in economics. Andy is an Activity Supervisor for the Intramural Program and a game operations intern at Wisconsin Rapids Rafters Baseball Club. He also participates in intramural sports.
Continuing Scholar
Saki Miyajima from Ichikawa, Japan, is double majoring in accounting and business administration with a concentration in finance, insurance and real estate. Saki is a member of the UWSP Society of Human Resources Management and the International Club. She is also a financial coach at Financial Wellness of Portage County and is volunteering as a tax preparer at VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) administered by the IRS.
Northwestern Mutual Bob “Rap” Taylor Scholarships
Northwestern Mutual has a long history of tradition and in keeping with that tradition has established the Northwestern Mutual – Bob ‘Rap’ Taylor Scholarship in 2010 to support higher education of others and honor Robert T. Taylor, who served as a managing director for the Stevens Point area from 1974-2008. During his 34 years as managing director, Bob not only grew his personal practice in the financial services industry by qualifying for Million Dollar Roundtable every year but also took time from his practice to mentor 58 college interns while raising his family in Stevens Point. Bob’s commitment to grow young professionals resulted in several interns becoming some of the most productive in the company, and while some interns moved on to other successful careers, they have continually thanked Bob for having spent his time providing guidance during their time at Northwestern Mutual. Bob’s values, passion for learning, and endless pursuit of excellence exemplified during his tenure as managing director is what makes every person in his/her community hopeful that tomorrow will be better than yesterday. Although Bob has stepped down from the managing director role, he continues to work with his clientele, and along with his wife Mary, to support the Stevens Point community.
Graduating Senior
Daniel Zak from Pound, Wis., is majoring in business administration and minoring in communication. Daniel is an intern at Northwestern Mutual.
Continuing Scholars
Nicole Schaub from Vadnais Heights, Minn., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance, insurance and real estate. She is minoring in economics and coaching. Nicole is a three- time captain of the UW-Stevens Point women’s hockey team, and earned an all-conference honorable mention two years in a row. She has volunteered at the SPASH Cultural Festival, Stevens Point Elementary Schools Winter Carnival, and Hearts & Hammers. She has also helped with the Boys & Girls Club, Weeds for Seeds, the Stevens Point Youth Hockey Association and Coach Ninnemann Spring Hockey Camps.
Hannah White from Cumberland, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance, insurance, and real estate, and is minoring in accounting. Hannah is a mentor for the School of Business & Economics Peer Mentor Program.
W.B. Greaton Scholarship
Wilson B. (Bart) Greaton, Sr., was born and raised in New Richmond, Wis. He attended the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls before completing the La Salle correspondent course in accounting. He worked at the First National Bank of New Richmond for 10 years and moved to Junction City in 1939 where he joined the Junction State Bank. He became president of the bank in 1957 and was chairman of the board at the time of his death in 1983.
Mr. Greaton was progressive in his leadership and banking procedures and influential in starting installment loan policies. The W.B. Greaton Scholarship was established by Mr. Greaton’s wife, Evelyn S. Greaton. The scholarship was established to encourage young students to achieve their goals in the field of business. The Greatons’ children, Kathryn Wohlbier of Junction City and Wilson Greaton of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., continue to support this scholarship.
Graduating Senior
Zachary Kyhos from Mosinee, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance, insurance and real estate.
Randy and Patricia Cray Scholarship for Academic Achievement
Randy Cray is the chief economist at the Central Wisconsin Economic Research Bureau at UWSP. He served as chair of the School of Business & Economics from 1995-2001. He is also a professor of economics and teaches in the areas of monetary economics and finance. Cray has been recognized numerous times by the School of Business & Economics at UWSP for his research and community/university service. He has published in a number of scholarly journals and over one hundred Quarterly Economic Indicator reports for Marathon, Portage and Wood counties. Cray is a frequent speaker at professional conferences and is regularly interviewed by regional newspapers, radio, and television stations on matters pertaining to the economy.
Patricia Cray is a part-time financial specialist at UWSP Library. In her spare time, she volunteers one afternoon each week at St. Michael’s Hospital, escorting patients who need assistance getting to their doctor appointments and providing wheelchair service to patients being discharged. Also, Patricia enjoys volunteering two afternoons a week at the community’s food pantry (Operation Bootstrap). Helping others is very rewarding to her.
Graduating Senior
Simone LaMarche from Stevens Point, Wis., is double majoring in economics and French. Simone plays roller derby with the Mid-State Sisters of Skate and works at the UWSP Office of Sustainability.
Gordon Haferbecker Scholarship
Gordon Haferbecker was an economics professor for 10 years at UW-Milwaukee beginning in 1946. He received his doctorate in economics from UW-Madison in 1952. He began a long affiliation with UWSP in 1956 when he was appointed dean of instruction, the number-two administrative post. The position later became vice chancellor for academic affairs and he held it until returning to full-time teaching as a professor of economics in 1974. He served as acting president of the university several times. When Haferbecker moved from administration to teaching in 1974, the faculty established a scholarship fund in his honor. Haferbecker passed away in December 1998. His wife, Darlene, survives.
Graduating Seniors
Danielle Hartjes from Little Chute, Wis., is double majoring in accounting and business administration with a concentration in marketing. Danielle is a member of the Student Finance Association and Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. She is also a peer adviser for the School of Business & Economics.
Zachary Szprejda from Pembine, Wis., is double majoring in accounting and business administration, and is minoring in economics. Zachary is the president of CRU, the Pray-Sims Bible Study leader, co-treasurer for the Student Finance Association, and the Becker Campus Ambassador. He is also a Woodlands Church nursery and youth group mentor and a supplementary instructor of calculus for the Tutor-Learning Center.
SBE Outstanding Pointer Award
The School of Business & Economics Outstanding Pointer Award is supported by a UWSP alum to recognize a junior or senior with a business administration major who exemplifies the Pointer tradition of being a trailblazer and explorer through involvement on and off campus.
Graduating Senior
Alexia Szabo from Oregon, Wis., is majoring in economics, international studies and Spanish. Alexia is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Mu Gamma (foreign language honor society), and the Yoga and Meditation Club. Alexia is also a peer mentor for SBE freshmen and blogged for the College of Professional Studies.
Cheri Smith Scholarship
In 2007, Cheri Smith celebrated 25 years in business as a successful real estate broker in Stevens Point. As a UWSP graduate in business and economics, she felt a scholarship was an important way to thank the community with a lasting gift to university students. This scholarship is available to UWSP juniors or seniors majoring in business administration and/or economics.
Stacy Brokish from Junction City, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in management, and is minoring in communication. Stacy is a member of the Auburndale Athletic Booster Club and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She also volunteers for the Boys and Girls Club of Portage County.
Tax Executives Institute
Tax Executive Institute Inc. (TEI) is a voluntary, non-profit association of corporate and other business executives, managers, and administrators who are responsible for the TAX affairs of their employees. TEI was organized in 1944 under the laws of the state of New York and is exempt from taxation under section 501(c) (6) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C.). TEI has approximately 6,000 members who represent more than 2,800 of the leading corporations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. TEI is dedicated to promoting the uniform and equitable enforcement of the tax laws–reducing the costs and burdens of administration and compliance to the benefit of both the government and taxpayers, and vindicating the Commerce Clause and other constitutional rights of all business taxpayers.
Continuing Scholar
Cody Gabryshak from Beaver Dam, Wis., is double majoring in accounting and business administration with a concentration in finance, insurance, and real estate. Cody is a financial coach for the Financial Literacy Association. He also participates in intramural soccer.
Scott and Julie Wallace Internship Scholarship
This award was created to promote and enhance the internships in UWSP’s School of Business & Economics in an effort to increase opportunities for SBE students. This award was based on Erin Cayo’s positive experience during her internship, which led to a great entry-level position after graduation.
Graduating Senior
Bryan O’Connor from Weston, Wis., is double majoring in accounting and business administration. Bryan is the fiscal manager for the Diversity and College Access Office at UWSP. He is also the director of student activities at the Institute of Managerial Accountants, a Heart of Wisconsin Chapter.
Larry and Julia Weiser International Scholarship
After receiving his Ph.D. from UW-Madison in 1967, Larry Weiser began his service to the then Division of Business & Economics in 1972 as an associate professor of economics. He was promoted to full professor in 1978. Weiser taught a vast array of economics coursework at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He has an extensive record of service to the Division of Business & Economics, the College of Letters and Science, and UWSP as a whole. He was chair of the division from 1975-81 and became director of the Center for Economic Education in 1990. After an illustrious career, Weiser retired in 2002 and now is an emeritus faculty member. He continues to support the School of Business & Economics and to teach within the LIFE program. The School of Business & Economics thanks Larry and his wife Julia for their donation to the International Study Abroad scholarships.
Continuing Scholar-International Study
Anne Kamstra from Fort Atkinson, Wis., is majoring in business administration with a concentration in management and is minoring in computer information systems. Anne participates in intramural soccer and is a member of the Pointers with Passports Club.
Central Wisconsin Apartment Association Scholarship
The Central Wisconsin Apartment Association is composed of rental property owners, real estate professionals, and others who have an interest in meeting Central Wisconsin needs for rental housing. The presenter of the award, Paul Wachowiak, is the president of Paper City Savings and a 1987 alumnus of the School of Business & Economics.
Continuing Scholar
Evan Dixon from Novi, Mich., is double majoring in economics and business administration with concentrations in marketing and finance, insurance and real estate. He is a member of the NCAA Division III national runner-up men’s hockey team and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Central Wisconsin Board of Realtors Scholarship
Real estate professionals Rudy Ottersen and Pat Cassidy established this endowment around the time of the UWSP Centennial. At that time the organization was called the Stevens Point Board of Realtors. Shortly after, the name was changed to Central Wisconsin Board of Realtors. Together with the Central Wisconsin Multiple Listing Service, the real estate professionals in our area support an accounting, business, or economics student who has a connection to the real estate profession.
Continuing Scholar
Evan Dixon from Novi, Mich., is double majoring in economics and business administration with concentrations in marketing and finance, insurance and real estate. He is a member of the NCAA Division III national runner-up men’s hockey team and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
CFA Institute Research Challenge Award
The CFA Institute has a mission to lead the investment profession globally by setting the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence, including offering educational opportunities to current and future stewards of the world’s investment markets. CFA Program scholarships contribute to the vision of serving the interests of investors and society by promoting awareness of CFA Institute programs and by providing access to those programs to individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford the services.
Continuing Scholar
Evan Dixon from Novi, Mich., is double majoring in economics and business administration with concentrations in marketing and finance, insurance and real estate. He is a member of the NCAA Division III national runner-up men’s hockey team and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
CliftonLarsonAllen Accounting Scholarship
Clifton Gunderson was founded in 1960 in Peoria, Ill., as Clifton, Gunderson, Coker and DeBruyn. In 1973, its name was shortened to Clifton, Gunderson. Under a new name, it added firms in Colorado, Wisconsin, Missouri, Maryland, Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Texas, California, and Pennsylvania. Prior to the formation of Clifton Gunderson, young entrepreneurs Rholan Larson and John Allen started a small public accounting practice in the suburbs of Minneapolis in 1953. Bob Weishair joined the firm in 1957 to form Larson, Allen, Weishair & Co., LLP. The firm has since expanded throughout Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts, Texas, Wisconsin, Washington D.C., Washington and Idaho. In 2007, the firm changed names to LarsonAllen LLP.
CliftonLarsonAllen is the alliance of Clifton Gunderson and LarsonAllen, two peer firms that have merged to create a different kind of professional services firm. Since the merger in January 2012, the firm exists among our nation’s top 10 accounting firms with more than 90 locations across the United States (including one office in Stevens Point) and headquarters in Minneapolis and Milwaukee. CliftonLarsonAllen has more than 1,550 CPAs on staff to meet the needs of over 150,000 clients nationwide.
Graduating Senior
Saki Miyajima from Ichikawa, Japan, is double majoring in accounting and business administration with a concentration in finance, insurance and real estate. Saki is a member of the UWSP Society of Human Resources Management and the International Club. She is also a financial coach at Financial Wellness of Portage County and is volunteering as a tax preparer at VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) administered by the IRS.
Michael and Melba Sullivan Scholarship
Michael Sullivan served as a professor of economics in the Division of Business & Economics from 1965-94. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1972, his M.S. from UW-Madison in 1961, and his B.A. from the University of Denver in 1950. Sullivan’s courses included Production and Operations Management, Labor Problems, Managerial Economics, Collective Bargaining, and Principles of Economics. He served on a number of university committees throughout his tenure. He held several offices in the Central Wisconsin APICS chapter, including director from 1986-89. In the fall of 1984 he and his wife, Melba, led a group of students on the university’s semester abroad program in Madrid, Spain. After retirement, Michael and Melba built a home that won a first-place award from the National Association of Homebuilders. Michael and Melba have opened their home for tours during the annual MREA Energy Fair and the National Tour of Solar Homes. Melba taught in the Stevens Point Public Schools from 1967-93. She continues to lead an active life of gardening, travel and volunteer work. Michael passed away in December 2007.
Graduating Senior-International Study
Ashley Schultz from Sauk City, Wis., is double majoring in accounting and business administration. Ashley is a member of UWSP’s Colleges Against Cancer.
DaWalt Family Economics Scholarship
John F. DaWalt is a 1996 UWSP graduate who was interested in both pharmaceutical research and the stock market. After four years with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, he moved to a new career with Merrill Lynch. John has a successful practice as an Investment Analyst and Wealth Consultant. He received valuable career advice from a faculty advisor during his undergraduate studies. John’s wife, Mandy, is a successful teacher, proud mother of two, and a 1997 UWSP graduate. The DaWalt family is rewarding a promising economics student with a scholarship as a way of giving back to UWSP.
Graduating Senior
Zachary Szprejda from Pembine, Wis., is double majoring in accounting and business administration, and is minoring in economics. Zachary is the president of CRU, the Pray-Sims Bible Study leader, co-treasurer for the Student Finance Association, and the Becker Campus Ambassador. He is also a Woodlands Church nursery and youth group mentor and a supplementary instructor of calculus for the Tutor-Learning Center.
SBE Student Worker of the Year Award
In recognition of extraordinary service to the School of Business & Economics and Peer Advising program from 2014-15.
Brianna George
Becker Professional Education Award
Andrew Fehlhaber
Wayne Ashenberg
Corporate Partners Award
Figi’s
Faculty Awards
Excellence in Scholarship: Kevin Bahr (Business)
Excellence in Service: Christine Schalow (Accounting)
Excellence in Teaching: Caz McChrystal (Business)
Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service: Randy Cray (Economics)