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Winona State University Evening of Distinction Honoring Spring 2025 Outstanding Graduates May 8, 2025 Message

Program Welcome Dr. Julie Furst-Bowe Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Patrick Clipsham WSU Faculty Association President Dr. Kenneth Janz President Outstanding Student Recognition College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dr. Brian Zeller, Dean College of Education Dr. Scott Sorvaag, Dean College of Business Dr. Randy Skalberg, Dean College of Liberal Arts Dr. Kara Lindaman, Dean College of Science and Engineering Dr. Nicole Williams, Dean Closing Remarks Dr. Denise McDowell Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Life

College of Nursing and Health Sciences Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences: Movement Science Grace Elizabeth Murphy Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences: Strength and Conditioning Tarek Steven Gene Fischer Health Promotion: School Health (Teaching) Rylan C. Lane Healthcare Leadership & Administration: Leadership Hannah Marie Trim Healthcare Leadership & Administration: Health & Wellness Kate Elizabeth Bucher Nursing Bryce Jacqueline Stoltz Nursing (Rochester) Marcus F. Mulvihill Nursing RN to BS Mark Ludwig Labastida Public Health: Health Administration Payden A. Bainbridge Recreation and Tourism Clay Alexander Craker Social Work Nicole Ann-Jee Cook Social Work (Rochester) April S. Rousseau College of Education Early Childhood Education (Birth - Grade 3) Ariana Buck Elementary Education: Early Childhood Emphasis Madalyn Mae Cyert Elementary Education: K-6 Education Kate Ann Seykora Elementary Education: K-6 Education (Online) Maya Jean Fogarty Physical Education (Teaching) Cole John Mundt Special Education: Developmental Disabilities Stormy Rae Ott College of Business Accounting Hannah C. Quiggle Business Administration Olivia Kathleen Gamoke Economics Kendall Roland Finance Isabelle Marie Wyman Human Resources Management Shaun Vincent Ryan Management Information Systems Oshali Lileena Rajapaksha Marketing Jaidyn Kaitlyn Brower

College of Liberal Arts Art: I-Design Stephanie Marie Dasbach Art: Studio Art Option Draconian Rubin Onyx Art (Teaching) Andy Roerick Communication Arts and Literature (Teaching) Heidi Jean Hanson Communication Studies: Applied Communication Samantha Rose Dischinger English: Applied and Professional Writing Maria Windley-Daoust English: Literature and Language Ashleigh Marie Campbell English: Writing Emphasis Jack Hedrick Mulvaney Film Studies Elysia Kristin Estelle Beynon Global Studies Taylor Lynn Matzke History Brogan John Harguth Legal Studies Willa Carman Mass Communication: Public Relations Jamie Ann Cable Music Teaching: Instrumental Jayna Emily Domeier Political Science Finnbar M. McLaughlin Psychology: Option A Amelie Hannah Pflamminger Public Administration Olivia C. Murray Social Science: History Teaching Anna Grace Clausen Sociology Angelina Petra Rueda Sociology: Criminal Justice Corrections Kailey J. Doeseckle Sociology: Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Aly Jumper Spanish Ariela Kuzara Theatre Sanorah Goldoff College of Science and Engineering Biology: Allied Health Marisa Wood Biology: Cell and Molecular Athena B. Lueken Biology: Ecology Taylor Eve Dietz Biology: Environmental Science Taylor Eve Dietz Biology: Life Science (Teaching) Morgan Kathleen Hower Chemistry: ACS Chemistry Meagan Marie Kaufenberg-Lashua Chemistry: ACS Biochemistry Dylan Brian Wolfe Composite Materials Engineering Max Kauphusman Computer Science Michael Thomas Hrstka Computer Science: Applied Computer Science Bradley Francis Budach Data Science Tasha Koehl Geoscience: Geology Option Tyler Scott-Lee Kadrie Mathematics Samuel Spencer Straubmuller Mathematics: Secondary Teaching Brooke Marie Riess Medical Laboratory Science Abigail Adele Nelson Physics Max Kauphusman Statistics Valerie Hazelton

Our Honorees: Their Stories Payden A. Bainbridge, Public Health: Health Administration What are your plans for the future? I will be continuing my 3+2 graduate program in Public Health through Saint Ambrose for 1 more year. I will be staying in Winona but am unsure where I am going to end up with my career. I am excited for the opportunities to come thanks to my experiences and connections at WSU. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? I was able to take a leadership role through Student Senate, which allowed me to make connections with faculty and administration that I never thought I would have. I was able to take my passions and goals and turn them into research projects, all-university committees, and overall start new conversations at the university level. Through this experience, I have made lifelong connections, expanded my resume, and learned what it means to truly become part of a community while building my home away from home. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? Everyone is unique and brings their own strengths to every table. In realizing this I learned not only how to incorporate my strengths into everything I do but also that comparison is a thief of joy and that we each have our own path ahead in life even if that path is unclear, making this next chapter of my life so much more exciting. Elysia Kristin Estelle Beynon, Film Studies What are your plans for the future? I plan to pursue a career in media production, hoping to eventually move into the film industry, where I can put into practice all that I have learned in my time at university. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? A lot of the cliches are very true, and there are so many opportunities on campus, you just have to be willing to go and find them. Ask a lot of questions, meet a lot of people, and your comfort zone is a barrier you must push through to keep growing. Jaidyn Kaitlyn Brower, Marketing What are your plans for the future? I will be working as a Marketing Specialist at Fastenal in Winona. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? Trust the process! In college, it's easy to second guess yourself and wonder if you are on the right track. But I learned that you have to trust that going to class, meeting new people, trying new things, and even sometimes failing is a part of your path. Trust that the challenges that you face are building skills you do not even recognize yet. Trust that random experiences that you have are shaping your interests and abilities. Even when you can’t see the finish line or don’t understand how all the pieces fit together, have faith that these experiences will lead you somewhere valuable.

Kate Elizabeth Bucher, Healthcare Leadership & Administration: Health & Wellness What are your plans for the future? I am going to continue what I am doing now for about another year: I am a personal trainer and group fitness instructor in the mornings, and I manage a taproom/restaurant at night. I am also a special needs mentor once a week. My dream is to run marathons as a sponsored athlete and so for now, I am going to keep chasing that dream! What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? The professors were so great to work with! They always were accommodating and understanding. Working 3 jobs while marathon-training and going to school was not easy but they supported me every step of the way! Ariana Buck, Early Childhood Education (Birth - Grade 3) What are your plans for the future? Find a job teaching in an environment that encourages growth and positivity. My ideal grade would be kindergarten but I am open to other grade levels; I am actively interviewing and hoping to land a job here soon! What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? An assignment with my 413 Infant and Toddler Curriculum and Methods course with Professor Grainger dedicated to the six Domains of Child Development. This was a semester-long assignment that was done in the classroom with a focus child. We dove deep into each of the six domains, completing a chart and observing and planning an appropriate lesson for the focus child. It was a wonderful experience that allowed me to delve deeper into understanding the ECIPs as it related to the six domains and overall comprehension of child development with a hands-on assignment. Bradley Francis Budach, Computer Science: Applied Computer Science What are your plans for the future? I plan to work towards a career in computer science where I can make an impact on people's lives. I will always strive to do work that matters no matter where I go after college. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? Never stop learning! Computer science is a field that is always evolving, and I believe that learning will be a lifelong endeavor. I will always strive to be creative and expand my knowledge in all aspects of my life.

Jamie Ann Cable, Mass Communication: Public Relations What are your plans for the future? While there is no clear path for myself for the future, I will always continue to focus on growth, whether that's in my skills, career, or even personal life. Even though my college chapter is ending, there's always something else to learn and explore. On another note, I'd love to work with non-profit organizations that focus on making the world a better place. I want to give them louder voices and help these organizations gain favorability. Regardless if it's writing, designing, or photography, I'm passionate about wanting to work at a place that wants to help people. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? Everything comes down to perspective. I used to be hard on myself for everything but have learned to give myself grace and to be gentle with myself. I practiced gratitude even for the littlest things. And even when I came back to WSU after being abroad, I realized that there's always something beautiful to be discovered, to be explored. I believe that through this mindset, I got to be more creative. I got to see the beauty in the mundane. I hope to use my degree to help people see the world the way I see it, and to leave admirable footprints in this world. Ashleigh Marie Campbell, English: Literature and Language What are your plans for the future? I am planning on taking a gap year or two in order gain some work experience, preferably in the field of writing or libraries, before applying to grad school. I plan to earn a Master's in Library Science and hope that the work experience in my gap year will help me in that process. Although I have not chosen a focus yet, I am leaning toward public librarianship or youth services. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Taking English 310 with Dr. Elizabeth Oness. ENG 310 is the beginner/intermediate level creative writing class for short fiction. I had been writing fiction for years at that point, but I also struggled with extreme social anxiety. A major component of the class was group workshops, where we would spend the class period critiquing each other’s short stories as a whole class. As one might expect, this was terrifying for me. However, Dr. Oness could see my nerves and was incredibly kind. I remember her pulling me aside after the first workshop for my story and reassuring me. She always made sure that the critiques and workshops remained constructive for the writers of the stories. That class was incredibly important to my development as a writer but also helped me begin to work through my anxiety. It's not perfect now, but having Dr. Oness as a professor was one of the best and most meaningful experiences I have had at this university.

Willa Carman, Legal Studies What are your plans for the future? I will be moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to begin my legal career as a paralegal at a law firm. In the future, I plan to pursue law school as I continue working toward my goal of becoming an attorney. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? You can do anything you set your mind to with determination and hard work. The effort you put in truly pays off when you look back and see how far you have come and all you have achieved. Anna Grace Clausen, Social Science: History Teaching What are your plans for the future? I plan on teaching social studies and possibly getting my Master's in education. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? I learned to surround myself with people who bring me joy and push me to be better. Nicole Ann-Jee Cook, Social Work What are your plans for the future? I plan to work as a County Child Protection Services (CPS) social worker and eventually get my Master's in Social Work and become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? There are a lot of factors that go into success. Inside the classroom, outside the classroom, and who you are influence your success. Clay Alexander Craker, Recreation and Tourism What are your plans for the future? I will be working at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, FL. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? Recreation and Leisure are different for everyone. It's important to make sure everyone is able to do what they love; adapting it for them can make a big impact in someone's life. Madalyn Mae Cyert, Elementary Education: Early Childhood Emphasis What are your plans for the future? I plan to stay in the Winona area. I would like to teach in a surrounding town or city, but I am excited and ready for whatever might come my way! What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? Growth doesn't come from having the answers, but from being brave enough to ask the questions. Winona State fosters an environment that supports all students to grow within their specific fields of study through excellent hands-on experiences accompanied by rich instruction.

Stephanie Marie Dasbach, Art: I-Design What are your plans for the future? I will be moving back to Chicago to work as a designer specializing in marketing, branding, and exhibition layouts. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? If you are truly passionate about something, pursue it, because the challenges along the way will only make you stronger. Taylor Eve Dietz, Biology: Ecology & Environmental Science What are your plans for the future? I have accepted a graduate assistantship position at Northern Arizona University to pursue a Master's degree in Environmental Science and Policy, with a research emphasis in aquatic invertebrates. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Being highly involved in extracurriculars such as the environmental club and the Winona State Arboretum has enhanced my education and leadership abilities. Samantha Rose Dischinger, Communication Studies: Applied Communication What are your plans for the future? I am still exploring my options and seeing what is out there for me! My dream would be to find something remote and spend some time traveling around the US! What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? My involvement in on-campus activities. I am the president of my department's club and I have been getting more and more involved with the College of Liberal Arts Dean's Advisory Board. This last semester and last year, I have made some of my best friends, had some of the best experiences, and I will be so sad to leave these friends. Kailey J. Doeseckle, Sociology: Criminal Justice Corrections What are your plans for the future? My plans for the future, as of now, consist simply of making a positive impact on people's lives utilizing my major and everything I have learned, especially in the last year. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Time spent with people I care about and growing into a person others, as well as myself, can be proud of. Jayna Emily Domeier, Music Teaching: Instrumental What are your plans for the future? I plan to find a job somewhere around Winona teaching music! What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? The WSU Wind Ensemble being invited to perform at the MMEA conference in the Spring of 2024!

Tarek Steven Gene Fischer, Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences: Strength and Conditioning What are your plans for the future? In the immediate future, my plans are to attend Illinois State University and pursue a Master's in exercise physiology while beginning the journey of my coaching career as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach working with the diving team, track throwers, and gymnastics team. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Field practicum experiences working with sports teams at WSU. These experiences gave me knowledge and skills that set me apart at my internship at UW- Madison, allowed me to obtain the prestigious opportunity to become a division I college graduate assistant strength coach at Illinois State University, and allowed me to gain mentor relationships with some of the most successful strength coaches in the business. Maya Jean Fogarty, Elementary Education: K-6 Education (Online) What are your plans for the future? I plan to get my Master's in Special Education and become a primary teacher somewhere in southeastern Minnesota. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Student Teaching at Overland Elementary. I learned countless lessons, and this experience solidified my passion for teaching. Olivia Kathleen Gamoke, Business Administration What are your plans for the future? I plan to obtain my Master's degree in healthcare administration while working as a Strategy Development and Communications Intern at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, SD. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Conducting research with multiple Winona State professors and presenting our findings at the MBAA International Conference in Chicago. Sanorah Goldoff, Theatre What are your plans for the future? I hope to teach in the district for a couple of years and then move up to the Cities. As for theatre, I will audition for college and community theatre in town when I am able, but I am more excited for the theatre scene in the Cities. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? My capstone project. I had the privilege to produce, set design, and act in a play of my choice. The relationships I built through the experience will last me a lifetime. And I felt very accomplished and impactful after completing the process and having a full house for both performances. I felt it was the perfect way to finish my theatre major.

Heidi Jean Hanson, Communication Arts and Literature (Teaching) What are your plans for the future? I plan to be a middle or high school English teacher. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Student teaching! The differences you can make in students' lives in such a short time is palpable and I would not trade it for the world. Brogan John Harguth, History What are your plans for the future? I will be pursuing a Master's of Library Science at UW-Madison in the fall in the hopes of becoming an archivist. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Studying Abroad in Italy. It opened up my eyes to many different cultures, allowed me to grow as an independent person, and try things I never would have been able to in Minnesota. I also believe that becoming an RA and working in the History Department have also been great experiences because they have introduced me to many lifelong friends and mentors. I would not change a single thing about my time in Winona! Valerie Hazelton, Statistics What are your plans for the future? I plan to pursue a career as a data analyst. I have a particular interest in working with environmental or healthcare data. I am passionate about uncovering insights and effectively communicating them in a way that drives informed decision-making and positive change. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? The effort you put in has a direct impact on the outcome. I saw that a positive attitude and a genuine desire to learn can take you far. It truly makes a difference when you approach challenges with curiosity, and when you shift your thinking from "I have to" to "I get to!". Morgan Kathleen Hower, Biology: Life Science (Teaching) What are your plans for the future? I will be teaching 6th grade science at Kenwood Trail Middle School in Lakeville, MN. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? It is important to make connections. Having a support system can really help you succeed, whether that is with professors, staff, student organizations, or friends. Michael Thomas Hrstka, Computer Science What are your plans for the future? I plan on getting a job in a Computer Science related field. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Bonding with other CS students and sharing what we know with each other. Arguably, I have learned more talking about different topics with other students than in class!

Aly Jumper, Sociology: Criminal Justice Law Enforcement What are your plans for the future? I will attend the police skills program at RCTC in January and move to the Minneapolis metro in May 2026 to start working as a police officer. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Being a part of the soccer team. I have had so many great opportunities and made so many great connections. I learned leadership and problem-solving and I am very grateful for my time here. Tyler Scott-Lee Kadrie, Geoscience: Geology Option What are your plans for the future? I plan to attend graduate school where I want to obtain a PhD in a Planetary Geology related field. I hope to one day be a faculty member in higher education and encourage students to have passion in the geosciences. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Dr. Anderson taking me on as a research student. That was my first research experience, and I was very fortunate to be brought to the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Houston, TX where I had a research poster. Without Dr. Anderson, I may have never had that opportunity and I am very grateful to both her and WSU. Meagan Marie Kaufenberg-Lashua, Chemistry: ACS Chemistry What are your plans for the future? I hope to attend graduate school and continue on with research. Eventually, I would love to become a professor. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Participating in research. Learning how to work within a group and independently in lab settings has helped me gain a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities to do meaningful scientific work. Every failed experiment has helped me grow as a researcher and has pushed me to continuously pursue my education and learn about what I am doing in greater depth. Being able to share both my successes and failures with others has shown just how much people believe in me and my future; I appreciate all the hands-on experiences I have had during my time at WSU. Max Kauphusman, Physics & Composite Materials Engineering What are your plans for the future? I will be attending the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for a Master's in Mechanical Engineering. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? When opportunities are presented to you, it is your responsibility to seize them.

Tasha Koehl, Data Science What are your plans for the future? I will be working as an IT Associate Quality Assurance Analyst at Fastenal in Winona, MN. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? Learning how important community is in our everyday lives. I realized how important it is to get involved and join clubs and meet the people around you. Ariela Kuzara, Spanish What are your plans for the future? I plan to work within advocacy groups and non-profit organizations to better the Latinx community. I want to use the skills and knowledge I have acquired during my time at WSU to help those less fortunate than me. I would also like to apply for graduate school in the next year or so. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? My involvement at the civic engagement conferences. Helping younger students realize their potential and expand their knowledge was such a rewarding experience, not only for myself but for the students as well. This year's conference was particularly moving for me because I performed it all in Spanish and spoke to fellow Latinx students about their hardships and experiences. Mark Ludwig Labastida, Nursing RN to BS What are your plans for the future? I would like to become a Nurse Practitioner. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? The professors were very helpful to us. Rylan C. Lane, Health Promotion: School Health (Teaching) What are your plans for the future? I plan to stay in Minnesota and pursue a career in physical or health education and hopefully become a coach. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? Regret will not change yesterday, anxiety will not change tomorrow, find peace in the imperfect present. Athena B. Lueken, Biology: Cell and Molecular What are your plans for the future? I will return home to Dubuque, IA and gain more experience in the veterinary medicine field before applying to veterinary schools. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? It will get better. It doesn't matter if it is a frustrating class or difficult assignment, time passes and it always gets better.

Taylor Lynn Matzke, Global Studies What are your plans for the future? I am going to join the Peace Corps or pursue my Master's degree in East Asian Studies. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? How to ask for help and take advantage of campus resources. Everyone at WSU wants to see students succeed and it was very prevalent in helping me during my time at WSU. Finnbar M. McLaughlin, Political Science What are your plans for the future? I plan on attending law school and eventually practicing law. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Attending the Model United Nations conference in New York City. Jack Hedrick Mulvaney, English: Writing Emphasis What are your plans for the future? I plan to pursue a career in writing, hoping that no matter the path I choose, I can write to inform, challenge, and, along the way, make a few people chuckle. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? To choose one meaningful experience encompassing my time at Winona State is like asking Shakespeare to write just one sonnet... it's a tough ask. To say the entire experience was a cakewalk would be, one, pompous, and two, a lie. What I do know is that the friends I have made along the way and the tremendous guidance from the faculty are experiences I will always cherish. Marcus F. Mulvihill, Nursing (Rochester) What are your plans for the future? I will be working at Mayo Rochester Internal Medicine. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? How impactful the people you surround yourself are. Surround yourself with people who challenge you as much as you challenge them. Cole John Mundt, Physical Education (Teaching) What are your plans for the future? My immediate goal is to secure a teaching position where I can create an environment that fosters meaningful Health and Physical Education, ideally in southeast Minnesota, as close to my family's dairy farm as possible. Along with teaching, I plan to continue pursuing my passion for coaching football, basketball, and track & field, wherever I establish myself. In the long term, I am committed to expanding my expertise through professional development opportunities, and I am also considering pursuing a Master's degree to further enhance my knowledge and impact in the field. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? If I know better, I can do better. Learning is lifelong!

Grace Elizabeth Murphy, Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences: Movement Science What are your plans for the future? I will attend physical therapy graduate school at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? Be involved and outgoing. I've made so many great friends in the HERS department and they have helped me get to where I am today. It's so much fun going to class and knowing almost everyone's name, walking around the department and seeing friends at every corner, and feeling close to the professors. Olivia C. Murray, Public Administration What are your plans for the future? I am graduating with a degree in Political Science and Public Administration. A year from now I hope to be furthering my education in law school! What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Connecting with and meeting people who have made me a better person, and pushed me toward my goals. Abigail Adele Nelson, Medical Laboratory Science What are your plans for the future? Starting this July, I will be working as an MLS lab technician at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? I entered college unsure of where I was headed but eventually found direction through Medical Laboratory Science. Along the way, I faced moments of doubt, wondering if I was truly capable. I discovered that resilience is the ability to face challenges and keep moving forward. That lesson has shaped how I view myself and what I am capable of achieving. Draconian Rubin Onyx, Art: Studio Art Option What are your plans for the future? I would like to become a professional illustrator and photographer, and one day publish my own books. My dream is to publish my illustrated novels for which I could be the writer, illustrator, and designer. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? Life is worth waiting for.

Stormy Rae Ott, Special Education: Developmental Disabilities What are your plans for the future? I plan to teach students, specifically students receiving special education services. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Meeting the fantastic educators, specifically Dr. MaryJo Klinker, Dr. Erika Pinter, Dr. Amy Andersen, Dr. Katie Barofsky, Dr. Rhea Walker, Dr. Kirk, and Dr. Schul, and my fellow graduates who I have come to know and love, Sanorah Goldoff, Hannah Quayle, and Emma Huppert. Amelie Hannah Pflamminger, Psychology: Option A What are your plans for the future? I am planning to complete my Master's in either Neuroscience or Clinical Psychology in my home country before returning to the U.S. to hopefully get a PhD, which has always been my dream! In the long run, I hope to continue doing research and maybe teach at a university, and would also like to work with survivors of trauma in a clinical setting. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Attending the annual conference of the American Psychological Association (APA) in Seattle during the summer of 2024. I presented our study titled "College Women's Experiences of Ambivalent Sexism, Career-Family Orientation, and Wellbeing", and got to learn so much through the various presentations and panels I attended while also networking with other students and professionals. While I was already sure I wanted to dive deeper into the field of psychology, my experiences at the conference really solidified this dream, so I am incredibly thankful that I was able to get a university grant to attend. Hannah C. Quiggle, Accounting What are your plans for the future? I would like help non-profits and school districts better utilize their financials to serve their community. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? It's okay to put yourself first sometimes, whether over friends, family, or school. Oshali Lileena Rajapaksha, Management Information Systems What are your plans for the future? I am excited to bring my MIS background into the analytics world because nothing thrills me more than spotting trends before they become "a thing." What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? I came for the degree, but I am leaving with friendships, memories, and way too many inside jokes. I will miss this place for the people who made it feel like home.

Brooke Marie Riess, Mathematics: Secondary Teaching What are your plans for the future? I will be teaching math at a high school in southern Minnesota. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Being a tutor on campus. It enhanced my knowledge of math and teaching through real-world experience. Andy Roerick, Art (Teaching) What are your plans for the future? I would like to find a teaching job (hopefully at a middle school) and relax a bit before getting my Master's. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? I learned to advocate for myself and that open communication is key. People are kind, and often want to listen and help, a lesson I hope to pass on to my own students one day. Kendall Roland, Economics What are your plans for the future? I plan on going into arts and nonprofit administration, with a focus on theatre. Growing up, I was lucky enough to receive many chances to be involved in local theatre, and I want to go into a career where I can give back to the community and provide the same sort of opportunities to the next generations. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? I got to be the stage manager for the Theatre and Dance program's production of "Footloose", and it was an amazing experience. Getting to work with all the amazing people on the cast and crew, getting to lead and coordinate that group, and getting to see the final production was such a meaningful experience. It was really a great opportunity to experience leadership and being part of such an amazing, supportive group. April S. Rousseau, Social Work (Rochester) What are your plans for the future? My plan is to work in the field and continue my learning before getting my Master's degree. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? Continue making learning a part of your life in order to succeed.

Angelina Petra Rueda, Sociology What are your plans for the future? I plan on committing to a year-long fellowship with Americorps VISTA and Civic Bridgers, where I will continue to work with Engage Winona as the host site. After this, I hope to continue service work through non-profit and civic engagement organizations - all of this to prepare for graduate school in a few years. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? The most meaningful experiences at WSU have always been in the classroom. Through conversations with students and faculty, deep-dives into research, and professors who recognize little and big success, I became an engaged student. All these moments cultivated together to provide me a powerful lesson in resilience. There were a lot of moments where I fell short, especially in the beginning of my college career, but the dedicated professors in the Sociology and Criminal Justice departments allowed me to grow every day as a student. Now, as a senior, I feel capable, educated, and grounded in resilience. Shaun Vincent Ryan, Human Resources Management What are your plans for the future? I plan to do some traveling with my wife, then move into Human Resources and put my degree to use. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? I was made to feel welcome at Winona State, especially by Dr. Craft. She really helped to set me on a path to success from the beginning. I felt as though she truly cared about my success. Kate Ann Seykora, Elementary Education: K-6 Education What are your plans for the future? I would like to get a teaching job in upper elementary or middle school math. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Gaining field experience in a wide variety of settings. This hands-on approach allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, interact with diverse groups of students, and adapt to different teaching environments. Each setting provided unique challenges and learning opportunities, helping me grow both professionally and personally. These experiences have been invaluable in shaping my teaching philosophy and preparing me for a successful career in education.

Bryce Jacqueline Stoltz, Nursing What are your plans for the future? I will be taking my fifth year for gymnastics and plan to start graduate level Nursing classes while I finish my athletic career! What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? Learning how to juggle the highs and lows of both school and athletics and coming out stronger than I ever thought I could. All of the amazing people I have met along the way have also made my experience unforgettable. Samuel Spencer Straubmuller, Mathematics What are your plans for the future? I will be attending graduate school at UW-Milwaukee to earn my PhD in mathematics, and my ultimate goal is to become a professor of mathematics. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? I have too many "most meaningful experiences" that include going on a mathematical trip to the U.K., becoming the Supreme Chancellor of the Math/Stat/DSCI Club, and growing in my faith, but all of these have taught me the greatest lesson I have learned at WSU: keep pursuing excellence even when things seem insurmountable. Never surrender. Hannah Marie Trim, Healthcare Leadership & Administration: Leadership What are your plans for the future? I plan to utilize my degree within the company I am with, and maybe one day, I will find myself back at Winona State University for my Master's! What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? I can still succeed, even if I do not receive a perfect score. I have had to learn this over the years, and I have started to believe it while being at WSU because not everything is going to be easy! Maria Windley-Daoust, English: Applied and Professional Writing What are your plans for the future? I hope to go into publishing as a developmental editor, and also become an author. What was your greatest lesson learned while at WSU? Learning how to take feedback and use it to improve and grow.

Dylan Brian Wolfe, Chemistry: ACS Biochemistry What are your plans for the future? I am starting a PhD in biophysics at Iowa State this fall. My plans after graduate school are not certain right now. I know I want my career to be research-focused; that might mean a faculty position at an academic institution focused on research, or maybe in a lab like the NIH. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? The time I spent in the research lab has been really important for me. It helped me build confidence in my lab skills and has taught me the skills I need to be a productive PhD candidate who can work independently in the lab. Marisa Wood, Biology: Allied Health What are your plans for the future? I will be starting the Mayo Clinic Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program in August 2025. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? The opportunity to design and execute my own research study, investigating the effects of deep tissue massage on muscle damage and inflammation markers. The complete research journey of developing the methodology, applying for IRB approval, coordinating with my team, recruiting subjects, and navigating the inevitable challenges that come with independent research- was lifechanging for me. This research project, coupled with the enriching science coursework at WSU, awakened a passion for scientific exploration and deeper understanding of the world around me. This experience would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my principal investigator, Kent Hansen, my advisor, Ted Wilson, and the incredible faculty and students who generously shared their expertise and resources. Their guidance and encouragement were instrumental in my success, and I am deeply grateful for their mentorship. Isabelle Marie Wyman, Finance What are your plans for the future? I will be working on a financial advising team in Edina, MN. Along with my full time job, I will continue to bartend and serve in the Cities. What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU? Attending the Boglehead conference with the Financial Management Association. This conference was a great way to learn about investing and talk to different professionals from different areas of finance.

Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a comprehensive public university with around 6,000 students. The oldest member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, Winona State offers 249 undergraduate, pre-professional, licensure, graduate, and doctoral programs on its three campuses: the original Main Campus in Winona, Education Village in Winona, and Winona State University-Rochester. The 55th Evening of Distinction honors the outstanding students of Winona State University. Recipients are selected by the faculty in their department. The selection criteria may include academics (GPA), research, community service, leadership, and participation in student organizations or athletics. Only one person is selected per major. WSU’s faculty, staff and administrators acknowledge and congratulate the Spring 2025 outstanding graduates on their achievement.