Student Affairs announces 2025-26 employee awards
On May 13, 2026, employees from across Student Affairs gathered in the Great Hall at Memorial Union to celebrate colleagues and campus partners at the annual Student Affairs Awards Ceremony and summer celebration.
In opening remarks, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor noted that the annual May event is about celebration and gratitude. New this year, employees had the opportunity to share shoutouts recognizing one another’s contributions. This spirit of appreciation was evident in more than 100 messages displayed before the program began.
The event honored the outstanding contributions and milestones of UW–Madison Student Affairs employees, including a record 17 staff members recognized for 20 or more years of service — the highest number in the past eight years.
Engagement in the awards process was also strong, with approximately 70 nominations submitted. The newly introduced customer service award received the most nominations, underscoring a culture of care, dedication, and peer recognition across the division.
Across all submissions, several common themes emerged, reflecting the shared values and impactful work of the Student Affairs community.
“As we close out another academic year, know that your efforts — whether they were in the background or at the forefront, acknowledged on stage or not — created the environment for our students to thrive.” Reesor shared, “They are so proud to be Badgers. And you are each a part of their stories.”
An especially meaningful moment came when Dr. Lori Berquam returned to campus for the second year in a row to present the Commitment to the Wisconsin Experience Award, which is named in her honor for her leadership in shaping and championing the Wisconsin Experience. Berquam dedicated 25 years to student life and residence life at UW–Madison, ultimately serving as vice provost for student life and dean of students before departing the university in 2019.
A committee with representatives from across Student Affairs selected recipients from peer nominations based on established criteria for each of the following awards:
Schwatz’s nomination said: “Kate does not just value inclusion; she operationalizes it across mentorship, programming, and campus partnerships. She customizes learning trajectories based directly on her students’ unique identities and artistic interests by deliberately cultivating a safe environment. As one colleague shared: ‘Working with Kate has made me feel seen, alleviating the consistent imposter syndrome I have. I trust Kate with my students.’”
Seyforth’s nomination said: “With over 30 years in Residence Life, Dr. Scott Seyforth has led efforts in residential education and impacted the lives of generations of UW–Madison students. Scott has stoked students’ relentless curiosity through his work with the 11 residential learning communities, and has personally made it his mission to make sure that all stories are told, particularly those who might otherwise be overlooked. Student staff and residents who have long-since graduated still remember Scott for his kindness, storytelling, infectious laugh, and deep intellectual curiosity.”
Ash Engel, University Health Services (UHS)/Badger Recovery
Engel’s nomination said: “Ash started in her role ready to build a program that could honor and support students in recovery from substance use, eating concerns, and addictive behavior. Not only has she developed policies and procedures, a recovery coaching program, and planned events and community
dinners to foster connection, she set up a program that helps students get connected, feel confident in their recovery journey, and thrive at UW.”
Munoz-Montoya’s nomination said: “Nicolas consistently provides timely, thorough, and reliable support. Even during high pressure periods or unexpected challenges, he remains calm, respectful, and focused on finding solutions. What truly sets him apart is his positive, uplifting presence. He is always smiling, approachable, and willing to help—whether answering questions, assisting with a concern, or simply offering a friendly greeting, his interactions are consistently kind, patient, and welcoming.”
Lindsey Bratton, Wisconsin Union Catering – Pyle Center 
Bratton’s nomination said: The relationships Lindsey has built with campus customers over the years is inspiring, and the trust and confidence they have in the catering department through her communication and experience is unmatched. She has built, developed, and led teams in both Grainger and Pyle Center that exemplify her outstanding service standards, her attention to detailing events, her on the floor-front facing customer service, and follow-up.”
Ryan Keegan, McBurney Disability Resource Center
Keegan’s nomination said: “Ryan is the engine that drives each student, parent, and university staff’s positive experience with the McBurney Disability Resource Center on campus. He consistently delivers an extraordinary level of support to all stakeholders, ensuring every person who seeks assistance is met with professionalism, clarity, and genuine care. His daily work reflects the core values of Student Affairs and contributes meaningfully to a supportive and inclusive campus environment.”
Chris Berger, Recreation & Wellbeing
Berger’s nomination said: “Chris is the ‘gold standard’ for professionalism within Rec Well and the broader Student Affairs community. He consistently delivers exceptional service by balancing the complex needs of students, campus partners, and external clients with a steady hand and genuine care. He invests deeply in the students he supervises, modeling the very professionalism and responsiveness this award recognizes.”
The nomination said: “The partnership with ISS and Student Affairs is not merely transactional; it is intentional, student-focused, and deeply invested in the student experience and well-being. ISS staff have built and maintained a strong, dependable, and effective relationship with Student Affairs through proactive communication and thoughtful consultations, helping ensure that policies, processes, and campus responses adhere to immigration regulations, and supporting international students’ experiences.”
The UW Art Department and Chazen Museum of Art 
The nomination said: “For the past three years, the UW Art Department has actively partnered with the student-led Wisconsin Union Directorate Art Committee to bring innovative and excellent exhibitions to the Unions. The dedication of both departments to working with the students has been incredible, and student learning has been a focal point throughout the process.”
- Inclusive Excellence Award
- Dr. Lori Berquam Commitment to the Wisconsin Experience Award
- Outstanding New Professional Award
- Customer Service Award
- Student Affairs Partner
Inclusive Excellence Award
This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership while initiating, creating, and supporting inclusive student or employee experiences and/or environments. The individual should have a demonstrated commitment to fostering an open, positive, and inclusive campus community for everyone. Kate Schwartz, Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT)
Schwatz’s nomination said: “Kate does not just value inclusion; she operationalizes it across mentorship, programming, and campus partnerships. She customizes learning trajectories based directly on her students’ unique identities and artistic interests by deliberately cultivating a safe environment. As one colleague shared: ‘Working with Kate has made me feel seen, alleviating the consistent imposter syndrome I have. I trust Kate with my students.’”
Dr. Lori Berquam Commitment to the Wisconsin Experience Award
As part of former Dean of Students Lori Berquam’s legacy, this award recognizes champions who have used their work at UW–Madison to have a positive and significant impact within student communities. The Wisconsin Experience is characterized by close integration of in- and out-of-class experiences; by active, creative, and entrepreneurial engagement in real-world problems; and by offering students leadership in their learning. Scott Seyforth, Residence Life
Seyforth’s nomination said: “With over 30 years in Residence Life, Dr. Scott Seyforth has led efforts in residential education and impacted the lives of generations of UW–Madison students. Scott has stoked students’ relentless curiosity through his work with the 11 residential learning communities, and has personally made it his mission to make sure that all stories are told, particularly those who might otherwise be overlooked. Student staff and residents who have long-since graduated still remember Scott for his kindness, storytelling, infectious laugh, and deep intellectual curiosity.”
Outstanding New Professional Award
This award recognizes a Student Affairs member who has made outstanding contributions during the early years of one’s career. These activities must show innovation, reflect foresight, and display promise that the individual has the unique quality to positively impact the student experience.
Ash Engel, University Health Services (UHS)/Badger Recovery
Engel’s nomination said: “Ash started in her role ready to build a program that could honor and support students in recovery from substance use, eating concerns, and addictive behavior. Not only has she developed policies and procedures, a recovery coaching program, and planned events and community
dinners to foster connection, she set up a program that helps students get connected, feel confident in their recovery journey, and thrive at UW.”
Customer Service Award
This award recognizes a Student Affairs/Residence Life staff member who consistently delivers exceptional service to students, employees, and/or campus partners. The recipient demonstrates professionalism, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to helping others. Their approach reflects patience, clarity, and care, contributing to a positive and supportive experience for all who seek assistance. Nicolas Munoz-Montoya, Recreation & Wellbeing
Munoz-Montoya’s nomination said: “Nicolas consistently provides timely, thorough, and reliable support. Even during high pressure periods or unexpected challenges, he remains calm, respectful, and focused on finding solutions. What truly sets him apart is his positive, uplifting presence. He is always smiling, approachable, and willing to help—whether answering questions, assisting with a concern, or simply offering a friendly greeting, his interactions are consistently kind, patient, and welcoming.”
Lindsey Bratton, Wisconsin Union Catering – Pyle Center
Bratton’s nomination said: The relationships Lindsey has built with campus customers over the years is inspiring, and the trust and confidence they have in the catering department through her communication and experience is unmatched. She has built, developed, and led teams in both Grainger and Pyle Center that exemplify her outstanding service standards, her attention to detailing events, her on the floor-front facing customer service, and follow-up.”
Ryan Keegan, McBurney Disability Resource Center
Keegan’s nomination said: “Ryan is the engine that drives each student, parent, and university staff’s positive experience with the McBurney Disability Resource Center on campus. He consistently delivers an extraordinary level of support to all stakeholders, ensuring every person who seeks assistance is met with professionalism, clarity, and genuine care. His daily work reflects the core values of Student Affairs and contributes meaningfully to a supportive and inclusive campus environment.”
Chris Berger, Recreation & Wellbeing
Berger’s nomination said: “Chris is the ‘gold standard’ for professionalism within Rec Well and the broader Student Affairs community. He consistently delivers exceptional service by balancing the complex needs of students, campus partners, and external clients with a steady hand and genuine care. He invests deeply in the students he supervises, modeling the very professionalism and responsiveness this award recognizes.”
Student Affairs Partner
The award recognized an entity (or two) whose collaboration with Student Affairs had positively impacted campus life. International Student Services (ISS)
The nomination said: “The partnership with ISS and Student Affairs is not merely transactional; it is intentional, student-focused, and deeply invested in the student experience and well-being. ISS staff have built and maintained a strong, dependable, and effective relationship with Student Affairs through proactive communication and thoughtful consultations, helping ensure that policies, processes, and campus responses adhere to immigration regulations, and supporting international students’ experiences.”
The UW Art Department and Chazen Museum of Art
The nomination said: “For the past three years, the UW Art Department has actively partnered with the student-led Wisconsin Union Directorate Art Committee to bring innovative and excellent exhibitions to the Unions. The dedication of both departments to working with the students has been incredible, and student learning has been a focal point throughout the process.”
Years Of Service
35 Years
Chris Acker, Student Leadership and Community Engagement30 Years
Jim Long, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Linda Kmiotek, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Scott Seyforth, Residence Life Terri Wirth, Health and Wellbeing25 Years
Amy Regan, Health and Wellbeing
Carl Korz, Student Leadership and Community EngagementHolly Yan, Health and Wellbeing
Julie Medenwaldt, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Michael Weisling, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
20 Years
Amy Free, Student Success and BelongingAndrew Wetzel, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Heather Good, Health and Wellbeing Jackie Scola-Bernstein, Residence LifeRiyatun Procknow, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Stephanie Diaz De Leon, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Will Schroeter, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
15 Years
Billie Bach, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
David Elsmo, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Erin Rammer, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Francisco Alvarez, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Jenny Kind, Health and WellbeingJoel Gerrits, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Lazaro Garza, Health and Wellbeing
Kimberly Long, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Mickey Francois, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
10 Years
Brandon Juno, Health and Wellbeing
Cleda Wang, Residence Life Connor Peterson, Student Leadership and Community Engagement Fulgencio Cuahutepitzi, Student Leadership and Community EngagementHannah Soehn, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Heather Macheel, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Jainaba Baldeh, Health and Wellbeing
Jeremy Gray, Health and Wellbeing
Jessica Seeland, Student Leadership and Community EngagementJorden Mackey, Health and Wellbeing
Mao Thao, Student Leadership and Community EngagementMatt Morrell, Health and Wellbeing
Patricia Stelter, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Patrick Sweeney, Student Success and Belonging Ryan Podolak, Student AdvocacyShauna Breneman, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Shirley Langer, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Stephanie Deleeuw, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Will Hoffman, Student Leadership and Community Engagement