Campus News

Area students among graduates at UW-Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire congratulated its 1,469 May 2026 graduates from the Eau Claire and Barron County campuses. Area students who received degrees and their fields of study are:
• Cassandra Riehle, Athens, Business, Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Finance
• Nicole Doering, Merrill, Health and Human Sciences, Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science
• Sam Johns, Merrill, Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Science, Physics

• Lydia McIntyre, Merrill, Health and Human Sciences, Bachelor of Social Work, Social Work
• Bailey Orzech, Merrill, Health and Human Sciences, Bachelor of Science, Rehabilitation Science
• Tanaya Pillai, Merrill, Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
• Abrehm Van Wie, Merrill, Health and Human Sciences, Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science

Schneider graduates from University of North Dakota

Brennan M. Schneider of Merrill was among more than 1,800 students who graduated from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota, at ceremonies held in May 2026. Schneider earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics in aviation studies.

Area students earn degrees at UW-La Crosse

The following area students completed degree requirements at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in May 2026:
• Dayne Michael Diethelm, Athens, Bachelor of Science, Exercise and Sport Science Major: Physical, Adapted, and School Health Education
• Timmy David Allen Handlin, Merrill, Bachelor of Science, Exercise and Sport Science Major: Exercise Science-Fitness Track

• Emma Faith Marlowe, Merrill, Bachelor of Science, Elementary/Middle Education and Special Education Major, Highest Honors
• Lucas Ray Zastrow, Merrill, Bachelor of Science, Exercise and Sport Science Major: Exercise Science-Fitness Track

Area students among UW-Madison spring 2026 graduates

More than 9,100 students earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May 2026. The university held its spring commencement ceremony for doctoral, Master of Fine Arts, and medical professional candidates at the Kohl Center on Friday, May 8, and its ceremony for undergraduate, law, and other master’s degree candidates at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, May 9. Area degree recipients include:
• Madison Wagner-Durr, Athens, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Science, Biology, Zoology

• Mckenna Smith, Gleason, School of Nursing, Bachelor of Science-Nursing, Nursing
• Autumn Schenzel, Irma, School of Veterinary Medicine, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medicine
• Eve Akey, Merrill, School of Medicine and Public Health, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy
• Anika Bartz, Merrill, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Arts, International Studies, Political Science
• Jack Couey, Merrill, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Arts, Economics
• Isaac Johns, Merrill, College of Engineering, Bachelor of Science-Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Graduated with Distinction
• Carl Knaack, Merrill, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, Classical Humanities, Religious Studies, Graduated with Distinction
• Lydia Koehler, Merrill, School of Education, Bachelor of Science-Health Promotion and Health Equity, Health Promotion and Health Equity
• Felicia Mayfield, Merrill, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Bachelor of Science, Biology
• Laney Zuelsdorff, Merrill, College of Engineering, Bachelor of Science-Materials Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering

Meyer earns scholarships from UW-Whitewater

McKenna Meyer of Merrill, a finance student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, is among the scholarship recipients for the 2026-27 academic year. Meyer received the Chancellor Scholars award and the Donald & Rose Petersen Scholarship.
“On behalf of the UW-Whitewater Foundation Board of Directors, I extend heartfelt congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients,” said Katie Kuznacic, President of the UW-Whitewater Foundation. “These life-changing financial awards are made possible by the generosity of thousands of individuals, families, friends, and organizations who are committed to our present and future. We are profoundly grateful for their continued commitment to UW-Whitewater students and their success.”
The UW-Whitewater Foundation awarded nearly $1.5 million of the $2.5 million in scholarship dollars given to UW-Whitewater students this academic year. Applications for many 2027-28 scholarships open Dec. 1, 2026.