News

“I have always had a passion for art.  I chose Edgewood College because I could get one-on-one attention from professors, yet still have the college life atmosphere in Madison. I think the College has a fantastic Graphic Design program and helped me immensely to prepare for the real world. Portfolio preparation is key in the creative field and Professor Agnieszka Ligendza did a fantastic job at helping me build a portfolio.

Senior Business Major Nick Walusayi - “There are areas of Madison people forget about, and when you bring them to the spotlight you have an opportunity to change lives.”

During the Fall 2012 semester, Dr. Louise Stracener and Dr. Dan Olson of the Department of Chemistry, Geoscience, and Physics traveled along with eleven students to the Argonne National Laboratory. Argonne National Laboratory, located just outside of Chicago, is one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s largest national laboratories for scientific and engineering research. The Edgewood College contingent attended the 22^nd symposium of Undergraduates in Science, Engineering and Mathematics. The symposium is presented in collaboration with The Central States Universities, Incorporated (CSUI) Research Conference.

MADISON, Wis. - Edgewood College is the home to 33 Academic All-District awards and 11 Academic All-American awards, but the Eagles have never won a student-athlete award this big. Edgewood College women’s soccer player Elaine Gerry was named the 2012 CapitalOne Academic All-American of the Year, singling her out among the thousands of NCAA Division III women’s soccer student-athletes across the nation.

Students taking the College’s “Bridging Borders” class have a chance not many young adults get – a first-hand opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the lives of Mexican immigrants.

“I work for NCPACE (Navy College Program for Afloat College Education) which provides sailors with college classes aboard naval ships at sea. Most of the classes are basics – Math, English, History, Business, etc. – but there are upper level and specific classes offered as well. I teach college writing classes, basic classes everyone needs for their degree. 

Kat Gatewood ‘12

Degree: Bachelor of Science, Theatre Arts

Notable: Accepted with full scholarship to the University of Iowa Master of Fine Arts program.

$10k Recognizes Significant Community Engagement 

(May 22, 2012) - Transfer student and Waunakee native Michael Stluka received the news in an unlikely spot: he was riding in a Madison Metro bus. 

Recipient of the Ken and Diane Ballweg Endowed Music Scholarship

Joe Pleuss received his BS in Music in 2004. He currently performs with the San Diego Opera and is applying to graduate programs for a DMA in Opera Performance.

Marcia Morales is a senior, majoring in Sociology with a minor in French. An outstanding student and global citizen, she makes a positive wherever she goes.

In 2012, she’s been named to the “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities” list, and was honored with the Dominican Justice Award from the College, which recognizes a strong commitment to justice, both on campus and in the community.

The weekend of March 23-25^th, 2012 one of the College’s largest student organizations, Circle K, attended their annual Wisconsin Upper-Michigan District Convention in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.  Each year Circle K clubs from across the Wisconsin Upper-Michigan District come together to celebrate, reflect, and received recognition for their dedication. At the 2012 District Convention, Edgewood Circle K represented the College well, bringing home numerous awards and honors for their hard work.  Circle K International is the largest collegiate service organization in the world. Circle K engages college students to become servant leaders in their communities.

Tamara Knickmeier says she's " probably the last weekend degree student to finally finish getting her degree, something she accomplished early in 2010. The Weekend Degree program began what has since become the College's Adult Accelerated Degree program, which allows students who have multiple demands on their time (work and family, for example) to complete an undergraduate degree according to their own personal timeline. 

Raven Eggson-Washington and Taylor Case come from two very different backgrounds. Taylor is from the small Illinois town of Hinckley. Raven is from Milwaukee. But they do have some important things in common: both are junior Psychology majors, both are serving in paid internships for the United Way of Dane County as 'loaned executives,' and both recognize the transformation that's taking place in themselves.

The Jenzabar Foundation recognizes student-led campus groups and projects that have make a significant contribution to better the world outside of their institutions of higher education. Officials with the Foundation recognized Ms. Pinzl, and the College's AmeriCorps (M3C) program, for " critical leadership and coordination of a central campus volunteer program that provides after-school support to children in one of Madison's largest homeless shelters 

“After college, I started working at CUNA Mutual Group. I had a good time there, I learned a lot, had some great mentors, but just felt like insurance and financial services was not for me. So I left after working there for five years, and took a leap of faith hoping that I would figure out what I wanted to do. I worked on the United Way Campaign last fall and then worked full-time at the Girl Scouts. While I was there I decided I really wanted to try to open my own business. 

Shae Beckwith is a senior with majors in Business/Marketing and Graphic Design. She's active on campus, volunteers her time in the community, and participates in the women's basketball program, and the women's tennis team. 

(excerpts from Ms. Sakaba's address)

"I can still remember how nervous, anxious, and excited I was to begin my journey at Edgewood College four and a half years ago. Coming from Japan, I had no idea what college life in Madison, Wisconsin was going to be like. All I knew was I wanted to be academically successful

"The Edgewood community is one filled with love. It's filled with a true sense of compassion for others and an ability to make everyone feel welcome. The friendships made and acquaintances met at Edgewood are ones that will remain with you for a lifetime. The connections we made will become contacts we can call on when we're in need of a job reference,

"I was in a house of a family friend and there was a picture on the wall that said, 'Thank you Mom and Dad for giving me the world,' and it had pictures of her all over the world. I asked about it since I was curious and I've always wanted to travel everywhere. She told me the name of the program, Semester at Sea."

Meg Johnson, a senior at Edgewood College, has work published and forthcoming in several publications, like Slipstream Magazine, Asinine Poetry, Pacific Coast Journal, and others. In addition to poetry, Meg writes short stories, and has one published in this year's Edgewood Review. 

Meet Lisa J. Smith from Madison, a 2010 graduate of the Edgewood College MBA program. Her story shows that a little determination and a strong desire to be a lifelong learner will help anyone achieve their dream. 

Children's author, award-winning graphic designer, and outstanding student Saori Kubo assumed the next steps in her journey after graduation were toward her native Japan. She was finalizing the details, when she received an unexpected (but very welcome) surprise.

Mr. Corneille wrote his professors in the Educational Leadership program a quick email, just after being recognized with this honor.

" To be honest I never thought that my work was that good, though you all appeared to like my work. And now this! So I guess it was more than just ‘a paper to get my degree (smile and a wink).'

"Working in Trauma/Critical Care has been a lifelong ambition of mine that has molded over years of experiences. I chose this field in Nursing because I have always responded well in stressful and pressure situations. My background has facilitated my professional progression into a Nurse Clinician, but Edgewood College gave me the necessary tools to achieve this goal. Not a shift goes by that I don' t apply a lesson that I learned during my time at Edgewood College."

We spoke with Ms. Cooney via Skype in the Fall of 2010, two days after her arrival in Kabul.

" I'm working for a contract company, officially under USAID. I start tomorrow, so I can't really give you everything that this will entail. I'll be here for six months. 

" My study abroad experience has allowed me to appreciate the world outside of the United States. I wake up every morning in my lovely accommodation, look outside and realize I am very far from home. I used to think that this might be frightening being outside of my comfort zone, but now I see it as an opportunity to continue to grow and adapt to the outside world. 

For Gina Galvez, an assignment in the COR 1 class Alcohol 101: Understanding the Wisconsin Culture of Alcohol Abuse and Use, was very personal.

The students in this freshman-level class were asked to create plaster masks that represent how alcohol plays a role in their life. This particular assignment offered a chance to reflect on their own identity in relation to alcohol, and to see how it fits into the greater community. 

Ellie is a senior, majoring in Nursing. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, a member of the Student Nurses' Association and a member of the Nurse Mentor Program. She is a Northern Athletics Conference Scholar-Athlete, was named captain and MVP of the Volleyball team, and was honored with this season's Eagle Award, which is given to the teammate whose presence is felt both on and off the court. Ellie is a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, and plays intramural basketball and volleyball.

Maria Emilia (Emy) is completing a double-major in French and Communication Studies with a minor in Ethnic Studies. She has an excellent command of French, Spanish and English. She is a student/ peer instructor for a first-year forum this semester and will be the student/peer Spanish instructor for a Human Issues trip to Guatemala next semester. In partnership with College Ministries, Emy planned a student Alternative Break trip to Guatemala. 

"This year's recipients honor the legacy of Dr. King through their service to our community," Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said. "Elena Aleman is a leader who is already making a difference in our community at a young age. She reflects the best of Madison and I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize her work."

"At Edgewood College there is no such thing as a 'solo' program or effort. Just as in life everyone has their purpose. Mine seems to be the 'engager.' When there's a problem or a cause, I feel called into action. But however eager I may be, I know I need help from others - help from student organizations on campus, help from my fellow students, and help with ideas. Just because I feel 'called' to act doesn't mean I always know what to do. Sometimes I feel clueless! 

"I love theatre and I realized it here when I started taking classes and I didn't want to leave. Four people have really had an influence on me Jeanne Leep (Theatre Arts), Pearl Leonard-Rock (Center for Diversity and Inclusion), Susan Nanning-Sorenson (Theatre Arts), and Stephanie Graham (Student Resource Center). Those four are so amazing; they taught me so much in such a short time.

Clarissa Weltzin has had what's best described as a very full career at the College, capped with an incredible honor for her senior year. The Art Therapy and Psychology double-major was awarded a $10,000 Rath Distinguished Scholarship for 2010-11. 

"Edgewood College has become like a second home to me over the last three years. Coming from a village where the number of cows is greater than the number of people, I was semi-intimidated by the transition to Madison. Edgewood helped to make that easy. It seemed effortless to make friends in the residence halls, professors learned my name quickly and said "hi" when they passed by on campus, and there were many opportunities to get involved both on campus and off. 

When junior Chris Handrick gives a prospective student a tour, it always ends the same way: with Chris jotting down his email, inviting the visitor to stay in touch and to send any questions his way. In addition to giving tours as a College Ambassador, the Mt. Horeb native is a member of the soccer team, works on campus in the Information Technology Services Office and is pursuing a double major in Business and Computer Information Systems. He's also active in College Ministries, helping to organize student ‘retreats' in each of the last two years.

Graduating in May 2011, Ms. Blum will enter the Master in Accountancy programin the Fall 2011, the next step in the special program at the College that allows students to earn both a Bachelor and Masters degree in five years.  

English major Brent Gerlach's belief that social divisions have a paralyzing effect on society has inspired him to take action. Brent serves as a founding member of the student organization GESWERK, a group that looks to raise social consciousness through art. Gerlach and his peers work to create a social platform in which artists and the community can come together to focus their energies on positive community

Honored this year with a Dominican Justice Award, Amadou Fofana is recognized for his outstanding work both in and out of the classroom. He serves in multiple roles across campus, and is currently working in the Admissions office helping others learn more about the College. 

Ali Diamond is a freshman who has chosen to major in English with a concentration in journalism. Her passion for her major and future career is what influenced her decision to take the COR 1 class Caring and Gender 

Justin Chaltry ’11 enjoyed a very special end to his undergraduate career at the College. On Sunday, May 15, the Wauwatosa native graduated cum laude with a major in both Spanish and Chemistry. Later that same day, Mr. Chaltry, accompanied by his fiancé Rebekka Noble ’09 summa cum laude and his parents, was commissioned Lieutenant Justin Chaltry, U.S. Army. 

A successful businessman, accomplished athlete and active alum, Mark Lowry ’77 is working hard to make the world a better place. “The basic core values I learned at the College – connecting learning, beliefs, and actions – have stayed with me my whole life,” he states. “As a senior director for the network management team of The First Tee, what I do every day is geared toward helping others.”

Find what is meaningful and rewarding to you. Build and nurture relationships. These are just some of the principles guiding Amanda Schmidt, ’09.

Raised in Verona, Schmidt’s search began when she was in her early teens. After learning about the College through members of her extended family and Verona High School’s chief rival, Edgewood High School, Schmidt knew Edgewood College was right for her.