Lakeland College

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The 2012 Koehler Nominees

Margarita Barraza Diaz will graduate with a degree in international business and a minor in resort management. Her academic achievements include: Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, Outstanding Student in International Business 2011 and 2012 and the Younger/ Fidelity Charitable Scholarship.

She served the wider Sheboygan community through the Blue Harbor Christmas Volunteer Program. Her main student activities were: Global Student Association president and secretary, member of Habitat for Humanity and Student Association multi-cultural affairs coordinator.

Margarita writes: "I have many good memories of Lakeland, but one of my fondest memories is having been part of International Food Festival and International Night. I participated in these events by planning, cooking and dancing. The time, effort and hard work that went into these events made it all very rewarding.

"I am looking to gain experience in a field relevant to my international business degree. Once I feel confident in the business field, I plan to enroll in a master's program to continue my education in finance."

Tarra Bourgeois will graduate with a degree in biology. Her academic achievements include being a recipient of a Presidential Scholarship, a member of the Lakeland College Honors Program, a recipient of the Suhr Science Scholarship and a tutor (genetics, bioinformatics, life science 1 and 2 and writing). She is currently working on a senior honors project that examines roommate compatibility at Lakeland and how room changes in first semester freshmen effect adjustment to college and retention rates.

She has an impressive record of community service. She has been involved in Lakeland's "Building Bridges" activity every year since it began. She was vice president of Habitat for Humanity and worked with former campus chaplain Kelly Stone to plan a build in Tennessee. She has been a mentor in Lakeland's Peer Mentor program for three years and has conducted numerous community service programs on campus. A few examples of these programs are: writing Christmas cards to senior citizens, making Valentines cards for sick children, putting together care packages for the troops and collecting canned goods for Salvation Army. She served as the chairperson for Pi Kappa Gamma's Heart Health Awareness Week. She has worked at Lakeland's Math Meet and Science Fair. She recently assisted in the planning of Atrocity Awareness Week.

Tarra writes: "My fondest memory of Lakeland would have to be the entire process of being an orientation leader. I got to meet and build friendships with so many people that I never would have interacted with in my day-to-day life.

"I am most looking forward to being actively involved in the student affairs administration master's program at UW-La Crosse. Next April, I will be going on a study abroad trip to Germany to learn how higher education institutions function in Germany in comparison to the U.S."

Whitney Diedrich will graduate with a degree in mathematics. Her academic achievements include the Helen Boatwright Scholarship (five years), Theatre 2010 Rookie of the Year & 2011 MVP, Concert Choir Most Improved (2010), Basketball Hustler Award (2010), Faculty Scholarship (2007-08, 2009-10, 2011-12), Presidential Scholarship (2010-11), Kuhn Award and the Who's Who Award.

She served as a tutor at Howards Grove Elementary School, as assistant cross country coach and assistant track coach at Howards Grove High School for two years, was a helper at the Lakeland Math Meets and a volunteer at Safe Harbor.

Her student activities include Student Association, mathematics club (including roles as secretary and as founder), Student Athlete Advisory Committee (one year as treasurer), women's basketball, campus ambassador, track and field, theatre ("Chicago," "Treasure Island," "Godspell"), Mortar Board, Frauenchor, judiciary board, concert choir, peer mentor, behavioral committee, Student Wisconsin Education Association (StWEA) and summer theatre camp counselor.

Whitney writes, "One of my favorite memories of my time here at Lakeland would probably be during one of the biggest snowfalls we had. This snowfall resulted in one of the biggest snowball fights that I have ever seen. It took place by the apartments. I think that the majority of the people who lived on campus during this time participated. This snowball fight had no teams and was just pretty much everyone for themselves. People were throwing snowballs from their balconies, from windows and from doors! It was so much fun.

"What I am looking forward to most in my post-college life is starting my professional career. I have applied all over the U.S. as a college admissions counselor. Waiting to find out where I will go is exciting. The process of finding this career is tiring but once I find that job, I will be happy."

Ashley Doran will graduate with a degree in biochemistry and a minor in criminal justice. Her academic achievements include Who's Who in American Colleges & Universities (2012), Outstanding Student in Biochemistry (2012), Honors Program recognition, Rath Distinguished Merit Scholarship and Lakeland College Trustee's Scholarship.

Her service projects and campus activities include writing tutor, chairperson of the Science Fair, Relay for Life team captain. Her student activities include dance team (captain), Chemistry Club (secretary), Mortar Board (vice president), Honor Marshal, Graduation Host Committee and Student Association.

Ashley writes, "My fondest memory of Lakeland College would be my involvement in Relay for Life my sophomore year. I was part of the Chem Club team, and hanging out with the other science majors for a good cause was a lot of fun! We dressed up as the PowerPuff girls and had a lot of hot chocolate (because it was so cold), and even though it was exhausting to be up all night and walking, we had a blast and I will never forget it!

"Post-college, I am just looking forward to see where I (and my friends) end up. It's amazing seeing everyone achieve their goals, whether it's internships, graduate school or jobs. I'm excited to be going to Michigan State for forensic biology. I can't wait to learn about different DNA analysis techniques and to participate in case studies, and to meet new people. It's exciting to be accomplishing my dreams and seeing where I end up in life."

SarahAnn Eskeridge will graduate with a degree in business management and minors in communications and resort management. Her academic achievements include Dean's List (3.47 GPA), LC Presidential Scholarship, William J. Grede Free Enterprise Scholarship, Kuehn Achievement Award, Helen Boatwright Music Scholarship and secretary/treasurer of Mortar Board.

She attended Lakeland Habitat for Humanity Spring Break trips to Kentucky and Tennessee. She was awarded Outstanding Community Service Individual in 2010, was a member of the Pi Kappa Gamma sorority, assisted with Building Bridges, Building Community and served Thanksgiving dinner to sailors every year with her family.

Her student activities include resident assistant, RA of the Month in November 2011, Frauenchor, Spectrum staff member and editor-in-chief in 2010-11, Pi Kappa Gamma president, vice president, secretary, room coordinator and Pi Kappa Gamma Woman of the Year Outstanding Senior in 2012, Habitat for Humanity president, vice president and secretary, campus ambassador, dance team co-captain and Mortar Board secretary/treasurer.

She writes, "I love being involved, and being able to see that I really did make a difference on Lakeland's campus means a lot to me. I am looking forward to starting my career and putting all of the skills I have learned at Lakeland to use. I am excited for what the future may hold."

Swe Swe Htay will graduate with a major in education and minors in English as a second language and writing. Her academic achievements include Lakeland College Outstanding International Student Award, Lakeland College Hilke Gehlen Scholar (2011), Supplemental Grant Program Asia Scholarship (Open Society Foundation, New York, 2008-11), David George Booth Scholar (Prospect Burma, London, 2007-11), Lakeland College Presidential Scholarship (2007-11), Who's Who in American Colleges & Universities (2007-11), Most Willing to Learn Award (from the Lakeland Mirror, 2009) and honor marshal (2009).

Her service projects include Mortar Board, Sheridan Elementary homework pal volunteer, providing a Burmese culture showcase at Kiel Elementary (2009), human rights activist at UNEFSCO fifth International Forum at the University of Connecticut (2009) and she taught English to Burmese refugees (2009).

Her student activities include Krueger Hall academic programming assistant, South Hall resident assistant, Global Student Association member, Lakeland College Mirror, Lakeland College women's choir.

She writes, "It's really hard to pick the fondest memory that I have from my time at Lakeland. During these four years, Lakeland has become my second home and I made lots of unforgettable memories with my friends from different parts of the world. Post-graduation, I'm looking forward to being a young professional. I am excited to meet more people and am hoping to do well in upcoming life assignments."

Benjamin Koepsell will graduate with a double major in psychology and sociology. His academic achievements include Dean's List and a Lakeland Trustee's Scholarship.

Ben received the 2012 Outstanding Senior Award and was listed in Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities. He served 100 hours at the Boys & Girls Club. His student activities include men's soccer, including team captain for three years, intramural basketball, psychology, sociology and environmental science tutor, campus ambassador and resident assistant.

He writes, "My fondest memory is probably playing soccer for four years and having a successful career with my teammates. In addition, just being able to meet all the people I met and becoming close with over the years. I am really looking forward to getting through graduate school and getting a job as a high school guidance counselor and then settling down to raise a family."

Marisela Olivas will graduate with a degree in biology and a minor in criminal justice. Her academic achievements include the Patricia Baechle Beck Scholars scholarship, A.G. Suhr Science Education Scholars scholarship and the Lakeland Presidential Scholarship. She was on the Dean's List several semesters.

Her service projects include volunteering at Longfellow Elementary School and with the Nourish Farms program to help low-income families. Through her honors project she worked to establish dietary and nutrition workshops for the Hispanic community to bring awareness about the risks of obesity in children. She offered free science shows at public events for both children and adults.

Her student activities include being the Mortar Board historian and being on the dance team. She was also a member of LC-CAB, Psychology Club and Spanish Club.

She writes, "There are too many memories at Lakeland to just pinpoint one! I will say that the memories involve all of the awesome friends I've made throughout my time at Lakeland as well as the amazing professors and staff I've worked with. I am most looking forward to my summer internship post-college and to figuring out what I want to do with my career."

Daniel Sheets-Poling will graduate with a degree in business management and minor in economics. His academic achievements include Lakeland Presidential Scholarship, Dean's List, Kuehn Achievement Award, Viglietti Scholarship, Kohler Co. Business Scholarship, Outstanding Underclassman in Business Administration and Wisconsin Volleyball Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year.

His service projects include Salvation Army, Blue Harbor, Christmas tree packaging, Camp Anokijig wood chopping, Lakeland College blood drive, Grether Woods cleanup and assisting with the middle school math competition.

His student activities include campus ambassador, resident assistant, men's volleyball captain, Student Association residence life coordinator, Zeta Chi fraternity (president, Fall 2012), honor marshal, LC-CAB, performing in "Romeo and Juliet," Mortar Board, orientation leader and peer mentor.

He writes, "My fondest memory is being part of a national championship. Being on a team that was dedicated, hard-working and excellent at what it did, made me feel that we had made an amazing accomplishment together of working towards a common goal. Having a few thousand people focus on your team is an unmatched feeling. I'm looking forward to using the education I have received outside of the classroom at Lakeland. While Lakeland does offer the tangible degree, the intangibles of social skills, developing projects and joining various organizations is much more valuable than anything else. I cannot wait to start pursuing my business career and hope to receive an MBA within the next five years."

Danny Spatchek will graduate with a degree in English. His academic achievements include Dr. Botana Sr. Memorial Scholarship, Kuehn Achievement Award, Lakeland Presidential Scholarship, Marilee Minahan English Scholarhip, Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, Outstanding Student in Student Publications (2012), Best of the Midwest Awards - third place feature story (2012), fifth place editorial/commentary (2011), fourth place feature story (2010), Georgetown University's Institute of Political Journalism - Graduate, Army News Service Award of Excellence, four-year letter winner and two-time member of Northern Athletics Conference Sportsmanship team with men's soccer team.

His service to the community includes being a U-15 soccer coach. His student activities include Lakeland College Mirror editor-in-chief (Fall 2011- Spring 2012), managing editor (Spring 2011) and sports editor (Fall 2009-Fall 2010).

He writes, "My fondest memories of Lakeland include writing articles for the Mirror, spending time with people on the Mirror, Mirror production nights, learning about writing and miscellaneous things from miscellaneous people, playing soccer and tennis and basketball and ping pong, going to England with the soccer team, painting myself like a blue smurf with friends from the soccer team and voyaging to the pub for a night of shenanigans, chauffeuring Korean students and Chinese professors around for the two best months of my young life last summer, hanging out at the library, reading countless articles like the ones I hope to someday write. Long-term, I am looking forward to struggling as the type of journalist I think I want to be. Short-term, running a marathon, paying debts, winning the area old guys league soccer championship cup and drinking beer out of it."

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