First-generation college student Emily Radke receives the Hoeschler Award for Excellence

Roughly 27% of UWL's undergraduate population identify as first-generation college students. Being the first within a family to pursue and complete a degree can be likened to traveling an uncharted path, filled with challenges, opportunities and successes.

Meet first-generation college graduate Emily Radke. Although Radke may have faced struggles while pursuing her education, she proudly graduated as the recognized top student in the College of Business Administration (CBA). Her academic accomplishments and leadership on campus led her to receive the Jake and Janet Hoeschler Award for Excellence.

"When I found out that I had been selected for this award, I was grateful to be recognized for my accomplishment as the top CBA student," Radke says. "I felt extremely proud of myself for accomplishing this, as it was one of my academic goals during my time at UWL. This goal was a challenge, and I am appreciative to be recognized for this achievement."

Radke graduated with a Bachelor of Science in accountancy with a minor in German studies. She credits assistant teaching professor Julie Anicus and associate professor Shelley Hay with positively shaping her college experience, fostering her passion for learning and providing the support needed to complete her degree.

"Professor Ancius taught my first accounting class," Radke says. "She clearly has a passion for accounting that shows in the way she teaches her classes. She was also a great advisor to me during my time at UWL."

"Professor Hay taught almost all of my German studies minor classes," Radke continues. "She teaches her classes for the learning, not the grade, which is how I believe all classes should be taught."

In addition to holding herself to a high academic standard, Radke prioritized her extracurricular activities. Radke was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma (the CBA honor society) and Beta Alpha Psi (the accounting professional organization).

"These organizations, plus my classes, helped me to learn important skills in the professional world that, as a first-generation college student, I did not already know," Radke explains. "I took advantage of every opportunity to learn something new and to improve my skills, and I made connections with faculty and peers that helped me to succeed during my time at UWL."

Radke also served as a Resident Assistant (RA) at UWL, which she found to be a wonderful way to conclude her college career. It allowed her to feel more connected to the campus community and her fellow students.

"Besides the typical RA responsibilities, I also helped to create Dorm Wars, which was a campus-wide Residence Life competition that encouraged friendly competition between residence halls through different activities and events," Radke shares.

Dorm Wars is a project particularly important to Radke, as it creates fun, safe and inclusive spaces for students that Radke knows is vital to the success of the university. Her work in Residence Life gave Radke the ability to make a direct contribution to UWL's community that she hopes will continue for years to come.

"The Hoeschler's belief in excellence, education, philanthropy and the La Crosse community is something I deeply appreciate," Radke says. "I believe it is important to be a positive influence on your community and to give back when and where you can."

Radke shares that she already looks forward to the future when she can support and recognize others, just as she has been supported and recognized at UWL.