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Stout Scholar proud of dual STEM degrees, leadership and volunteering on campus

goersab — Mon, 22 May 2023 18:12:28 +0000

Stout Scholar proud of dual STEM degrees, leadership and volunteering on campusgoersab May 22, 2023

Follow Thompson ��. senior year as the third-generation student graduates early

�� inspiring graduate and Stout Scholar Nathan Thompson did in four years what might take others more – graduated with a double major in applied science and mechanical engineering.

With high school college credit and by enrolling in summer and Winterm classes, Thompson, of Woodville, met his goal and graduated with honors, Summa Cum Laude, on May 6, one of 1,173 graduates.

“The double major is a great opportunity to expand your horizons and delve into topics you may not have seen before. It ��. a rewarding experience to take classes in different backgrounds, and there are several minors available,” he said.

Nathan Thompson celebrates his graduation outside of Bowman Hall / Nathan Thompson

Thompson earned his applied science concentration in physics and minors in materials science and mathematics, which he was able to complete with no additional classes because of the double major.

He is interested in manufacturing and materials science research, which applies him to draw on his interests in physics and his engineering skillset and apply them to the manufacturing industry. He also plans to return to �� to earn his Master of Science in manufacturing engineering.

“It ��. embracing the best of both worlds,” he said. “I want to explore all of my options for post-graduate education. I have my eye on ��. The master ��. program is entirely online, offering a lot of flexibility. Wherever I end up taking my career, I can still continue my education.

“My �� experience has helped me to become more eager to learn and be more curious about industry. The education at �� is pivoted toward industry, and course requirements provide skills that can jump-start careers. The wide variety of labs and co-op experiences help expose you to where your education can take you after ��.”

Nathan Thompson and Campus Preview Day tour guides with Chancellor Katherine Frank / Nathan Thompson

Continuing his family legacy, Thompson is a third-generation �� graduate. His mother, Kirstin (master ��. in education, 1999), and grandparents, Richard (B.S. in technical education, 1965; and master ��. in counseling, 1970) and Mary (B.S. home economics, 1965; and master ��. in home economics, 1969), celebrated with him at commencement.

The Stout Scholars Scholarship awards three outstanding incoming students each year with $5,000, renewable for up to four years, for a total of $20,000. Stout Scholars represent �� . commitment to students’ success in their studies and their career readiness.

This is the fourth and final story in a series following Thompson ��. college experience at ��. Fellow Stout Scholar Erin O'Brien, applied mathematics and computer science graduate, shared her experiences as well.

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Collaboration is key in capstone and engineering

For his senior capstone project, Thompson was assigned to complete the Lawn Dice Marking Project, along with team members Joseph Patterson, of Hudson; Sydney Robinson, of Lakeville, Minn.; Rebeka Wesenick, of Aniwa; and Sam Wesenick, of Wausau. The team was tasked with marking six-sided dice. Another team was tasked with rounding the edges of the dice, and a team from the previous semester designed an automated system for cutting 4-by-4 posts into the uniform dice blocks.

The dice will be given to visitors, families and supporters who tour the engineering department.

Nathan Thompson and his capstone team present their Lawn Dice Marking Project / ��

While some programs have students complete solo capstones, the engineering capstone was a team project. Thompson, the team lead, believes it is “absolutely essential to be able to work in a team environment in the engineering field. Engineering requires a diverse skillset. You may collaborate with a manufacturing engineer or computer and electrical engineer. There ��. a broad range of backgrounds involved. You must be able to work with people whether or not they have the same education as you.

“The engineering capstone course pushes students into realistic experiences, giving a background in project management, team leadership, work deliverables and allows them to explore what an industry project would look like, as well as connecting with other students and developing a social network,” he added.

Thompson and his team created an automated hopper system to feed the wooden blocks into place between six aluminum branding plates and brackets, which they also designed and engineered. They tested the temperature and duration needed to mark each side simultaneously. Their system marks one die in 30 seconds, with six dice completed in three minutes.

The team explored creative ideas for the side marked with the single dot. Thompson custom-designed a branding plate featuring the �� ‘S’ in the Computer Assisted Design Lab and machined it in the CNC Lab in Fryklund Hall.

Their project was sponsored by �� . Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering.

“Nathan is a bright, engaging and passionate student. He raises the level of a class just by being there and being himself – asking questions and bringing constant positivity,” said mechanical engineering Program Director Vincent Wheeler, capstone project adviser.

Nathan Thompson displays the Stout 'S' on a wooden die, part of his team's capstone design / ��

As an Honors College student, Thompson explored more of his interests. “There are plenty of enhancement events to explore a wide variety of topics and to work with faculty who are passionate about their subjects. With a faculty mentor, you can complete a project you’ve always wanted to do,” he added.

Thompson ��. Honors College project was to design a mechanical engineering task for high school students entered in SkillsUSA Wisconsin, a regional competition held each February at ��. He and his mentor Associate Professor Devin Berg tasked students with building a structure using a variety of tools, including straws, craft sticks and tape, to model an elevated housing unit in a flood zone.

The event, however, was canceled because of a snowstorm, but “hopefully the materials can be used again next year,” Thompson said. “The project was meant to expose students to that realm of engineering, thinking about climate change and sustainability.”

Working with him on his honor ��. contract, Berg found Thompson to be a “thoughtful leader who contributed his creativity to the design of an engineering team challenge for high school students.”

Volunteering and reaffirming students’ decisions

Volunteering is a big part of Thompson ��. life. It was a highlight of his college experience, and he plans to continue to volunteer as a graduate.

“There are a great many ways a company can be involved in their area, like how �� is so involved in the Menomonie community,” he said. “I would like to continue to volunteer once I get my foot into the industry.”

He mentioned the industry partners, like Graco, Advanced Molding Technologies, OEM Fabricators and F&M Plastics, which sponsor capstone projects, as an example. “Industry partners offered up projects for students to complete, and then students can look to those professionals and connect with them, helping to steer them into the industry.”

Nathan Thompson giving a tour of campus to prospective students, families and supporters / ��

Thompson served as a campus guide with the Admissions Office, leading more than 50 tours this academic year. During Campus Preview Days, he led visiting prospective students, families and supporters on tours, as well as students interested in engineering on a more specialized tour of the engineering facilities in Fryklund Hall.

“Campus Preview Days offer an opportunity for visiting families to meet with Admissions Counselors, Student Services and University Housing representatives. Before the tour, there's a Q&A session with a panel of student tour guides, where families can ask about students' personal experiences on campus. The experience adds a level of authenticity for prospective students that are nervous about college life,” Thompson said.

“Preview Day is the event that I attended as a high school senior that helped guide my decision to enroll at ��,” Thompson said. “Students on these tours are in the same position I was in four years ago. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to know would I feel safe? Would I be working on projects every day? What skills would I learn? Is it affordable?

“Ultimately, my goal is to help students reaffirm their decision to attend �� and encourage prospective students to apply. Students come from every background. They come from out of state and right here in Menomonie. A lot of them are still deciding where they want to go. There are many universities in Wisconsin, but few polytechnic universities in the nation, and that ��. something that should always be pushed when someone is considering ��,” he added.

Thompson received a lot of questions from parents and student supporters during tours, like, “Is �� a suitcase campus?”

His answer for them is, “�� is a university where there is always something going on, even on the weekends, to get involved on campus. There are concerts, music, dances and craft nights. You can hike, bike, canoe and walk along our nature trails, including the Red Cedar Trail.”

Nathan Thompson volunteering at the Rotary Meal Pack-a-Thin / ��

Over his four years at ��, Thompson was also involved with the American Foundry Society, Engineers Without Borders and Lutheran Campus Ministry and volunteered at events like the Rotary Meal Pack-a-Thon.

“I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished in my four years here,” Thompson said. “I’m proud to have made an impact on students who plan on coming here and who are already here and to have been able to do so much for the community as a student. It ��. a most rewarding experience.”

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Stout Scholar is a ‘dedicated and passionate math teacher,’ hired before graduation

goersab — Mon, 22 May 2023 17:02:40 +0000

Stout Scholar is a ‘dedicated and passionate math teacher,’ hired before graduationgoersab May 22, 2023

Follow O’Brien ��. senior year as she steps from the court into the classroom

Abbey Goers

�� inspiring graduate and Stout Scholar Erin O’Brien began her job search for teaching positions in April during spring break and accepted a position the same week.

“I wanted to go somewhere, and now ��. the time to do it. I don’t have anything holding me back,” said O’Brien, of South Haven, Minn. “I thought, ‘I could apply anywhere.’ And then, ‘Oh, my god. I could apply anywhere.’”

O’Brien ��. mom suggested she pick three places that interested her, but also places her mom would want to go on vacation. O’Brien chose to research Colorado, Utah and Tennessee.

With a passion to help others find joy in math, O’Brien, an applied mathematics and computer science major with a concentration in math education, will teach either Geometry or Algebra 1 at LEAD Southeast High School, in Nashville, Tenn.

Erin O'Brien and Chancellor Katherine Frank / ��

O’Brien, a fourth-year member of the Blue Devil women ��. basketball team, graduated with honors, Summa Cum Laude, on May 6, one of 1,173 graduates.

She will move to Nashville in early July, shortly after completing her student teaching at Ellsworth Middle School in June.

This is the fourth and final story in a series following O’Brien ��. college experience at ��. Fellow Stout Scholar Nathan Thompson, double major in applied science and mechanical engineering shared his experiences as well.

Stout Scholars Student Stories

Follow two Blue Devils on their college journeys

‘Creating a positive learning environment for her students’

O’Brien completed her field experience last fall at Menomonie High School, observing in Dwight McNaughton ��. Algebra Calculus AP classes. She was able to teach two algebra lessons. “It was a good experience being in the classroom again, since I hadn’t been in a high school classroom since I was in high school. We worked on arithmetic and geometric sequences, finding patterns in a list of numbers,” O’Brien said.

Erin O'Brien celebrates her graduation near the Bowman Hall Clock Tower / Erin O'Brien

Through her Multiculturalism in Education course, O’Brien observed math classes at Barron Middle School. She also worked with 10 to 12 students in the Expanding Learning Opportunities Program, in the English as a Second Language classroom.

O’Brien began her student teaching internship in Ellsworth in January, in an eighth-grade math classroom. Her co-op teacher, Karen Beard, was hired at the same time. “I’ve really been enjoying it,” O’Brien said. “Because we both came into the new classroom together, I got to hear Karen set her classroom expectations, and we go to talk together about our wants and goals for the students.”

Beard and McNaughton believe O’Brien will be an excellent teacher and an asset to LEAD ��. math program, as she takes initiative working with students.

“Erin is a dedicated and passionate math teacher that cares about the success of all students in her classroom. She is an energetic and enthusiastic individual, and it carries over into her creating a positive learning environment for her students,” Beard added.

After teaching much of the algebra course through her internship, O’Brien is confident and prepared to lead her first classroom in Nashville.

“Eighth graders are a tough group. They feel like they’re top dog in middle school, but they’re basically freshmen,” she said. “I once heard that if you can teach eighth graders, you can teach any group of kids. They’re good kids but they like to test your boundaries.

“It ��. also about trying to find ways to bridge gaps with them. The pandemic really hurt young students’ education and social experiences. So, how do we prepare them for algebra when some of them don’t have other basic skills?” she added.

For students who need additional support in math, Ellsworth has an online Foundations in Math program, which students can take at their own pace. O’Brien helps to set up students with the program.

She is also working with Spanish-speaking ELO students at Ellsworth, teaching them math in English and Spanish, with added activities to help in their speaking skills, like playing hangman using math-associated words. She finds the experience very rewarding, as LEAD Southeast High School is very diverse and has a high ELO population, she said.

“I’m really excited to be able to work one-on-one with students and helping to find resources and figure out a plan for what they need in math,” she said.

Erin O'Brien with her mentors Amanda Rogers and Laura Schmidt at the Honors College Bestow the Stoll ceremony / Erin O'Brien

O’Brien worked as a teaching assistant in the Math Teaching and Learning Center for five semesters. This spring, she received the Student Employee of the Year at the annual Leadership Awards. Her mentors Professor Laura Schmidt, director of the MathTLC, and Learning Center Specialist Amanda Rogers joined O’Brien at the Bestow the Stole ceremony for the Honors College.

“Erin has been a fantastic student during her years here at Stout, and I have truly loved getting to know her while she has tutored for us in the MathTLC. She will be greatly missed,” Schmidt said.

“Erin continually balanced her coursework, TA position, and other involvements, and her passion and dedication was always evident in all areas. She is a natural teacher, leader, role model and mentor. We are very excited for her next chapter and know she will continue to do great things,” Rogers added.

A surreal victory capping off four years

O’Brien played center for the women ��. basketball team for four years. The team won its second through 11th games, including a Senior Night match versus UW-La Crosse. “My parents were at the game,” O’Brien said. “We won in double overtime. In four years, we’d never beaten La Crosse. It was exciting.”

Erin O'Brien with her parents and Coach Hannah Iverson at Senior Night / Erin O'Brien

The team started the season with all members returning, except 2022 graduate Lizzy Olsem. “It was hard to fill Lizzy ��. shoes. She was a great leader for our team,” O’Brien said. “We all kind of took on a role in leadership this season, and it all flowed.”

The highlight for O’Brien this year was the 63-45 victory over UW-Eau Claire on Feb. 15, when �� became Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference co-champion, the team ��. first regular season conference title in 16 years.

Blue Devil women's basketball highlights / �� Athletics

With former teammate Olsem in the crowd, O'Brien scored at the buzzer to give �� a 17-14 lead heading into the second quarter. “The sections were packed. The game was one of the highest attended games in WIAC for women ��. basketball,” O’Brien said.

“It was announced at halftime that Whitewater had lost to Platteville. But we were still in the locker room, so we didn’t know that the game we were playing against Eau Claire turned into a battle for a share of the WIAC championship title” O'Brien said.

“Toward the end of the fourth quarter, the student section was chanting ‘WIAC champs,’ and Lizzy kept holding up a ‘No. 1’ finger, but we didn’t know what she meant,” O’Brien added. “We found out within the last two minutes of the game. It didn’t seem real because you want it so bad, and we actually met our goal to cut down the nets and be WIAC champs.”

The team celebrated each other and the season at the annual basketball banquet. “It was hard saying goodbye. This team is so much more than its talent. We love each other with all of our hearts,” O’Brien said. “Your team is your family, and that ��. really true here. We give each other love and grace and support what each of us wants to achieve.”

Blue Devil women's basketball team shares the title of the WIAC championship / �� Athletics

She added that even though she struggled and sacrificed a lot – taking a step off the court in her junior year to cheer her team on from the bench to be able to focus more on her academics; giving up free time to be at practice and traveling for games; and struggling with the toll it took on her body and mental health – her four years as a student athlete helped more than it hurt.

“There ��. always these big ifs,” she said. “Maybe I would have been healthier if I didn’t play – that was a big question mark for me last year. But you don’t want to give up and that makes it hard. And all those hard things made the championship feel even more surreal.”

O’Brien is thankful for her counselor, Kyle Kershek, in the Student Counseling Center. “Kyle helped me develop the skills I needed to make sure I stayed healthy mentally. He made me feel heard and helped me work through my struggles throughout my four years here at Stout,” O’Brien added.

Meeting her academic goal was priority

This spring, O’Brien was one of 56 to receive the Scholar Athlete award. Recipients must have a cumulative 3.5 grade point average in the semester preceding their final season of eligibility.

Scholar Athletes receive a medallion, and a large action poster of each senior will be displayed in the Sports and Fitness Center during the upcoming year.

“Academics and my education have always been the most important part of my time here,” O’Brien said. “If academics is truly what I’m here for, then I set a goal to be up there on the wall in the fieldhouse.”

Erin O'Brien and Associate Athletic Director Erin Sullivan at the Scholar Athlete awards / ��

The Scholar Athlete program is supported by the Office of the Chancellor and the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.

This season, O’Brien played 102 minutes, scored 36 points and had 21 rebounds, with six rebounds during the WIAC championship game. Her career totals are 424 minutes, 163 points and 102 rebounds. She has played basketball since the second grade. She plans to join a summer league and hopes to coach someday.

O’Brien was also vice president of the AMCS women ��. group, which held study and game nights and hopes that as a couple of younger students take over the helm, the group stays thriving.

And she also always made sure to take a break for Tuesday Night Trivia at the Silver Dollar restaurant in downtown Menomonie. “It was nice to do some mind exercises, outside of basketball. It ��. good to have a separate place to sit with friends and eat a good burger and fries,” she said.

O’Brien ��. college experience made her more confident and comfortable stepping out of her comfort zone. Looking back on her four years at ��, she is proud to have been able to “do it all and have it all. I was able to do athletics and still keep my academics where I wanted them. I’ve always been a high achiever,” she said.

“I had fun on the weekends and at campus events. I was able to find a balance even with many hiccups. When you get knocked off balance – when you’re out of sync – you find your way back. Having people who cared – my professors, classmates, teammates, coaches and counselors – made all the difference.”

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Hero Caption: Stout Scholar Erin O'Brien crosses the stage at commencement. She'll soon start her career as a math teacher in Tennessee.

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Stout Scholars Student Stories

goersab — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 15:30:00 +0000

Stout Scholars Student Storiesgoersab August 25, 2022

Follow two Blue Devils on their college journeys

The Stout Foundation supports students' academic success with more than $800,000 in scholarships awarded each year.

One of the Foundation ��. scholarships, the Stout Scholars Scholarship, awards three outstanding incoming students each year with $5,000, renewable for up to four years, for a total value of $20,000.

Stout Scholars are a select group of undergrad students, awarded for their academic excellence. They represent the university ��. commitment to students’ success in their studies and their career-readiness.

Follow two Stout Scholars on their four-year journeys for a glimpse into the lives of �� students. Join them in their triumphs and challenges, their campus involvements and program experiences as they make their way toward graduation.

Erin O'Brien: applied mathematics and computer science major

Stout Scholar recruited for women's basketball, finds new support system away from home

Follow O’Brien's first year as she looks for a place to thrive on campus

Stout Scholar adapts to campus changes, determined to make the best of her college career

Follow O’Brien's second year as she plans for her future goals

Stout Scholar has ‘a true passion for teaching,’ takes on new leadership roles

Follow O'Brien's third year as she prepares for prestudent teaching

Stout Scholar is a ‘dedicated and passionate math teacher,’ hired before graduation

Follow O’Brien ��. senior year as she steps from the court into the classroom

Nathan Thompson: applied science and mechanical engineering dual major

Stout Scholar enjoys supporting others as a volunteer and leader

Follow Thompson's first year as he finds ways to be involved on campus

Stout Scholar steps back into engineering, physics labs, takes on leadership roles

Follow Thompson's second year as he explores all opportunities

Stout Scholar gains hands-on experiences leading research, helping others on and off campus

Follow Thompson's third year as he serves as an ‘excellent Stout ambassador’

Stout Scholar proud of dual STEM degrees, leadership and volunteering on campus

Follow Thompson ��. senior year as the third-generation student graduates early

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December 14, 2023

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August 31, 2023

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Hero Caption: Stout Scholars Erin O'Brien and Nathan Thompson, second row, second and third from right.

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Visit us at: 320 South Broadway Street, Menomonie, WI 54751

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Teams begin play in state-of-the-art space funded with Foundation gift

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Stout Scholar gains hands-on experiences leading research, helping others on and off campus

goersab — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 15:15:00 +0000

Stout Scholar gains hands-on experiences leading research, helping others on and off campusgoersab August 25, 2022

Follow Thompson's third year as he serves as an ‘excellent Stout ambassador’

Abbey Goers

From the start of his college career, Nathan Thompson has wanted to build character through leadership and volunteer opportunities within his dual major, campus jobs and extracurricular activities.

Having completed his junior year at �� in the applied science and mechanical engineering programs, with a concentration in physics, Stout Scholar Thompson continues to add to his resume with hands-on experiences on and off campus.

Stout Scholar Nathan Thompson / ��

This summer, Thompson is a mechanical engineering intern at Oxbo, a world leader in niche agricultural equipment, in Clear Lake. Oxbo manufactures equipment for the harvesting of corn, coffee, beans, olives, grapes, citrus fruits and more.

“I am learning new skills in SolidWorks 3D Computer Aided Drafting, helping clients find replacement parts, and updating parts to achieve international standards and improve harvester production life,” he said.

The Cooperative Experience and Internship Program through the Career Services office had a record 1,130 students participate in the 2021-22 academic year.

Thompson, of Woodville, also served as a lab tech in �� . Controls and Instrumentation and 3D Printing labs.

“The CI Lab gives us the most hands-on feel for what we’re doing,” Thompson said, “from learning how to use various electrical sensors to designing hydraulic and electrical control circuits to redesigning common manufacturing processes through Programmable Logic Controllers, or PLCs."

In the 3D Printing Lab, he helps students from various courses, most notably the Materials and Manufacturing Processes course.

“Most printing requests come in the latter half of the semester, when groups are finalizing their project designs and need custom parts. In total, more than 200 students use our lab each year for manufacturing their designs,” he said.

Nathan Thompson (second from left) and the Oxbo internship team researching pea combine harvester yield and losses. / Photo provided by Nathan Thompson

Leadership in research

Not only did Thompson have the opportunity to assist his peers in labs outside of class, he also helped lead them in one of his courses as well. Juniors and seniors in the Advanced Physics Laboratory course lead first- and second-year students in research in the prerequisite course, Introduction to Research Methods in Physics.

“The 439 seniors are expected to guide 139 students, who often have little to no physics experience prior to the prerequisite course,” Thompson explained. “The topics we researched are expanded from concepts explored in our advanced coursework, including optics, quantum mechanics and fluid dynamics.”

Thompson and a group of his Advanced Physics classmates led first- and second-year students in a three-month-long project, culminating in a final research paper and presentation at �� . annual Research Day held on May 3.

Their research was on two-dimensional fluid flow, which applies Bernoulli ��. principle on a two-dimensional sample of fluid, Thompson explained.

Nathan Thompson presenting at Research Day 2022. / ��

“Our project was to construct and test an experimental environment for evaluating the flow of an electrolytic fluid in the presence of magnetic fields and applied voltage,” he said. “We then used videos captured from our setup to evaluate the average speed of the fluid and its related Reynolds number, a value typically used by engineers.”

He thought presenting the group ��. research was a rewarding experience.

“It was a pleasure to share everything that we had learned with faculty, students and visitors. I loved being able to share my group ��. successes and struggles with other students and see what my classmates had to present,” he said.

Helping his peers across campus

As a tour guide with the Admissions Office, Thompson leads multiple tours each week, introducing students and supporters to campus. Tours feature buildings central to each �� student ��. college experience, like the Memorial Student Center and the University Library.

Living on campus, he enjoys showing the residence halls to new students. “I enjoyed living in McCalmont Hall in the heart of campus this year,” he said. “I don’t have to commute, there are so many on-campus events to attend and it ��. accessible to MSC.”

Thompson and other student tour guides offer program-specific information for students tailored to fit their anticipated majors, he explained. Most post-student-led tours are led by a program director, where students can talk more in depth about their desired major.

Mechanical engineering Program Director Vince Wheeler is happy to see Thompson take on so many roles on campus. “Nathan ��. enthusiasm is infectious. He pushes those around him to do better and to enjoy themselves. He was great to have in my class and is an excellent teammate when we do campus tours,” he said.

Denise Goers, a first-year adviser in the Advisement Center, introduced Thompson to the dual major and set him “on track to go anywhere in mechanical sciences,” he said.

“Seeing Nathan progress as a student and leader is a pleasure,” Goers said. “I was happy to see him working as a tour guide. He is a great example of a successful involved student, and this makes him an excellent Stout ambassador.”

Thompson is involved in �� . chapter of the American Foundry Society, an extension of the national organization, and Lutheran Campus Ministry, leading prewritten sermons with different congregations across Menomonie.

He’ll serve as AFA ��. president this upcoming year, helping to create leadership and community casting events, inviting others to carve designs into cuttlebone and pour liquid tin to make jewelry.

“Anyone can do it,” he said. “And I invite anyone to join the campus ministry. It ��. a great opportunity for students to explore their faith on campus.”

Thompson is also a Week One Orientation leader, helping to connect new first-year students to campus as they become familiar with university policies and participate in social activities.

“It ��. an incredible experience helping students sign up for classes and meeting new people,” he said.

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Stout Scholar has ‘a true passion for teaching,’ takes on new leadership roles

goersab — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Stout Scholar has ‘a true passion for teaching,’ takes on new leadership rolesgoersab August 25, 2022

Follow O'Brien's third year as she prepares for prestudent teaching

Abbey Goers

Sitting with her family in a restaurant as a child, Erin O’Brien remembers her dad sliding her the check and helping him to calculate the tip for their server. This was her first experience with math, and having fun with her dad, it left a strong impression on her.

Just having completed her junior year as an applied mathematics and computer science major with a concentration in math education at ��, Stout Scholar O’Brien looks forward to her career as a teacher when she can help students enjoy learning math too.

Stout Scholar Erin O'Brien at a waterfall in Waimea Valley, while studying abroad in Hawaii. / Erin O'Brien

O’Brien, of South Haven, Minn., would like to teach at the middle or high school level, in higher level algebra or calculus. As a teaching assistant in the Math Teaching and Learning Center – a tutoring center on campus – she ��. receiving hands-on skills tutoring her peers.

“The Math TLC is giving me experience teaching, and I can work around my class and basketball schedule,” said O’Brien, who plays center for the Blue Devils.

“I can go in and talk to the mentors, professors Amanda Larson and Laura Schmidt, anytime. They let me follow through with my own lesson plans and teach the Math 80 classes I request.

“And Dr. Sturgill has been a mentor math ed-wise,” she added, referring to Assistant Professor Derek Sturgill. “He ��. a funny dude but is always very concerned about his students’ welfare.”

Larson and Schmidt have worked with O’Brien since she started as a Math TLC teaching assistant two years ago.

“Erin is a fantastic tutor and one of the best I have worked with over the seven years I have been director,” Schmidt said. “Her choice to begin a career in secondary math education is a perfect one for her. She is extremely knowledgeable, patient with students and truly understands their needs and worries.”

Larson agreed. “Erin has shown exemplary work as a TA with the Math TLC since day one and continues to show commitment to success for all students each and every day on the job,” she said. “She has a true passion for teaching and has a bright future ahead of her as a future teacher.”

Erin O'Brien with friends at a Blue Devils football game. / Erin O'Brien

One of O’Brien ��. favorite courses her junior year was Graph Theory, where she used graphs to solve real-world problems like scheduling conflicts or mapping routes.

“For example, Google Maps uses graph theory to find the shortest route possible between two points,” she explained. “You can find examples in history too. For our partner project, we researched how Roman Emperor Constantine protected the city using graph theory by moving his armies to different locations.”

O’Brien also serves as vice president of AMCS Women ��. Club, where women and nonbinary people can connect with others interested in the field. The club provides professional development and networking opportunities, as well as study and game nights.

O’Brien will begin her prestudent teaching this fall and will take a Multiculturalism course to learn equity, diversity and inclusion in teaching. She ��. hoping for placements in the Menomonie area to be near campus during the basketball season.

Being a team is about more than winning

The women ��. basketball team was seeded second in the conference playoffs for the 2021-22 season. O’Brien saw action in 11 games. When she felt she needed to focus more on her academics, she approached her coaches with her concern.

“It was a hard decision to choose between basketball and academics. Choosing a path, you always wish you could do everything,” she said. “But my coaches and team are great support. Our team is like family, and our coaches care about our whole selves as young women, rather than just a basketball team. The team atmosphere is more than about winning.”

Erin O'Brien, center for Blue Devils basketball. / ��

During practice she played on the scout team, studying opponents’ plays and running them at full speed against her teammates. She credits senior Lizzy Olsem, starting forward, for giving her confidence as a scout player.

“Everyone plays their role to the best of their ability, whether a start or scout,” she said.

“We were really motivated this year, and we found ways to be energetic and cheer our team on. Even though all of us wanted to be out on the floor, it was fun to support the team from the bench too.”

With a coaching minor, O’Brien has learned CPR, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, prevention of injuries and coaching theory. She volunteered at the university ��. basketball camp in June, where she used some of her classroom experience firsthand and took on new leadership roles.

She is also working with University Housing this summer as a conference assistant and appreciates the flexibility the job offers around her schedule.

Living off campus, O’Brien enjoyed having her own kitchen and yard, and a place to hang out and invite friends over. With space to relax, O’Brien still found comfort on campus as well and continued to see her counselor at the Counseling Center, helping her work to through struggles and find focus, she said.

“The Counseling Center is a great resource. A lot of people struggle with anxiety or depression and may be ashamed to talk about it, but everyone needs a little extra help,” she said. “My counselor helps me mentally and helped me find what I need to do for self-help, like journaling, meditation and yoga.”

Expanding her perspective and exploring new places

From May 26 to June 12, O’Brien joined the Environment and Sustainability course in Hawaii, an opportunity she’d been waiting two years for while study abroad was delayed because of the pandemic.

Erin O'Brien, fourth on the left, at Nu’uanu Pali Lookout on Oahu with her study abroad class. / Erin O'Brien

Led by �� Professor Julie Beston and onsite Coordinator Loretta Chen, O’Brien learned about the local ecosystems on the islands, with group side trips to see an active volcano at night, swim at a waterfall, cliff jump and surf.

“It was a class I needed to take, and who doesn’t want to learn in Hawaii,” she said.

O’Brien ��. favorite experience was going to the Paepae O He'eia fishpond, where she learned about the restoration process of the pond and its goal to feed people in the community.

O’Brien, left, and fellow students at the Paepae O He'eia fishpond. / Erin O'Brien

“How they talked about the restoration process was very spiritual, or sacred to them, and I found that so interesting,” she said. “Before this trip, I only thought about the academic definition of sustainability or restoration, and now my definition has definitely expanded.

“Hawaii was an amazing experience. I learned so many new things. The group of people I traveled with made it even better,” O’Brien said.

“I made new friends with the students in the class. Professor Beston was amazing to travel with, and Dr. Chen was one of the best people that I met on this trip. She was just so kind and outgoing and made you feel at home.

“Honestly, I think it is a Hawaii thing, because every person I met was so kind and welcoming to us and it made being so far from home a lot easier,” she said.

More than 70 �� students studied abroad or away from campus this past summer in more than 10 countries and programs.

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Stout Scholar steps back into engineering, physics labs, takes on leadership roles

goersab — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 18:47:33 +0000

Stout Scholar steps back into engineering, physics labs, takes on leadership rolesgoersab June 10, 2021

Follow Thompson's second year as he explores all opportunities

Abbey Goers

Like everyone, Nathan Thompson had to cancel his plans for last spring and summer because of COVID-19. The Stout Scholar returned home to his family ��. farm in Woodville in March 2020 when �� moved to an alternative learning method.

Instead of having a summer job or volunteering for local organizations, he took virtual summer courses in Chemistry of Materials, and Casting and Joining Processes.

Nathan Thompson at the Stout Ministry. / ��

“It was disheartening that so many of my typical summer activities were canceled due to the pandemic, but being able to spend extra free time earning credits was a relief,” Thompson said.

Thompson ��. Stout Scholars Scholarship is $5,000, renewable for up to four years, or a maximum of $20,000. The scholarship is a source of financial relief for Thompson and his family, helping to cover his dining and housing, as well as his differential tuition.

“As a mechanical engineering student, my differential tuition funds the variety of equipment that I use in the labs. The scholarship is a huge advantage toward paying for my degree,” he said. “Combined with loans, on-campus jobs and internships, my scholarship helps me achieve my goal of graduating from Stout debt-free.”

Thompson, who just completed his sophomore year, wants to apply his learning to projects that change lives. He originally declared applied science as his major with a physics concentration.

“My favorite part about physics is learning about all the different aspects of the subject and the role physics plays in our everyday lives. Even the most eluding aspects of life, from a butterfly ��. wings to the motion of the heavenly bodies, are the result of physics,” he said.

But Thompson wanted to spend more time in the labs working with metals and 3D printing without using all of his elective credits. So, he talked with his first-year adviser and found he could double major in applied science and mechanical engineering.

“I want to explore all the opportunities available at ��. I want to work in the labs, make things and learn how the world works,” he said. “In my double major, I get to do quantum mechanics, metal casting and 3D printing. I get to do some nanoscience, research and design. I am overjoyed to be a part of the program.”

The double major is a five-year program. However, with high school college credit, summer and Winterm classes, Thompson hopes to graduate early in four years.

Returning to more hands-on experiences

Nathan Thompson with his mom on campus move-in day. / Nathan Thompson

When Thompson returned to �� on his scheduled move-in day last fall, he knew the look and feel of campus would be different, he said. He waited for his turn to move into his room, sitting with his mom in their car, watching people social distance as they took photos outside the residence halls.

“I was very excited to be back on campus,” he said. “Though it was very different from my first-year experience, I was grateful to be able to enjoy the highlights of campus life this year.”

Thompson noted that life in the residence halls was quiet. With on-campus students regularly testing for COVID-19, cleaning shared living spaces, and self-isolation when needed, there were many regulations to follow. Thompson thought his resident assistant was always supportive.

The majority of Thompson ��. classes in the fall were virtual, and he felt his instructors integrated virtual learning into the curriculum well. But he knows he works better in live lectures and struggled with the new learning environment. He was very glad to have more in-person classes in the spring.

“As much as I enjoyed the flexibility of taking classes virtually, I deeply missed being in person and talking with other students,” he said. “To be honest, virtual meetings and online labs didn’t have the same level of interaction as their live counterparts.”

Nathan Thompson in his Quantum Physics course. / ��

Thompson got his chance to participate in hands-on learning this spring in his Fluid Mechanics and Circuits and Devices courses.

“The courses spend lots of time applying our lectures to the lab setting, which has helped me understand how the concepts are applied to real life. Attending labs in person is a gratifying experience of attending ��,” he said.

Involvement and internship opportunities

Thompson remained active in the Academic Honors Society, Stout Ministry, Engineers Without Borders and the American Foundry Society, for which he serves as the chapter secretary.

Organizing their usual events posed challenges for student-led organizations this past year. Because of the pandemic, they were required to adhere to university health and safety policies, including social distancing and sanitizing meeting spaces. Some organizations held virtual meetings, while others were able to hold in-person meetings with reduced attendance and online viewing.

Unfortunately, many of Thompson ��. favorite volunteering programs were canceled. But he did find new opportunities to volunteer virtually, like coordinating events for St. Croix County 4-H.

An American Foundry Society meeting led by Professor Brian Finder. / Nathan Thompson

“I would highly recommend that students contact the Academic Honor Society at �� if they want to find out more about volunteering opportunities. We work with nearby organizations, like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Dunn County 4-H, and Stepping Stones of Menomonie. Whether you are looking for a chance to network with the community or build your resume, there are plenty of opportunities available,” Thompson said.

In the spring, Thompson started as a lab technician at the 3D Printing Lab in the Jarvis Hall Technology Wing. The lab hosts a number of commercial printers and is used by mechanical engineering students for printing materials and completing capstone projects, he explained.

“There is always something new being worked on, so the other lab techs and I stay busy,” he said. “We worked on a life-size 3D-printed R2D2 model. The model had been an icon of the lab before COVID and needed repairs. We wanted to have the cheeky robot rolling around again.”

One of Thomson ��. courses in spring 2020 was the Advanced Physics Lab, where juniors and seniors led teams of students in research projects. Thompson ��. team researched quantum entanglement using optical and electrical equipment at the Laser Lab. But the team couldn’t finish their research because of the pandemic.

“I look forward to taking the course as a project leader next spring as a junior,” he said. “Leading this endeavor helps develop skills required to lead a team of researchers. Leadership opportunities through extracurricular activities like being a lab tech help prepare students for these projects.”

Nathan Thompson near the Memorial Student Center, pictured with a rainbow over campus. / Nathan Thompson

“Nathan has always been great at searching for opportunities. During the switch from face-to-face to online, he really stepped up to the plate and amazed me with his dedication,” said Todd Zimmerman, associate professor of chemistry and physics.

Last fall, Thompson began searching for general engineering internships that offered a hands-on approach and where he can use his skills in math and science. He started his search through Career Services and attended the virtual Spring Career Conference.

The activities prior to the conference helped Thompson prepare for interviews, build his resume and network with other students who gave advice on which companies he might like to apply to.

“When Career Conference Day for engineers came around, I was prepared,” he said. “There are many resume-building career development activities here at Stout. Now that I have a considerable number of credits under my belt, I hope to catch the eye of potential employers in the area.”

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Hero Caption: Stout Scholar and third-generation student Nathan Thompson with his mom, Kirstin, and grandparents, Richard and Mary, in Harvey Hall.

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Stout Scholar adapts to campus changes, determined to make the best of her college career

goersab — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 18:38:49 +0000

Stout Scholar adapts to campus changes, determined to make the best of her college careergoersab June 10, 2021

Follow O’Brien's second year as she plans for her future goals

Abbey Goers

When �� moved to an alternative learning method in March 2020 because of COVID-19, Stout Scholar Erin O’Brien left campus to finish her first year of college at home in South Haven, Minn.

O’Brien ��. Stout Scholars Scholarship is $5,000, renewable for up to four years, or a maximum of $20,000. O’Brien, who just completed her sophomore year, is determined to make the best of her time at ��.

Erin O'Brien at the Memorial Student Center. / ��

Although her scholarship affords her some financial comfort, she worked two jobs this past summer with friends at a local lodge and concession stand to build a good cushion throughout the year. She vacationed with her family, staying close to home in Minnesota and Wisconsin and kept in shape for basketball, staying in touch virtually with her teammates.

“I had a really good summer after my first year. I was going to miss my friends back home, but I was excited to start school again,” she said. “After five months away, I was ready to go back to Stout.”

Back on campus

O’Brien is an applied mathematics and computer science major with a concentration in math education. She always wanted to be a teacher when she was younger. “My mother was a gym teacher and a community education director, so I practically grew up in my school,” she said. “I was fortunate to have some very influential teachers in my life.”

With students having about 50% of their classes online this year, O’Brien had two in-person classes each semester. She enjoyed her math and education classes but struggled with some of her online courses in math and feels she ��. a better in-person learner.

Life on campus and in the dorms was also different, which O’Brien expected, she said. She had to quarantine the first two weeks of school. “It wasn’t how I pictured starting my sophomore year, but it wasn’t too bad. I got to go home and quarantine with my mom because she had COVID as well. So at least I got to sleep in my own bed and see my dog,” she said.

Erin O'Brien, center for Blue Devil women's basketball team, at practice. / ��

O’Brien felt more comfortable than during her first year, when she struggled with homesickness and new levels of anxiety. Her basketball coaches and teammates were a strong support group away from home, and she knew she could reach out if she needed help.

“I am closer to my team than ever and I feel like I am more able to step outside of my comfort zone and be myself,” she said. “My goal for this year is to make sure that I work hard at what I love and try not to let my self-doubts get in the way of what I want to do. I think I really can achieve this goal because I have the best support system behind me.”

Involvement on campus and planning ahead

O’Brien serves as the treasurer for AMCS Women ��. Group and is excited to build the student organization. The group met virtually and in person for study meet-ups, game nights and industry presentations by professors and professionals. O’Brien enjoyed learning about what is going on in the math world, she said.

“I think being a part of any group on campus is just a good way to get involved. It gets you out of your dorm and interacting with new people. I think that everybody should at least explore joining one group or club at college,” she said. “Especially this year, I am glad to be in AMCS Women ��. Group. I got to see my friends and have more social interaction.”

O’Brien worked on campus as a teaching assistant in the Math Teaching and Learning Center. “Working as a teaching assistant is like a teaching experience every day. It helps me use methods and skills I have learned in my education class and apply them with actual students,” she said. “I have always wanted to help my peers when they struggled with math.”

Erin O'Brien at the Memorial Student Center. / ��

The Math TLC worked around her schedule, so her job didn’t interfere with her schoolwork or basketball. “It is also really nice to get a little income during the year, so I do not have to use my summer money. I can save it for studying abroad next year,” she added. “Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine. I try to save money where I can.”

O’Brien received a microscholarship for study abroad. However, with study abroad on hold until fall 2021, she had to postpone her plans to take a two-week faculty-led sustainability course in Hawaii until summer 2022. She also hopes to take a math teaching course in Budapest, Hungary.

“Receiving this scholarship just gets me one step closer to my goal,” she said.

Playing through challenges together

After the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference canceled all competitions from March 2020 through the fall semester, O’Brien ��. biggest hope was to have some sort of season with her Blue Devils basketball team.

Before the season started, they met for workouts and conditioning. Wearing masks and staying socially distanced was a learning curve, said O’Brien, who plays center. But the team ��. camaraderie helped it adjust to the changes.

“We hung out as a team a lot just to make sure we had team bonding experiences. I am glad we could get into the gym and were able to do what we love,” she said.

On Dec. 11, 2020, WIAC approved conference competition to open Feb. 1, 2021 for winter athletics. O’Brien was the first student athlete to be named Athlete of the Week after play began.

Erin O'Brien in her Athlete of the Week interview. / Blue Devil Athletics

The Blue Devils competed in nine games in one month. Practicing every day but Saturday, it was a lot to do in a short amount of time, O’Brien said.

“Getting back onto the court was amazing. Even though it was a short season, I’m glad we got the chance to play together. Even with all the challenges, our team showed up to compete every game.”

She was excited to finish spring semester on campus. In May, she celebrated her sister ��. graduation from UW-La Crosse. This summer, she ��. looking forward to traveling with friends, basketball club, moving off campus and her new job at a Menomonie supper club.

“It ��. nice to get back to seeing people again and being in the presence of others. It ��. not to be taken for granted,” O’Brien said.

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Stout Scholar enjoys supporting others as a volunteer and leader

goersab — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:47:22 +0000

Stout Scholar enjoys supporting others as a volunteer and leadergoersab September 10, 2020

Follow Thompson's first year as he finds ways to be involved on campus

Abbey Goers

Nathan Thompson chose �� because of its polytechnic aspect. It offers him the career development and hands-on education he needs to start his career in the STEM field, he believes.

“I want to use Stout ��. career exploration service to help me find my calling in STEM,” Thompson said. “I want to find a job that appeals to my love of science and engineering and lets me make an impact on my community.”

By attending ��, Thompson is also adding to his family legacy. He is a third-generation Blue Devil – following in his mother ��. footsteps. And his maternal grandparents met each other on campus.

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Stout Scholar Nathan Thompson, at Memorial Student Center. / Nathan Thompson

Thompson discovered the Stout Scholars Scholarship on the university website. The scholarship is $5,000, renewable for up to four years, for a total value of $20,000. Applicants are invited to Stout Scholars Day in late January the winter before their first semester. The day was full of activities, including an interview as part of the application process.

“I understood very few qualify for the scholarship, so I was ecstatic when my Stout Scholars Day invitation came in the mail,” Thompson said.

Thompson had a wonderful time at Stout Starters Day with his mother and grandmother. They toured campus, visited Career Services and talked with faculty and staff.

Three first-year students are awarded each year based on ACT score, class rank and grade-point average. Recipients are announced each June. Thompson, of Woodville, found himself within the prestigious group for 2019.

A passion for STEM and hands-on learning

Thompson ��. interests in STEM are broad. In high school, he learned he works best with hands-on activities through his involvement in 4-H, Science Olympiad and robotics. His experiences ignited his passion for solving real-world problems.

Double-majoring in applied science and mechanical engineering, Thompson looks forward to finding out more about the expanding STEM field.

Thompson experimenting with electrical circuits. / Nathan Thompson

“I’m geared toward the mechanical engineering and technology field,” Thompson said. “I discovered that I loved designing a product from pitching the idea to realizing it in the Intro to Engineering course. That's something I could certainly see myself doing!”

Thompson discovered the double-major through the Advisement Center. “The Advisement Center is where you go if you want to change your classes, you want to find out about graduation or you just want to find out more about your major. And all of the advisers are really helpful,” he said.

Thompson joined many student organizations his first year, including the American Foundry Society. AFS is a group of faculty, staff and students who advocate for and educate about the manufacturing processes used in the metal casting industry, he explained.

Through his involvement in AFS, Thompson created metal casts in the foundry on campus and visited nearby foundries to see professional casting processes.

Thompson working in the foundry. / Nathan Thompson

“It ��. very fun to see how all of our metal casting that we do in the small lab setting actually applies to what is used in the real world. Our cars, trucks, houses, sewer lines, aerospace – all of those applications are used based on metal casting and foundry practices,” he said.

One of Thompson ��. biggest challenges was time management. With classes in different parts of campus on different days of the week, he needed to adjust to his college schedule.

“All of the people in these classes come from a variety of different majors,” he added. “So, learning to be a good communicator, learning to work in groups and studying with other people was a really great skill to learn.”

Impacting the community through involvement

Thompson ��. involvement helps shape his character and values and gives him the chance to volunteer in the Menomonie community and at home, he said.

He joined �� . Academic Honor Society, a student-led organization based on career development and community service that supports organizations like the local food pantry and community nursing homes.

The AHS organizes many events for students to meet their requirements, including senior research presentations. The presentation Thompson attended inspired him on how to present an abstract idea or project to a professional audience, he said.

Thompson with friends, walking campus. / Nathan Thompson

Thompson is also still involved in activities back home too. As a junior exhibitor with 4-H, he shows poultry and raises chickens and sheep.

“This February, we had lambs. It was a very exciting season for us,” he said. “And in this past year, I earned my Youth Showmanship judge ��. coat. Someday, I hope to obtain my judge ��. license and carry on the tradition. I want to become a 4-H leader and share my experiences with youth.”

Looking ahead during COVID-19

When �� moved to alternative learning methods in March 2020 because of COVID-19, Thompson moved home to his family ��. farm. The adjustment to online classes was challenging for Thompson but he was also excited to see how he could apply his lessons to study the pandemic.

“One of my classes had us take numbers from COVID-19 infection rates and calculate an infection curve. That was kind of cool to see how our education at �� applies to the real world,” Thompson said.

Thompson at home with his lambs. / Nathan Thompson

“Life was pleasant for my family and me. We were together at home and safe,” he added. “In my spare time, I worked with Arduino code, which I learned in my Impacts of Engineering class. And I completed many home crafts while I was away from my usual summer activities.”

Returning to �� this fall, Thompson looks forward to exploring more involvement opportunities. He hopes to join more student-led organizations he found on the Connect App.

The Stout Scholars Scholarship gives Thompson the financial support he needs to have the free time for his extracurricular activities.

“I really love Menomonie. I love all of the organization and club and campus activities,” he said. “While some of my peers are supporting themselves at Stout ��. employment opportunities, I will be supporting others as a volunteer and leader.”

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Stout Scholar recruited for women's basketball, finds new support system away from home

goersab — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:41:44 +0000

Stout Scholar recruited for women's basketball, finds new support system away from homegoersab September 10, 2020

Follow O’Brien's first year as she looks for a place to thrive on campus

Abbey Goers

Erin O’Brien first looked into �� when she was recruited as a center for women ��. basketball. But she discovered the university was more than a place where she could play. O’Brien saw it as the best place to prepare her for the world after college.

“I chose Stout because I thought this was a place where I could thrive as an individual,” she said.

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Stout Scholar Erin O'Brien / Erin O'Brien

During her campus tour, O’Brien met with an adviser to talk about academics and scholarships. The adviser introduced her to the Stout Scholars Scholarship and encouraged her to apply.

The scholarship is $5,000, renewable for up to four years, for a total value of $20,000. Applicants are invited to Stout Scholars Day in late January the winter before their first semester. The day was full of activities, including an interview as part of the application process.

O’Brien met other students as anxious as she was. “The application process was nerve-wracking because of the interview,” she said. “But I knew I did well talking with others, so I tried not to let the nerves get to me. I guess it worked!”

Three incoming first-year students are awarded each year based on ACT score, class rank and grade-point average. Recipients are announced each June. O’Brien, of South Haven, Minn., found herself within the prestigious group for 2019.

No gray area in Blue Devil studies

O’Brien is majoring in applied mathematics and computer science. Math has always been one of her favorite subjects. She thinks anyone interested in math and programming should check out AMCS.

O'Brien, number 51, center for Blue Devils women's basketball. / University Athletics

“I think I like it so much because it isn’t super flexible. There can only be a certain answer. There is no gray area,” O’Brien said. “AMCS challenges the depth of your math knowledge, your logic and how well you can solve difficult problems.”

O’Brien is in the mathematics education concentration. While still in her first year, she was able to jump into her prestudent-teaching experience at Menomonie Middle School.

“I got to learn so much from my cooperating teacher,” she said. “I observed several seventh-grade classes and experienced a classroom as both a teacher and a student. It was a great experience for me.”

O’Brien has always dreamed about studying abroad. In summer 2021, she plans to go to Budapest, Hungary, where there is a program specific to math education majors.

“I am excited to go to a different country and experience not only a new culture but a new way to teach math. I feel like this will be a great opportunity for me,” she said.

“Academically, Stout has been a great place for me to grow and challenge myself. I feel like I am learning more than just concepts. I am learning how to apply what I learn to my career. I know I have picked a school that will push my limits and help me succeed,” O’Brien said.

Finding a new support system

Blue Devils women's basketball team, 2019-2020 season. / University Athletics

Going to college is a big change for every student, and O’Brien knew it would take a while to adjust. The Stout Scholars Scholarship gave her an extra cushion, so she didn’t have to worry about working on top of academics and playing basketball.

O’Brien felt overwhelmed with classes in fall 2019, and when practice started in October and throughout the season, in which she saw action in 20 games. But her biggest challenge came from within. She felt her anxiety double without the support system of her family nearby.

“Not gonna’ lie, adjusting was hard,” O’Brien said. “Everything was new or challenging or just plain scary. I felt very homesick and isolated. I missed being able to go home and see my parents every day. I definitely took that for granted in high school.”

O’Brien lost confidence in herself and couldn’t push away her doubts. Basketball became both a blessing and a curse, she felt. She could rely on her team like family, but a family whom she desperately didn’t want to let down. She felt her anxiety grow. At first, she wasn’t open to asking for help. She relied on herself, but that became too much.

Erin O'Brien, left, with friend and roommate Klaire. / Erin O'Brien

So, O’Brien reached out to different campus resources to find ways to manage her anxiety. She sought help at the Counseling Center, from her coaches, teammates and friends, including her roommate Klaire.

O’Brien felt more and more comfortable farther into her first year, connecting better with her team and participating in campus activities.

“I was used to being on my own a little better,” she said. “I still struggled with my anxiety, but I felt I could function as myself, not just a shell. I had a new support system I learned to trust just as much as the one I have at home.”

She made going to her AMCS Women ��. Group meetings a priority. She also joined a team to compete in Kryptos, an international codebreaking competition for college and high school students. Forty-nine teams from around the world entered the annual competition.

“Breaking the codes required thinking out of the box and a lot of trial and error. The biggest tool was persistence; you just had to keep problem-solving,” she said. “I had a great team and I enjoyed the challenge of trying to break each code. I definitely would try it again.”

“I just want to experience everything with an open mind and get a feel for where I fit into Stout as a student,” she said. “It took me a long time to just feel comfortable . But I found a place where I can start to make a foothold for myself.”

Building relationships during COVID-19

When �� moved to alternative learning methods in March 2020 because of COVID-19, O’Brien believed her professors did a great job transitioning to online learning. They were always available for virtual meetings or if she had questions.

Screenshot of women's basketball Zoom team meeting. / Erin O'Brien

Used to learning on her own, it was a smooth transition to online learning for O’Brien. For help with her harder classes, she relied on her AMCS Women ��. Group.

While away from campus, her team stayed in “team mode” through Zoom meetings. O’Brien grew closer to her teammates through distance learning, helping with math homework when she could.

“I enjoyed helping because I know distance learning can be harder for many people. I was glad I could help,” she said.

O’Brien kept in touch with friends through video chats and daily Snapchats. “It is always nice to see and hear from my friends during this time. I just really wanted to stay connected so I could build stronger relationships.”

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Stout Scholars Scholarship awarded to three new students

powersp — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 20:04:13 +0000

Stout Scholars Scholarship awarded to three new studentspowersp August 6, 2020

HS graduates from Eau Claire, Kohler and Cologne, Minn., recognized

Three first-year students have earned the Stout Scholars award for the fall at University of Wisconsin-Stout.

The recipients are Benjamin LeMay, Chippewa Falls Senior High School, Kalie Dahl, Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria, Minn., and Henry LeBlanc, Kohler High School.

The Stout Scholars Scholarship is $5,000, renewable for up to four years, or a maximum of $20,000 for each student.

In addition to more than 400 scholarships awarded annually by Stout University Foundation, the university in 2018 announced the Blue Devil Guarantee, which provides most new first-year students with awards of $1,000 to $3,000, based on college entrance exam scores and grade-point average.

LeMay, of Eau Claire, said he chose �� because of its hands-on learning environment. “When I first visited Stout, I was impressed to see how numerous and large the labs were for students,” LeMay said. “Additionally, I liked how Stout focuses on both teaching students in the classroom as well as giving them real experience in the labs.”

He chose to major in mechanical engineering because he enjoys what careers it could lead him to. “Due to my lifelong hobby of building LEGOs and creating machines, I knew I should pursue some sort of engineering field,” LeMay said. “In addition, I did some research on the careers I'd be interested in, designing bikes at Trek or engineering shoes at Nike, and found mechanical engineering was a degree that could position me to take up one of those careers.”

LeMay is excited to attend �� and see how college differs from high school. “Receiving the scholarship will be a great help to me as a student,” LeMay said. “Finances have always been a college worry of mine. The Stout Scholars scholarship will eliminate a large portion of my college expenses. With this reduced worry, I will be able to focus more on my academic and social life at Stout.”

Dahl, of Cologne, Minn., said she chose to major in hotel, restaurant and tourism management in the School of Hospitality Leadership because she has a passion for serving others and thrives from social interactions.

“The hospitality industry is built around serving people and striving to create satisfaction of customers, and the contentment of others is a personal goal for me whether it be through a conversation, a meal, a stay at a hotel or planning a special event,” Dahl said. “When I have a commitment, I work to make sure that the results exceed expectations. I understand that the hospitality industry is not always easy, but I chose this major because giving my time to make others’ lives better is what I am passionate about.”

Dahl toured �� when she was a junior. Despite taking other college tours after that, her only thought was “this school does not even compare to Stout. The truth is that none of the other schools felt like a home for me, and they didn’t get me excited for the next four years of my life like Stout did,” Dahl added. “I am attending �� because this is one of those few special schools that not only will teach me what I need to know for my career, but it will work hard to personally set me up for success with compassion.”

As a student paying for her education, the Stout Scholars Award helps Dahl accomplish the goal of attending her dream school with less financial stress. “It allows me to have a more focused effort towards academics and extracurriculars instead of longer shifts at work,” Dahl said. “I will now able to spend more time getting involved, and I look forward to giving back and representing this school with the utmost admiration and dedication.”

LeBlanc, of Kohler, chose his major of pre-industrial design in the School of Art and Design because he wanted to use his artistic abilities and analytical thinking to conceptualize a product.

Receiving the scholarship was surprising and humbling, LeBlanc said. “It is extremely motivating to be named a Stout Scholar, and I feel like it will make me want to push myself further as a student,” LeBlanc said. “Also, the scholarship will alleviate a lot of the stress that comes with paying for an education.”

He chose �� because of the positive, welcoming atmosphere and it was a place he felt comfortable. “I can already say that choosing Stout was the best decision I’ve ever made,” LeBlanc said.

Stout Scholars must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.67 or higher and an ACT composite score of 27 or higher or an SAT of at least 1,260.

�� is Wisconsin ��. ��, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes.

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Three first-year students have earned the Stout Scholars award for the fall at University of Wisconsin-Stout. Henry LeBlanc

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A little bit about the �� Admissions team and what we do.

Those of us in the Admissions Office are happy to be your first point of contact as you're considering ��.

We provide formal tours to prospective students and their families. We coordinate with other offices on campus for undergraduate recruitment events on and off campus. We are also responsible for processing undergraduate applications and undergraduate transfer credits.

If you're thinking about choosing �� for your college experience, we would love to hear from you! Get started by requesting personalized information, or contact us any time with your questions.

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