Thirty-five high-achieving University of Wisconsin Oshkosh seniors who exemplify top academic and leadership qualities and a deep commitment to serving others have earned recognition as recipients of the 2021 Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence. The criteria for this award include academic performance, University-related service and community involvement.

Among them is Erin Thompson, a double major in environmental studies and multimedia journalism from Iola, is a dedicated Honors College student and a committed citizen-student activist. She earned a research award from the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity to create a photo essay, documenting urban agriculture in Wisconsin. She attended Montana State University in fall 2020 through the National Student Exchange Program. She also has been involved with the Sustainability Institute for Regional Transformation, the Campus Sustainability Council and Student Environmental Action Coalition.

“These Titans have applied themselves and their educations in remarkable ways throughout the course of their UWO journeys. Of course, that includes navigating the historic global pandemic this past year, which added incredible challenges and pressures on top of the everyday rigors of a UWO education,” Chancellor Andy Leavitt said. “We know these students, as alumni, will make a difference in people’s lives and will continue embody what this institution stands for in their endeavors to come.”