The graduating seniors share one thing: wanting to achieve their best outside college. The big step before being thrown into the real world is earning a degree that many have spent four or more years earning, with tears being shed and high stress levels. Upon the many seniors graduating, the following is what will be mentioned: seniors in the arts, including instrumental, vocal, theatre and art, as well as seniors who have participated in a club sport. All will share the impact of their degree or club involvement as well as the university.
Arts
Starting with the arts, whether that is music, theatre or sketching, there is so much to do in this broad category, although not all art forms are quoted by the seniors in that field. Just know that this major isn’t an easy choice.
Instrumental
Many students outside of the music degree may think it is easy, you just play your instrument. Well, that’s far from the truth, from cramming a five-year degree into four while balancing an academic and social life, it is much more challenging than just performing for an audience.
“I am so thankful for all of the opportunities I was given at Whitewater,” said senior Ashlyn Syrett. “I was able to perform at Lambeau Field, Carnegie Hall, music conferences and much more. The professors are extremely supportive. The music department is like a family. I am so grateful I chose UW-W. I am going to miss it a lot, but I will forever cherish the memories.”
She is going into the music education field and has found the journey to be difficult yet fun to be a part of.
The next senior had the same experience as Syrett, but a bit different.
“My time at UW-W was full of so many opportunities, such as being drum major for the Warhawk Marching Band, performing at Lambeau Field at halftime, meeting many guest artists, performing at Carnegie Hall, and so much more,” said senior Mariah Eichenberg. “I had so much support from faculty, family, and friends in and outside of the Department of Music.”
She explained her struggle within her major and how, at many points within her journey, she felt like she couldn’t fulfill her major’s requirements.
“The times that kept me going were when I was able to give feedback in studio classes, help out at Band Camp, and get out into the field and observe or lead a group of students,” Eichenberg said. “My time as a student teacher has consistently reminded me of my passion for teaching and the joy of spreading music to students in schools.”
Next is another music education major who will be getting their diploma in May.
“Don’t live with regrets, try new things, and make mistakes,” senior Jacob Pfannerstill said. “I would rather fail 100 times and succeed than never try and always ask ‘What if?’”
He had the same struggle as the previous senior, but pushed through it with the help of his passion for teaching.
The next senior is another music major who is very expressive in jazz.
For different people, life is about different things. But for everyone, life is about the time we get to spend with each other. Music brings people together to create these moments in many ways that no other field can. Whether it’s set breaks, free blocks, band trips, or late night gut bombs (post-concert McDonald’s),” senior Trevor Haglin said.
He expressed how many memories he has made throughout his time at Whitewater, especially in the music department.
“It’s so much more than the music you get to make.” Haglin said. “I’ve also improved more as a musician in the past four years than I have at any other time in my life combined. This degree will bridge the gap between my silly band kid self and a successful, thriving man in today’s world. Those two things are the pillars of a college experience. Great memories and starting a career.”
Now that we have gotten to know the instrumental side of music, let’s dive into the vocalist.
Vocal
Vocalists have worked hard for their degree, from learning new languages to sing in, to memorizing hard and technically challenging pieces that push what the human voice can create.
“I’m a transfer student to UW-Whitewater; however, that has not made my time here any less impactful,” senior Genieve Paur said. “My experience in the music department has helped me find paid work as a singer and solidify my future goals.”
She describes the journey of her vocal technique as well as marketing her voice to help her perform outside of college.
“I’ve also made numerous friends while singing in Chamber Singers, an auditioned choir on campus, and while working on university productions, such as ‘Pal Joey.’ The music department is a tight-knit community, and the professors truly want their students to succeed,” Paur said. “I know that I’ll keep in contact with several of my professors long after graduation. I also hope to one day be able to give back to the university and fuel future creatives in their pursuit of higher education.”
Our next senior isn’t a music major, but instead a music minor, but describes his passion for music.
“Music is a direct expression of the heart and soul, It connects us to ourselves and those around us. Music has helped me grow and has given me new ways to express myself, and the parts of me that I didn’t even know existed,” senior Jacob Myhre said.
If you have seen him perform, you would see how much passion he holds deep within music itself.
Now, let’s shift the focus to a different department within the Greenhill Center of the Arts.
Art
Filled with many gifts and talents, ranging from drawing to painting. Many of the artworks fill the Crossman Gallery for all to come and observe.
“My time at UW-W has been incredibly positive and fulfilling because of the professors and staff within the Department of Art and Design. I feel very grateful for all the opportunities provided through UW-W’s visual arts program,” said senior Jessica Lacki.
She expressed how her major pushed her to explore new mediums, challenge her creativity and develop a strong studio practice.
“I will miss my time in the art building and getting to use our studio spaces, but most of all, I will miss being surrounded by so many outstanding artists,” Lacki said.
Even though there is one senior quote for this category, that doesn’t mean that every senior isn’t talented. That is far from the truth since they have showcased their artwork throughout the Center of the Arts, sharing their love and passion for their medium.
Now, we dive into the last section of music majors, and this specific section is known for its theatrical works, no matter how disturbingly beautiful they can be.
Theatre
The theatre department is known for its operas and musicals that they host throughout the year. But you don’t know what goes on behind the curtain of the stage, but this helps majors in that field improve in their crafts and learn new techniques and skills.
“The UW-W theatre department has been like a second home to me. It’s challenged me and given me a safe space to grow more confident in who I am as a technical theatre practitioner,” senior Alexis Gunderson said. “The things I’ve learned at UW-W will stay with me throughout my professional career. Always remember – behind every production, there’s someone behind the curtains making sure the lights don’t catch on fire.”
Now that we have learned all about the different departments within the music field, let’s shift our focus to the recreation club sports and the impact that they have had on seniors.
Recreational Club Sports
Recreation Club Sports is a way for many college students to stay active, destress and meet new people while learning more about a sport they are new to or have done in high school.
Tennis
“Club tennis has allowed me to continue playing a sport that I enjoy and gain new friends and experiences that I will cherish forever,” said senior Mitch Crosby.
He explained the impact the university had on him throughout his years here on campus.
“The university has given me the necessary things to help me succeed in my future career and has helped me make new friends along the way,” Crosby said.
Another member on the team shared their experience.
“Club tennis has allowed me to meet a variety of people,” said senior Makayla Millhouse. “I’m grateful for all the memories I’ve made these past three years, and that I got to make them while playing the sport I love. Club involvement on campus made my college experience more fulfilling and enjoyable. The education and support I have received from the people here at UW-Whitewater is truly unmatched.”
The last senior member shares their experience with the club and university.
“Through club tennis, I found more than teammates — I found a family who saw me, challenged me, and stood beside me,” said senior Ethan Uhlmann.
He explained the university’s impact on him.
“The university offered a path, but it was the people and questions along the way that gave it meaning. Growth, I’ve learned, is less about the destination and more about who walks with you and the road you take to get there,” Uhlmann said.
Now that we have an understanding of seniors from club tennis, let’s move on to the next recreational sport.
Cornhole
“During my four years at UW-W, I’ve been actively involved in several unique campus organizations. However, my experience with the Cornhole Club stands out as especially rewarding — it provided a fun, welcoming and competitive environment that I believe any student could enjoy,” senior Michael Stotts said. “Honestly, I’m surprised the club didn’t exist before this semester, given the strong interest I’ve seen in intramurals and cornhole tournaments on and around campus.”
Stotts explained how he has gotten to meet amazing people and use professional-grade equipment.
“While I’m proud of the awards and accomplishments I’ve earned, both individually and as part of a team, it’s the memories from this club that I’ll truly cherish moving forward.”
Let’s shift our focus to the last recreational sport and its respected seniors.
Men’s bowling
“Throughout my years at Whitewater, I have accomplished many things that have shaped me into the person I am today,” said senior Garret Meadows. “More than that, it’s the people who have made it all worth it.”
He explained how the people, whether that be friends, coaches or instructors, have taught him lessons that he plans to carry throughout life.
“The memories I’ve made with my brothers on the team have given me friendships that will be everlasting,” Meadows said. “I’m not only grateful for every one of them, but will always appreciate what they, and the university, have done for me in my time here at Whitewater.”
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s seniors have all accomplished a common goal: get a degree and to hopefully fulfill their dreams. A lot of seniors should feel very accomplished because of all of the hard work, accomplishments and connections that they made throughout their college life. The transition from undergrad to alumnus may be hard to handle at the moment, but the legacy left behind by many of the seniors will never be forgotten.
