Sociology, Criminology and Anthropology Awards
We offer awards for excellence in research, leadership, and social justice advocacy. These accolades recognize outstanding contributions within the academic community, emphasizing qualities such as research skills, leadership abilities, and commitment to social change.
2022 NASPA Region IV-E Undergraduate Student Rising Star for Wisconsin Award
Brigitte Ledferd, president of the 84th Session of the Student Government Association, is the recipient of the 2022 NASPA Region IV-E Undergraduate Student Rising Star for Wisconsin Award. The award is presented to an undergraduate at each of the state/province college(s) or universities within Region IV-East who is actively involved in the Division of Student Affairs and has intentions of pursuing an advanced degree in student affairs. As the state award winner, Ledferd will represent the state of Wisconsin for the National Undergraduate Rising Star award. NASPA will recognize the accomplishments of Ledferd at the Awards Luncheon at the NASPA IV-WE Joint Regional Conference on Monday, Nov. 7, in Chicago. NASPA is student affairs’ largest national organization with over 15,000 members representing 2,100 institutions. Region IV-E encompasses the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota, and the Canadian province of Ontario. Over 600 institutions are members of Region IV-E.
Recipients of these awards are determined by the Department and awarded in spring.
Outstanding Sociology/Criminology Student — Our highest award; based on academic excellence, research and service. Determined by the Department and awarded each spring.
- Emma Deneau
- Dea Duesing
- Kalea Lorenzi
- Abby Nelson
Distinction in Sociology/Criminology — Awarded to seniors demonstrating academic excellence and community and/or university service. Determined by the Department and awarded each spring.
- Nicholas Grundhauser
- Alivia Kons
- Allyson Nemmers
- Brian Ruiz
Outstanding Senior Research Paper — This award is for the best senior research paper in sociology, recognizing outstanding research conducted in the Senior Seminar. The award is based on each student's creative ability, persuasiveness and systematic way of doing research. Determined by the Department and awarded in spring.
- Mandy Christianson
- Emma Deneau
- Dea Duesing
- Payton Zacharias
Senior Research Paper with Distinction — This award recognizes strong research conducted in the Senior Seminar. It is based on each student's creative ability, persuasiveness and systematic way of doing research. Determined by the Department and awarded in spring.
- AubreyMarie Evasco
- Sam Fellenz
Faculty Recognition Award — To honor students who have served the department, university, or community. Determined by the Department and awarded in spring.
- Ivy Benner
- Kwashon Collins
- Mason Dallman
Outstanding Scholarly, Research or Creative Activity — Open to all students, not just those in Senior Seminar. May be faculty nominated, as it is likely faculty who would be aware of such work. Determined by the Department and awarded in spring.
- Emma Deneau
Outstanding Service or Student Leadership — Recipients of this award have shown dedication to the Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology (SCA) Club through attendance and active participation at club meetings and events. A member of the SCA club qualifies for the award if they have attended and contributed to the club meetings, willingly volunteered for duties, and participated in club events. Recipients need not be officers. Determined by the Department and awarded in spring.
- Abby Nelson
UWRF Awards
Senior Merit — Graduating seniors who have maintained a 3.500 grade point for their last 60 credits will receive Senior Merit.
- Samantha Fellenz
- Kimberly Guinn
- Alivia Kons
- Ryan Van Blaricom
Honors Program — The Honors Program at UWRF provides an academic and social community for students who have outstanding records of academic achievement and who seize opportunities to pursue knowledge in a variety of subjects, interact socially with like-minded students, engage with their communities, and develop leadership skills and leadership potential.
- None in 2022
Cum Laude — Graduating seniors who have maintained a minimum cumulative 3.700 grade point average for their entire college career at all institutions,will receive their diplomas cum laude.
- Payton Casey
- Mandy Christianson
- Nicholas Grundhauser
Suma Cum Laude — Graduating seniors who have maintained a minimum cumulative 3.900 grade point average for their entire college career at all institutions will receive their diplomas summa cum laude.
- Emma Deneau
Chancellor's Award — This award recognizes those UW-River Falls upperclassmen or graduate students who demonstrate outstanding service and leadership.The students must be nominated and obtain letters of support during the annual nomination period in the spring. Nominees are reviewed by a selection committee that identifies finalists who are then called in front of the committee for an in-person interview, accompanied by their nominator. Awards are presented at the annual Chancellor's Award Reception to which the recipients, their families, fellow students and faculty are invited.
- Brigette Ledferd
Alpha Kappa Delta - Sociology Honor Society
To view the new members, click here.
Previous Award Winners
Department Awards
Outstanding Sociology/Criminology Student
- Alison Slaughter
Distinction in Sociology/Criminology
- Dima Iresso
- Hailey Rivard
- Halley White
Outstanding Senior Research Paper
- Jillisa Solberg
- Alison Slaughter
Senior Research Paper with Distinction
- Halley White
- Lorena Hurshuajer
- Patty Hogan
Outstanding Service or Student Leadership
- Haley Doonan
- Samantha Miller
Faculty Recognition Award
- Ramona Raehsler
Campus Awards
Senior Merit
- Jason Matteson
- Hailey Rivard
Honors Program
- Alison Slaughter
Magna Cum Laude
- Haley Doonan
Summa Cum Laude
- Alison Slaughter
Chancellor's Award
- Timitope Abiodun
- Alison Slaughter
Department Awards
Outstanding Sociology/Criminology Student
- Ashley Bredeson
- Natalie Schmitz
Distinction in Sociology/Criminology
- Mataya Barrett
- Brianna Ginnever
- Madeline Kanda
Outstanding Senior Research Paper
- Marissa Fredrickson
- Kate Maiers
Senior Research Paper with Distinction
- Joseph McGlone
- April Mootz
Outstanding Service or Student Leadership
- Haley Doonan
Faculty Recognition Award
- Ashley Bredeson
- Marissa Fredrickson
- Kayla Grimm
Outstanding Scholarly, Research, or Creative Activity
- Natalie Schmitz
- Kayla Grimm
Campus Awards
Senior Merit
- Nicholas Chafer
- Kayla Grimm
- Katherine Maiers
- Joseph McGlone
Honors Program
- April Mootz
Cum Laude
- Ashley Bredeson
- April Mootz
Magna Cum Laude
- Grant Taylor
Summa Cum Laude
- Melissa Fredrickson
- Madeline Kanda
Department Awards
Outstanding Sociology/Criminology Student
- Taylor Hall
- Heather Spencer
Distinction in Sociology/Criminology
- Abigail Dernovek
- Debra Johnson
Outstanding Senior Research Paper
- Jael Ellsworth
Senior Research Paper with Distinction
- Heather Spencer
Outstanding Service or Student Leadership
- Carla Ortiz Perez
Outstanding Scholarly, Research, or Creative Activity
- Taylor Hall
- Natalie Schmitz
Campus Awards
Senior Merit
- Kendra Ferron
- Tyler Johnson
Cum Laude
- Taylor Hall
