Spring 2026 Commencement Awardees
Commencement is more than just a ceremony; it’s a moment to pause and recognize the incredible dedication it takes to reach the finish line. While we are proud of every student who crosses the stage, this page is dedicated to celebrate our Outstanding Graduates and the recipient of the Chancellor’s Award. These students have done so much more than excel in their studies. They’ve truly woven themselves into the fabric of our campus through leadership, curiosity, and a genuine passion for learning
2026 CHANCELLOR'S AWARDEE
Radhika Ramesh
Biological Sciences B.S.
Radhika Ramesh is a graduating senior whose path to medicine has been shaped by curiosity, teaching, and community. As both a dancer and student instructor, she learned to understand the body through movement and mentorship, which sparked her interest in how care is practiced across cultures. From exploring traditions like Ayurveda to studying biochemistry and spinal cord in the lab, she has been drawn to understanding both the seen and unseen aspects of health. Guided by mentorship and a desire to keep learning, she hopes to continue growing into a physician who listens, observes, and adapts. She will begin this next chapter at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine.
2026 OUTSTANDING GRADUATE AWARDS
Ryan Andrus
Teacher Education B.S.
Ryan demonstrated exceptional dedication while pursuing his elementary education degree and maintained this throughout his academic journey. He is known for his hard work ethic, dedication to the classroom, and a passion for the success of everyone around him. Ryan has always gone above and beyond expectations, both in and out of the classroom. He was able to achieve high academic success while carrying out responsibilities as a supportive husband, father of two boys, and serving in numerous volunteer capacities within his community.
During his time at Parkside, Ryan distinguished himself through his intentional lesson planning, innovative lesson ideas, and his ability to make meaningful connections with his classmates, as well as his students during his clinical placements. His student teaching success reflects his deep commitment to making an impact on all students by ensuring everyone around him feels inspired. Ryan has been consistently praised for his professionalism, compassion, and dedication to being an effective future educator.
Since retiring from active duty in the United States Marine Corps, Ryan continues to be a strong leader, making a lasting impact on those around him. He has volunteered for over 15 years in youth sports, serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Scouting of America, parent volunteer for school events, volunteers for various civic activities, and gives back to his community by serving on his local school board as a board member. As Ryan steps into the next chapter of his career, he looks forward to making a positive impact on his future students and the educational community in which he will serve.
Tiffany Brown
Sport Management B.S.
Tiffany Brown is receiving a Bachelor's of Science in Sport Management from the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, along with a certificate in Community Engagement and Sport Sales.
Throughout her time at Parkside, she has been actively involved in campus and community initiatives, including organizing a campus-wide health event, supporting major events, and volunteering with a local food bank. She has also developed strong leadership and communication skills through her work as a dance instructor, where she teaches and mentors young students.
With a passion for bringing people together through sport and events, Tiffany plans to pursue a career in sponsorship and event management within the sports industry. She is grateful for the experiences and support that have prepared her for this next chapter.
Sidney Finnigan
Sociology and Criminal Justice B.A.
Sidney Finnigan is a graduating senior who has demonstrated consistent academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to service at the University of Wisconsin Parkside. She will graduate summa cum laude with degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice, along with certificates in Community Engagement and Social Justice, distinguishing herself through both academic performance and engagement beyond the classroom.
While working full-time as a paralegal and serving as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army National Guard, she remained deeply engaged in her studies. Her professors describe her as driven, thoughtful, and disciplined, recognizing the depth of insight she brings to discussions of complex social issues. This analytical strength is reflected in her research on management practices at the Racine Youth Development and Care Center, as well as her capstone study on educational inequalities in alternative education settings.
At Parkside, Sidney served as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in the Criminal Justice Department and participated as a student representative on a faculty search committee. Through her community engagement work, she developed a women’s empowerment program for students at Racine Alternative Learning, where she built connections with young women and created a space for mentorship, confidence-building, and access to resources.
She will attend law school in the fall, continuing her commitment to advocacy and service.
Sophia Lefeber
Graphic Design B.A.
Sophia “Soph” Lefeber is a hard-working Graphic Design major who has built a strong portfolio with many impactful projects. With a positive attitude and commitment towards growing, she has developed her design skills and has excelled academically.
Due to her academic achievements and mural made in collaboration with ArtRoot, Sophia was chosen to be part of the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP). This grant allowed her to design the a new mural for the Parkside Works space. This became a semester-long project where she led her Design Portfolio class as an art director. This opportunity highlighted her leadership skills.
She is also the secretary for the Print Club, where she encourages other officers and members to be part of the club and events. In her time as secretary, she has helped plan and execute the club’s stamp-making event, and fundraising events. She also aids members as they work on their prints to make sure they have a positive experience and are proud of what they make.