2023-2024
Community & Business Engagement Stories
UW-Parkside students, faculty, and partners are always busy making positive change in our communities. Check out these stories from the 2023-2024 academic year.
Frida Lazcano put her learning into action as an Office Assistant in the Registrar's Office. At UW-Parkside, many students can work on campus, which is a convenient way to gain leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. In her role Frida helps with day-to-day clerical duties in the office and is on hand to answer students’ questions. Frida said “The most rewarding part is helping students. Even if I am a student myself, I am able to relate to them.”
Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
As a graduate assistant in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program Khari Davis advocates for mental health at UW-Parkside. In this program, Khari works side by side with Dr. Ann Friesema to encourage students to attend free wellness sessions the team offers. For example, Khari recently provided a mental health advocacy workshop for student employees on campus. He said, “My favorite part of the experience is assessing the needs of the student and finding ways to support them.” Khari put his Learning into Action as a graduate assistant in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Logan Sivak put her Learning into Action when she took CBL101: Intro to Community Engagement by volunteering in various projects in the City of Racine and Kenosha. Logan volunteered at the Racine Salvation Army, City of Racine Police COP houses, and for KAFASI. She prepared meals for the people of the community and made holiday cards for senior citizens. She said “I learned a lot about how I am going to apply empathy to people who are going through issues in the community. I want to become an occupational therapist; I want to make sure I am treating everyone fairly and giving them the accommodations that they need.” Logan encourages students to also pursue a certificate in community engagement so everyone can learn about the community and how learning in action will help them in their future careers.
Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Carlos Dorantes, a Senior Computer Science major at University of Wisconsin-Parkside, has been hired full time at Snap-On. Carlos started his journey at Snap-On as an intern in the IT department after he met them at the Internship and Career Fair. Throughout his internship, he applied practices he learned at Parkside. Carlos said “My favorite aspect of the internship has been developing various programs. I aspire to continue learning both within and beyond the confines of the company. I believe that one can never cease learning, especially in an industry as dynamic as technology.” After a successful internship Carlos will put his learning into action as a full-time employee at Snap-On. Congratulations Carlos!
Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Vanessa Reynoso works as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador at UW-Parkside. In her role, Vanessa connects with students to inform them on voter registration. One unique way Vanessa achieves this is by engaging the students through fun activities during the holidays. For example, she gave away carnations and voting information on Valentine’s Day. Vanessa said “As a first-generation college student, and a Latina, not many of us are knowledgeable about politics. I have learned so much about the field. I am passionate about getting students registered to vote!" Vanessa puts her Learning into Action working as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador.
Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Thomas Beaupre currently works as a Data Integration and Administration intern at AbbVie. By attending the Internship and Career Fair, Thomas connected with an AbbVie recruiter who encouraged him to apply. Thomas now works on data validation at AbbVie using the skills he learned in the Computer Science Department. Thomas said "The most rewarding part of the internship is being able to work for a company that helps people. One way in which AbbVie helps is by finding new treatments for individuals who are suffering from previously untreatable illnesses." Thomas put his Learning into Action as an intern at AbbVie.
Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Tim McClure works as a Community Engagement Intern at the City of Racine while earning credit in COMM 494: Communications Internship. In this role Tim works with the Smart Cities initiative team to promote digital equity and digital literacy within the City of Racine. In his role, Tim uses communication skills he learned in his major to connect the citizens of Racine to services that the city provides. Tim said, “My favorite part of the job is being able to see the smiles on people's faces when they get connected to resources that can greatly benefit their lives.” In his internship, Tim fosters a sense of community within the city by helping people get access to affordable internet and other digital equity-based services. Tim put his Learning into Action as a Community Engagement Intern at the City of Racine.
Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Hasaan Khan is currently gaining hands-on accounting experience as an Intern in the Internal Audit department at Johnson Controls. In addition to his internship, Hasaan is taking Accounting 494, gaining credit for his internship helping him move closer to graduation. He works as a day-to-day accounting professional implementing controls within the company to rule out vulnerabilities. Hasaan said, “This internship is an amazing way to implement classroom theory into real world practical experience.” He thanks the UW-Parkside staff, and career advising team on helping him excel into a young professional. Hasaan put his Learning into Action as an Intern at Johnson Controls.
Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Emily Meyer put her Learning in Action when she took CBL101: Intro to Community Engagement, by creating a donation drive for Women and Children’s Horizons. Emily said, “My successful collection of donations was able to add necessities to WCH’s shelter in order to help individuals/families that have suffered from domestic or sexual abuse.” Through her project she collected over 50 bags of supplies to help people in her community. Looking forward to a career in health care, she now knows she can also care for the community through philanthropic efforts.
Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
The Jockey Career Closet, a collaboration between Jockey and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, is an amazing asset for students to access free clothing for internships and interviews. Camryn, the intern for the Jockey Career Closet, facilitated this valuable resource for students. She brought the Jockey Career Closet to the Internship and Career Fair for all students to find an outfit that was comfortable for them and fit who they wanted to be. Camryn said “My goal is to create a diverse environment for students and staff. As the coordinator of clothing for students, I ensure that all clothing is gender-empowering, high-quality, and available in a wide size range. To maintain gender neutrality, I labeled the clothes as ‘masculine and feminine fit.” A pivotal element within her communication major revolved around clothing serving as a powerful means for individuals to express their desired identity. Camryn enjoyed helping people express their true selves through their wardrobe choices while Learning in Action at the Jockey Career Closet.
Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Justyna Slon gained important professional development skills when she enrolled in UWP 294: Work-Based Learning as a senior. UWP294 is an amazing way for students to gain general education credits for working. Any job, whether it is on campus or not, qualifies for this course. When she was enrolled in the course, Justyna was working as a Career Ambassador at the Advising and Career Center on campus. Justyna said “I really liked the course; it was hands on work. It prepared me for the tasks that I have to complete to get a job in the business world...I grew as a professional.” Justyna was able to put her learning into action as she took UWP294: Work-Based Learning.
Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Sarah gained amazing hands-on experience in her community-based learning course. During her CBL psychology course they partnered with the Kenosha Public Library on a project to educate the community on eating disorders. The CBL class created a video and a pamphlet on the prevention of eating disorders. Educating the community on a subject that so many people are affected by inspired Sarah. She said, “I LOVE CBL! CBL gives the connection to the community [that] allows students the chance to apply learning to the real world.” Sarah put her Learning into Action in her community-based learning course.
Fall 2023 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Mira Pavlovic, a first-generation Parkside alum, started her career at Snap-on through a “Meet the Recruiter” event at UW-Parkside. She began a rewarding internship in Snap-on's Corporate HR department, during which she applied many of the valuable skills that she gained from her coursework at Parkside. Following the end of her internship, Mira was offered a full-time position at Snap-on, working with the same team and department where she completed her internship. Mira says that “the most amazing part of Snap-on is learning from everyone there! Snap-on people are the best people. They are super supportive, and they want you to learn and grow.” As part of her new role, Mira meets with current students at Parkside to discuss the opportunities that Snap-on offers - just like someone did for her when she was a student here!
Fall 2023 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Isaac experienced hands-on teaching through his summer internship as a Summer School Teacher at the Center for Urban Teaching. During his internship, Isaac could see the daily life of a full-time teacher. He created his own lesson plans, taught the students English, math and Bible study, and managed his own classroom. His favorite part of the internship was the students. Isaac said “The most rewarding part of the experience was honestly seeing how much the students grow over the summer. Being able to see how they do on their first test, and seeing how much they improve on the last test.” Isaac interned in his field and put his learning into action in his own classroom.
Fall 2023 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Li developed and applied meaningful civic engagement skills in CBL 101: Intro to Community Engagement. In this course, Li learned new skills, such as networking, that she used when volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Li gave back to the community by participating in two home builds with the campus chapter of HFH. Li said, “I was able to connect with the community on a personal level.” Through pursuing the Community Engagement Certificate, Li put her learning in action and developed her passion for volunteerism and social change.
Fall 2023 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Rebecca gained valuable communication skills as a Student Dispatcher at the UW-Parkside Police Department. As a future physician, communication is at the forefront of Rebecca’s future career. She will have to use communication skills to transmit sensitive information to patients and other staff. Rebecca quoted “This job helped me communicate better, and more efficiently, think faster, [and] become a better note taker. I have become more confident, assertive, and a better multitasker.” She said the most rewarding part of the job was to see how much the officers care about the community in which they serve. Rebecca was able to gain amazing communication skills as she was Learning in Action at the University Police Department.
Fall 2023 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Sarah, Ria, and Katelyn gained valuable hands-on experience as Ophthalmic Technician interns at SouthEast Eye Physicians and Surgeons and said this opportunity will help them take the next steps in their future. The students were able to navigate the day of a healthcare professional to see what a normal day of a physician looks like. Their favorite part of the internship was making connections with patients. Sarah said, "Being able to see the patients have clear vision after surgery, is the most rewarding part of the job.” These students were able to gain valuable patient interaction as they put their learning in action outside of the classroom.
Fall 2023 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
Madi gained hands-on teaching experience through her summer internship at the Eco-Justice Center in Racine. Not only did Madi get a unique experience teaching in a non-traditional classroom setting, but she also learned to become more eco-conscious. Through her internship Madi taught kids about eco-farming such as the Three Sisters gardening method. Madi shared that the most rewarding aspect of her internship was to see the students make connections on how what they were learning was helping the environment. Madi will soon apply this experience in her own classroom.
Summer 2023 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern
CBE STORY ARCHIVE
2022-23 Academic Year
Getting Your Hands Dirty - Interview with Jessica Topp
Learning to Lead - Interview with Tess Dimler
Finishing Strong - Interview with Samantha Reynoso
Finding Your Voice - Interview with Denisse Ochoa
Learning to Earn - Interview with Milagros Sanchez
Mural Arts: The Artist (An Interview with Janet Arriaga)
Mural Arts: The Poet (Interview with Adwoa Asentu)
2021-2022 Academic Year
Breaking Down Language Barriers - an interview with Victor Escobedo
From Dream to Reality - an interview with Annette Copado
Under the Microscope - an interview with Megane Beaupre and Markie Peroutka
Student to Instructor - an interview with Terra Wendricks
Focusing on Youth - an interview with Rebecca Pinnow
Putting People in Touch with Nature - an interview with Maddie McAndrews
Experience Is Key - an interview with Cassidy Schwimmer
Fall Semester 2019
Becoming a Professional - Interview with Will Vargas
Exploring an Appreciation for Her Community - Interview with Megan Schulte
Taking Charge of Her Own Education - Interview with Jenna Krueger
A "Hole-in-One" Internship - Interview with James O'Donnell
Work on the Wild Side - Interview with Heather Emery
From an Internship to a Job Offer at ESPN - Interview with Darnell Clay
Other News Stories
Trying Something New - Interview with Marissa Menchaca (Dec. 2020)
Big Things Can Come From Small CBL Projects
UW-Parkside Students Bring Supplies and Support to Women’s Resource Center
2019 Nonprofit Breakfast “Best to Date”
Dr. Penny Lyter Receives 2019 Sister
Joel Read Civic Engagement Practitioners Award
Zach Atkins Honored as 2019 Newman Civic Fellow
Dr. Shailor wins Campus Compact Award
VISTA Alumna Receives Award
CELR Winner - Dr. Peter Knight
Suresh Chalasani - Community Engaged Learning and Research Award