Student Successes

“My liberal arts education at UWRF provides a well-rounded learning experience where students gain skills, such as empathy and the ability to think in different ways, which creates successful workers and human beings. I have gained many different perspectives from being at a liberal arts school. Taking classes such as Introduction to Sociology and Introduction to International Studies have provided me many opportunities and have changed the way I view human beings and see the world.”

Emily Amundson
Mathematics education major from Frederic, Wis.

“A liberal arts education allows for one to be an active part society. It broadens one’s knowledge of a variety of disciplines, leading to an individual that is not only prepared for the world but is able to provide and act in society. I've benefited from attending a liberal arts university like UWRF because it's changed the way I thirst for knowledge.”

Veronica Anuforo
Stage and screen arts major from Stillwater, Minn.

“I feel that a broad liberal arts and sciences education is invaluable to the human race. When I first came to UWRF and was told I was part of the College of Arts and Sciences, I thought 'Well who isn't? Other than business, what subject here doesn't tie itself to the arts or sciences?' I toured the University of Minnesota- Duluth's medical school  last spring. The thing that made my jaw hit the floor was that two of their current med students graduated with degrees in art! If that doesn't sum up how diverse a liberal arts education can be, then I don't know what would.”

Jase Bakker
Biology/pre-med major from Center City, Minn.

“I have been able to experience many different classes at UWRF that I would otherwise have never considered by going to a liberal arts university like UWRF. This well-rounded education has informed me of what my peers are studying and also about the world around me. From the moment I arrived on campus for the first time, I knew I had found a home. The campus environment is top-notch, and the faculty are incredible.”

Jonah Conway
Music education major from Ellsworth, Wis.

“I have grown significantly as a journalist and as a person throughout my time attending UW-River Falls. The individualized faculty attention within my department has allowed me to excel in my reporting skills for a future career in media. The collaborative environment within my classes has also made me become better at receiving constructive criticism and utilizing perspectives and expertise from my professors and peers. This will be a key to success as I'm entering the workplace – and I’m thrilled to say that I accepted a job in my field prior to graduation from UWRF!”

Zach Dwyer
Journalism major from New Hope, Minn.

“I was hired by a great company - 3M - before graduation because of my great education and internship at UWRF. I am confident that attending a school like UWRF that incorporates and values the liberal arts has allowed me to become a robust individual who is well equipped for the challenges that lie ahead, from being able to effectively communicate with those outside of my niche, to being able to adapt to situations that are unfamiliar, my knowledge lies beyond my two disciplines of geography or computer science.”

Zain Kaiser
Geography and geographic information systems major from Lakeville, Minn.

“Because of my experience in my First Year Adventure course at UWRF titled "The History of the Universe," I was able to really involve myself with the material and get excited about all of the possibilities that science yields. Through this course, I realized there is so much out there that has yet to be discovered, and it humbled me as an adult and sparked my curiosity and desire to learn more. Physics has been an amazingly satisfying major to pursue because it answers all of those old 'but why' questions that our naturally curious mind's may have.”

Jon Maples
Physics and engineering dual degree major from Red Wing, Minn.

“As a first-generation college student, I was afraid of college: afraid of failing, afraid of being alone, and afraid of being left behind. All of those fears were put to rest in my first week at UWRF where more than 40% of students are first generation. I quickly found my place and my people on campus and knew that I was supported not only by friends, but by professors determined to help me succeed. At UWRF, failure is not an option.”

Nick McGrath
Broad field social studies and history double major from New Trier, Minn.

"UW-River Falls has great living and learning communities that helped me create a home away from home. Once I became an English major, I wanted to create the same type of inclusive learning environment among my peers so that we can better help each other grow as individual people. The faculty within the English Department have helped me realize my self worth and encourage me to succeed in my future careers. The relationships I've developed at UWRF are one of a kind that you can only find within a liberal arts education and have shown me how family can come in many forms."

Gregory Peterson
Broad area English education and creative writing major from Frederic, Wis.

“My liberal arts and sciences learning experience at UWRF was a collaborative enriching experience that expanded my mind and understanding of the world. I have received the type of education that does not just prepare you for one type of occupation, but for all types of jobs (even those that haven't been created yet) in an ever-changing job market. A self-designed liberal arts and sciences education cultivates knowledge, character, change, leadership skills, gratitude, empathy, and diversity, thus teaching future generations how to not just become better workers, but better human beings.”

Michelle Stage
Psychology and philosophy major from Burnsville, Minn.

“I am a first-generation student and an English second language speaker. I would recommend to any incoming UWRF students to seek out resources such as study abroad, the Academic Success Center, undergraduate research, and the Pathways Program. Because of these programs, it has shaped me into a better person and scholar; furthermore, I have built a deeper understanding within academics and knowledge within the biomedical field.”

Long Vue
Biology major, Pathways Program from St. Paul, Minn.

“I was able to be very successful in my education at UW-River Falls because I was encouraged by my faculty, staff, and a advisers to become very involved in curricular and co-curricular activities and opportunities. In addition to my well-rounded education in both political science and history, I was able to be a math tutor, Student Support Services mentor, serve on the College Dean’s Council, serve as president of the Badminton Club, and actively participate in the Asian American Student Association.”   

Gaozhoua (Gao) Pa Vang
History and political science major from St. Paul, Minn.

“I've personally benefitted by attending UWRF as a liberal arts and sciences university by being exposed to classes, professors, and individuals that think differently than myself and being taught how to productively and safely discuss hard topics while also taking courses that have helped give me a better understanding of who I am and who I want to be.”

Lauren Zimitsch
Art major from Maplewood, Minn.