On Wednesday, April 30, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Student Association (SA) gathered in the Miller Bluffs in the Student Union to celebrate the second annual Passing of the Gavel Ceremony. Senators were recognized for their hard work and dedication, graduating seniors were gifted their SA stoles, Chancellor James Beeby was recognized, the SA Higher Education Advocate of the Year Award was presented and the gavel was passed, so to speak, from President Emma Latus and Vice President Avery Ladd-Winders to President-Elect Emma Wittman and Vice President-Elect Cisco Garcia.
The event began with a served dinner while attendees chatted. Soon after, Ladd-Winders and Latus gave their opening remarks. They expressed appreciation for one another through their time in office, the student senators, the student court, the executive cabinet and the faculty advisers that keep SA running smoothly.
Ladd-Winders said, “It is my hope and goal that through this transfer of power we can continue to redefine what [SA] does on the UWL campus and the student engagement in both administration and campus.”
Latus then presented the SA Higher Education Advocate of the Year Award. This year’s recipient was Rusty Cunningham, retired journalist and publisher at the La Crosse Tribune. Cunningham was the first-ever recipient of the award back in 2009 and has spoken across campus, advised student journalists and advocated for the completion of Prairie Springs Science Center Part Two.
She said, “With this award, [SA] aims to show appreciation for over two decades of his [Cunningham’s] dedication to UWL students and higher education through Prairie Springs advocacy and support of the campus community.”
In his acceptance speech, Cunningham spoke highly of the university and its impact on the community.
He said, “The work to support Prairie Springs isn’t really about a building – It’s about you. It’s about the educational facilities and opportunities that you deserve as you pursue and achieve excellence.”
Latus formally recognized Beeby for his first year as chancellor, which had been passed as a resolution in the April 23 meeting. Beeby was officially inaugurated on Friday, May 2.
Latus said, “His compassionate and transparent leadership has made students feel welcome and cared for in one-on-one interactions and campuswide communication … Dr. Beeby’s transformational leadership in his first-year campus has created a foundation of positivity and hope for the future of UWL.”
Beeby thanked SA for their dedication and commitment to the university and its students.
“You’re great advocates for students, you’re great advocates for the institution and you’re good people and that makes a big difference,” said Beeby.
Next, the following graduating members of SA were recognized: Senator Lizzy Hanstedt, Senator Amelia Fortner, Senator Autumn Smet, Director Grace Guyer, Senator Morgan Hahn, Senator Peter Kopperud, Senator Anastasia Grochowski, Senator Isabel Piarulli, Senator Kiersten Kobussen, Senator Gavin Hanke, Director Adrian Moreno, Senator Marlee Simpson, Director Grant Hohman, President Latus and Vice President Ladd-Winders.
The SA advisors, Ostlund and Director of University Centers and Student Engagement Kyle Burke, thanked the room, recognized the current president and vice president specifically and proceeded with the official passing of the gavels. Latus and Ladd-Winders were presented with commemorative plaques for their service.
Wittman, the newly elected SA president for the 2025-2026, was also acknowledged by Burke and presented with her gavel; He said, “We look forward to working with [Wittman] as she utilizes her passion and enthusiasm to represent the student body and advocate for the needs of students.”
Garcia joined the event virtually and was presented with his gavel as well.
Ladd-Winders and Wittman were welcomed to speak for the closing remarks. Ladd-Winders reminisced on his time at UWL and SA.
“What started as a curiosity … turned into one of the most impactful and meaningful parts of my college career,” said Ladd-Winders.
He gave advice to the next SA team to come and said, “Listen to the voices around you, especially the quiet ones. Use your platform not just to speak, but to amplify those voices that are around you and then above all else, start strong.”
Wittman followed with her closing remarks, where she thanked SA and expressed her excitement for her upcoming presidency. She said, “We hope to make UWL an even better university and campus for you and the future students to come.”
SA will have its final meeting of the 2024-2025 school year on Wednesday, May 7, to vote on resolutions.
