Alumni
Update us and share your story!
As UW-Eau Claire -- Barron County (UWECBC) prepares to celebrate 60 years of higher education at 1800 College Drive in Rice Lake, we hope to include as many former students and their stories in the various celebrations and events as possible. If you attended college here, whether the campus was known as Stout State University - Barron County Campus (BCC), University of Wisconsin - Barron County Center (UWBCC), UW-Barron County (UWBC) or UWECBC, we would appreciate hearing from you! If you attended as a high school student earning early college credits, part time or full time for a semester or two, or you completed your AAS or BAAS degree with us, please provide as much information as you are comfortable with below so we can keep you updated on news, events and activities from campus, and we can share the impact this campus has made over the past 60 years.
Alumni who deserve recognition
The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually by the UW-Eau Claire – Barron County Foundation to outstanding alumni who reflect the ideals of UW quality and have established an exceptional reputation in their careers and communities.
2025: Sharon Masek
Class of 1987
Almena, WI
Masek attended the University of Wisconsin Center-Barron County from 1985-1987. A first-generation, post-traditional student with two elementary-school aged children, Masek was involved with the student newspaper, Student Government Association, PTK Honor Society, and worked as a math and physics tutor. She earned her associate degree in 1987 and went on to UW River Falls to earn her bachelor's degree in Geology with a minor in Hydrogeology, where she was named Geology Student of the Year in 1991.
In her professional career, Masek held Professional Geologist licenses in Minnesota and Illinois, and a Professional Hydrologist license in Wisconsin. In her work with local engineering firms, she led important environmental projects including remediation of underground storage tanks and closed landfills. As Manager of Mine Planning and Industrial Relations for Superior Silica Sands, Masek was involved in preparing one of the first industrial sand mining plants in Barron County, including many presentations to property owners, residents, local governments, and regulators.
Within the community, Masek was heavily involved with the Indian Waters Girl Scout Council and served on the Barron Chamber of Commerce and Barron County Economic Development committee. Currently she is a long-serving member and three-time president of the Barron Kiwanis Club, volunteers at local holiday events, festivals, and parades, at Woodland Elementary School library, and at local blood drives. She serves as Town Chairperson of the Town of Clinton and is completing her tenth year on the UW-Eau Claire – Barron County Foundation.
Past Distinguished Alumni
2024: Aaron Marcoux, Class of 2001. District Attorney
2023: Julie (Witkus) Zaloudek, Class of 1995. Associate Provost
2022: Dr. Angela (Merritt) Blums, Class of 2026. Associate Professor and Advocate
2021: Dean Kallenbach, Class of 1977. Journalist and Wisconsin Public Radio Announcer
2020: Jean (Lenz) Anderson, Class of 1986. Librarian and Volunteer
2019: Knute Brekke, Class of 1983, WIAA Player of the Year/Soccer 1981, ROV Operator
2018: Terry Wiesner, Class of 1972, Drama Director
2017: Karla (Schreiber) Hulne, Class of 2002, Music Educator
2016: Mike Rogers, Class of 1975, Academic and Administrative Financial Management
2015: Kathe Nickleby, Class of 1991, High School Educator and Principal
2014: Chris Fitzgerald, Class of 1993, Law Enforcement; County Sheriff
2013: Peter Muschinske, Class of 1983, Minister
2012: Jeff Hile, Class of 1976, Artist, Art Educator, Entrepreneur
2011: Mark Gilbertson, Class of 1977, Chemical Engineer, Dept. of Energy
2010: Eric Ness, Class of 1981, Agriculture Engineer, SBA Director
2009: Karyn (Nelson) Schauf, Class of 1975, Agriculture Entrepreneur
2008: John P. Gamoke, Class of 1976, Stage and Screen Actor
2007: Lance Allan Hajdasz, Class of 1990, Sports Broadcaster
2006: Louis E. Muench Jr, Class of 1974, Master Meat Processor, Entrepreneur
Award Process
The UW-Eau Claire – Barron County Foundation Board recognizes outstanding alumni of the The UW-Eau Claire – Barron County with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. The nominee’s professional, volunteer and personal achievements at the university, in the community, and in the world will be considered.
All nominations submitted to the The UW-Eau Claire – Barron County Foundation by the stated deadline will be considered. The final selection will be made by the Distinguished Alumnus Award Committee. The award will be presented to the Distinguished Alumnus at the spring commencement ceremony. If your nominee is selected, you will be asked to attend the Commencement ceremony with the nominee if at all possible. An award will be presented that evening and you and the nominee will be included in festivities.