UW-Whitewater at Rock County recognizes students at award ceremony

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at Rock County recognized more than 60 students at a recent award ceremony to celebrate the 2024-25 academic year.

The following students from your coverage area earned at least one award:

Whitewater, WI: Michelle Abarca, who is enrolled in the Arts and Science degree program and earned the following award(s): First Year Lecture – Promising Students.

Whitewater, WI: Lilith Ashmore, who is enrolled in the Liberal Arts degree program and earned the following award(s): Excellence in Critical Thinking & Engagement in Communication Studies.

Students were recognized by URock faculty and staff members for their work in the classroom and within the campus community.

UW-Whitewater at Rock County held its 2025 spring commencement ceremony for graduates of the College of Integrated Studies on May 20 in the gymnasium of the Wells Cultural Center.

The commencement speaker was Jane Blain Gilbertson, owner and executive chair of Blain’s Farm & Fleet. The company was founded in 1955 and currently employs 5,500 associates in stores throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan. A Janesville native, Blain Gilbertson received her Bachelor of Science in Retailing from Miami University. She currently serves as vice chair of the Wisconsin Manufacturing and Commerce Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce and on the board of the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation, Janesville Performing Arts Center, and the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce.

The student speaker was Gloria Lara, a Delavan resident and mother of three who is earning her Associate of Arts and Sciences. Her academic goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work followed by a dual master’s degree in social work and public health. She eventually hopes to develop a nonprofit community-based program to support first-generation daughters of immigrants.

During the ceremony, the Outstanding Alumni Award will be presented to Aimee Thurner, who attended URock in 1998. She is the president and CEO of the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce, where she has worked for more than 20 years, and serves on the board of directors for Visit Beloit and the Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation.

The Excellence in Teaching Awards will also be announced at the Rock County campus ceremony.

Learn more about UW-Whitewater at Rock County by visiting uww.edu/rock.

Editor’s note: This press release was received from UW-Whitewater.