Ambassadors are a select group of students who represent UWMC at official campus functions. Being an Ambassador is the highest and most prestigious student leadership opportunity on campus.
Approximately 10-15 students serve a one-year term, with the possibility of returning for another year as a Senior Ambassador. They are nominated by faculty and staff and go through a selection and training process.
Throughout the year Ambassadors give tours, work at campus events, serve on special committees, host dignitaries and more.
Hello. My name is Amy Hoffman and I am a sophomore at UWMC. I’m very enthusiastic about being an ambassador this year in hopes that I will be of assistance to my fellow classmates and welcome any incoming students. After this year, I plan on going to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy. Outside of school I like to play volleyball, work as a pharmacy technician at the hospital and volunteer for the Wausau School District. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, go shopping, and spend time outside. If you have any questions about UWMC or Wausau in general (since I’ve lived here my whole life), don’t be hesitant to ask!
Hello, my name is Beth Bassinger. I am currently in my second year here at UW-Marathon County. I am originally from Pittsburgh, Penn., but moved to Wisconsin with my family during the summer of 2011 after I graduated from high school. My plans are to transfer to UW-Madison next year, where I will complete my undergraduate degree in biology and hope to move on to medical school. I am very excited to be an Ambassador and would love to help in any way possible. The Wausau area, as well as the school, was brand new to me, and I am happy to say that I was warmly welcomed by the UW community. I want to pay this hospitality forward to incoming students so I look forward to showing you around and welcoming you to the UW family.
Howdy and greetings! My name is Crystal Benes. I am a sophomore from Antigo, Wis. I am a marketing major with a minor in radio/TV/film. Other than being an ambassador on campus, I am the Gender and Women’s Issues Director. I also work off campus at Midwest Communications, where I do on-air/off-air work for 101.9 WDEZ and operate the board for Fox Sports 1390 and WSAU. My radio name is Crystal Waters, which is the name most commonly used. If you can’t find me on campus, I am most likely at the Midwest Communications. In my free time, I also am a producer/student intern for Wisconsin Public Radio. My favorite thing to do is network with different individuals. If you see me passing you in the hallways or on the street or anywhere, give me a “HEY”, and I am a shoe-in to give you a “hey” back. I am also here to help with any issues you may have, so ALWAYS feel free to come to me if you need anything. I don’t bite! Keep Wausome!
Hi! My name is Elaina Budimlija, and I’m a sophomore this year! I am a 2011 graduate of Rib Lake High School where I played volleyball and was involved in many extracurricular activities. I plan on transferring to UW-Marshfield next fall where I’ll be majoring in nursing. With my free time, I enjoy being with friends and family, playing outside, and I love playing volleyball! I’ve had such an amazing experience so far at UWMC, and I’m excited to show others how great this school really is. College is on a whole new level from high school and sometimes it can be hard to adjust; so I’m excited to be around for people who may need some advice or help with adjusting to the college life. If you need help getting around or if you want a tour, I’d be happy to help! I look forward to seeing everyone this year and good luck with the year!
Hey! My name is Ian Schwanda, and I am a sophomore returning to UW-Marathon County. I am a proud 2011 graduate of Lakeland Union High school in Minocqua, Wis. When I am not working hard with school, I like to participate in many activities such as playing basketball, snowboarding, fishing and video games. After completing my sophomore year, I plan is to transfer to UW-Stevens Point and major in elementary education. Along with being an Ambassador, I am also a Community Advisor at Marathon Hall. I love attending all the events around campus as well as the many events the staff at Marathon Hall puts on. So far my life as a Huskie has been amazing. I would be happy to answer any questions about UW-Marathon County. If any of you would like a tour of the campus, hit me up. I would be more than happy to show you around. I am honored to represent the student body as an Ambassador and look forward a great year.
Hello fellow UW-Marathon County students! My name is James Kittel, and I am excited to be an Ambassador for the college. I am a 2011 graduate from Wausau West High School. I am an engineering major with intentions to transfer to UW-Madison in the fall of 2013. Along with being a dedicated student, I also spend my time volunteering and relaxing like many other students here. When I am not studying or working, I like to go out and have a good time. I am honored to be selected as an Ambassador this coming year and hope that I will be able to represent our college in the positive light that it deserves. If you ever see me in the halls, don’t be afraid to stop me and ask any questions that you may have. Good luck everyone, and I hope you all have a great academic year!
Hey there! My name is Katherine Roloff, but you can just call me Katie. This is my second year at UWM, and I absolutely love it. I graduated from Northland Lutheran High School in 2011. I plan to transfer to UW-Milwaukee in the fall of 2013 to double-major in communications and American sign-language interpretation. I am very excited to be an Ambassador this year, and I hope I can assist everyone that asks for help! When I am not studying, I enjoy being a part of the theater and music programs at UWMC. I’m a normal college kid who loves to have fun. Don’t be afraid to catch me in the halls to ask a question or just to chat! Have a great school year!
Greetings fellow students and faculty members! My name is Matthew Kleinhans. This is my second year at UW-Marathon County, and I’m proud to be a “non-traditional student”. I’m 26 years old and have been married for five years this past June. My wife, who is my high school sweet heart, has made this great experience possible. With her support, I’m pursuing a degree in accounting. My goal is to complete my MBA and receive my CPA license. I will be transferring to UW-Stevens Point for my bachelor’s degree and then to Oshkosh for my master’s degree. I know it’s a long, difficult road I have mapped out, but a journey without adversity is not a journey worth taking! I’m thankful for this new opportunity to be an ambassador for UWMC.
Hello! My name is Patrick Alcantara, and I graduated from Wausau East High School in 2011. I have lived in Wausau for five years. I grew up in a military family and have been all over the world. With this experience, I hope to become an elementary school teacher and teach in military schools to help kids through the tough process of moving constantly. I hope to go to UW-Stevens Point for my next two years of college. I also hope to get a minor in music, a secret passion of mine since I was younger, and possibly instill the same passion for education and/or music that I had when I was younger. I also like reading, playing video games and unicorns (hope you’ve been paying attention). I hope to see you later, maybe even in few of my classes!
Hi there! My name is Sophie Singleton, and I am a sophomore at the UWMC. I am a 2011 graduate of Lakeland Union High School, majoring in business with a minor in ethics. I am planning on transferring to UW-La Crosse next fall. Aside from being an Ambassador I am also a community advisor in Marathon Hall and I am also the dorm representative in the UWMC Student Government Association. When I’m not studying, I enjoy being outside exploring Wausau with my friends and family. I am very honored to be a Student Ambassador for the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County. If you have any questions concerning the university or want to schedule a tour, please let me know. I would be delighted to introduce you to the campus that has done so much for me!
Hello, my name is Vanessa Neumann, and I am in my second year at UWMC. I am excited to be an Ambassador. I am also a community advisor in Marathon Hall. With only 45 students in my high school graduating class, I was nervous about moving away from home and attending UWMC. But with the help of the ambassadors last year, all of my fears vanished, and I became comfortable in no time. I'm very easy to approach, and I want to help you be successful here, too. If you see me in the halls or around campus, please say “Hi”. Let’s have a great year!
