Congratulations to all our GNS+ graduates!
GRADUATE
Emily Beyer
Chen Chen
Christine Evans
Michael Knudson
Darya Ley
Finn Shepherd
Sophia Strietholt
UNDERGRADUATE
Jonathon Abram
Fatime Alimi
Nicolas Amann
Otto Anson
Teagan Benson
Jake Bernstein
Bonnie Bonick
Matt Brandel
Olivia Bruhn
Erik Chang
Ava Copple
Simon Dantzic
Anthony Davenport
Katelyn Davis
Dylan Dees
Katherine Diamond
Samantha Erickson
Jay Ersoz
Kristina Fiedler
Emily Fitzsimmons
Annabel Frake
Arlethe Garcia-Teapila
Noelle Gates
Miranda Gilbertson
Kaitlyn Gillis
Sophia Halverson
Taylor Hatley
Ashley Hestad
Brianna Hoey
Yusong Hu
Lauren Iverson
Berit Kramer
Annie Krillenberger
Linnea Kronzer
Hailey LeMaster
Ivy Li
Zixiao Li
Julianna Loehr
Ian MacLean
Maddy McGlone
Gustavo Meneses
Allison Michaels
Ray Mielke
Raveena Mishra
Mary Moczulewski
Ryan Moothedan
Amelia Moser
Mattigan Mott
Sydney Mueller
Kyra Murdock
Cole Pfaltzgraff
Isabella Prater
Hans Purisch
Michael Reeser
Ariel Rezin
Megan Schaaf
Cosette Schefelker
Tyler Schmaltz
Joshua Soldner
Jack Steinbach
Jenna Stonebraker
Allison Sundeen
Molly Teske
Sadie Uehling
Zac von Ruden
Ken Wang
Joseph Wichleman-Berg
Oscar Zarneke
Featured Student Profiles
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Katelyn Davis
Major: Mass communications radio, tv, film.
Certificate: The Certificate in East Central European Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Hometown: Ringwood, IL
Favorite GNS+ class?
Slavic 361 with Łukasz, all polish classes with Borowski
Favorite course from another department?
ComArts 345
What is your favorite memory from UW?
My favorite memory at UW-Madison was definitely all of the laughs in my Polish classes. Having a tight knit community in the Polish department really helps get past hard times!
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
I have learned that I can do anything I tell myself I can do!
What are your future plans and dreams?
I will be working for 9&10 News in Cadillac, Michigan starting this June! After my two year contract there, I would love to go to work for a Chicago based News station!
Any advice for incoming students?
Do not be afraid to talk to advisors! They will help you more than you know (Joanna is the best). Also, join clubs, and get involved! You’ll make so many memories.
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Bonnie Bonick
Majors: English – Creative Writing; Scandinavian Studies – Swedish
Hometown: Brillion, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
Anything with Susan
Favorite course from another department?
English 457: Topic in American Literature and Culture since 1900 (Focused on 70s feminism and queer movements)
What is your favorite memory from UW?
I think just getting the position for WUD Film Director and then all of the things that went into it this year have been really wonderful.
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
I’m trans and not a morning person.
What are your future plans and dreams?
I’ll eventually write a book, or something.
Any advice for incoming students?
If you hate it, drop it, it will never be worth your time.
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Allison Michaels
Majors: Supply Chain Management; Operations Technology Management
Certificate: German
Hometown: Hudson, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
German 372: Topics in German Culture
Favorite course from another department?
OTM 421: Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management
What is your favorite memory from UW?
Spending time on the terrace in the spring, either studying or just hanging out with friends!
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
I have a passion for working with people who have Alzheimer’s Disease, and ended up being the president of a club where we did volunteering and outreach.
What are your future plans and dreams?
Working as a supply chain analyst at Medtronic!
Any advice for incoming students?
Join clubs and try new things! You never know what you might like or where you might meet some of your best friends.
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Gustavo Meneses
Major: Horticulture BSc
Certificate: German
Hometown: Madison, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
GERMAN 269: Yiddish Literature and Culture in Europe
Favorite course from another department?
BOTANY 305: Plant Morphology and Evolution
What is your favorite memory from UW?
Visiting farms in Wisconsin with Amaya Atucha for HORT 345: Fruit Crops course, particularly the Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station.
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
I learned that I should look forward to better times, not let shame affect my self-worth and to find creative ways to perceive the outcome of situations.
What are your future plans and dreams?
I dream to develop forest gardens, connect people to their surroundings, inspire people to garden and find meaning in life, and provide my insights while fostering people to think for themselves.
Any advice for incoming students?
My advice is to explore campus, spend time walking around when you want to procrastinate and visit the UW-Arboretum for inspiration.
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Maddy McGlone
Majors: History; Environmental Studies
Certificates: Folklore; European Studies
Hometown: Madison, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
ScandSt 443: Sami Culture, Today and Yesterday
Favorite course from another department?
History 460: American Environmental History
What is your favorite memory from UW?
Giving a campus tour to a group of students visiting from Peru who had never seen snow before.
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
Work is easy to enjoy if you’re excited to see the people you work with.
What are your future plans and dreams?
I want to work in higher education administration!
Any advice for incoming students?
Meet with your advisor 🙂
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Mary Moczulewski
Majors: Russian; Economics
Hometown: New Berlin, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
Slavic 555 – Russian in the Media
Favorite course from another department?
Econ 410 – Introductory Econometrics
What is your favorite memory from UW?
Waking up at the crack of dawn and going for runs outside with Air Force ROTC. There’s something pretty cool about pushing yourself alongside your friends as the sun rises on Lake Mendota and you know that most of campus is still asleep.
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
Sometimes my plans sounded crazy, unattainable, impractical. However, everything I set out to do, I somehow managed to achieve (and met some incredible people along the way). Note for the future: continue to set these wild goals and life will take me farther than I ever imagined.
What are your future plans and dreams?
Commission in the Air Force, where I will continue to travel and use Russian language in my work. Also, turn pro in natural bodybuilding.
Any advice for incoming students?
Find a few things that you love and hone in on developing those skills. This will both make you highly successful and immensely happy.
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Zixiao Li
Major: B.A. in French
Certificate: German
Hometown: Nanjing, China
Favorite GNS+ class?
GER 372: Democracy, Gender, and Extremism in Contemporary
Germany
Favorite course from another department?
FR 948: Des animaux et des hommes
What is your favorite memory from UW?
Bicycling around Wingra Park when it’s sunny; finding the best beer bar in Madison; lying on Bascom Hill and watching the stars.
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
Finding literature as an anchor for me. It changes the way I perceive and experience the world; Always trying to get out of my status quo to give me a feeling of “nausea” in a positive way.
What are your future plans and dreams?
I am continuing my study at Cornell, focusing on 19th-20th century French, German, and Anglophone literature. My dream is to lead a spontaneous and full life. I love retracing the fin-de-siècle music of the twentieth century, especially Tokyo’s Shibuya-kei, Berlin, and London’s synth-pop. I want to visit these cities and involve in their subcultures to fully experience the nostalgic 80s and 90s.
Any advice for incoming students?
Hang on to what you are passionate about. Madison has excellent faculty in humanities disciplines, and make full use of your resources on campus. In addition, you will always meet students who share similar interests, and you can learn a lot from them.
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Brianna Hoey
Majors: Zoology; German
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
German 351- German Linguistics
Favorite course from another department?
Zoology 350- Parasitology
What is your favorite memory from UW?
Walking through Allen Centennial Gardens for the first time.
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
How to deal with change.
What are your future plans and dreams?
I want to be an exotic animal veterinarian.
Any advice for incoming students?
Talk to your professors.
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Kaitlyn Gillis
Majors: Psychology; German; Education and Educational Services
Hometown: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.
What are your future plans and dreams?
Pursuing a career in School Counseling at UW-Stout.
Any advice for incoming students?
Take risks, be yourself, and savor every moment!
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Teagan Benson
Major: Russian (Language and Civilization)
Hometown: Cumberland, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
1st Semester Russian (SLAVIC)
Favorite course from another department?
Law and Disorder in Russia (POLI SCI)
What is your favorite memory from UW?
I will remember how it felt to be on my dream campus. Sitting on Bascom Hill, looking down state street at the capitol, running along lake Mendota, and attending class in all of the beautiful, historical buildings was a surreal feeling. I will never forget the pride I felt as a Badger and when I return to visit in the future, it will bring me back to those times and restore my “why”.
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
I am capable.
What are your future plans and dreams?
Starting fall 2023, I will be attending UW-Madison to work toward a Master’s degree in the Russian, East European, and Central Asian Studies Program to advance my understanding of the cultural and political factors shaping Russia and eastern Europe. After completing my education I hope to serve in a government capacity by putting my linguistic and regional knowledge to use for the good of others.
Any advice for incoming students?
Be clear about your goals and remember why this education is important to you.
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Dylan Dees
Majors: English – Creative Writing; Scandinavian Studies
Certificates: Medieval Studies; Folklore
Hometown: Dodgeville, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
345 The Nordic Storyteller; 426 Kierkegaard and Scandinavian Literature
Favorite course from another department?
Folklore 352 Shamanism
What is your favorite memory from UW?
Working as a Tour Guide for the university.
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
I am enamored with stories and the human experience, in all its forms of expression.
What are your future plans and dreams?
Making my Madison-local band Monolith a household name.
Any advice for incoming students?
In one word? Opportunity. It does not matter who you are, what you like or dislike or even hate about yourself, when you walk into this university. At UW, anyone can become anything they want to be. There are few places that offer such unbridled freedom and potential for greatness. It can seem daunting at first, but take comfort that while you cannot do everything, you can be anything. All you have to do is go for it, and even if you stray wildly from your initial course and don’t end up anywhere near where you thought you would, you can stand proud and say you gave it everything you had. No one can take that away from you.
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Sophia Halverson
Majors: History; English; International Studies
Certificates: European History; Art History; Folklore
Hometown: Fitchburg, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
GNS 200: Folklore of Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe
Favorite course from another department?
ARTHIST 350: 19th Century Painting in Europe
What is your favorite memory from UW?
Being Editor in Chief of Souvenirs magazine, under the Wisconsin Union Directorate, and producing print magazines for students.
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
I gained a lot of self confidence, especially when I studied abroad in Ireland last year. I learned that I’m a lot more resourceful and competent than I give myself credit for.
What are your future plans and dreams?
I will be pursuing a Research Master’s in History at Utrecht University in the Netherlands in the fall. I might get a History PhD in the future and I also hope to write and publish some books.
Any advice for incoming students?
Take advantage of all the unique opportunities UW-Madison has to offer and study abroad if you can, because studying outside the United States can give you a new perspective on yourself and your future goals.
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Paula Filios
Majors: Economics (with Math Emphasis); German
Hometown: Alexandria, VA
Favorite GNS+ class?
Senior Capstone 2022: Kulturstadt Berlin with Sonja Klocke
Favorite course from another department?
Econ 455: Behavioral Economics
What is your favorite memory from UW?
Placing 12th in the country at the 2021 NCAA Division 1 Rowing Championships.
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
I learned that by combining work ethic and my prior knowledge I am capable of developing interdisciplinary solutions to challenging new problems.
What are your future plans and dreams?
After graduation I will be moving back to Washington D.C to work as a research analyst at NERA Economic Consultants in their Antitrust practice. I hope to someday live and work in Germany!
Any advice for incoming students?
Take courses that interest you, even if they are outside of your degree departments or requirements. Join clubs and organizations to develop a community on campus. Talk to your professors, they are super interesting people!
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Joseph Wichleman-Berg
Major: French
Certificates: Folklore and European Studies
Hometown: Osceola, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
All of them! Especially 443 (Sami Culture), 347 (Kalevala and Finnish Culture), 352 (Shamanism), and 315 (Internet Culture, or Memes the Class)!
Favorite course from another department?
Hmmm, French/African 440 (Subsaharan Western Francophone African Film) with Vlad Dima, i.e., the most stylish professor.
What is your favorite memory from UW?
Definitely not Zoom University, that’s for sure. But I can’t say which memory is my favorite because I have a lot of memories I’m quite fond of.
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
That I have a passion for folklore!
What are your future plans and dreams?
Well, I want to be a French professor and folklorist, but also a soccer coach/manager… so we’ll see what happens!
Any advice for incoming students?
Take. A. Folklore. Class. Seriously, take one! But don’t be afraid to stumble and lose your way, most of us don’t know what the heck we’re doing still!
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Emily Fitzsimmons
Major: Communication Arts in Radio, Television, and Film
Certificates: Folklore and Digital Cinema Production
Hometown: Stoughton, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
German Fairytales
Favorite course from another department?
CA659/609 Special Topics in Production
What is your favorite memory from UW?
Getting the opportunity to work with the Athletics team as a part of their video media team.
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
I am capable of everything I set my mind to.
What are your future plans and dreams?
I am planning to work in the sports production industry and hope to one day work in the movie production industry.
Any advice for incoming students?
Do not be afraid to do what you want to do. Too many people go to school and feel stuck with that one decision you made when you were 18. It’s okay to change your mind and do what makes you happy.
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Sadie Uehling
Major: International Studies; Scandinavian Studies
Hometown: Shullsburg, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
Scandinavian Studies 439: Nordic Filmmakers
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Mattigan Mott
Major: Bachelors of Science in Nursing
Certificate: Folklore
Hometown: Waunakee, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
LitTrans 329: The Vampire in Literature and Film
Favorite course from another department?
Nursing 437: Social Justice in Local and Global Settings
What is your favorite memory from UW?
One of my favorite UW memories is from helping organize the Cultural Connections Research Symposium in the Spring of 2022. We invited a Polka band, Richie Yurkovich and Polkarioty, to perform their music and teach us all how to polka dance. It was so much fun and something I will never forget!
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
I learned that I love hearing and sharing stories with others, and how important these stories are to better understand ourselves and the world around us.
What are your future plans and dreams?
I am moving to Washington DC and working as a nurse at Georgetown Hospital on an oncology, hematology, and bone marrow transplant unit. One day, I want to return to rural Wisconsin and help improve healthcare access for people living in rural areas.
Any advice for incoming students?
Be open to new experiences and embrace unique opportunities– they will help you grow as a person and learn more about who you are. Also, don’t forget to take time for yourself, engage in self-care, and protect your mental well-being.
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Hailey LeMaster
Majors: German; Health Promotion Health equity
Hometown: Mukwonago, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
German 352 with Louden, the Amish class
Favorite course from another department?
COUNPSY 237
What is your favorite memory from UW?
Working on homework with a big group of friends on the terrace!
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
I learned to be kind to myself, and to surround myself with people who are kind to me as well. There is nothing more important than having good people you can rely on.
What are your future plans and dreams?
I hope to move to Germany for some time and really immerse myself in the culture. After that, I would love to work as the disability consultant for large festivals or for sporting events, to make sure that these events are accessible and able to be enjoyed by everyone.
Any advice for incoming students?
Work hard, but make sure you keep your head above water and make time for yourself. It’s okay to ask for help!
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Molly Teske
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Certificate: German
Hometown: Pewaukee, WI
Favorite GNS+ class?
Austrian Culture
Favorite course from another department?
Woodworking II
What is your favorite memory from UW?
Petting the emotional support dogs during finals week.
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
I actually like cake if its good.
What are your future plans and dreams?
Move to Milwaukee, own a cat.
Any advice for incoming students?
Take at least one class purely motivated by personal interest and nothing else.
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Sydney Mueller
Major: Scandinavian Studies
Certificates: Folklore, Athletic Healthcare
Hometown: La Cañada, CA
Favorite GNS+ class?
Folk 430: Immigration and Indigeneity
Favorite course from another department?
HDFS 362: Development of the Young Child
What is your favorite memory from UW?
Getting the opportunity to work with a team of students from UW Madison and UW Eau Claire and the Center for Upper Midwestern Cultures to plan and organize an undergraduate research conference at UW Eau Claire in 2022.
What is something you learned about yourself in college?
I learned to be more confident both academically and socially and I discovered what my true passions are instead of following what people thought I should do.
What are your future plans and dreams?
I will be attending summer school at the University of Oslo this summer and one day hope to find a job that utilizes my Norwegian language skills before applying to graduate programs in Scandinavian Studies or folklore.
Any advice for incoming students?
Try everything that interests you! It’s okay to change your mind about your major many times until you find something that interests you, it’ll all work out.
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Allison Sundeen
Majors: International Studies; Environmental Studies; German
Certificate: Sustainability
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Favorite GNS+ class?
German Linguistics with Louden!
Favorite course from another department?
AAE 244: Environment and the Economy
What are your future plans and dreams?
I’m taking a gap year, during which I’m working as a gymnastics coach, then I’d like to attend law school or potentially look into a masters program in environmental policy (if possible in Germany)
Any advice for incoming students?
It’s okay to make mistakes, especially when learning a new language! Making mistakes is part of the learning process, keep putting effort into it and with patience and persistence you can succeed!