Health Care Administration Program at UWEC

Congratulations to Em McCabe ('27) for being named the recipient of the Gene Decker Scholarship!

Scholarship Criteria:​
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Demonstrated leadership within ACHCA

Congratulations to Laurie Edelman, Executive Director of Hammond Health Services, for receiving the Preceptor of the Year Award!

Congratulations to Mikayla Barber ('29) for being named the recipient of the Dr. Kevin Hansen Memorial Scholarship!

Scholarship Criteria:​
- A student majoring in health care administration who is active and engaged with the program.

Congratulations to Josie Smith ('26) on winning the External Relationships Poster Award with her poster titled, "Friendship Village Gives Back!"

Finalist: Ben Clarke ('26)

Congratulations to Addison Vollert ('28) for being named the recipient of the Dave Brenne Memorial Scholarship!

Scholarship Criteria:​
- Minimum 3.0 GPA​
- Demonstrates exceptional dedication to service in the health care field

🌟 Leadership Project Spotlight 🌟

Amber Yang (’25) at Apple Valley Village, Minnesota, worked to enhance the structure of end-of-life bedside procedures to provide emotional and spiritual support for residents, families, and staff members. Amber’s goals included fostering an environment of compassion and support by ensuring 100% of mentor staff members were trained on bedside service procedures and achieving a satisfaction rate of 85% or higher on post-procedure surveys. To accomplish these objectives, Amber reevaluated the bedside service procedures, educated mentor staff members, and added a procedure brochure to admission packets. Post-implementation survey results demonstrated measurable improvement, including a two-point increase on a five-point rating scale for bedside service procedures following staff education. Satisfaction among families, residents, and staff members also increased, with 57% of respondents reporting they were “very satisfied.” Overall, Amber’s project successfully strengthened end-of-life bedside procedures, helping ensure compassionate, emotional, and spiritual support for everyone involved.

Congratulations to Ainsley Barker ('27) for being named the recipient of the Civic Engagement Scholarship!

Scholarship Criteria:​
- Minimum 3.25 GPA​
- Significant involvement in civic activities

🌟 Leadership Project Spotlight 🌟

Josephine Weinand (’25) at The Marquardt, Wisconsin, worked to enhance bereavement care support processes by implementing a “Dignity Quilt” initiative designed to leave families with a positive and compassionate perception of the care their loved one received. The process includes covering residents with a dignity quilt during their final exit from the facility, reciting a prayer, and observing a respectful moment of silence. Josephine’s goals included improving staff satisfaction with the bereavement support process by 20% within four weeks and achieving an average family recommendation rating of 60% or higher. To accomplish these goals, she educated the hospice team, frontline staff, supervisors, and DON on the new process and ensured the dignity quit bin in an accessible location for all staff members. Post-implementation surveys showed encouraging outcomes, including an 108.72% increase in staff responses to the question, “how personally fulfilled is our post-mortem process for you?” Families also reported an average recommendation rating of 73.3%. Overall, Josephine’s project successfully enhanced the bereavement care support process for both families and staff members while ensuring each resident is treated with dignity and respect.

Congratulations to the HCAD graduating class of 2026! 🎓✨

Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance have paid off, and we couldn't be prouder of all you've accomplished. We are excited to see where your next chapter takes you and all the incredible things you will achieve. No matter where life leads, you'll always be a part of the HCAD family!

Congratulations on this incredible achievement, and best wishes for the future ahead!

Congratulations to Ava Knuteson ('27) and Adrienne Toberman ('27) for being named recipients of the Brian R. Schoeneck Scholarship!

Scholarship Criteria:​
- Minimum 3.0 GPA​
- Sophomore level or above​
- Graduated from a WI High School​
- Volunteer or work experience within a not-for-profit senior organization