ABOVE PHOTO: UW-Stout’s 2025 Wood Medallion and Outstanding Student Leader recipients
Alongside more than 100 of their peers, 16 University of Wisconsin-Stout seniors were awarded the Samuel E. Wood Medallion, the university’s highest nonacademic honor for students, for their outstanding leadership, involvement and service at the annual Leadership Awards.
Two Wood Medallion recipients were also named Outstanding Student Leaders of the Year: Katy Liester, professional and technical communication, of Menomonie; and Sophia Moore, applied social science, of Red Wing, Minnesota.
“Katy has been an involved student since the moment she stepped foot on UW-Stout’s campus. It seems impossible to find a space on campus that Katy hasn’t been involved in,” Liester’s nominator said, adding that her greatest leadership qualities are her ability to adapt and be flexible. “Katy never fails to make people feel included and comfortable. Katy thrives in any leadership role, but she has the unique skill of knowing when to let go and build others up to lead as well.”
Moore stands out as a leader due to her boldness, kindness, and compassion, which enable her to lead with both confidence and empathy, her nominator said. “As an advocate for student voices, Sophia is deeply committed to ensuring that students are heard and represented in all areas of campus life. She is determined and driven, always pushing forward to create meaningful change and opportunities for others. Through her leadership, Sophia has contributed significantly to the growth and development of others, encouraging them to take action, make informed decisions and become leaders themselves,” they added.
Less than 1% of full-time students receive the Wood Medallion. It is presented to seniors who have contributed to student activities and have demonstrated leadership and scholastic ability. Winners are selected by a committee of faculty, staff and students.
Liester: A leader in events management
Liester’s leadership experiences began with Blue Devil Productions, where she worked in three positions: communications director, homecoming and films director, and executive producer.
She has also served as the social media lead for the Involvement Center, as well as the administrative and programs student lead for a summer co-op experience. She thinks her leadership roles in the Involvement Center were pivotal in her development as a student and a professional.
“Through these opportunities, I accomplished more than what I thought I was capable of doing, from planning a celebrity Q&A for more than 700 attendees to creating a whole new points system to recognize the student leaders of our campus. I learned more about myself and gained a support system of friends and mentors that I will carry with me beyond my graduation,” Leister said.
“My leadership skills and accomplishments are all thanks to those who supported me as a student at Stout. I’m especially grateful for the professional staff, my teammates, and others who have supported me and helped me grow stronger in my leadership with each opportunity and role,” she added.
Liester will graduate in August and plans to find a career in events management. “I hope I can continue to grow and utilize my leadership skills to bring more events to different audiences and support others in their leadership development as a role model and mentor,” she said.
Moore: An advocate for student voices
Moore’s on-campus leadership includes serving as a student senator for the Stout Student Association, later becoming a vice chair, and now, director of Legislative Affairs. She is a civic engagement student lead at the university’s Involvement Center, a student orientation leader for incoming first-year students, and sits on committees, like the Student Retention Committee, all charged with maintaining a student-driven campus.
“Our campus is uniquely full of leadership opportunities, and our faculty and staff are so incredibly helpful in equipping you with the skills needed to become a great leader,” Moore said.
Moore will graduate in winter 2026 and hopes to continue her journey into public service as an intern or staff member for a legislator before applying to law school.
Leadership Awards
Leadership award recipients are selected by a committee of faculty, staff and students. Other Wood Medallion recipients were:
- Alex Cluphf, computer science, Kenosha
- Nathan Hammer, computer networking and information technology, Wisconsin Rapids
- Hailey Herzog, animation and digital media, Minneapolis
- Bailey Jacque, hotel, restaurant and tourism management; real estate property management, Thorp
- Francis Kaunda, business administration, real estate property management, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Emma Kronbeck, hotel, restaurant and tourism management, Red Wing, Minnesota
- Ella Lamppa, business administration, supply chain management, Eveleth, Minnesota
- Taylor Luxem, human development and family studies, Appleton
- Kiara Malloy-Salgado, graphic design and interactive media, Middleton
- Catherine Miller, graphic design and interactive media, Mayville
- Lucas Moreno-Martinez III, fashion design and development, Vesper
- Jeremy O’Connor, construction, Preston, Minnesota
- Rosey Silvano, business administration, Minneapolis
- Abbi Williams, early childhood education, Waupaca
Samuel E. Wood was a longtime assistant chancellor for Student Services/Dean of Students. He retired in 1991 and died in February 2013.
Additional awards presented were:
- In addition to Liester and Moore, Ava Allroggen was also named Outstanding Student Leader of the Year. Allroggen is a clinical mental health counseling graduate student from Minneapolis.
- Student Employee of the Year, three winners: Josilyn Farrier, Forest Lake, Minnesota, University Dining; Kiara Malloy-Salgado, Middleton, MSC design team; and Kenton Newman, Holmen, Math Teaching and Learning Center
- Student Staff Team of the Year, three winners: Student Center’s MSC design team; Writing Center’s peer writing consultants; and Student Counseling Center’s Wellness PROs
- Student Organization of the Year, two winners: Blue Devil Productions and Service Club
- Student Organization Event of the Year, four winners: Club Managers Association of America, Career Conference Hospitality Mixer; People’s Organization of Network Gaming, Classy-LAN; International Club, International Night; and Alpha Phi, Red Dress Gala
- Bill Siedlecki Advisor of the Year, two winners: Eric Brey, Club Managers Association of America; and Darrin Witucki, Stout Student Association
The award ceremony was sponsored by the Involvement Center, Stout Student Association and Career Services. Twenty students also received the Outstanding Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year Award.
