Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is gearing up to celebrate the achievements of its graduating students at the upcoming spring commencement. Among them are individuals who have overcome various obstacles and made significant impacts in their respective fields. Here is a glimpse into the stories of some of the notable graduates of 2024.

Tim Fish, a citizen of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma, will be receiving his Ph.D. at the age of 51. Reflecting on his journey, Fish shared, "Education changed my life. Actually, I think it saved my life. It showed me a different way."

Brelynn Bille, an advocate for disability rights, has been instrumental in improving campus accessibility and climate. She has been a driving force behind initiatives such as the Disability Cultural Center on campus and the proclamation of Disability Pride Month in Wisconsin.

Lucy Steffes, Carl Shirley, and Yi Won (Paul) Chung have been recognized with prestigious Goldwater Scholarships for their achievements in mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering. Steffes, Shirley, and Chung have excelled in their academic pursuits and are set to pursue further studies in their respective fields.

Anika Horowitz and Jane Houseal have made their mark in the national media landscape. Horowitz has been featured multiple times in the Wall Street Journal for her perspectives on social and political issues, while Houseal serves as the Wisconsin 2024 Election Correspondent for Teen Vogue, capturing the voices of youth-led movements.

Chandra Chouhan, a daughter of immigrants from India, founded "Chup! Go Vote," a nonpartisan organization dedicated to mobilizing South Asian voters. Chouhan's work has successfully mobilized hundreds of voters on campus and beyond.

Jim Spoden, who embarked on a new academic journey during the pandemic, shared, "Without a college degree, my options were limited." Spoden is set to graduate with a degree in environmental science and life science communications, with a focus on addressing climate change.

Madeleine Allen, hailing from a military background, has dedicated her research to supporting veterans with psychological disorders. Allen's work at the Madison VA Hospital has focused on including family caregivers of veterans in healthcare settings.

Danielle Orie, a professional triathlete and law student, has managed a demanding schedule while excelling in both academics and athletics. Orie plans to work in the public-interest/nonprofit legal sector while pursuing her passion for triathlons.

Erin Vranas, the owner of Parthenon Gyros on State Street, has added "Badger alum" to her list of accomplishments. Vranas, who returned to complete her degree in management, has successfully balanced her studies with her responsibilities as a restaurateur.

Tenzin Phuntsok, who drew inspiration from his mother's resilience, will be earning a master's degree in biotechnology. Phuntsok's success is a testament to his family's sacrifices and the support of the Master of Science in Biotechnology Program at UW–Madison.

Naomi Lewis, recognized for her academic achievements and community service, has been a leader in advocating for the needs of engineering students and promoting diversity in the field.

Pranav Krishnan, a Truman Scholar, will be pursuing a master's program in international relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Krishnan's dedication to studying global issues has earned him this prestigious scholarship.

Pauline Ho, who began her graduate work with limited resources, will be receiving a Ph.D. in educational psychology. Despite facing numerous challenges, Ho's perseverance and dedication have led her to academic success.

Pilot Lee, a major in personal finance, has been dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through financial literacy workshops and community initiatives on campus. Lee's advocacy work has focused on sustainability, food insecurity, and financial education.

As these graduates prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives, their stories of resilience, dedication, and achievement serve as an inspiration to the UW–Madison community and beyond.