Sydney Erickson (she/her) serves as a Rec Well Manager and Rec Well Manager Lead for University of Wisconsin-Madison Recreation & Wellbeing (Rec Well). In this role, she oversees student supervisors and plays a key role in mentoring and onboarding new student managers. For over two years, Sydney has helped cultivate leadership and team development within Rec Well, with a focus on vulnerability, direct communication, and peer recognition. One of the most rewarding parts of her work is seeing student leaders grow in their leadership and inspiring others, which is a value that drives both her work and her studies. Sydney is entering her senior year at UW–Madison, majoring in Kinesiology and Life Sciences Communication, with aspirations of becoming a medical professional.
Matthew T. Hora is a Professor of Adult and Higher Education in the Departments of Liberal Arts & Applied Studies (Division of Continuing Studies) and Education Policy Studies (School of Education) and is the Founding Director of the Center for Research on College-Workforce Transitions (CCWT) at UW-Madison. His interdisciplinary work on active learning, organizational change, career development, college internships, and the nature of skills has been funded by the National Science Foundation and the Gates Foundation, and featured in the Journal of the Learning Sciences, the American Educational Research Journal, Harvard Educational Review, and the New York Times. In 2018 his book “Beyond the Skills Gap: Preparing College Students for Life and Work” won the 2018 AAC&U Frederic W. Ness Award for the best book on liberal education.
Dane Mattila is the Undergraduate Learning Center Manager for the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Originally from Michigan and trained as a civil engineer, Dane moved to Wisconsin to complete his master degree in higher education student affairs administration. Dane has previously worked as an academic advisor and has previous experience in residence life, academic support, and pre-college outreach.
Leah Rineck is the Director of Learning Success for the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She is the former Director of the Math Learning Center at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and the Course Coordinator for Foundations of Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Leah’s focus has been helping students learn how to learn math and other STEM topics. She incorporates the whole student in her approach to course development and tutor training. If her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family camping and hiking, or indoors watching movies and crocheting.
Kristina Rittel has worked in higher education for over 15 years and for the past 6 years has served as the Student Employment Manager in the Office of Student Financial Aid at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In this role, Kristina supports the Federal Work Study program as well as the student employment experience which encompasses approximately 10,000 students. Kristina is passionate about working with students and enhancing the employment experience for all students at UW-Madison. Prior to working in financial aid, Kristina served as an Assignment Coordinator for University Housing at UW-Madison. She holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point as well as a Masters of Science degree in School Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Kristina is very active in the regional and national student employment associations having presented at many of the annual conferences, served a 3 year term as President for the Midwest Association of Student Employment Administrators, and currently serves as the President-Elect for the National Student Employment Association.
Kasie Strahl serves as the Assistant Director for Student Engagement in the Office of Student Financial Aid at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In this role, Kasie strives to create a strong student experience by supporting the Student Success Services offered by the Office of Student Financial Aid; which include Success Coaching, the Be Engage Workshop Series, Peer-to-Peer Mentorship, and Basic Needs Support. Kasie also supports the student team that provides front-lines services for the Office of Student Financial Aid. Kasie obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Master of Science in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Indiana State University. Aside from creating opportunities for student development and leadership, her passions are her family, baking, crafting, and sports.
Alec Triggiano serves as the Assistant Director of Staff Training & Development for University of Wisconsin–Madison Recreation & Wellbeing (Rec Well) where he supports more than 1,200 student employees through leadership growth, workplace readiness, and career development initiatives. With over nine years of experience in higher education and recreation, he has a passion for empowering employees to pursue self-actualization by creating an environment that is built on learning, authenticity, and confidence. He believes that if you work hard for students, they will work hard for you. Alec received a Master of Education in Student Personnel in Higher Education from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management with a minor in Journalism from North Carolina State University.