Lakeland University announced on Mar. 9 that two students have received its annual Experiential Learner of the Year awards, recognizing their achievements in work-based learning outside the traditional classroom.
The awards highlight the importance Lakeland places on experiential education, with nominations made by site supervisors for students earning academic credit through work experience during the school year.
One recipient, Kitsembel, was honored for her nearly two years at ATI Physical Therapy in Sheboygan. By graduation this May, she will have completed 1,500 hours serving patients in various roles. Tony Gries, multi-site clinic director and physical therapist at ATI, said, “She treats everyone with respect and understanding. Her ability to think ahead, as well as performing under pressure or stress, makes the jobs of our therapists easier. She doesn’t get bothered by being busy or having to work with difficult patients. She takes every challenge as a way to become better.”
Caleb Voskuil, Ph.D., assistant professor of exercise science at Lakeland and supervisor of Kitsembel’s internship and research team involvement, said, “Succeeding in just one of these experiences at the level she does would be an incredible achievement. But to perform at this high of a level in two demanding experiences that provide such a well-rounded development of her skills is one of one.” Kitsembel plans to enroll this fall in Northwestern University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
The second honoree, Bennin, has worked with Sargento for over eight years and was recognized for ensuring incoming materials met quality and safety standards. Rich Koller, operational quality supervisor at Sargento, said: “Jacob helped prevent nonconforming materials from entering production and supported sound disposition decisions. His work reduced risk, helped strengthened supplier accountability and supported continuous improvement initiatives.” Koller also noted Bennin’s leadership skills and his ability to support cross-functional problem-solving efforts.
Lakeland’s Cooperative Education (Co-Op) program allows students to earn up to 25 percent of their undergraduate credits through part-time or full-time work experiences with partner companies.
