The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will recognize Carissa Menke, financial specialist in the cashier’s office, with the 2024 University Staff Award for Excellence. She is one of two recipients of this year’s award, which recognizes staff members who provide essential services to the university while demonstrating excellence of performance, personal interaction, and initiative and creativity.
“There are so many people on campus that would be deserving of this award, so it really means a lot to be recognized for my efforts,” said Menke. “It was quite a surprise, but I’m so honored and grateful.”
While the transition to college and the investment can be stressful to some, Menke hopes to help students and families understand their financial account, payment obligations and the resources that can assist with those obligations. She tries to work through their financial concerns, showing compassion for each student, whether they are currently enrolled or not. Menke says her goal, like so many on campus, is to help students succeed academically and assisting with their finances can do just that.
“[Carissa] comes to work every day with a smile on her face and always willing to help out the students and staff,” said Nick Rauch, director of student financials at UW-Platteville and Menke’s nominator. “She has taken the initiative every semester to continue to find better solutions and processes to assure we are consistently communicating to students about their bills appropriately.”
Although money can be tough to talk about sometimes, Menke feels that students should never feel ashamed or embarrassed for asking questions and seeking help. For Menke, assisting students by helping them work through their financial questions and concerns has been very rewarding.
“I really work to be empathetic to their situation, talk through the options and when we can come up with a solution – to see that sigh of relief or ah-ha moment on their face is always worthwhile,” said Menke. “It really feels good to help them in those moments.”
Menke will be recognized at the university’s annual faculty and staff convocation.