UW–Madison student Kat Schneider, who is graduating this month with a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation psychology, is the School of Education’s recipient of this year’s Ginsberg Family Award.
Since 2018 Ginsberg Family Awards have recognized outstanding student leaders. The Ginsberg family has chosen to offer these awards in honor of the late Dean of Students Paul Ginsberg in recognition of his profound impact on the campus community. These awards continue Dean Ginsberg’s legacy of transforming the student experience.
Recipients, who receive $1,000 and are honored at a reception at the end of the spring semester, are selected by various academic and student affairs organizations, including all of UW–Madison’s schools and colleges.
During her four years at UW–Madison, Schneider has synthesized her passions for mental health, inclusive physical activity, and the outdoors, serving as a leader and creating unique partnerships with community and campus programs. She served as co-chair of University Mental Health Services’ student advisory board and took the lead in creating a mental health resource fair.
In addition, Schneider worked with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and City of Madison to create a new program for clients of UW–Madison’s Adapted Fitness program, using adapted kayaks. According to Schneider, her work with adapted fitness and outdoors organizations have led her to “challenge (her) assumptions around what activities people with disabilities enjoy and the life experiences they have.”
Schneider plans to continue to advocate for people with diverse abilities in Washington state upon graduation.