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UW-Eau Claire photo by Rick Mickelson |
Shanna Berger
- Baldwin, Wis.
- B.S. in chemistry with a business emphasis
- What's next: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine
Any student planning to participate in college athletics might want to consult with Shanna Berger.
Berger, 2006 captain of the UW-Eau Claire volleyball team, knows what it takes to succeed in both athletic and academic endeavors. This year Berger helped the Blugolds win the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title and make it to the "Sweet Sixteen" in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division 3 tournament. She also earned Academic All-American honors, which recognize her athletic and academic achievements on a national level.
Her academic success at UW-Eau Claire, including a 3.94 grade-point average, helped Berger gain acceptance to two medical schools. She will attend the University of Wisconsin Medical School and participate in its new Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine program.
More on Shanna Berger
Future plans: I applied to medical school and have been accepted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as the University of Minnesota Medical School-Duluth. I plan to attend medical school in Madison, where I will be one of five participating in their new Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine program. The program is designed to train physicians of various specialties who plan to practice in rural areas of Wisconsin. After obtaining my M.D. from UW-Madison, I plan to practice in a small town; however, I am unsure what my specialty will be. Currently I'm interested in cardiology, orthopedics and family medicine.
What she liked most about her UW-Eau Claire experience: Over the last 4½ years, I've had many great times at UW-Eau Claire. It's hard to pinpoint one thing I liked best. I think one great thing about UW-Eau Claire is the people. I have met so many awesome people, some who I have maybe only talked to once, and some who are my best friends. Everyone here has been so friendly and willing to help. The friendships I've developed here are ones that have helped me get where I am and ones that will be with me forever.
UW-Eau Claire career highlights: As UW-Eau Claire's volleyball team captain, leading the team to the WIAC conference title for the 2006 season and making it to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament in 2005 and 2006 are two of my highlights while being at UW-Eau Claire. We had the opportunity to host the conference tournament as well as regionals this year, and the experience is one I will never forget. Playing in front of a home crowd in both the conference championship game and the regional championship game was amazing. We had so much support from our students as well as faculty. Although it was sad losing, I couldn't have asked for a better place than UW-Eau Claire to end my volleyball career.
Proudest college accomplishments: My proudest achievement while studying at UW-Eau Claire was being selected to the second Academic All-American team for the 2006 volleyball season. Not only does this honor my athletic achievements on a national level, but it recognizes my academic achievements as well. As a student athlete, so much time is dedicated to sports and it isn't always easy to stay focused academically. It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication on both ends, so being recognized for this honor has been one of my proudest moments.
Advice for incoming students: The best advice I could give is that academics are the reason you're here, but it's important to find a balance between academics and the social aspects of life. See what UW-Eau Claire has to offer and meet as many people as possible. This is the most fun time of your life, and it's over before you know it, so enjoy it. But always remember why you came to school: to get an education. Also, dress warm in the winter on the bridge.
Learn about other featured December 2006 graduates
