Foundation Scholarships

Prechel, Ryan Community Service Fellowship

The fellowship shall be awarded to a UW-Eau Claire student or group of students who have a specific community service activity they wish to complete. The community service activity must directly impact the lives of those served and have a specific purpose and timeline. The fellowship may be used by one student for one specific activity or by a group of students participating in any of the organized service activities sponsored by the University, such as Winter Break Alternative, Summer Service Fellowship or other such programs. The project must be articulated through a plan of action in terms of the activity, any arrangements that have been made, the target audience of the service and the anticipated outcome. The fellowship award must be used to fulfill the service learning aspect on items such as supplies, materials, resources directly used in providing service to the target population and nominal travel and lodging expenses if the service activity is located outside the greater Chippewa Valley. The recipient(s) shall receive half of the grant at the outset of the activity and the other half when they complete the project and provide a report on the impact of their service activity.

An application form available in the Center for Service Learning must be completed and submitted to the Center for Service Learning. The application should include a letter explaining the service project and at least one faculty recommendation endorsing the service project.

April 16. The recipient shall have up to 12 months from the date of notification of the award to complete the service project and provide a report on the service activity.

Representatives from the UW-Eau Claire Center for Service Learning shall review applications and references and select the recipient(s).

Prior to the Service Learning Community Breakfast

The fellowship award shall be announced and presented at the annual Community Service recognition breakfast in the spring. The recipient(s) is expected to then represent a report on the service activity at the subsequent Community Service breakfast after the fellowship is granted.

The Ryan Prechel Community Service Fellowship was established by David and Nancy Prechel, Ryan’s parents, in recognition of Ryan’s exceptional career as a student leader at UW-Eau Claire. Ryan, who was an active participant in the UW-Eau Claire Honors Program, received his BS degree in computer science with a minor in business administration in 2005. While a UW-Eau Claire student, Ryan coordinated Honors Week activities for many collegiate honor societies, created and maintained honor society web sites, and was a member and leader of numerous honor societies. He twice served as master of ceremonies of the Honors Banquet. In addition, he worked as a computer programmer and web designer, was a student research assistant, and presented a number of research posters at Student Research Day at UW-Eau Claire. He also provided leadership for Habitat for Humanity and Two to Tango. After earning the rank of Eagle Scout, he continued his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America by serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster. The Prechels also have established the Ryan Prechel Scholarship at UW-Eau Claire to recognize students who demonstrate a balanced approach to their education focusing on excellence in academics, campus and community leadership and service to others. The Prechels seek to recognize and support students who have a passion for community service. The recipient is expected to send a thank you note to David and Nancy Prechel in care of the UW-Eau Claire Foundation. When possible, Ryan Prechel and/or Prechels will attend the Community Service breakfast to help in awarding the Ryan Prechel Community Fellowship.