Skip to main content

We're here to help.

Spending the day with some of the most involved students on campus can get anyone excited about coming to college. Our orientation assistants and Blugold Welcome leaders are the best of the best and are ready to welcome you to your new home. They’ll help you understand student life, answer your questions and will be a resource for you when you start classes.

  • Dylan Baker
    Dylan Baker (He/Him)

    Hey, my name is Dylan Baker (He/Him) and I’m a third year math education major. I am super excited to be an Orientation Assistant this summer so I can share all the amazing things this campus has to offer! On top of being an OA, I am a math tutor and I’ve done research for a couple years. In my free time I love to spend time outdoors, go on long walks, go hammocking and hang out with friends!

  • Maia Bergan
    Maia Bergan (She/Her)

    Hi All! My name is Maia (She/Her) and I am beyond excited to get to know you this summer! I am a third year Biology major (+ Sociology Minor), but I plan to pursue a career in higher education. At UWEC, I have been involved in Residence Hall Association, Honors, Chemistry Lab Tutoring, and I will be an RA with the Leadership LLC in Oak Ridge Hall. Outside of school and work, I love movies and sitting on Towers Field with my friends!

  • Drew Carruth
    Drew Carruth

    Sup, my name is Drew and I’m a 4th year ISC-PR major with a minor in multimedia communications. I was an RA for 2 years in Oak Ridge, I've was part of the Esports club my freshman year as the main DPS of the Overwatch team. I have gone on an immersion to central Europe where I had some class stuff to do but also a lot of free time to explore and learn more about the people and culture.

  • Sam Consiglio
    Sam Consiglio (She/Her)

    Hi everyone! My name is Sam (she/her) and I am a third year Geospatial Analysis & Technology major with a minor in Actuarial Sciences here at UWEC. Some things I’m involved in around campus include the Honors Program, Campus Ambassadors, & Student Senate. Some things I enjoy doing around Eau Claire include going to campus events and exploring new coffee shops in the area. I am so excited to meet you all and cannot wait to welcome you to UW - Eau Claire!

  • Madeline Cooney
    Madeline Cooney (She/Her)

    My name is Madeline Cooney (she/her) and I’m going into my Senior year as a Nursing major with an American Sign Language Certificate. Throughout my time here, I have been involved in the Eau Claire Student Nurses Association (ECSNA), ASL Honors Society, ballroom dancing, and Eau Climbers. In addition to my involvement on campus, I work at Mayo Clinic as a Tech Aide and walk dogs in the area. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, rock climbing, and traveling.

  • Alexia Folkman
    Alexia Folkman (She/Her)

    Hi all! I’m Alexia (she/her) and I’m so excited to be spending the summer welcoming incoming students to UW-Eau Claire! I’m entering my senior year as a Graphic Communications major with a minor in Marketing. I’ve found so much to love here in Eau Claire and feel so fortunate to share that with others! In my free time, I enjoy drawing and painting as well as spending time outside on my bike or with a good book.

  • Ida Fugoso
    Ida Fugoso (She/Her)

    Howdy my name is Ida (e-dah) Fugoso! I go by she/her pronouns, and I’m a Psychology major and Art History minor here at Eau Claire, and fellow Orientation Assistant! Starting college can be overwhelming, I’m excited to help incoming Freshmen with these anxieties as well as getting them excited for their new home away from home!

  • Lauren Garbisch
    Lauren Garbisch (She/Her)

    Hello Everyone! My name is Lauren Garbisch (she/her), I am a fourth year History Major with a Creative Writing Minor. I absolutely love it here at Eau Claire. I am involved in Student Senate, University Activities Commission, and I am an RA in Bridgman Hall during the school year. I hope I can instill some of the love I have for UWEC into this incoming class.

  • Izzy Geroux
    Izzy Geroux (She/Her)

    Hiya! My name is Izzy (Isabelle) Geroux (she/her). I am a senior Elementary Education major with a General Science minor, and this is my second year as an Orientation Assistant (OA). I love all the opportunities that UW-Eau Claire has given me! I love the Downtown Farmer’s Market, breathtaking nature scenes, volunteer opportunities, thrift stores, and roller skating. I hope that everyone has an opportunity to check out all that Eau Claire and the University has to offer!

  • Rachel Hamele
    Rachel Hamele

    Hiya! My name is Rachel, and I am a senior double major in Social Studies Education and History with a certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. I come from Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin and love being involved on campus with the opportunities available like research and immersion programs. I am also a resident of the Rainbow Floor LLC and a tour guide so say hello if you see me around!

  • Ava Hoffmann
    Ava Hoffmann (She/Her)

    My name is Ava Hoffmann, I use she/her pronouns, and I am a Spanish Education & TESOL major here at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire! I am so excited to be an Orientation Assistant; especially as an education major, I value helping set students up for success and providing them with the resources to explore their newfound college journey! My hometown is Elm Grove, Wisconsin, and something I enjoy outside of school is spending time outside and/or downtown!

  • Dylan Kraatz
    Dylan Kraatz (He/Him)

    Hello! My name is Dylan Kraatz, I use He/Him pronouns, and I am a Geospatial Analysis & Technology major going into my third year. I am originally from Waukesha, Wisconsin but have learned to call Eau Claire Home. Eau Claire is a fun, constantly active city, and UW-Eau Claire has given me countless opportunities to get involved and have fun. I am excited to welcome all incoming students to campus and show you all that UW-Eau Claire has to offer!

  • Giulia Lelli
    Giulia Lelli

    Hello future Blugolds! My name is Giulia Lelli, I’m a third-year Neuroscience Pre-Pharmacy major with a Spanish and Chemistry minor. I’m also an international student from Como, Italy! For me Eau Claire is home far away from home. I’m involved in the Powerlifting Club, Undergraduate Research, I’m an RA in Oka Ridge Hall, and I’ve studied abroad. I couldn’t be more excited to share all the wonderful things this campus offers! I can’t wait to welcome you to UWEC!

  • Megan Lim
    Megan Lim

    Hello! My name is Megan Lim and I am a third year Psychology major with 3 certificates (Chinese, Teaching English as a Foreign Language and Interdisciplinary Linguistics). I am an International student and I call Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia my home! I’ve gotten myself involved in many things during my year here whether they may be student organizations or checking out the resources available on campus and I am super excited to share my experiences with all you new Blugolds!

  • Maddie Martin
    Maddie Martin (She/Her)

    Hi everyone I’m Maddie Martin (she/her/hers) and I’m a third-year Environmental Public Health major at UW-Eau Claire! Home for me is Kronenwetter, WI but I’m super excited to be helping first-year students this summer feel welcomed and excited for UWEC! Outside of school and being an Orientation Assistant I am a part of the Blugold Marching Band and love being outside as much as possible, especially when it’s floating down the Chippewa River.

  • Carley Thiel
    Carley Thiel (She/Her)

    Hi! My name is Carley Thiel (she,her), and I am a Fourth Year Elementary Education Major! My hometown is Green Bay, WI. I love meeting new people and sharing my love and knowledge of UW Eau Claire. I am looking forward to being an Orientation Assistant because I adore helping others, and I am so excited to welcome you to the best city ever! Aside from being an OA, I work in the Center for Writing Excellence. Roll Golds!

  • Aleah Vetsch
    Aleah Vetsch

    I am Aleah Vetsch, and I am a second-year student majoring in human resource management with a minor in psychology and leadership certificate. I am from Silver Lake, MN, but Eau Claire has quickly become a second home for me. I am involved in two business organizations, Newman Catholic, the University Honors Program and work as the event coordinator for honors! I am excited to share my love for UWEC with incoming students and provide support during this transition.

2023 OAs having a funny photo

Being an orientation assistant was one of the most fun, rewarding, and impactful jobs I’ve ever had. From working with the advisors, to developing your leadership and community building skills, to having the opportunity to welcome new Blugolds on campus, and of course making new friendships with your fellow OA’s, you are truly in for a fun summer!