Lakeland awards Experiential Learners of the Year
Lakeland University celebrates the learning that happens outside the traditional classroom by awarding two students its annual Experiential Learner of the Year awards.
Award nominations were made by site supervisors for Lakeland students earning credit for work experience this school year.
Kitsembel was recognized for her work at ATI Physical Therapy in Sheboygan, where she has served for nearly two years. By the time she graduates this May, she will have logged 1,500 hours at ATI in a variety of roles serving patients.
Tony Gries, multi-site clinic director and physical therapist for ATI, said Kitsembel has developed into a valuable team member who helps train and assist new employees while building good relationships with ATI therapists.
“She treats everyone with respect and understanding,” Gries said. “Her ability to think ahead, as well as performing under pressure or stress, makes the jobs of our therapists easier. She doesn't get bothered by being busy or having to work with difficult patients. She takes every challenge as a way to become better.”
Lakeland Assistant Professor of Exercise Science Caleb Voskuil, Ph.D., has supervised Kitsembel in her ATI internship and worked closely with her as part of Lakeland’s Exercise Science Research Team.
“Succeeding in just one of these experiences at the level she does would be an incredible achievement,” Voskuil said. “But to perform at this high of a level in two demanding experiences that provide such a well-rounded development of her skills is one of one.”
Kitsembel will enroll this fall in Northwestern University’s highly regarded Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Bennin, a member of Sargento’s team for more than eight years, was recognized for his meaningful contribution to Sargento’s overall performance by ensuring that incoming materials consistently met quality and safety standards, directly protecting product integrity and operational efficiency.
“Jacob helped prevent nonconforming materials from entering production and supported sound disposition decisions,” said Rich Koller, operational quality supervisor at Sargento. “His work reduced risk, helped strengthened supplier accountability and supported continuous improvement initiatives.
Koller said Bennin demonstrates leadership, builds strong working relationships across departments by communicating clearly and supports cross-functional problem-solving efforts.
“By applying critical thinking skills to identify deviations from specifications and recommend corrective actions, including issuing nonconformances or initiating holds when necessary, Jacob responded effectively to workplace needs and contributed to maintaining the organization’s high standards for quality and compliance,” Koller said.
Lakeland’s Co-Op program invites students to complete up to 25 percent of their undergraduate academic credits through full- or part-time work and reflection at a Co-Op partner company.
