Kathryn Mary Rabuck Denk English Education Scholarship

Kathryn decided she would teach in the 1970s. She studied Education at UW-Platteville and graduated in 1982 when she began her teaching career. During her 38 year career, she taught in six different districts under widely varying conditions. She retired in June, 2021. In Dubuque and Marion, Iowa and in Pulaski, Wisconsin, she taught in buildings that included an abundance of state-of-the-art facilities, engaged and dedicated students and committed community and parental support. In Springfield and Rockford, Illinois and in Memphis, Tennessee, she taught in buildings that in many cases lacked sufficient resources, had many students unprepared to perform at grade level and a community that was often unable to provide adequate support. It is relatively rare for a teacher to work in such distinctly different environments. It is even more rare to move back and forth among the types of environments.

Kathy maintained amazing dedication and commitment to student development as she moved from district to district. She spent her entire career as an educator and earned the respect of her students and colleagues in a variety of diverse and challenging settings. It is hoped the Kathryn Mary Denk English Education Scholarship will allow Kathy’s enthusiastic support of student development and education, in-general, to continue.

The following criteria shall be used in the annual selection of the recipient(s):
1. Applicants must be continuing students
2. Applicants must be majoring within the College of Liberal Arts and Education
3. Preference will be given to applicants who are majoring in English Education
4. Preference will be given to applicants embarking in student teaching
5. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need