Gail Schomisch created this scholarship, named in honor of herself and her late husband, Thomas P. Schomisch. Tom grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Kiel, WI and earned a B.S. degree in Dairy Science in 1966 and an M.S. degree in Agricultural Journalism (now LSC) in 1967. After graduation, he was named the first Director of Public Relations for Lake to Lake Dairy Cooperative, Manitowoc. In 1974, he accepted a position with the UWCenter of Cooperatives, UW-Extension on the UW-Madison campus where he developed education programs for cooperative directors, employees and managers. Upon completing a Ph.D. in Mass Communications in 1983, he also joined the faculty of the UW Department of Agricultural Journalism (now LSC). Professor Schomisch taught advertising, market research and marketing campaign courses, served as department chair and the National Agri-Marketing Association advisor. Gail earned her bachelor’s degree in education from UW-Madison in 1966. She owned and operated BUS’N, a local bus tour company based out of Verona, Wisconsin and worked as a substitute teacher and career day coordinator for the Verona Area School District.
Congratulations to our 2021-2022 Thomas P. and Gail G. Schomisch Life Sciences Communication Scholarship recipient!
Mia Warren
Major: Life Sciences Communication with a certificate in Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Chicago, IL
This scholarship is an enormous honor and I am so grateful to be able to be a recipient, as I am one step closer to achieving my goals. This will allow me to take more classes and participate in experiences that are directly related to my interests in advocacy work. Additionally, I will use these funds as I work towards graduate school, allowing me to work less and focus on leadership opportunities and student organizations to propel my career. Thank you so much for seeing my potential and for giving me the opportunity to advance my personal and professional development.
Future goals: Although I am still exploring, my career aspirations include maintaining a career with both a research and business foundation to create an organization that would fulfill the needs of individuals who struggle with mental illness and disorders who do not have access to ‘traditional’ services. These career aspirations keep me motivated and driven to fulfill my life goal of creating a healthier community for survivors of trauma. I would love to be able to make substantial impact on my community by providing free mental health services and resources to communities that may not have access. Additionally, I am very passionate about maintaining a healthy and ecologically friendly environment and aspire to one day start a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining the health of coral reefs and marine ecosystems in addition to my mental health advocacy.