BerNadette Lawson-Williams

It is an honor to accept the UW-L Multicultural Alumni Award. When I arrived on UW-L’s campus as a graduate student in 1996, I was confident that my life would forever change. However, I never realized the impact that I would have on my profession, the lives of those around me or that my contributions would lead others to their own paths of success.

Through UW-L, I have not only discovered that my purpose in life extends beyond my own personal and professional accomplishments, but that it also entails motivating and inspiring others to achieve excellence. UW-L has enabled me to open up a multitude of doors that have led to opportunities for others who have followed in my footsteps. I now realize that one’s walk to greatness often paves new roads for others to travel. With this in mind, I dedicate this award to those individuals who have paved a road for my success, as well as those whose lives I have influenced through my actions, words, and deeds. I also dedicate this award to the 2008 graduates who carry the pride and tenacity of UW-L in their hearts. May you be inspired to leave the Eagles nest with the conviction that you can change the world and that UW-L has prepared you to do so.

Lastly, I dedicate this award to those who have inspired me to achieve greatness: my husband Don, my loving parents, and a host of family and friends. I offer sincere gratitude to Dr. James Parker for his vision of establishing such a distinguished award in 1997 and UW-L for taking the time to recognize the contributions of its alumni. Again, I am honored to be named the recipient of the 2008 UW-L Multicultural Alumni Award recipient and remain committed to the excellence of my alma mater!