Madison Reporter

Brelynn Bille and Josh Baston have been named the winners of the 2024 Theodore Herfurth and Teddy Kubly Awards for Comprehensive Undergraduate Excellence at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The awards, which come with a $4,000 prize, are among the oldest and most prestigious honors on campus.

According to a report by Doug Erickson, the awards, established in 1928 and supported by the family of Theodore Herfurth and Teddy Kubly, are given annually to seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievements during their time at the university. A committee comprising of faculty, staff, former award recipients, and a representative of the donor's family selects the recipients based on various criteria including academic achievement, communication skills, leadership in extra-curricular activities, and financial self-support.

Brelynn Bille, a graduating senior from Waupun, Wisconsin, will be receiving the award for her advocacy work in disability rights and her academic achievements in community and nonprofit leadership. Bille's passion for disability rights has led her to contribute to the establishment of a Disability Cultural Center on campus and to work with the federal Department of State on international disability rights.

Josh Baston, another recipient of the award, hailing from Woodbury, Minnesota, has excelled in materials science and engineering. Baston's research work and internships have garnered him recognition in the field, including being named an Astronaut Scholar and securing a National Defense Science and Engineering Fellowship to pursue a doctorate in aerospace alloy design.

In addition to Bille and Baston, eight other students were named finalists for the award. These finalists include Ashley Cheung, Charlie Fahey, Lina Godinez, Cayden Kirkpatrick, Kamika Patel, Ciboney Reglos, Sophia Schoenfeld, and Lucy Steffes, who were recognized for their academic accomplishments and contributions to various fields of study.

The article also mentions the retirement of Michael Liethen, who has been a part of the selection committee for 20 years. Reflecting on the evolution of the award applications and the caliber of the finalists over the years, Liethen expressed his admiration for the bright and accomplished students at UW–Madison who embody comprehensive excellence.

Theodore Herfurth and Teddy Kubly Awards continue to honor and celebrate the exceptional achievements of graduating seniors at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, recognizing their dedication to academics, leadership, and service within the university community.

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