In May 2026, Dra. Luedke’s program social expanded into a department social, inviting M.Ed. and Ph.D. students to connect with each other and faculty they may otherwise never cross paths with. Doctoral students saw folks they had not seen since coursework, and graduate students had opportunities to engage with doctoral faculty; it was a night full of re- and new connections!
“Ugly” Sweater Socials
As Program Coordinator of the graduate higher education programs at both the University of Wisconsin -Whitewater (UWW) and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Dra. Luedke organizes a social at the end of each semester for students to be in community with one another and faculty outside of an academic setting. It is also a time to celebrate program graduates who have successfully earned their M.Ed. and persisted through the tough times!
The Winter Social features an ugly sweater contest… which has arguably turned into a best-winter-sweater contest over the years.
Courtney L. Luedke, Ph.D. 