Robert Steuck

This award was established to honor Dr. Robert “Doc” Steuck and his commitment to UWL and the La Crosse community. He believed in giving back to the community and this award recognizes a student who exemplifies his spirit of community involvement. Doc Steuck served UWL for more than 37 years as a distinguished professor in our Department of Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation.

Robert was born in Milwaukee but moved to La Crosse to attend college. As a student at Wisconsin State University, he majored in physical education and was a standout athlete in track and football. After graduating in 1953, he continued his education and also served in the military. He returned to La Crosse in 1956 and began his career in education. He held numerous teaching and administrative positions before retiring in 1993, including assistant dean of men, student union director, assistant to the chancellor and department chair. He was instrumental in the development of the Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation majors and helped coordinate the efforts to establish the Military Science Department. He helped plan 9 campus buildings and led classes which developed major community events, such as Wittich Hollow Haunted House. He received numerous professional and community awards, including the prestigious Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award, the top volunteer service award.

Dr. Steuck passed away in June 2019 at his home in La Crosse.