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The University of Wisconsin-Superior Alumni & Friends Foundation will honor five alumni, faculty and staff members for their accomplishments, service and contributions to the university during the 2026 Alumni & Friends Awards Luncheon.
The awards will be presented Saturday, Oct. 3, as part of UW-Superior’s 2026 All-Class Reunion. The Alumni & Friends Awards Luncheon is open to alumni and the public. Tickets are $25 each.
For the full reunion schedule, visit uwsuper.edu/Reunion. Additional information about the awards luncheon is available at uwsuper.edu/Awards.
Distinguished Alumni Award: Dr. R. Daniel Little ’69
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni whose professional success and personal journey inspire current and future students. This year’s recipient is Dr. R. Daniel Little, a 1969 graduate of UW-Superior.
Born and raised in Superior, Little earned double majors in mathematics and chemistry at what was then Wisconsin State University-Superior. He credits many professors, including Howard Thomas, Al Coward, Ronald Roubal, Donald Bahnick and Joseph Horton, for helping shape his academic and professional path.
“Each was a gifted teacher,” Little said. “Each was demanding and had high expectations. Each was a caring mentor, scholar and human being.”
During his undergraduate years, Little participated in the University of South Dakota’s National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Participation Program. After graduating, he earned his doctoral degree from UW-Madison in 1974 before completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University.
Since 2014, Little has served as a distinguished research professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he has held various academic positions since 1994. He also has been a visiting professor at universities in China, Germany and Canada.
A member of several professional organizations, Little has published more than 180 peer-reviewed journal articles and delivered more than 200 presentations in academic and industrial settings around the world. Among numerous distinctions, he is one of only three people worldwide to have received both the Heyrovsky Prize and the Baizer Award.
His current research focuses on the fundamentals of electron transfer.
In addition to his classroom teaching, Little has mentored generations of students. Under his guidance, 144 graduate scholars and 55 undergraduate students have received their first research experiences and gone on to careers in academia, research, dentistry, medicine, law, industry and military service.
Recent Alumni Achievement Award: Dr. William Zimmer-Wakeley ’17
The Recent Alumni Achievement Award recognizes graduates from the past 10 years who have achieved significant professional or personal accomplishments. This year’s recipient is Dr. William Zimmer-Wakeley, a 2017 graduate of UW-Superior.
Originally from Ladysmith, Wisconsin, Zimmer-Wakeley was highly involved on campus as a student. He studied abroad in Scotland and graduated with double majors in chemistry and biology.
After earning his degree from UW-Superior, he moved to Bloomington, Minnesota, to pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Northwestern Health Sciences University. He completed an externship with his hometown chiropractor and mentor, who later opened Imperium Chiropractic in Superior.
Zimmer-Wakeley returned to Superior in 2021 to manage the practice and has since helped patients throughout the region on their recovery and wellness journeys.
A former Swenson Scholar, he has remained active in both the university and local community. Since returning to the Twin Ports area, he has been involved with the Superior Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Superior and Superior Jaycees.
This fall, Zimmer-Wakeley will open his own clinic, Breathe Chiropractic, in Poplar, Wisconsin.
James Rainaldo Outstanding Mentor Award: Dr. Daniel Rust
The James Rainaldo Outstanding Mentor Award recognizes current and retired faculty and staff members who have made a significant impact on students’ lives. This year’s recipient is Dr. Daniel Rust.
Rust serves as director of UW-Superior’s School of Business and Economics and is a professor of transportation and logistics management.
He teaches courses in transportation fundamentals and economics, port and terminal management, and land, air, marine and international transportation management. The transportation and logistics management program remains one of the university’s most distinctive academic offerings.
Before joining UW-Superior in 2016, Rust served as assistant director of the Center for Transportation Studies and assistant teaching professor of marketing, logistics and operations management at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Rust also serves as faculty advisor for the Transportation and Logistics Student Club, helping connect students with industry professionals and career opportunities. He regularly accompanies students on club trips, coaches collegiate competition teams and incorporates facility tours and guest speakers into his courses. He also maintains strong connections with alumni through social media and professional organizations.
His dedication to students has earned recognition across campus, including the Students’ Choice for Outstanding On-Campus Teaching Award in 2024.
During his decade at UW-Superior, Rust has become known for his hands-on approach to student mentorship, engagement and leadership development.
Edward and Betty Kossak Service Award: Dr. Peter Nordgren ’74
The Edward and Betty Kossak Service Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions of time, leadership and support to further the goals of UW-Superior. This year’s recipient is Dr. Peter Nordgren, a 1974 graduate of the university.
Raised in Couderay, Wisconsin, Nordgren earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from UW-Superior before completing a master’s degree at UW-Stout and a doctoral degree from the University of Minnesota.
He taught and worked at Bemidji State University, where he helped build and manage public radio stations, before returning to UW-Superior. Following a 28-year career in a variety of university roles, Nordgren retired in 2013 with emeritus status.
In retirement, he has remained one of the university’s most dedicated volunteers and advocates. Nordgren served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, including a term as chair, and currently leads the Chequamegon Bay Alumni Chapter.
His service has included representing UW-Superior at regional legislative forums, researching and scheduling Throwback Thursday social media content, organizing reunion events for KUWS and other groups, and developing e-newsletters for online alumni.
Nordgren also played a key role in the university’s 125th anniversary celebration, which included recognizing 25 Outstanding Alumni and publishing the book Small, But Mighty: 125 Years of Leadership, Innovation and Tradition.
His commitment to alumni engagement extends beyond volunteer service. Nordgren has frequently purchased and donated event tickets so others could participate and continues to support UW-Superior initiatives through the Alumni & Friends Foundation.
Honorary Alumni Award: Laura Gregory
The Honorary Alumni Award recognizes individuals who are not alumni but whose service and impact embody the spirit of UW-Superior. This year’s recipient is Laura Gregory.
Gregory studied organizational management and communication at Concordia University and business administration at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Before joining UW-Superior, she spent 22 years with the U.S. Postal Service, serving as a postmaster.
For more than 14 years, Gregory has served as UW-Superior’s procurement manager and is known across campus for her professionalism, positive attitude and commitment to service.
“Laura is an inspiration to the university through her professionalism and the strong relationships she has built across campus,” said Dawn McMillan, Gregory’s co-worker and nominator.
As the university’s purchasing needs have grown in recent years, Gregory has continued to support faculty and staff while ensuring compliance with Universities of Wisconsin policies and procedures.
In 2022, she received UW-Superior’s Helping Hand Performance Award in recognition of her collaboration, customer service and problem-solving skills.
To nominate someone for a future Alumni & Friends award, visit uwsuper.edu/Alumni/Recognition.