Mick Viney, assistant chancellor for student affairs, and his wife Rhonda, director of student housing, have set up their second scholarship at UW-Platteville—the Mick and Rhonda Viney Student Involvement Scholarship.

The scholarship will be awarded for the first time this spring and to one student who has fought against discrimination on campus.

The Vineys said they believed student involvement increases the quality of the college experience. By having this scholarship in place, they hoped it would encourage students to be in more activities around campus.

“Rhonda and I both were given opportunities because of our degree from UW-Platteville. We wanted to give back to the institution that has prepared us so well,” Mick Viney said. “We also wanted to give the scholarship to a student that is passionate and who has took a stand against sexism, racism, homophobia and ableism.”

Rhonda added that these topics are not easy to deal with and the experience a student has with them can help shape their future. They can be more successful and better citizens because they have dealt with the different cultures, Rhonda Viney said.

Both Mick and Rhonda are UW-P alumni, having received their bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Platteville. Rhonda is involved in many clubs and organizations along with being on the Homecoming Committee. She began her career at the university with Student Housing as an undergraduate resident assistant, working her way up to director.

Mick Viney enjoys being involved on campus. He can be found doing intramural sports, playing trumpet with the concert band and participating in different organizations.

Holly Kaiser, from the Foundation office, helped the Vineys set up the scholarship for continuing students.

“The scholarship is an incentive for students who not only are involved on campus but are advocates to stopping issues like sexism and racism,” Kaiser said.

The Student Involvement Scholarship is available for students who are sophomore status and above, who have demonstrated a commitment and involvement in addressing sexism, racism, homophobia or ableism, and for students that need financial aid. A three-person committee will award the scholarship.

This is the second scholarship the Vineys have set up for a UW-P student. The first was awarded to an incoming freshman from Milton.