Friends of the Campus announces the 2025 Ken Grant Scholarship recipients

Jaiden McCauley and Keeli Kraemer

Friends of the Campus is honored to announce Keeli Kraemer and Jaiden McCauley as the 2025 recipients of the Dr. Kenneth Grant Memorial Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship, established in memory of the esteemed educator, Dr. Kenneth Grant, provides half tuition, $2,500 per year, to deserving students majoring or intending to major in English.

Keeli Kraemer is a 19-year-old college student who recently completed her first year at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County. A graduate of Sauk Prairie High School, Keeli was actively involved in soccer, show choir, theatre, and dance. Her favorite subjects—art, English, and music—have long served as creative outlets for self-expression.

Keeli’s path to higher education has been shaped by strength and determination. As a child, she spent time in both foster care and kinship care before being adopted at the age of seven by a supportive and loving family, whom she now proudly considers her own. This experience deeply influenced her goal to become an elementary school teacher and make a difference in the lives of children. Keeli is currently pursuing an associate degree in Arts and Science, with plans to transfer to UW-Platteville to earn her bachelor’s degree in English and Elementary Education. She also aspires to become a published fantasy and romance author. “This scholarship not only helps me afford college,” Keeli shared, “but it also validates my writing and inspires me to keep pursuing my dreams.”

Jaiden McCauley, a recent graduate of Baraboo High School, brings a powerful story of self-discovery and perseverance to her college journey. Unsure at first whether college was the right path, Jaiden took time after high school to reflect and ultimately found inspiration in her brother’s academic dedication. Encouraged by her sister Kaylin, a UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County alumna, and supported by her entire family, Jaiden made the decision to enroll.

Her academic journey began with College Writing I, taught by Dr. Katie Kalish—a course that proved transformative. With Dr. Kalish’s mentorship and encouragement, Jaiden gained the confidence to continue her education. "Dr. Kalish made me feel seen and valued," she said. "She helped me believe that I belong in college." Jaiden also credits the support of her mother and the guidance of faculty members like Anne Stoltenow for helping her thrive. She now plans to pursue a degree in English and is committed to continuing her academic success.

“We are thrilled to award the 2025 Dr. Kenneth Grant Memorial Scholarship to Keeli Kraemer and Jaiden McCauley,” said FOTC's president, Rebecca W Oettinger, Ph.D., J.D. “Both recipients have demonstrated resilience, dedication, and a passion for English that truly honors the legacy of Dr. Grant.”

The Dr. Kenneth Grant Memorial Scholarship was created by Dr. Grant’s wife, Mary Grant, to honor his memory and continue his legacy of fostering a love for English literature and teaching. The scholarship, administered by the Friends of the Campus, supports students at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County who show strong commitment to their studies and a passion for English.