University of Wisconsin–Madison

Four L&S Honors seniors recognized as Dean’s Prize recipients

Niha Patankar and Amhitabha Shatdal with Dean's Prize awards
2026 Honors graduates Niha Patankar and Amhitabha Shatdal receive the Dean’s Prize.
Grace Benish and Zoe Kukla with Dean's Prize awards
2026 Honors graduates Grace Benish and Zoe Kukla receive the Dean’s Prize.

Four graduating seniors, all members of the L&S Honors Program—Grace Benish, Zoe Kukla, Amitabha Shatdal, and Niha Patankar—were named 2026 Dean’s Prize recipients, one of the college’s highest undergraduate honors. Each student was recognized for exceptional academic achievement, research, and commitment to community engagement, reflecting the values of the Wisconsin Experience such as curiosity, empathy, and purposeful action. Recipients meet rigorous criteria, including a high GPA and extensive Honors coursework, and are celebrated at the L&S Honors Commencement.

The L&S Honors Program would like to thank each of these students for their contributions to both the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the L&S Honors Program.  Read the full article from the College of Letters & Science.