Arlington Heights Students Earn Honors At Nebraska, UW-Whitewater

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — We're tracking higher education accomplishments from Arlington Heights students as part of Patch's ongoing College Credits series.

Here are some of the latest achievements:

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Jillian Wandler, a recent John Hersey High School graduate, was selected to join the latest cohort of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management.

The 2026 cohort includes a record 60 students, including 40 from Nebraska and 20 from other states.

Wandler was also selected for the university’s Honors Program this fall.

She is one of three Arlington Heights students named to the Honors Program:

• Maggie Berwick, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
• Matthew Kowal, College of Business
• Jillian Wandler, College of Business

The university said a record 830 students were selected for the Honors Program this fall, a 12 percent increase from the previous record class in 2025.

Students admitted to the program must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, involvement and contributions to their communities.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Joey Lampignano, an Arlington Heights native and St. Viator High School graduate, is competing for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team during the 2026 season.

Lampignano is majoring in business.

The Warhawks opened the season Sept. 5 with a 69-7 win over Carleton at Perkins Stadium in Whitewater.

UW-Whitewater finished 8-3 last season and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Championship before falling in the second round.

The Warhawks entered the 2026 season ranked No. 12 by both D3football.com and the American Football Coaches Association.