Marco Cortes-Lema, an accounting major at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, wants to see his fellow students succeed. A leader of several student organizations on campus and a former resident assistant, he strives to build community on campus and lift others up in their academics and their daily lives.
As a first-generation college student, Cortes-Lema appreciates how the university sets students up for success. Resources offered to first-gen students and accounting majors — like workshops and guest speakers — demonstrate the support that Cortes-Lema values so highly.
“They’re always trying to prepare you for whatever stage you’re at, at UW-Whitewater,” he said.
Encouraged by his family to continue his education beyond high school, Cortes-Lema chose to study accounting at UW-Whitewater because of the university’s accessibility. Affordable, within one hour of his hometown of Stoughton, Wisconsin, and home to Wisconsin’s largest business school, UW-Whitewater is the perfect fit for Cortes-Lema.
Through supportive professors, scholarships, and his own determined attitude, Cortes-Lema, who will graduate in May 2027, has forged his own path toward success. He’s been recognized on the Dean’s List several times for academic achievement, though it could be difficult at times with his busy schedule and rigorous studies.
“I don’t really ever give up,” he said. “It’s always the goal to make [the Dean’s List].”
Scholarships drive focus on student experience
As the recipient of several scholarships, he’s been able to focus on what he feels is essential — his academics and campus involvement.
When he received his most recent scholarship, the Thomas M. Smith Accounting Scholarship, Cortes-Lema couldn’t believe it.
“I never thought that, as a first-generation student, that [scholarships were] a possibility for me. Coming from a small town where they didn’t really help kids that were first generation or anything like that, it was a little surreal to see,” he said. “My hard work is actually paying off now.”
In addition to scholarships, UW-Whitewater supports students through hands-on learning experiences, including internships. As the University Center’s Enrichment Intern, Cortes-Lema creates events to expose students to new perspectives and to promote community on campus.
Cortes-Lema recently organized “Threads of Love and Friendship” to introduce students to Latin American culture’s emphasis on friendship during the Valentine’s Day season.
“I didn’t want people to feel lonely on that day. I want to show you how my culture celebrates it, so then maybe you look at it in a different way and you’ll be able to express yourself that way and meet new people,” Cortes-Lema said.
Though he’s now embedded in campus life as the president of Lambda Alpha Upsilon (Latino America Unido), vice president of Intercultural Greek Council, and general body member of Latinos Unidos (LU), Cortes-Lema didn’t always prioritize community on campus.
When he first arrived at UW-Whitewater, he worried his entire college career would be limited to the classroom, the library, and his dorm room, until he was invited to a Latinos Unidos meeting and realized the difference that community could make.
“Being first-gen comes with challenges, and I don’t want students to go through that alone. I want them to know that there’s people like me — not only me, but other people that want to help them,” he said.
In fulfilling this mission, Cortes-Lema, working with several other students, started a new chapter of the Association of Professional Latinos for America (ALPFA) at UW-Whitewater.
Founded in 1972, ALPFA operates at a national level to empower Latino professionals to make a difference in their local communities and in the global economy. It equips its members with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their professional fields.
“I want [our chapter of ALPFA] to be this foundation and to really start [students’] success or to show them what’s possible,” Cortes-Lema said.
Given his other organizations, his courseload, and all the hard work that goes into starting a new student organization of this scale, it hasn’t been easy, but Cortes-Lema is learning to balance it all and to rely on the community he’s built.
After graduation, Cortes-Lema plans to continue his education, either through a CPA (certified public accountant) license or a master’s degree in accounting. He hopes to continue his mission of help and support through opening his own accounting firm in the future.
Every experience and challenge Cortes-Lema has encountered has reinforced his passion for learning and confidence in his path to a degree.
“Anybody can make it, no matter where you come from,” he said.
Written by Abigail Dotzler| Photos by Craig Schreiner
Link to original story: https://www.uww.edu/news/archive/2026-3-scholarship-first-gen