This year the Rada Distinguished Alumni Award went to a strong advocate for diversity and social justice, both on campus and in the community.

The award, which recognizes UW-L alumni making exceptional contributions to their professions and communities, was presented to Thomas Harris, assistant director of Multicultural Student Services. Harris accepted the award during the Alumni Awards Reception & Ceremony Friday, May 11, at UW-L.

“Long ago, I was taught to always remember where one comes from and to give back to improve my communities,” says Harris.

His dad’s last words, spoken on his way to the hospital when Thomas was 8 years old, taught him what having an influence meant.

“Get your education, take care of your mother and be a good boy,” his father told him.

He lived by those words not only taking care of his mother and eventually earning a graduate degree from UW-L, but also becoming a leader at UW-L and in the local community.

Harris came to campus as a graduate student in 1988 and was hired as a hall director in 1990. After three years, he moved into the Office of Residence Life.

Retired Assistant Director of Residence Life Ruth Kurinsky says Harris quickly became highly respected by students, colleagues, administrators and community members.

“People actively sought opportunities to work with him and learn from [him],” she noted in a nomination statement.

Harris, ’01, became the assistant director of Multicultural Student Services in 2003, where he has provided support to students of all ethnic and economic backgrounds through advising and leadership. Harris says he strives to “guide students so they can make good decisions in their lives and be good citizens.”

Harris oversees seven multicultural student organizations. He is an adviser for the Asian Student Organization (ASO) and Students for a Free Tibet.

In the early 1990s, he was selected “Advisor of the Year” for UW-L’s residence halls for three consecutive years. An award, the Thomas Harris Monetary Leadership award, was established in his honor. It is given annually to an emerging student leader. In 2000, Wisconsin United Residence Hall Association (WURHA) renamed its Advisor Award the “Thomas Harris Advisor of the Year Award” after witnessing Harris’s dedication to assisting students.

Harris helped organize and promote numerous cultural events on campus and in the community. The Distinguished Lecturer Series has brought speakers such as Robert Kennedy, Jr., and Maya Angelou to UW-L. Harris also created the Multicultural Leadership Development Weekend, giving students the opportunity to interact with people of other backgrounds and improve their leadership abilities. He also transitioned a Martin Luther King, Jr., Day event from a campus-wide to a community celebration.

Former La Crosse Mayor John Medinger calls Harris a friend, as well as a key contributor to the betterment of the community.

“He has influenced and made life better for countless individuals over a long period of time,” notes Medinger. “He continues to do that today.”

Harris’s involvement in the community has ensured that La Crosse is a place that values and nurtures diversity, according to Kristin Koepke and Kate Poppe. Koepke and Poppe worked alongside Harris to host the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) in 1999. Harris is founder of the 7 Rivers Region Diversity Collaboration Initiative and co-founder of the La Crosse Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). These organizations, among the many others he works with, continue to make La Crosse a welcoming environment for all people, according to Jerry Kember, retired superintendant of the School District of La Crosse.

“In the end, it is the relationships formed, nurtured and treasured through life’s times of sadness and happiness, challenges and successes, and betrayal of trust and forgiveness that will continue to shape me who I am becoming,” says Harris. “It’s the care, courage, collaboration, making the best decisions, following-through, and standing-up for humanity and justice by giving, doing and impacting that are instilled in me.”

The award

Emeritus professor Ron Rada and his wife Jane established the Rada Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001. It recognizes UW-L alumni who are in the early to mid stages of their careers and making exceptional contributions to their professions and communities. The award includes a $2,000 scholarship given in honor of the recipient to a campus department for a student scholarship.

Thomas Harris’ words of wisdom

• Assess what’s missing, then use your courage to create what’s missing while realizing the potential benefits and consequences. Courage is the most significant attribute actually lacking.
• Find ways to impact everything you do with positive energy also thinking of the longevity in the results of your actions.
• Always ask for help and perspective. Only act alone if you absolutely must.
• Own up to your mistakes and move on, so others can do the same.
• Always expect the unexpected.
• Genuinely thank and recognize.

 

College helped this grad tune in to goals, dreams

Mobley says college took him for an unexpected ride — with some big twists and turns.

Employment for UW-L graduates is looking up

About 98 percent of UW-La Crosse undergraduates seeking employment found work within six months of graduation, according to a 2010-11 report.

UW-L’s Upward Bound Program to receive more than $2.1 million

Thanks to a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, 95 students a year for the next five years, will receive support from the Upward Bound Program at UW-La Crosse. The program received a grant for $420,258, which will fund the program for 2012-13. Funding for the next five years is anticipated to reach $2.1 million.

UW-L senior earns ‘Excellence in Promoting International Education’ award

A UW-L student from China is being honored for sharing her culture in La Crosse.

UW-L honored for tourism efforts

The La Crosse Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau has recognized UW-L for tourism efforts.

The bureau has honored the Athletics Department for continuing to host the WIAA State High School Track & Field Meet and for bringing the NCAA III national wrestling tournament to the city for the past two years. Next year, UW-L will host the NCAA III National Track & Field Championships.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for the great contributions that our program makes to the broader community,” says Josh Whitman, Director of Athletics. The award was announced at the bureau’s 37th annual meeting May 9.

UW-L baseball teams up with Loggers

UW-L and the La Crosse Loggers have announced an agreement in principle to provide for the long-term financial stability of the UW-L baseball program — and to raise funds needed to enhance the baseball facilities at city-owned Copeland Park. Officials from both organizations explained the plan at Copeland Park May 10. See the whole story at: www.uwlathletics.com/news/2012/5/9/BB_0509124122.aspx.

Retirement reception planned for Ginny Kreyer

A retirement reception will be held for Ginny Kreyer, Murphy Library, from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, in Murphy’s Mug. Kreyer is retiring from UW-L June 1 after 34 years of service. Refreshments will be served.

Targeting Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 in neuroendocrine cancers is topic of May 17 bioresearch forum

Dr. Muthusamy Kunnimalaiyaan, Department of  Surgery, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, in Madison,
will present “Targeting Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 in Neuroendocrine Cancers from 12:15-1 p.m. Thursday, May 17, for the monthly La Crosse BioResearch Forum.

Forums are held in the Overholt Auditorium, Gundersen Lutheran. The free forums are open to the public and are hosted by the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation.

Those attending should park in the Green ramp (see map) or use valet parking. Use the entrances at the north end and northeast side of the medical center.

Jeans Day is May 18; wear your LIVEMAROON gear!

UW-L is one of many local organizations that participate in the monthly “Jeans Day” sponsored by the La Crosse Tribune. One or two local charities or organizations are designated each month to receive our donations. In return for a $1 (suggested donation) UW-L employees may wear jeans to work Friday, May 18.  You may contribute even if you don’t wear jeans. Let’s show our community how generous we can be! In April our campus raised $77.

Also, the campus community is encouraged to wear their LIVEMAROON T-shirts or other maroon clothing.

The charities receiving the May contributions are:

• Coulee Council on Addictions – This organization provides confidential assistance, information, education and services to people of all ages dealing with substance abuse and other addictions.
• Couleecap — This organization fights poverty and promotes self-sufficiency for people in the Coulee Region. Couleecap identifies needs, mobilizes resources and provides quality services to people and communities in Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe and Vernon counties.

Drop $1 donations off with one of the following building contacts:

• Cindy Curran, 212 Cartwright Center
• Laurie Collison, 4206 Centennial Hall
• Laurie Malloney, Cleary Alumni & Friends Center
• Karen Ott, 2004 Cowley Hall
• Carol Beckerjeck, Eagle Hall
• Pa Moua-Yang, 115 Graff Main Hall
• Kathy Olson, 203 Mitchell Hall
• Chandra Hawkins, 220 Morris Hall
• Ingrid Iverson, 107 Murphy Library
• Ann Reman, Physical Plant
• Karen Kindschy, Student Health Center
• Vickie Bain, 120 Wimberly Hall
• Josh Kraft, 162 Wing Technology Center

If there is not a contact in your building, you can forward your donation to Jeans Day Coordinator Vickie Bain, Small Business Development Center, 120 Wimberly Hall. To become a building coordinator, contact Vickie Bain at vbain@uwlax.edu or 785.8646.

Shred day is May 19

Bring up to 100 pounds — about two large trash bags — of paper items and watch them get shredded for free at La Crosse Shred Day.

Altra Federal Credit Union, Confidential Records Inc.,  La Crosse Area Crime Stoppers are helping fight identity theft with safe, confidential on-site shredding.

Confidential Records Inc. mobile shredding truck will shred paper and file folders from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 19, at Altra Federal Credit Union 2715 Losey Blvd. S. Staples, rubber bands and paper clips do not have to be removed. Food items, three-ring binders, plastic or foam packing materials are not allowed.

Enjoy free refreshments, enter to win a personal shredder and more.

Dinner to raise funds for Hall of Honor

The Hall of Honor at Veterans Memorial Field and Sports Complex will get a boost from an upcoming dinner fundraiser.

The American Legion Post 52 will host the dinner from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, at its center, 711 Sixth St. S. The dinner features country-style pork rib dinner (plain, BBQ or with sauerkraut.) Tickets are $10 and available at the UW-L Foundation Office, Cleary Alumni & Friends Center or at Post 52.

 

Free two-week German language class for faculty, staff begins June 18; registration deadline is June 1

Faculty and staff can learn German as a new language or increase their level of proficiency  at a free two-week German Language Course at UW-L in June.

A faculty member from Goethe University in Frankfurt, UW-L’s German partner institution, will teach beginning and intermediate-level German from 10 a.m.-noon Monday through Thursday, June 18-28.

Enrollment is limited. The deadline to register is June 1. To register or for more information, contact Sandy Sieber  at ssieber@uwlax.edu.

Writing Center open this summer

UW-L’s Writing Center will be open during all three summer sessions to provide one-on-one tutoring for students in any course, on any writing assignment. Hours for summer are noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays;  noon-4 p.m. Thursdays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays; and 5-8 p.m. Sundays. For more information or to book an appointment, go to www.uwlax.edu/writingcenter.

Save energy between semesters; here’s how

Help reduce campus energy this summer. Here’s how:

• Turn off computers, monitors, printers, peripherals and other non-essential office, classroom and laboratory equipment.
• Turn off table lamps, general room lighting and other electrical items.
• Unplug and clean unused refrigerators; block the door slightly ajar to reduce odor buildup.
• Unplug chargers when they’re not charging; they draw energy whenever they’re plugged in.
• Close shades, blinds and curtains during unoccupied periods.
• Encourage others to reduce energy use.

Review more energy saving tips by entering the Saving Energy link at www.uwlax.edu/fpm/sustainability/index.htm. For more information, email dsweetman@uwlax.edu.

Jeff C. Bryan, Chemistry, presented “Radiation is Scary, and So Are You!” to the La Crosse-Winona sections of the American Chemical Society on May 4 at the section’s annual banquet.

Cecilia G. Manrique, Political Science/Public Administration, had her peer-reviewed review of the article “Design and Implementation of ‘Global Studio’: Remote Collaboration Environment with High Resolution Video Streaming Software” by Yasuhito Tsukahara, et. al. published in the April 25 issue of Computing Reviews.

John Porcari, Exercise and Sport Science, gave the keynote lecture “Separating Fact from Fiction in the Fitness Industry”
the Montana Worksite Health Promotion conference in Helena, Mont. on May 3.

UW-L’s women’s and men’s outdoor track and field teams won Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship titles May 5. This is the 27th outdoor championship in school history for the women’s team and the league-leading 48th title for the men’s team. It is the 22nd year in a row that the men’s team has won the WIAC outdoor championship. Head coaches are Josh Buchholtz and Pat Healy. See also www.uwlathletics.com/news/2012/5/5/MTRACK_0505121541.aspx and www.uwlathletics.com/index.aspx?tab=_trackandfield&path=wtrack.

 

Thank you, Adopt-A-Highway crew

Thanks to the UW-L Employee Adopt-A-Highway crew. It completed its first cleanup of the season Monday, May 7.

Employees, retirees and their families taking part included:

• Florence Aliesch
• Lori Anderson
• Joe Bolwahn
• Kjerstin Lang
• Angie Lee
• Brad, Gail, Nicolas and Merideth Quarberg
• Garth Tymeson
• Becky and Jack Yoshizumi

The group cleans up a more than two-mile section of Wisconsin Hwy. 33 through Middle Ridge. The next scheduled cleanups are June 25 and Aug. 20. The crew is open to all UW-L employees, retirees and their families. To join, or if you have more questions about the crew, contact Brad Quarberg, University Communications, at bquarberg@uwlax.edu.

For sale

Five bedroom home, three baths, finished attic, partially finished basement, forced air heat, more than 1,800 sq. ft., built 1949. Includes two refrigerators with freezers, two stoves, washer and dryer, push lawn mower. Detached two-car garage, additional off-street parking, fenced backyard, 1620 State St., across from Wing Technology Center and Morris Hall. $201,909 (less $5,000 to those who explain significance of list price). Available June 3. Contact Marcus at 507.227.7853 or marcuswalgrave@yahoo.com.

Honda Ruckus Scooter 2007, great on gas, $1,100 firm. Leave message for Shirley at 788.7350.

Two, four-wheeled walkers. One with small basket and tray and holding bag. $30. One red with reversible handles to push or walk. $75. Call Tim at 781.2740.

Patio set with four swivel chairs, round glass-top table, umbrella and stand. $75. Call Dianne at 781.2740.

Cosine Wherry 14′ 2″ cedar strip rowing boat with trailer. Rowe as single or double station boat. Trimmed in spruce, walnut and American chestnut. $5,200. Google “Cosine Wherry” for general images. Contact John at 608.386.9894.

Wanted

House to rent in La Crosse for family with pets. Seek house with fenced in yard within walking or biking distance from UW-L. Email Kate at krussell@uwlax.edu .

A UW-L student from China is being honored for sharing her culture in La Crosse. UW-L graduating senior Shayue Wang was awarded the UW-L School of Education: Excellence in Promoting International Education award Friday at UW-L’s Campus Child Center.

Wang, who knows how to play seven traditional Chinese instruments, has shared the music of her culture through two public concerts and a performance at UW-L’s International Banquet. She has also given traditional Chinese instrument demonstrations at several schools in the La Crosse School District, along with a demonstration Friday at the Campus Child Center.

The children were captivated as the rich, melodic tunes flowed from the instruments: the bottle gourd silk, bawu and xun.

Mao Zheng, UW-L faculty member and mother of a five-year-old girl at the center, is originally from China and plans to bring her daughter back home to China to visit over the summer. The two sat together listening intently to Wang on Friday.

“That’s why I’m making the trip this summer — for my daughter to get a global perspective,” says Zheng. “But not many other children have that opportunity. This is really great.”

Wang learned to play the bottle gourd silk, made out of a gourd, five years ago while living in China. The other two instruments she learned more recently.

Wang, an economics major, has many artistic talents. She also displayed traditional Chinese paintings in Murphy Library last semester.

“I’m very happy to help American students learn more about Chinese culture and music,” says Wang.

Art is part of Rep. Ron Kind’s annual competition

Artwork by Wisconsin Third Congressional District high school students can be seen at UW-La Crosse.

The 80-piece display is part of U.S. Rep. Ron Kind’s 16th Annual Congressional Art Competition, “An Artistic Discovery.” Organized by Kind and his wife, Tawni, the event brings together high school artists from throughout western Wisconsin to recognize the tremendous talent of the students.

Artwork submitted can be seen from noon-4:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, May 10 and 11, in the University Art Gallery in the Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine streets. A reception to recognize the students will be held in the gallery from 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, May 12. Winners of the competition will be announced. Admission is free.

The first place entry will hang for a year in the U.S. Capitol along with the works of other student artists from across the country. The second place entry will be displayed in Rep. Kind’s Washington, D.C., office. The third and fourth place pieces will be displayed in Kind’s La Crosse and Eau Claire offices.

 

 

Thanks to a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, 95 students a year for the next five years, will receive support from the Upward Bound Program at UW-La Crosse. The program received a grant for $420,258, which will fund the program for 2012-13. Funding for the next five years is anticipated to reach $2.1 million.

Upward Bound helps prepare high school students for the path toward a bachelor’s degree. It is one of the federal TRIO programs, outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

UW-L’s program is one of 964 program sites across the U.S. serving students whose parents did not obtain a four-year college degree and/or are from low-income families.

“Upward Bound opens up opportunities for many high school students to go to college who might not have believed it was possible,” says UW-L’s Upward Bound Director Kathryn Oganowski who wrote the grant. “It also helps parents who didn’t go to college feel less overwhelmed about knowing how to help their children attend.”

The program provides academic support and is designed to motivate participants to graduate from high school and to attend college. Each Upward Bound Program is tailored to meet the needs of people in its area. UW-L’s program is divided into two parts each year. The first provides academic support services through weekly advising and tutoring and through monthly Saturday meetings throughout the school year. The second part is a six-week residential high school program on campus during the summer. The intense program focuses on academic, cultural and personal development and career planning. Teachers from area schools teach the courses. UW-L students and staff tutor and supervise the students and live with them in the residence halls.

Student tutors and staff will oversee 47 high school students living on campus this summer from June 13 through July 26.

Upward Bound employs 20 to 35 UW-L students each year to help with the program, Oganowski says.

Find out more about the Upward Bound Program at UW-L at www.uwlax.edu/upbound/.

For information and photos from the 2011 residence program see also “Upward Bound: Campus program gets high school students on the path to college” at http://news.uwlax.edu/upward-bound-campus-program-gets-high-school-students-on-the-path-to-college/.

As an incoming UW-La Crosse freshman, Sean Mobley was 100 percent certain he wanted to one day design rollercoasters for Walt Disney World. He liked riding rollercoasters and he loved playing the ‘RollerCoaster Tycoon’ video game. It made perfect sense.

But Mobley says college took him for an unexpected ride — with some big twists and turns. It was a journey that ultimately got him on the right track.

“It wasn’t always easy and it wasn’t always fun, but it was a wake-up call to make sure that I was doing what I actually liked doing,” explains Mobley. “If you are not doing that, you are not going to succeed.”

It turns out learning the physics and engineering required for Mobley’s Disney dream job was not interesting to him. He didn’t like those classes and he struggled through them. The defining moment came when a letter was sent home over winter vacation his sophomore year. It said Mobley’s grades — notably two Fs in math and computer science — made him academically ineligible to return the following semester.

Mobley recalls staring at the letter and feeling like his Disney dreams were crumbling all around him. He didn’t want to tell anyone. His mind was flooded with thoughts of what to do next.

“I like to think there is a single moment in everyone’s college career — it is usually a very humbling moment — when you realize you are not the center of the world and everything is not going to be handed to you on a platter,” says Mobley. “This was my moment.”

Mobley decided to appeal the decision and succeeded in returning to UW-L the next semester. He thought back on some general education courses he liked and signed up for a Television Production class just for fun. Mobley had natural ability creating videos and says it was “a blast running around campus with a camera.” He took more classes in communications studies and film and his A grades eventually landed him on the Dean’s List.

“He is a student that is just a go-getter,” says Patricia Turner, faculty member in Communication Studies. “He always strives for excellence and is always is looking for ways to better himself.”

Mobley says Turner allowed him to use studio space outside of class to pursue extra curricular film projects. Other professors in Communiciation Studies and History gave him more tools and opportunities to pursue interests, including guidance in the application for two UW-L Undergraduate Research and Creativity grants. Mobley was awarded both grants, which allowed him to pursue more film projects. One project took him and his camera to Baltimore to create a TV documentary, “Francis Scott Key and the Battle of Fort McHenry.”

Mobley took up numerous other extra curricular activities, working as manager and executive assistant at the WMCM, the campus TV station. He also worked at the campus radio station, RAQ radio, and designed its website. For two years he trained and supervised Drake Hall desk staff as a desk coordinator for the residence hall. Most recently, he helped with programming to keep hall residents connected after the fire Sunday, Jan. 29.

“He is a source of wisdom and guidance for my team,” says Sara Tienhaara, Mobley’s Drake Hall supervisor. “I can’t imagine what this year would have been like without him.”

Today Mobley, 23, is a graduating senior in communication studies – broadcast & digital media with a minor in history. He has five Wisconsin Broadcast Association awards to his name. And the documentary on Francis Scott Key landed him the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Student Achievement Award – a national award distributed by the same organization that awards Emmys.

Mobley will walk the stage with his College of Liberal Studies peers May 13. But, prior to that, he’ll share his commencement address about how college prepared him for life.

“It took quite a bit of wandering through rocky territory to figure out what I was going to be,” he explains. “I know there is more wandering to come, but I feel much more prepared now and much more confident because I do have that end goal in mind and I know it’s a good goal.”

View Mobley’s award-winning video

UW-L graduates walk the stage Sunday, May 13

A total of 1,455 UW-La Crosse students are candidates for graduation, including 1,159 undergraduate students and 296 graduate students. Graduates will walk the stage during two separate ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 13, at the La Crosse Center, 300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse.

No reservation or tickets are required.

Two student addresses are scheduled at 10 a.m. Sean Mobley, graduating senior in Communications Studies – Broadcast & Digital Media, and Ka Lia Lo, graduate student from the Student Affairs Administration program, will give the student address.

At 2 p.m. UW-L Seniors Cassandra DeHaro and Rachel Boldt, who traveled to Costa Rica this semester as part of their Community Health Education program, will give a commencement address together.

All colleges will have a reception immediately following the graduation ceremony in the Ballroom. Graduate students will be in the Zielke suite one hour prior to graduation to meet with their program directors for formal placement of their hoods. Find more UW-L commencement details.

Ceremonies and times

10 a.m. – College of Business Administration; College of Liberal Studies; School of Education (including teacher education programs in Early Childhood-Middle Childhood, Middle Childhood-Early Adolescence, English, Social Studies, History, Political Science, Sociology, German Studies, Spanish); School of Arts and Communication (including teacher education programs in Art, and Music [Choral, General, and Instrumental])

2 p.m. – College of Science and Health; School of Education (including teacher education programs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, General Science, Mathematics, Physical Education, and School Health Education)

 

UW-L graduates walk the stage Sunday, May 13

A total of 1,455 UW-La Crosse students are candidates for graduation. Two separate ceremonies are scheduled at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 13, at the La Crosse Center.

How to throw less away on move-out day

On move-out day, don’t throw everything away! Consider donating good quality items to Dumpster Diversions.

Area businessmen to receive honorary degrees

Two prominent La Crosse area businessmen will receive honorary degrees from UW-L. Dave Skogen, chairman of the board for Festival Foods, and Donald J. Weber, founder and chief executive officer of Logistics Health, will receive the degrees during commencement.

Students invest in a new student center, future

Students were making an investment in their alma mater when they overwhelmingly voted in favor of a new student center in April, says UW-L Senior Sam Gavic.

Getting ready to move out?

For those living off-campus, here are some suggestions as you get ready to move out of your housing at the end of the semester.

UW-L lightens up with new, energy-efficient lampposts

UW-L will be a little bit brighter and more energy efficient by the end of summer, says Matt Lewis, executive director of Facilities, Planning and Management.

Interesting finds at a psychology professor’s rummage sale

Cabbage Patch dolls. Bottles of sand. Buttons from political events dating back 20 years. A psychology teacher can accumulate some random things over 25 years of teaching.

Students, faculty to ‘scream out stress’ during finals week

Typically, librarians ask you to be quiet. But that’s not the plan next week. Murphy Library’s faculty are asking students and others in the campus community to let out a good scream during a “Scream Out Your Stress” event Monday, May 7, at the Hoeschler Tower on campus.

 

Employees LIVEMAROON May 3

The second LIVEMAROON Get-Together was held Thursday, May 3, in the lobby of the Center for the Arts. Employees wore LIVEMAROON T-shirts, met colleagues, enjoyed  free beverages and treats, and won LIVEMAROON merchandise.

LIVEMAROON “Get-Togethers” are free and open to all. LIVEMAROON is a campus-wide effort to highlight the passion, friendship, community and pride found at UW-L. The initiative is coordinated and sponsored by Campus Climate, University Communications and University Police. The next LIVEMAROON Get-Together is scheduled for July.

News & Marketing survey winners announced

Thanks to everyone who participated in the online News & Marketing Survey and for your feedback on how we’re doing sharing news, announcements and information about upcoming events. UW-L student Benjamin Christopherson and Jennifer Hommerding, Counseling & Testing, each won a $25 gift certificate to the UW-L Bookstore by completing the survey by May 2 and entering to be included in the drawing.  If you haven’t provided your feedback yet, submit your survey responses by Friday, May 11. For the faculty and staff survey visit https://uwlacrosse.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eEBo4V3M5ulmPcw. For the student survey visit  https://uwlacrosse.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3f9LLz8VW4Mbi28.

Roadside clean-up planned for May 7

UW-L’s Adopt-A-Highway clean-up crew has set summer dates. The first clean up is Monday, May 7. 

Work gets underway around 6 p.m. at the intersection of Korn Clements Road and Highway 33. The more than 2-mile route on Highway 33 travels through Middle Ridge to Korn Coulee Road, near the La Crosse-Monroe county line.

The group meets for a potluck reception following the clean-up. Bring a dish to pass. Other summer dates are Mondays, June 25, and Aug. 20.

The crew is open to all university employees and retirees, and their families. Participants should wear appropriate clothing and gloves.

For more information or to participate, contact Brad Quarberg at bquarberg@uwlax.edu or 785.8572.

Remember to vote May 8

Get out to vote Tuesday, May 8, to elect party candidates for the Governor and Lt. Governor positions of Wisconsin. A recall election will be held Tuesday, June 5. Get more details on the Murphy Library Voting Resources page at www.uwlax.edu/murphylibrary/govinfo/voting.html.

Open forums to meet director of affirmative action finalists set

Open forums have been set to meet the finalists for the director of affirmative action position. Open forums will be held from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 9; Thursday, May 10; Monday, May 14; and Tuesday, May 15; in Port O’ Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Barbara Stewart is the chair of the search and screen committee. For more information, visit www.uwlax.edu/affirmativeactiondirectorsearch/

Training on UW-L’s recruitment processes to be held May 11

Learn about UW-L’s recruitment process for classified and unclassified positions, as well as limited term employment (LTE) at noon, Friday, May 11, in 102 Wing Technology Center at the final session of the Division of Administration & Finance Spring 2012 Training Series.

Madeline Holzem, Joy Gutknecht, and Deb Hanson from UW-L’s Human Resources department will discuss the recruitment process including search and screen procedures. The agenda also includes a demonstration of the PeopleAdmin system and an overview of the WISCJOB website.

All faculty, staff and students are invited to bring a lunch and join the discussion.

For more information about the Division of Administration & Finance Spring 2012 Training Series, visit http://uwlax.edu/af/SpringTraining2012.htm or contact Nizam Arain at narain@uwlax.edu or 785.6494.

Native English-speaking volunteers needed

If you’re going to be in La Crosse this summer and want a fun way to get involved and meet international students consider volunteering. UW-L’s English as a Second Language Institute needs native English-speaking volunteers to be conversation partners with the ESL students on campus this summer.

Conversation groups are relaxed and informal and will be held May 21-July 13. Groups meet Mondays through Thursdays for two 45-minute sessions, from 2:45–3:30 p.m. and from 3:30–4:15 p.m. ESL is looking for volunteers who can meet for two 45-minute sessions per week.

To apply, complete the online application at https://uwlacrosse.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_dmVx4q66mMnFpAM by Tuesday, May 15. For more information, contact Jacob Krueger at eslinstitute@uwlax.edu.

Hands On Technology (HOT) workshops to be held May 30-31

Learn about Desire2Learn Version 10, Google Apps and Apple iPads at a two-day, interactive, Hands On Technology (HOT) event.

Academic Technology Services will lead sessions from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, and Thursday, May 31, in Wing Technology Center.

There will be two noon-hour presentations. One will feature the i>clicker 2 student response system. In the second, Assistant Vice Chancellor Mohamed Elhindi, Information Technology, will discuss how Sudanese expatriates, including him, returned to Sudan to share their skills and expertise to assist government and improve education there. Elhindi will include numerous images of his experience in Sudan as part of his presentation.

Attendees can register for full or half-day sessions. Registration is limited and is on a first come basis. See the HOT event schedule at www.uwlax.edu/its/ats/hot. Register online for HOT at https://uwlacrosse.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_7Vt2NSJ9HiqTjw0. For more information, email ats@uwlax.edu.

 

Mark W. Chavalas, History, was selected to be on the Editorial Board of Vesita, Open Access Books, a division of Walter de Gruyter publisher, Berlin, Germany.

Tom Kernozek, Health Professions; Robert Ragan, Physics;  John Willson, Health Professions; and Jacqueline Southard, a doctoral physical therapy student; published “Comparison of Estimated Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tension During a Typical and Flexed Knee and Hip Drop Landing Using Sagittal Plane Knee Modeling” in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol. 33, pp. 381–385.

Kristin Koepke and Jen Snook, both Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning, presented “Confessions About Faculty Development From the Blended Learning Rookies” at the 2012 Sloan-C Blended Learning Conference and Workshop: Perfecting the Blend, April 23-24 in Milwaukee.

Matthew Mauseth, a UW-L senior Biology/Biomedical Science major, earned an Honorable Mention Award at the 16th Annual American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Undergraduate Student Poster Competition April 21 in San Diego. Mauseth was one of more than 200 undergraduate students from across the country in the competition. He received the award for his poster presentation in the proteins and enzymes category. The ASBMB Undergraduate Poster Competition is held annually on the opening afternoon of the Experimental Biology Meeting.

Ryan Perroy, Earth Science, and UW-L student Leah Schiller published “Campus Vermicomposting With Community Partners” in the April 2012 issue of BioCycle, Vol. 53, Issue 4, pp. 29-31.

UW-L’s baseball team has clinched the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship. This is the team’s first WIAC title since 1978. The Eagles will host the WIAC Tournament Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12, in La Crosse. For more information, visit www.uwlathletics.com/news/2012/4/30/BB_0430121154.aspx

Resignations

Joseph Jakusz, Research Intern, River Studies Center, April 22

Cindy George, University Services Program Associate, Institute for Professional Studies, May 4

Chao Vang, Custodian, Custodial Services, May 12

Remembering Steve Inglett

Steve Inglett, a lecturer in the UW-L Computer Science Department, died April 27 in an automobile accident near his home in Coon Valley. Inglett was one of three brothers who were computer science majors at UW-L during the early 1980s. He was a UW-L instructional academic staff member for more than 11 years. For a full obituary, go to http://lacrossetribune.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/steven-r-inglett/article_60bd7f54-9248-11e1-aa24-0019bb2963f4.html.

For rent

Spacious and sunny four-bedroom house for 2012-13. Two bath, large living room, open concept, sunroom in Wedgewood Valley.  State Road School. $1,200/month plus utilities. Call Francine at 785.5246 or Eric at 785.8423.

For sale

Kessenich floor loom and accessories  1950′s Cherry wood, four shaft, six treadle, plain beam, jack operated, 36″ floor loom. Numerous accessories: weaving class notes, diagrams, project instructions, book, weaving and thread samples. $500 or best offer. Call Laurie or Armund at 563.544.4331.

Wanted

Figure models for art drawing classes in fall 2012 and spring 2013. UW-L students only. $13 per hour. Email Binod Shrestha at bshrestha@uwlax.edu.

A total of 1,455 UW-La Crosse students are candidates for graduation, including 1,159 undergraduate students and 296 graduate students. Graduates will walk the stage during two separate ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 13, at the La Crosse Center, 300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse.

No reservation or tickets are required.

Sean Mobley, graduating senior in Communications Studies – Broadcast & Digital Media, and Ka Lia Lo, graduate student from the Student Affairs Administration program, will give the student address at 10 a.m.

At 2 p.m. UW-L Seniors Cassandra DeHaro and Rachel Boldt, who traveled to Costa Rica this semester as part of their Community Health Education program, will give a commencement address together.

All colleges will have a reception immediately following the graduation ceremony in the Ballroom.
Graduate students will be in the Zielke suite one hour prior to graduation to meet with their program directors for formal placement of their hoods.

Ceremonies and times:

10 a.m. – College of Business Administration; College of Liberal Studies; School of Education (including teacher education programs in Early Childhood-Middle Childhood, Middle Childhood-Early Adolescence, English, Social Studies, History, Political Science, Sociology, German Studies, Spanish); School of Arts and Communication (including teacher education programs in Art, and Music [Choral, General, and Instrumental])

2 p.m. - College of Science and Health; School of Education (including teacher education programs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, General Science, Mathematics, Physical Education, and School Health Education)

More commencement information.

On move-out day, don’t throw everything away! Consider donating good quality items to Dumpster Diversions. If you have any of the following items, bring them to one of Dumpster Diversion sites throughout the city. Please clean all items beforehand and sort your items into plastic bags for sanitation reasons.

Accepted: Dishes, pots, pans, silverware, glasses, cooking utensils, cookie sheets, clothes in good condition, shoes, furniture in good condition, non-perishable food, boots, coats, gloves, scarves, towels, bedding, bags, accessories, picture frames, stuffed animals, knick-knacks, books, CD’s/DVD’s, blankets, lamps, electronics, holiday decorations, DVD/Blue-Ray players, VCR’s, stereos, appliances, electronics

Not accepted: General trash, mattresses, box frames, hide-a-beds, reclining sofas, sectionals, torn-stained-or-damaged furniture of any kind, opened or perishable food.

Dumpster Diversion locations and times:

1021 Vine St. back parking lot:
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or until Salvation Army truck is full) Saturday, May 19:
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 20

1216 Pine St.
9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 15
8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 22

For free large item pickup, call one of these charities:
Habitat Re-Store: 608.785.2375
TLC Community Support Donation Center: 608.781.9111

Dumpster Diversion partners include: Olson Apartments, Wafer Food Pantry, Hunger Task Force, Easter Seals, Salvation Army, Dynamic Recycling, Benson Apartments, County Board Supervisor, Andrew Londre, City Councilwoman, Sara Sullivan

Two prominent La Crosse area businessmen will receive honorary degrees from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Dave Skogen, chairman of the board for Festival Foods, and Donald J. Weber, founder and chief executive officer of Logistics Health, will receive the degrees during commencement Sunday, May 13, at the La Crosse Center. Weber will receive his honorary bachelor of science degree at the 10 a.m. ceremony. Skogen will receive his honorary bachelor of science degree during the 2 p.m. ceremony.

UW-L’s honorary degree is give to highly deserving individuals who merit special recognition for exceptional achievement and distinction in a field or activity supporting the mission of the university.

 

Skogen

An Onalaska native, Skogen grew up excelling in sports and dreaming of coaching. While he didn’t end up coaching athletes, he has become a team leader among supermarket staff for more than 50 years.

Skogen worked in the meat department of his family’s Skogen’s IGA in Onalaska. In 1974 when the store began to expand, he stepped into store operations. He’s been a leader in the family business since, which has expanded into 16 Festival Foods stores statewide.

Skogen has achieved success in his business. He was named IGA International’s “Retailer of the Year” in 1989, and in 2005 received the honor of “Wisconsin Grocer of the Year.”

He has been successful in the community as well. Skogen has served with many non-profit and service organizations throughout the area.

Skogen and his wife Barb, a ’67 UW-L graduate, have been leading philanthropists. Among the projects they have supported: YMCA, United Way, Boys and Girls Club, Onalaska First Lutheran Church, and the UW-L Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex and Centennial Hall projects. The Association of Fundraising Professional – Upper Mississippi Valley Chapter named them “Outstanding Philanthropists” in 2007.

 

Weber

Weber’s Marine battalion in Vietnam had the motto “Whatever it takes.” Weber placed that motto on a plaque in UW-L’s Veterans Hall of Honor. Under that line, he added, “Exemplify our Motto.” Weber has.

Weber has led numerous, creative health service programs for more than a quarter century. His latest is Logistics Health Inc., which has become a world-class leader in military medical and dental readiness.

Under Weber’s direction LHI has grown from a handful employees to more than 900. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Defense gave LHI the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Freedom Award, the department’s highest honor given to an employer.

Weber’s connection to the military — he served in Vietnam from April 1967 through May 1968 and earned a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars — remains strong. Today, not only does his company assist veterans, but also it honors them. He generously supported the UW-L Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex and its Hall of Honor. He also supports an on-going program that provides scholarships for UW System veterans.

Weber and his wife, Roxanne, have established the Weber Family Foundation and are involved in various community service projects. Weber received the La Crosse Tribune’s Person of the Year honor in 2006 and the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce’s Community Service Award in 2012.