UW-L Alumnus Magazine by Sanja Dojcinovic

Alumnus

Volume 36 Number 2 Winter 2010/11

university of wisconsin-la crosse alumni magazine

minds in motion Page 8.

Alumnus

Winter 2010/11 | Vol. 36, No. 2

UW-LA crosse Alumni Magazine

ON THE COVER

Graduate Student Jordan Becker, in the clinical exercise physiology program, tests a “Streetstrider,” an eliptical exerciser on wheels. With the facemask set up, Becker, Professor John Porcari and other campus researchers can measure oxygen intake before, during and after exercise. Sixteen different test subjects ride the Streetstrider until they tire. Then Becker measures their oxygen intake again, comparing the results with regular eliptical machine to determine the benefits of the new machine. Full story on page 8.

Editor Brad Quarberg, ’85 | Associate Director University Communications Art Director Sanja Dojcinovic | Print Manager University Communications

Writers Dave Johnson, ’92 Sue (Sullivan) Lee, ’82 & ’87 Brad Quarberg, ’85 Janie Spencer, ’85 & ’86

F E AT U R E S 8

Minds in Motion: exercise answer gurus

UW-L researchers are putting new exercise products to the test. Find out what works, and what doesn’t.

and the honorary degree goes to …

Grammy Award winner and alum Bill Miller took home another award: an honorary bachelor’s degree from UW-L.

A special gift

Longtime professor George Gilkey left a lasting mark on UW-L years ago when he published a thorough history of the campus. When he died last February, he left another mark: a bequest to the Murphy Library Special Collections department.

Kudos afloat

UW-L swimmer Chelesa Hoff was one of 30 finalists for the 2010 NCAA Woman of the Year.

WE ARE LA CROSSE

Their commonality is roots in La Crosse. They’re fellow alumni who do extraordinary things in their profession and communities. Meet four alums with great stories to share.

Photography Sue (Sullivan) Lee, ’82 & ’87 Brad Quarberg ’85 Editorial Assistance Florence Aliesch Keli Highland Greg Reichert Al Trapp Jeff Kerkman,’86 Kelly Nowicki, ’98 & ’02 The Alumnus is published in summer and winter for UW-L Alumni Association members and donors to the UW-L Foundation. Deadline for copy is April 1 and Oct. 1. Submit news items to the editor in the University Communications Office | UW-La Crosse | 115 Graff Main Hall | 1725 State St. | La Crosse, WI 54601 USA 608.785.8572 | quarberg.brad@uwlax.edu View past issues at: http://murphylibrary.uwlax.edu/ digital/uwl/Alumnus/index.html Production of the Alumnus is coordinated by the UW-La Crosse Alumni Association.

D E PA RT M E N T S Campus news Alumni News Foundation News Sports News Class Notes

3 11 14 18 33

www.uwlax.edu 2

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

campus news

from the editor

What makes you tick? — or tock?

Moving on up UW-L continues to climb in academic rankings

ver since I can remember, I’ve been interested in news. I’ve had the desire to find out about new things — and share that news with others. That’s what I went to college to study. And, that’s what I’ve been doing since earning my degree. We all have something that makes us “tick.” Some of us know what it is before we begin college. Others discover it on campus. Some find it during their first job. And, others continue the search throughout their life. But, with our La Crosse education, we’re adequately prepared. Thanks to caring faculty and staff, we have the needed background to pursue whatever makes us tick — or tock. Starting with this issue, we’ll discover what makes some of our alums tick. Who are they? What do they do? Where do they live? How did their UW-L education impact them? So, enjoy finding out about classmates and fellow alums. You’ll see even more reasons why you should be a proud UW-La Crosse alum.

W-L moved up to the No. 2 best regional university in the Midwest in U.S.News & World Report’s latest rankings. And, the magazine has recognized UW-L for its strong commitment to teaching. The latest rankings once again placed UW-L as the state’s top ranked public — and private — university in the Best Regional Universities Listing in the magazine’s “2011 America’s Best Colleges.” Among all public and private institutions, UW-L moved up three spots to No. 14. Last year, UW-L was No. 3 behind No. 1 Truman State University and the University of Northern Iowa, which fell to No. 3 for 2011. UW-L has appeared prominently on the

Brad Quarberg, ’85

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“We have one of the most talented and dedicated groups of faculty and staff in the nation.” Joe Gow U.S.News list for more than a decade — and among the top three Midwest institutions since 2002. “Our continued rise in these prestigious rankings is a powerful validation of our ‘Growth, Quality and Access’ program,” says Chancellor Joe Gow. “Because we’ve added approximately 90 new faculty and staff positions over the last two years, we’ve been able to provide an even more personalized learning experience for our students, and

U.S.News is acknowledging our success.” UW-L also appeared in the magazine’s “Strong Commitment to Teaching” listing, tying as the Midwest’s No. 6 university. The list includes universities cited by college presidents and administrators as having a faculty with an unusual commitment to undergraduate teaching. “As I always say, we have one of the most talented and dedicated groups of faculty and staff in the nation,” notes Gow. “And I know I speak for everyone in the UW-L administration when I say how proud we are to see their fine work singled out by U.S.News.” Get complete listings at www.usnews.com/colleges.

The la crosse Lantern Of all La Crosse traditions, the one that stands out as the most unique and memorable is the Hanging of the Lantern. In 1931, English Professor O. O. White introduced the tradition to welcome alumni back: “We’ll hang the lantern in the old college tower over the south door. You won’t need a key, the door will be open.”

The La Crosse Lantern is a point of pride to which everyone connected to UW-L can relate. The old lantern has aged gracefully, much like the university itself. But, its flame shines brightly as ever to rekindle fond memories of years past while lighting the way to the future.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

Feds award grant

LEFT: Professor Garth Tymeson, Exercise and Sport Science, is co-director of a $1.2 million federal grant to improve physical education programs for students with disabilities. Bottom left: Student Stephanie Mick, left, works with Jack Teegan on core strength and balance. Bottom: Project co-director Manny Felix shares a light moment with a child in an adapted physical program exercise.

Funding to improve physical education programs for students with disabilities

$1.2 million federal grant will improve physical education programs for students with disabilities and expand professional development for future adapted physical education teachers. The Center on Disability Health and Adapted Physical Activity in the Exercise and Sport Science Department received the grant to continue its nationally recognized work of preparing highlyqualified, adapted physical education teachers Professor Garth

UW-L is MILITARY FRIEnDLY: 4

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

G.I. Jobs put UW-L on its 2011 list of Military Friendly Schools. The list honors the top 15 percent of higher education institutions embracing veterans as students. “We’re honored to be recognized for working closely with veterans — those who have given so much for our country,” says UW-L Chancellor Joe Gow. “Our faculty and

Tymeson, co-director of the project, says along with improving physical education programs for students with disabilities, the grant addresses the ever-growing issue of obesity. “It’s important to help reduce and prevent obesity and sedentary lifestyles among this population,” he says. “Obesity and physical inactivity are even more of a problem among persons with disabilities.” The project will address obesity among other students as well.

staff recognize the importance of veterans and know that this group of students brings a high degree of maturity,

UW-L has a long history of receiving grants for adapted physical education programs. “We are a national leader in this field,” notes Tymeson. “Many of our master’s level graduates have progressed to complete doctoral studies and are now faculty at universities throughout the U.S.” Other project co-directors are faculty members Manny Felix and Patrick DiRocco.

diversity, leadership, and life experiences to campus.” The list was compiled through exhaustive research of more than 7,000 U.S. institutions last spring. See more at: http://www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/2011list.

a Euro model Uw-L Athletic Training program is taking the profession to europe

W-L has been selected to become one of the first U.S. universities to help bring the athletic training profession to Europe. The Athletic Training Program has received a $400,000 grant to send UW-L students to Germany and Spain in an effort to internationalize the field. The Department of Education funded $180,000 of the grant, which was supplemented by European partners from Goethe University of Frankfurt am Main, Germany, and the University of Granada, Spain. Chapman University in Orange, Calif., is the other U.S. higher ed partner. Mark Gibson, UW-L Athletic Training Program director, says the Sports Medical Athletic Therapist International Exchange will allow UW-L students to

“Colleagues in Germany have been positive and encouraging.” Mark Gibson

study in the discipline overseas for the first time. And, he expects the move to open the door to athletic training in the European Union. “Colleagues in Germany have been positive and encouraging,” explains Gibson. “They see the athletic training model to be useful as a health care model for people who are physically active.” Gibson says the new

agreement will allow at least three UW-L students to study in Germany or Spain during each of the next four years. As part of the grant, UW-L will host students from Germany and Spain. They’ll take athletic training courses and return home to help introduce athletic training. The first German in the program arrived on campus earlier this fall. Gibson says the exchange will enable students to gain insight into the healthcare and sports medicine cultures of a different continent. And it will allow faculty feedback on teaching styles, as well as opportunities for new research and scholarly activity across the Atlantic. See more about the UW-L athletic training program at: www.uwlax.edu/ athletictraining.

Top right: Frieder Krause from the University of Frankfurt, Germany, spent the fall semester at UW-L as part of an exchange program with the University of Frankfurt made possible by the Atlantis grant. Above left: UW-L senior and wrestler Mitch Artist tore his labrum and bicep tendon two years ago and goes to the athletic training room in Mitchell Hall for therapy. Krause performed a resistance exercise with Artist to improve Artist’s overall stability and neuromuscular control. Above: Krause supervises Artist as he exercises with a Bodyblade. The procedure’s goal is to make the shoulder more stable and is more effective if exercises are varied.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

Peter’s story Peter talen’s death in a fire brought light to the important issue of students and fire safety

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

hen UW-L theatre Associate Professor Mary Leonard approached Jim Jorstad, ’78, to create a documentary about theatre performance major Peter Talen, Jorstad had no idea the impact the project would have. Talen was killed in a Madison apartment fire in November 2007 when visiting his brother. Later it was discovered none of the smoke detectors was working. Leonard and Jorstad traveled to Madison to interview Talen’s brother, Andy, and several students involved in the fire.“I remember how gripping

“It will leave a lasting impression.” Jim Jorstad

the initial interviews were,” recalls Jorstad. The stories of how the fire started and how it impacted lives motivated Jorstad to drive to UW-Stevens Point one weekend to check on his

daughter’s college apartment for working smoke detectors. Although Jorstad’s daughter, Jena, reacted to Jorstad as being a typical overly protective parent, none of her detectors were working. One of her roommates had recently removed the battery after burning a pizza. “It was then that I knew I had to get this project completed,” Jorstad explains. Leonard and Jorstad obtained funding from the UW-L Foundation and the Theatre Department. Professor Emeritus Ron Rada and Dan Sweetman, in UW-L’s

UW-L student Peter Talen, below, from Plymouth, died Nov. 18, 2007, in a fire while visiting his brother in Madison. The death might have been prevented with working smoke detectors.

in his name

Environmental Health and Safety Department, obtained additional funding from UW System and the project was off and running. “Involvement in its production shows we can make a difference,” says Jorstad, director of UW-L’s Academic Technology Department. With today’s technology, the video is being seen worldwide. “The impact of the video is dramatic and it affects positive change,” notes Jorstad. “It will leave a lasting impression,” he says. “Peter’s Story” talks about who Talen was and his impact on those around him. The story

Because of Talen’s death, a smoke detector ordinance in his name was passed in Madison in March 2009. UW-L’s Theatre Arts Department and the Talen family have created a memorial scholarship in Peter’s name. The Peter J. Talen Scholarship — http://www.uwlax. edu/theatre/peter-talenscholarship.html — will help fund a first-year theatre major at UW-L. is told by people who knew him best — family, friends, teachers and students. And it illustrates what can happen when we forget about something as simple as a smoke detector. Kelly Shattuck, a friend of Talen who survived the fire, uses

the video in elementary education classes she teaches. She says kids are “simply stunned” when they see the story and quickly learn the importance of smoke detectors. Jorstad has received e-mails from across the country telling him how emotional and powerful “Peter’s Story” is. He encourages faculty, staff, students and parents to watch it. “It will leave a lasting impression,” he says. View the video at www.uwlax.edu/ats/ peters_story.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

minds W in motion

UW-L “exercise answer gurus” put popular products to the test. Learn what burns calories and what will only burn a hole in your pocket. e hear claims frequently that a new exercise product can help your athletic performance or tone your body. Are they true? UW-L researchers — faculty and students — are finding out for you. Professor John Porcari, Exercise and Sport Science, received a master’s degree at UW-L in 1982 and has worked on campus since 1989. Porcari, colleague Professor Carl Foster and other UW-L researchers have seen their work published in Prevention, Men’s Health and Sports Illustrated magazines as well as in the Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

They’ve tested an array of products, oftentimes for the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The organization promotes the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers against unsafe and ineffective health and fitness products, programs and trends. Since 1995, ACE has enlisted top researchers at major U.S. universities to conduct studies on fitness products and trends. Learn what works and what doesn’t from some of the recent products Porcari and his colleagues have tested.

Graduate student Jordan Becker tests a “Streetstrider,” an eliptical exerciser on wheels. It’s just one of the many new-to-the-market exercise products UW-L researchers test to find out if advertised claims are true.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

Exercise and Sport Science Professor John Porcari leads much of the research on exercise products. Porcari received the Award of Excellence from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) in 2010. “It’s the highest award in the world for what we do,” says Porcari, who was on the association’s board of directors for nine years and is its past president.

The Power Balance wristband

They’re everywhere. Professional and amateur athletes don the wristband to run faster, be stronger and more agile. The wristbands, made of silicon, zinc and silver, are touted as improving athletic performance.

Do the bracelets work?

NO!

“We have poof, on videotape, that it is snake oil,” Porcari says. Students wearing a simple wristband from Walmart performed as well as those wearing the Power Balance wristband. “When test subjects are asked to perform a test twice within a matter of minutes, they consistently perform better on the second test, no matter if they’re wearing the Power Balance wristband or a cheap alternative,” Porcari explains. “Because the first test readies test subjects for the repeat test, subjects perform better on the second test. They’re better able to balance or resist a force.”

Slendertone’s Bottom Toner EMS machine

“Sometimes being a mover and a shaker is not necessarily a good thing. If you’ve got a little bit too much moving and shaking going on, it’s time to get your muscles moving with Slendertone.” Advertisements for Slendertone’s Elctronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) machine promise to tone muscles — without exercise.

Can you improve muscle tone simply by using a Slendertone’s muscle stimulator?

YES!

Because of the high stimulation of the machine, it does increase muscle tone. “This is one of the better highquality stimulators I’ve seen,” Porcari says, “and it works. Using the EMS device 30 minutes a day, five times a week will produce some benefits.” Exercise works too, he says. You’ll get the same benefit exercising five minutes a day, five times a week. Read more at http://www. acefitness.org/getfit/studies/bottomtoner052010.pdf

Oxygen-Enriched water

Porcari led a study of 12 college-aged men and women randomly assigned to drink either 16 ounces of super oxygenated water or regular tap water while exercising.

Does oxygen-enriched water create more energy, as advertised?

NO!

Researchers found that drinking super oxygenated water had no measurable effect on the subjects’ resting heart rate, blood pressure or blood lactate values. “There are only two possible ways to carry oxygen in the blood, either bound to hemoglobin or dissolved in the plasma,” explains Porcari. “In normal healthy exercisers, hemoglobin is already 97 to 98 percent saturated with oxygen. Obviously, there is very little room to improve on this factor.” (From the February 2007 article “Benefits of Long-Term Ingestion of OxygenEnriched Water” at http://www.getthepitcher.com/ingestion.html.)

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

Left: Professor John Porcari, right, works with graduate student Jordan Becker during research of a “Streetstrider.”

below: From left, Human Performance Laboratory Manager Chris Dodge, Graduate Student Jordan Becker, and Professor John Porcari. With the face-mask set up and the oxycon mobil spirometry system, they measure the oxygen intake before, during and after exercise. Sixteen different test subjects ride the Streetstrider until they tire. Then Becker remeasures their oxygen intake. Becker also tests the subjects using a regular eliptical to compare results.

Toning shoes

Advertisements for toning shoes promise you’ll burn more calories, tone muscles, improve posture and reduce joint stress.

Will toning shoes really give you a better body?

NO!

“The rocker sole creates instability,” Porcari explains. “The theory is that because it’s unstable you will use more muscles, tone more and burn more calories. We saw nothing to substantiate that — no increase in calories burned or in muscle strength.”

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

Exerstriders

Maybe you’ve seen them: people walking around with walking poles who look as if they’ve lost their skis. Exerstriders ads boast the poles to be the “the world’s No. 1 fitness walking poles.”

Does walking with the poles increase oxygen uptake, heart rate and energy expenditure more than walking without them?

YES!

“I don’t know why someone would walk without them,” Porcari says, “except they solicit strong comments. When hecklers ask you where your skis are, just tell them that you’re increasing your oxygen uptake, heart rate and energy expenditure by approximately 20 percent more because of the poles.” Who needs skis, anyway? For more on Exerstriders, see http://www.walkingpoles.com/content/view/141/51 June 1997.

UW-L Alumni

A ssoc i at i on

2011 Calendar

A ll events on campus unless note d

February 4: Membership Committee Meeting 9: Political Science & Public Administration Alumni Event, Best Western Inn on the Park, Madison 11: Executive Committee Meeting 19: Alumni Association Board Meeting 23: Etiquette Dinner

A gift

alu m n i n e w s

to last

forever

March 4: Membership Committee Meeting 11-12: NCAA Division III National Wrestling Tournament, La Crosse Center 14: Furlough Day (offices closed) 21: Countdown to Commencement 21: Teacher Employment Seminar 24: College of Business Administration alumni event, Chicago

April 1: Membership Committee Meeting 14: Finance Committee Meeting 15: Executive Committee Meeting 25: Foundation Honors Reception 27: Accounting Banquet

May 6: Membership Committee Meeting 7: Alumni Association Board Meeting/Family Picnic 13: Alumni Awards reception and ceremony 14: Commencement/Flower Sale 16: Furlough Day (offices closed)

Details and more events at www.uwlalumni.org

arion (Vanderwal) Johnson‘s pageant, and the Women’s Recrelove for UW-L will last — ational Association. forever. “It’s evident that ‘The La Crosse Johnson, ’36, and her husband, Experience’ had a profound effect Ernest, named the on Marion’s life,” UW-La Crosse says Janie Spencer, Alumni Associaexecutive director. tion as one of 10 “We are grateful beneficiaries of that she and Ernest Thanks to Marion and Ernest their Revocable remembered her Johnson’s wonderful generLiving Trust. It’s alma mater in their osity, the Alumni Association the first estate gift trust. Thanks to will be able to grow and offer received by the their wonderful programs and services to association. generosity, the alumni and current students. A native of Alumni AssociaChicago, Johnson tion will be able to transferred to La grow and offer Crosse State Teacher’s College from programs and services to alumni and Northland College in 1933. She current students.” majored in physical education and For more information about was active in the Physical Educabecoming a member or making a tion Club, Outing Club, Band, Glee gift, contact the Alumni Association Club, Science Club and Anniversary at 877.895.2586.

it matters

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

And the honorary degree goes to … … grammy award winner bill miller

hree-time Grammy award winner Bill Miller received an honorary bachelor’s degree at the Annual Mid-Winter Commencement Dec. 19. “Bill is a musician, composer, world-class accomplished flute player, social activist, artist, public speaker and workshop facilitator,” says Communication Studies Professor Scott Dickmeyer. “He exemplifies what most of us at UW-L advocate. I, like so many faculty and staff members, hope our students use their talents to promote positive social change. Bill has shared his unique message of hope and reconciliation to audiences around the world.”

Faculty and alumni review candidates each year. The 2010 committee included: Amy DuPont, Tim Gongaware, Lise Graham, Bruce May, Brian Udermann, Lore Vang and Marcie Wycoff-Horn. Miller is the second person to receive an honorary degree from UW-L. Sandra Lee, host of the Food Network’s “Semi-homemade with Sandra Lee,” received the university’s first honorary degree in May 2009.

honorary degrees In spring 2008, the Faculty Senate approved guidelines for honorary, extraordinary and posthumous degrees. The honorary degree is available to only a select group of highly deserving individuals who merit special recognition for exceptional achievement and distinction in a field or activity supporting

the mission of the university. It may be awarded to a person who satisfies one or more of the following: • Eminence, in the course of a career, in some field of scholarship, public service, or an artistic, literary, governmental, religious, financial, or other endeavor.

See more at www.uwlalumni.org 12

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

•S upport for the university through the individual’s achievements and the mission or life of the university. • Reflection of the diversity of interests, backgrounds and concerns forwarded by the university community and the society and world served by the university.

back to school

A festive raffle

lumni and friends from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Florida, California, Colorado, Texas, Virginia and Canada purchased tickets for this fall’s Oktoberfest raffle sponsored by the Alumni Association. “We created a lot of awareness and were able to welcome thousands of alumni back to La Crosse,” says Janie Spencer, executive director. The raffle package, valued at over $850, included items for next year’s Fest: • Overnight stay at the Candlewood Suites • 4”x8” bar tile to be permanently housed on the Oktoberfest grounds • Four T-shirts • Five Oktoberfest buttons • A coveted pickle crock

All Greek alumni weekend set for july 22-24, 2011

lums from Alpha Omicron six social Pi, Alpha Phi, fraternities Alpha Xi Delta, and sororities Beta Sigma Chi, gathered in Delta Sigma Phi, July 2010, to Delta Zeta, Phi celebrate Greek Sigma EpsiLife and remilon, Sigma Tau niscence about Gamma and Tau college. Kappa Epsilon. The alums This year’s enjoyed a weekevent will feature end of activities Friday night pub on and off camcrawl (back by pus. Highlights popular demand), included a pub Alumni Greeks had fun at last year’s reunion, which included Greek Feast and a crawl, a hike up an encounter with Elvis. Mississippi River Grandad’s Bluff, cruise on the La the Greek Feast Crosse Queen. To has set this year’s reunion and a moonlight cruise on the volunteer, contact the Alumni dates for July 22-24, 2011,” La Crosse Queen. See photos Association at alumni@ says Janie Spencer, executive at www.uwlalumni.org/ uwlax.edu. Watch for more director of the UW-L Alumni photo_album.php?album_ details at Association. id=561. www.uwlalumni.org. Greek groups targeted in“The alums had such a clude: Alpha Kappa Lambda, great time, the committee

Mountain high Meeting

Andy Temte, ’88, Onalaska, won the package. Congratulations to Andy and thanks to all who participated!

uw-l on www.facebook.com/ UWLaCrosse

Denver-area alums got together for UW-L Alumni Association get-together at Rock Bottom Brewery in November. The great turnout showed how much UW-L continues to mean to alums even far away from La Crosse. Attending, from left, were: Row 1: Mandy

Nogle, ’08 & ’11, Hui Xie, ’11, Paula Ramminger, ’11, Maggie Gomez, ’08; Row 2: Bethany Kies, ’03 & ’11, Dana Jones Hornecker, ’85, Mary Jo Gerczak Jones, ’84, Lynn Slaga, ’86, Debbie Stratton Davis, ’83, Abby Schmidt Holtman, ’04; Row 3: Gracjan Szulc, ’11, Jerry

Spence, ’71, Cheryl Nitz, ’84, Cindy Meincke Molina, ’91, Ryan Kockler, ’06, Leah Herlache, ’06, Lauren Bennett, ’07, Kayla Henslin, ’09; Row 4: Robert Jecklin, ’73, Nicholas Madsen, ’03, Brian Olsen, ’00, Craig Jeske, ’02, Derek Kockler, ‘10 , Trent Joseph, ’07. UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/110

f o u n d at i o n n e w s

From left, Maggie McHugh, UW-L Student Support Services Office; Bee Lo, ‘92, Modern Languages instructor; and UW-L student Vong Lao. The three worked together to publish “Ka’s Garden: A Bilingual Children’s Book.” An initial grant from the UW-L Foundation got the project off the ground. Proceeds from the book will fund a scholarship for a UW-L Hmong student.

more bang for your book project begins with grant; proceeds will finance scholarship

uthors of a book about a young girl growing a garden in Laos hope the story not only educates, but also raises money for a UW-L scholarship. Funding for “Ka’s Garden: A Bilingual Children’s Book” began with a $1,000 UW-L Small Foundation Grant in spring 2009. UW-L masters’ student Maggie Lee McHugh, who works in the UW-L Student Support Services Office, received a Research, Service and Educational Leadership grant. McHugh drew from the research of UW-L students Pa Houa Vang and Ya Cha Thao who had received an undergraduate research grant to study Hmong culture, gardening prac14

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

“Ka’s garden is a place where the earth, plants, animals and people live together in balance and harmony.” Maggie Lee McHugh tices and language. Originally, they planned to self publish and continue developing the book using grant money. In the grant application, the authors promised to give a portion of the proceeds raised from the book to a scholarship for a UW-L Hmong student. In December 2009, McHugh

met with publishers at Universal Human Publishing to negotiate. The publishers were enthusiastic about publishing a book to help fund the scholarship, McHugh says. Along with using book sales, the group hopes to finance the scholarship with a raffle for traditional Hmong story/flower cloths known as “paj ntaub.” McHugh and Bee Lo, ‘92, who teaches in the UW-L Modern Languages Department, wrote the book. UW-L master’s student Vong Lao penned illustrations. “Ka’s Garden tells the story of a young girl’s first garden in Laos,” explains McHugh. “Through the experience, Ka

learns the value of growing a garden. She also learns respect for nature and the interconnectedness of the earth, animals and humans.” On a larger scale, “Ka’s Garden” celebrates the Hmong way of living in harmony with nature. “The story teaches patience, gratitude and the importance of sharing,” continues McHugh. “Ka’s garden is a place where the earth, plants, animals, and people live together in balance and harmony.” Find out more about the book at http://uhpublishing. com/ka01.html.

international impact

Darlene Joan Zielinski Parker January 22, 1943 - June 18, 2010

And you, my mother, there on sad height, Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Dylan Thomas (Regenedered)

A fund for social justice C

hildren and grandchildren of Darlene Joan Zielinski Parker, ’75 & ’90, built and installed this bench along the La Crosse River Marsh trails adjacent to campus this summer. Darlene, wife of Professor Emeritus Jim Parker, died June 18, 2010 after a 25-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Those by the bench include, from left, grandson Samuel Kratt, a St. Cloud (Minn.) State freshman; Sarah Kratt; Laura Abellera, currently a UW-L sophomore; and Jill (Parker) Colbert, ’87, mother to Samuel and Sarah. Jim has established the Darlene Joan Zielinski Parker Scholarship for Social Justice Fund through the UW-L Foundation. The scholarship will be awarded to an elementary education major dedicated to and involved in social justice. Applicants must submit an essay describing ways to implement a curriculum addressing racism, sexism and homophobia. Annual awards will be between $400-$500.

UW-L’s International students in 2009-10 contributed just over $8.4 million to the local economy according to NAFSA: The Association of International Educators. That’s the largest impact of any college in western Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District. UW-L’s 383 international students contributed an estimated $8,454,900 in tuition, fees and living expenses.

Director of International Education Jay Lokken says their economic impact continues to grow because of the school’s success in recruiting. While the economic impact is impressive, Lokken says the students’ effect on campus is valued even more. “I believe that the global perspective and diversity international students bring to UW-L, the community and Wisconsin are priceless,”

says Lokken. “The positive impact that UW-L’s international students are having on their classes, faculty, friends, the campus, area schools and community as a whole is invaluable.” UW-L maintains its fourth place rank among all colleges in Wisconsin having the most international students, behind only UWs Madison and Milwaukee, and Marquette.

Adding up for math majors

rofessor Linda Host was respected for her teaching and research during her 22 years in the Mathematics Department. Her legacy will continue with the Linda Host Memorial Scholarship Fund for Mathematics.

Her husband, Dave Bange, established the endowment following her death June 2, 2010. Recipients will be incoming freshmen considering majors in mathematics, statistics or mathematics education. They must have

demonstrated talent and interest in math by having at least a 31 math ACT score, along with participation in math or science groups or events. Annual awards will be $1,500.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

how to give to F O U N D A T I O N

Send memorials to the UW-L Foundation 615 East Ave. N. La Crosse, WI 54601 or go to www.foundation.uwlax.edu.

a special gift A

Professor Emeritus George Gilkey leaves bequest to Murphy Library

long-time professor who shared his love of history has assured others will experience local history for generations to come. The Special Collections Department at Murphy Library has received a $22,000 life insurance policy bequest from George Gilkey who died Feb. 9, 2010. “This is the largest one-time donation by an individual to Special Collections,” says Special Collections Librarian Paul Beck. “Our deepest appreciation goes out to Dr. Gilkey for his generosity and thoughtfulness.” Gilkey, who taught history on campus from 195483, was pivotal in establishing the Area Research Center (ARC) in Murphy Library in 1965. He helped negotiate the agreement between the university and the State His16

torical Society to establish the ARC as an official depository. Gilkey researched and published “The First Seventy Years: A History of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, 1909-1979,” the university’s first comprehensive history book. His research brought many archival manuscripts to the center, along with his own research papers, including notes and drafts of ”The First Seventy Years,” says Beck. He encouraged graduate history students to research local and regional history using materials in Special Collections. “During his lifetime Dr. Gilkey made tremendous contributions to Murphy Library and Special Collections,” notes Beck. “He was a friend to many who worked in Murphy Library over the years.”

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

a taste of new york

online history lesson Who was UW-L’s first president? Who was Whitney and why did they name a building after him? For years, those seeking campus history have turned to former Professor George Gilkey’s book, “The First Seventy Years: A History of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, 19091979.” Now it’s online at: http://murphy library.uwlax.edu/ digital/uwl/Gilkey/. Study up on UW-L history before heading back to campus.

The Food Network’s Sandra Lee will get more of a taste of NY politics. The honorary UW-L graduate who attended here in the ’80s and known for her “Semi-Homemade Cooking” has been the longtime girlfriend of Andrew Como, elected governor of New York in November.

new res hall is “eagle Hall”

campus construction on track

Centennial Hall is the first new academic building built on campus since Wimberly Hall (formerly North Hall) was built in 1974. The building featuring 44 classrooms and lecture halls will open in fall 2011.

Despite an early snowy December with cold temperatures, construction of Centennial Hall, the new academic building, and the new residence hall are on schedule. Both should open for the fall 2011 semester, says Matt Lewis, UW-L’s executive director of Facilities Planning and Management. “Good, concentrated efforts with all of the contractors are keeping us on schedule,” he explains. “Everyone understands our deadlines and are moving things along.” In November 2010, the campus community voted “Eagle Hall” as the temporary name for the new residence hall. Both halls could be renamed with substantial donations to the UW-L Foundation, with the approval of the UW Board of Regents.

Eagle Hall is the name selected by the campus community for the new residence hall being built on the former Coate Field. The building is scheduled to open in fall 2011.

See Centennial Hall progress live at:

http://www.uwlax.edu/edtech/centennial-hall/ See Eagle Hall progress live at:

http://www.uwlax.edu/residencehall/

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

sports news

Six added to wall of fame The Wall of Fame pays tribute to former athletes and coaches for their exceptional ability and enhancement of school tradition. Those inducted during Family, Friends and Alumni Weekend Oct. 17, 2010 are:

Brett Altergott, ’99

Eric Johnson, ’71 & ’82

Barbara Krieger, ’75

ltergott ran four years in cross country and track and field during the late ’90s, helping the university earn its first NCAA III Triple Crown — national championships in cross country, and indoor and outdoor track and field in 1996-97. He lettered in all three sports all four years. Altergott says his biggest athletic accomplishment was earning the 1997 individual national title in cross country, along with the team’s national title — the first for the UW-L harriers — a year earlier. Altergott earned a bachelor’s in recreation management in 1999, and a master’s in recreation administration from George Williams College of Aurora University in 2008. He is the park and recreation director in the Village of Germantown. He and his wife, Heidi, live in Oak Creek with their three children, Chase and Logan (both 4), and Hannah (1).

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

ohnson excelled in gymnastics. He was the NAIA national champion in 1969, following two consecutive years as the NAIA’s runner up. Johnson was named NAIA First Team All-American three times, from ’67-’69. In conference championships, he placed first in ’68 and ’70, second in ’69 and third in ’67. A geography major with minors in history and photography, Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in 1971 and a master’s in 1982. He lives in Chicago where he is a scientific photographer at the University of Illinois.

asketball, field hockey and volleyball kept Krieger busy from 1971-75. She helped the women’s club teams earn state titles in volleyball (1971), and basketball (1971-74). In field hockey, she was selected to the Midwest All-College First Team for two years. Krieger cites international competition against the Chinese National Basketball Team and the Welsh Touring Field Hockey Team among her biggest athletic accomplishments. Krieger earned a bachelor’s in physical education in 1975; she later earned a master’s of sport psychology from the University of Oregon. In fall 2009, she retired from West Bend Public Schools after 30 years of teaching and coaching.

Amy Meitz, ’96

Dave Saeger,’72-’76

Brad Wilson, ’98

eitz leapt to success on the uneven bars and floor exercise on the women’s gymnastics team in the mid-’90s. Meitz was an All-American all four years in the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association finals, 1991-95. She placed third on the uneven bars in ’92 and ’94, third on the floor exercise in ’93 and fourth on the floor in ’95. She captured the WIAC title in the uneven bars in ’93 and ’95. Meitz earned a bachelor’s in social work in 1996 and a master’s in social work from Aurora University in 2001. She is a school social worker in Apple Valley, Minn., where she has served as head coach for the high school girls’ gymnastics team since 2002. Meitz lives in Minneapolis.

aeger played two sports during college — football from 1972-74 and basketball during 1973-74, earning letters in both each year. He holds two career campus gridiron records: third for most touchdowns receiving (20) and fifth for most receiving yards (1,786.) Saeger signed as a free agent with the New York Giants. He calls a game-winning touchdown against Aberdeen in 1973 and playing in a NAIA playoff game against Elon College as his greatest athletic accomplishments. Saeger, who majored in physical education, is a general foreman at Huen Electric. He and his wife, Janet, live in Des Plaines, Ill. They have two grown children.

ilson ran from Rock Island High School to a spot on the 1994 Illinois State Track Championship Team. He continued that success at UW-L in cross country, and indoor and outdoor track and field teams from 1994-98. Wilson says his biggest athletic accomplishment was helping to earn the university’s first NCAA III Triple Crown — national championships in cross country, and indoor and outdoor track and field in 1996-97. He lettered in all three sports all four years. Wilson, who graduated in recreation management in ’98, is director of recreation in Naperville, Ill. He and his wife, Dannie, live in Oswego, Ill., with their two children.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

things you don’t know about me

josh whitman 1. I have a distant cousin who pitches for the Milwaukee Brewers.

2. My favorite TV show is M*A*S*H. 3. I met my wife in 8th grade. 4. I was president of my high school student body.

9. I played in 45 career games with 29

Sporting a new job

10. I appeared in a commercial for my

Josh Whitman to lead UW-L athletics

5. My brother-in-law is an executive for ESPN.

6. The only cereal I eat is Grape Nuts. 7. I graduated as my high school’s second all-time leading scorer in basketball.

8. I grew up wanting to be a professional baseball player.

starts for the Fighting Illini.

alma mater that you can find on YouTube.

11. When I was a kid, I took gymnastics

and tennis lessons and played soccer.

12. I played with the Buffalo Bills, San

Diego Chargers, Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins, as well as the Frankfurt Galaxy of the now-defunct NFL Europe League.

13. I was a judicial law clerk for the Honorable M.S. Kanne on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

14. I was one of six Division I-A recipients of the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award.

15. I wear size 15 shoes.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

n accomplished athlete turned D.C. sports attorney now makes the calls for UW-L athletics. Josh Whitman took over as athletic director in September. “I am privileged to have the opportunity to join the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and to lead one of the nation’s elite Division III athletics programs,” says Whitman. “UW-L’s student-athletes have excelled consistently both in their respective sports and in the classroom, and I hope that under my leadership we can continue to build on the strong foundation laid by the coaches and existing administrative staff.” The West Lafayette, Ind., native has more than 13 years

of experience in collegiate and professional athletics. Whitman had been an attorney at Covington & Burling LLP in Washington, D.C., since September 2009. His clients at the nationally recognized sports practice included the NFL, Microsoft and GlaxoSmithKline. Whitman earned a bachelor’s with highest honors in finance from Illinois in 2001. He earned a juris doctor, summa cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2008. Before becoming an attorney, he was an athletics administrator at Illinois, serving as assistant to the director of athletics in 2007-08 and coordinator of special projects from 2005-07.

kudos afloat

She survived … for a while.

Swimmer is NCAA finalist

Political Science Major Yve Rojas, ’91, lasted just over a month on CBS’ fall “Survivor” reality show. The Kansas City, Mo., homemaker joined FOX Sports analyst Jimmy Johnson in the over-40 tribe, Espada. Rojas says campus ROTC training helped her through the show’s rigorous games and tough living conditions.

uw-l on twitter.com/ uwlacrossenews

ormer UW-L swimmer Chelsea Hoff was one of 30 finalists for the 2010 NCAA Woman of the Year award. An NCAA committee named finalists from a record 452 nominations. Hoff, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) nominee, attended the awards dinner in Indianapolis in October. The award honors female studentathletes with distinguished academic achievement, athletics excellence, community service and leadership. “I was honored to be

“I was honored to be chosen as the WIAC Woman of the Year nominee,” Chelsea Hoff chosen as the WIAC Woman of the Year nominee,” says Hoff. “Being one of the top 30 honorees surpassed my expectations and I was so grateful to be chosen among the most elite athletes.” The Middleton native was named the WIAC Female

Swimmer of the Meet at the conference championship for the third straight season in 2010 following three individual and three relay conference titles. Hoff holds four individual and four relay records at UW-L, as well as three individual and four relay conference records. Hoff graduated in spring with a 4.00 GPA majoring in exercise and sport sciencefitness pre-physical therapy. She’s currently in UW-L’s doctor of physical therapy program. UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

Roll out the mats uW-l to host nCAA III wrestling tourneys

Other national tournaments at UW-L 1965 & 1970

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Men’s Swimming

he NCAA has named UW-L host for the 2011 and 2012 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships. Events are at the La Crosse Center March 11-12, 2011 and March 9-10, 2012. “We’re excited to have the championships for two years in a row,” says Head Coach Dave Malecek. “Our committee has been working hard to put on the best tournament possible. Our team

1973, 1976 &1981

is extremely excited to get the opportunity to wrestle at home and in front of our family, fans and alumni for a national championship.” Hosting the top grappler

meet is a first for UW-L —and only the second time in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. UW-Stevens Point hosted the meet in 1994. UW-L placed second at the 2010 NCAA III Championships, its 10th top-four finish. That equaled second-place trophies in 2001, ’06 and ’08.

Heading to nationals The Women’s Rugby Club has won a bid to the national championship this spring. The women beat Indiana UniversityPennsylvania 25-14 and Notre Dame 35-0 to claim the Midwest Regional Championship in November. The club team ranks No. 2 in the nation, according to RugbyMag.com. That’s the club’s highest ranking in school history and its first regional championship. The Eagles have flown through the competition all season — posting a 12-0 record by outscoring opponents 558-60 and winning by an average 41.5 points.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

NAIA Men’s Gymnastics

1986 & 1997

NCAA III Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field

1989, 1997 & 2005

National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA)

1995

NCAA III Men’s and Women’s Cross Country

Eagles badgered in Madison

he men’s basketball team took its turn to play the Badgers in an exhibition season opener Nov. 6 at the Kohl Center. Eagles Head Coach Ken Koelbl, left, shook hands with UW-Madison Head Coach Bo Ryan, prior to the game, in which the Badgers won 84-59. The annual exhibition game alternates WIAC schools to play the Badgers in their home opener. “This was a great opportunity for us,” says Koelbl. “We obviously know the Badgers are a very good basketball team, and we knew we were going to have our hands full. What I was most pleased with was the way we battled in the second half. I thought we fought really hard, got back in it, made some plays and adjusted well to playing a pretty good team.

Students on all-America Teams Three student-athletes received All-America honors last spring

No. 7 nationally U

W-L finished seventh in the 2009-10 Division III Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup, which rates the overall athletics program. The Eagles recorded 678.75 points while Williams College (Mass.) captured its 12th consecutive cup with 1,292.25 points. Williams has won 14 Directors’ Cup in its 15 years. UW-L’s seventh-place showing in 200910 ties its previous best finish — in 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2006-07. UW-L now has nine top-10 finishes.

• Chelsea Hoff, swimming, Middleton, 2010 CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America® of the Year for the College Division Women’s At-Large Team. • Gabi Hooper, gymnastics, New Brighton, Minn., 2010 CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America® College Division Women’s At-Large Second Team. • Dan Laurent, wrestling, Mishicot, Academic All-America® of the Year for the College Division Men’s At-Large Team.

Three’s company a crowd

darlington siblings on campus

he old cliché is two’s company; three’s a crowd. In that case, the Boll siblings on campus are a crowd. UW-L freshman Jason Boll joined his two siblings on campus this fall. “It was between UW-L and UW-Platteville,” says the Darlington native. “Platteville was too close to home.” Distance was one consideration in his older brother’s decision to attend UW-L as well. “At two-and-a-half hours from Darlington, UW-L was perfect,” says Jake, a senior studying education.

In high school, Jake ran at the state track meet at the Veteran’s Memorial Sports Complex and was impressed by the area’s beauty and campus friendliness. He hasn’t been disappointed. As a resident assistant, Jake’s well known on campus and is on a first-name basis with many, including UW-L’s administrative team. UW-L’s friendliness was what drew their sister, Janelle, to campus. Visiting UW-L was the last campus tour Janelle took in high school. “Everyone was so friendly,” the therapeutic

From left, Darlington siblings Jason, Jake and Janelle Boll all chose UW-L as their college. The three have tried to catch up with one another at least once a week for dinner.

recreation major recalls. “Advisers and faculty have been so easy to talk to. It wasn’t what I expected college to be like.” Although they didn’t hang

out together in high school, the three — who all have busy schedules — have tried to get together once a week for a meal. UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

They’re college administrators. One stepped into a mayor’s office to restore dignity to a major southeastern Wisconsin city. Another shows her creative artwork on the streets of Chicago.

They’re our fellow alumni who do extraordinary things in their profession and the communities in which they live.

Their commonality is roots at La Crosse. Whether they were here 40 or four years ago, alums have great stories to share: why they came to campus, who their favorite professors were and their favorite collegiate memories. Let us introduce you to four alums who all have great stories to share.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

lorrainemoedavis ’65 bachelor’s, ’67 master’s Physical education and mathematics Eugene, Ore. Currently: 40 years at the University of Oregon. Special Assistant to the President, Provost, and Athletic Director at University of Oregon. Six months earlier this year, Interim Athletics Director. Partial retirement for four years after serving 20 years in central administration, retiring as Vice President for Academic Affairs. Previously, professor of health education. Family: husband, Mason; sons: Josh (34) and wife, Jody; Zach (32).

“lifelong friendships” What’s your TYPICAL DAY Like?

As a campus administrator for 20 years, there was not really a typical day. That was one of the appealing things about administration — the varied issues that were part of my daily responsibilities. As Interim Athletic Director and Vice President for Academic Affairs, typical days were very similar. Weekends usually bring an event or two requiring presence. Usually I tried to get work done within a 70-80 hour per week time frame; sometimes I made it, sometimes I didn’t. Almost always on task mentally as an administrator. I usually had a note pad by the side of the bed so when I would wake up in the night, I could

write down questions or items needing attention. This would facilitate returning to sleep easier.

What’s he best part of your job?

Interacting with people, whether it be teaching, leading, organizing or planning. I particularly enjoyed teaching graduate students statistics and research methods and did that for 20 years prior to being in central administration. Watching the students realize they could accomplish something they might have not imagined or grasp concepts unknown prior to the course was particularly satisfying. My passion for teaching and the regular interaction with students was something I missed in administration, continued on page 30

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

although I attempted to keep involved with students by serving on theses/dissertation committees when possible.

What’s The favorite part of Your day?

Mornings, prior to everyone getting in gear, bring a quiet calming perspective and an opportunity to begin anew with

ThomasC.pleger What’s your TYPICAL DAY Like?

There is usually no typical day. My day ranges from meeting with student government officers, to faculty, to local and state political leaders, university administrators, and students and parents. At least one third of my job is off campus. My work is focused on promoting the campus and helping faculty and staff be successful in their jobs.

What’s the best part of your job? I am passionate about higher education and believe that our campus provides

tremendous personal and community enrichment opportunities. We live and breathe the “Wisconsin Idea,” the notion that University of Wisconsin resources should benefit the entire state and beyond. I know our faculty and staff make a difference in the lives of our students. We provide access to a UW education and, at the same time, provide community enrichment by offering art exhibits, theater, music performances, lectures, debates and other opportunities.

What’s your favorite part of the day?

Having lunch with faculty, staff and students. One of

the true benefits of working at a small public liberal arts college of the UW System is the ability to have daily conversations with faculty, staff and students interested in a wide array of academic subjects.

Any hobbies?

My wife, Teresa, and I own 3.5 acres of mature woodland. We spend a lot of time outdoors. I enjoy woodworking, hiking, canoeing, running and we have a horse. Teresa is involved in dressage horseback riding and I enjoying assisting when possible. I also enjoy photography, and am an audiophile.

continued on page 31

“i met my

wife”

’91, bachelor’s in political science, minor in anthropology; master’s and Ph.D. from UW-Madison Baraboo (work), Reedsburg (home) Currently: Campus Executive Officer/ Dean and Associate Professor of Anthropology/Archaeology at UW-Baraboo/Sauk County. Other UW-L ties: Teresa E. Pleger, ’90 & ’10

Photos courtesy of Christina Beam, UW-Baraboo/Sauk County.

kathryntrumbullfimreite

’86, bachelor’s in marketing Chicago Currently: Visual artist Family: Husband, Duey. Other UW-L ties: Brother-in-law, Gordon Fimreite, ’86; nephew Tyler is a UW-L junior.

Kathryn (Trumbull) Fimreite with her fine art fridge on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue.

What’s your TYPICAL DAY Like?

What’s your typical day? No two days ever seem alike. Each week I try to get a couple good full days being creative in my studio. I work a couple days at a frame shop and I teach art one day a week at an after-school program.

“it was different”

What’s he best part of your job?

Flexibility. It’s good for me to have a bit of structure, but it’s really great to be able to move things around as needed. One of my mantras is to do something creative everyday ... which comes in many forms. Teaching art and framing art provide the perfect structure – there’s a start and an end to those projects on those days. Whereas in my studio, things are much more free flowing, which can be a struggle at times, but I continually try to find comfort in the ebb and flow of creativity.

What was your most interesting day at work?

How it feels when you get awarded a big project. I’ve submitted proposals for public art projects in Chicago (Cows on Parade, Riverwalk and Fine Art Fridges) and it really is quite gratifying when your idea gets selected ... and then the fun begins when you get to execute on that idea. continued on page 30

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

johndickert

“i love coming back”

President Barack Obama samples a pecan kringle with Racine Mayor John Dickert during a 2010 visit.

What’s your typical day like?

My typical day as a mayor is undescribable. It would take way too long to explain.

What’s the best part of your job?

I get to come to work everyday in an effort to help people. It’s very rewarding to put people and groups together to do good things for the city.

your most interesting day at work …

I had the opportunity to meet with President Barrack Obama when he came to Racine to hold a town hall meeting in June.

’86, bachelor’s in political science, minor in mass communications Racine Currently: Mayor, City of Racine Family: Wife, Teresa; son: Riley; daughter: Eleanor Other UW-L ties: Brother, Pete Dickert, ’84.

How do you relax?

I enjoy climbing mountains and spending time with my kids. My favorite vacation spot is anywhere I don’t know someone and with my family.

How did you end up coming to La Crosse?

I followed my brother to campus in hopes of studying television. I became involved in the political science group and worked with WMCM-TV. I left with way too many favorite memories to pick just one to tell.

Who was your favorite professor?

Dr. Joe Heim of the political science department. He’s one of the main reasons I am where I am today — a mayor of a large city. He left such an impact on me that years after I graduated, I worked with other political science alums to form a scholarship through the UW-L Foundation that honors Dr. Heim.

What else?

Photos courtesy of Mark Hertzberg, The Racine Journal Times.

I love coming back every year for the alumni golf outing to see former classmates and professors. I especially enjoy catching up with Professor Joe Heim and Foundation President Al Trapp — two of my favorite people in the world! The day also allows for me to play a round of golf with my best friend Scott Meske, ’85.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

lorraine moedavis

kathryn Trumbull Fimreite

continued from page 26

continued from page 28

energy. Middle evening brings the opportunity to debrief and bring closure by acknowledging that someone was assisted by my action, interaction or intervention. Even if rather complex and difficult issues were dealt with, if a positive response to “Did I help someone today?” is possible it makes the effort and time worthwhile.

What’s your favorite La Crosse memory? I decided to go to La Crosse because of the national reputation of the physical education and teaching programs. I talked to a student from my high school who was going to La Crosse and his perspective had an influence.

My favorite memories?

Student teaching and participating in competitions with other schools. We were not allowed to have “teams” per se but rather had sign-up sheets about who wanted to go and be part of a group to play another school. The faculty member taking the team to the contest would look over the list and post who was selected, sometimes based on whether you had an automobile to assist with transportation. That group might get together a couple of times and then take off in early morning to make the trip since we would usually return on the same day. On the sign-up sheet it indicated how much money we would need to contribute for gas and then usu30

ally be responsible for our own meals. I played field hockey, softball, volleyball, basketball, bowling, track and field, and badminton with this process. Student teaching was a very special time in my educational career. I taught mathematics and physical education in Viroqua. Student teachers took a class from 7-8:30 a.m. on campus and then departed for our assignments. Three of us car-pooled and drove to Viroqua for a full day of teaching, returning by 4 or 5 pm to participate in activities back on campus. I enjoyed the camaraderie with my car mates as we solved our problems and issues on the commute.

Who was your favorite professor?

Leo Schnur, mathematics. He challenged me to be a mathematics teacher; he taught mathematics as a process of thinking about solutions to problems with basic mathematical principles. That process and way of approaching things carried over to many other areas and into life in general. Lee Stephenson, physical education and WRA adviser. She believed in me and taught me about careful planning and record keeping, organizational skills, and the promotion of opportunities for women. Beatrice Baird, physical education. She promoted my pursuit of graduate education and suggested I consider a doctorate program, which I eventually did. Her strong and deep preparation and focus on philosophical and theoreti-

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

cal foundations for sport and physical education was something that I didn’t really appreciate at the time, but has been important in my continuing education and in the guiding of graduate students.

When have you used your college education recently?

Every day. Strategic thinking, problem solving, communication, both oral and written, accepting of differences, seeking knowledge and information, continuous learning.

What else?

One of the important outcomes of my UW-L education is the lifelong friendships I have maintained for more than 40 years. The caliber of faculty, staff and students was exceptional. The overall focus on excellence in a genuine caring manner was realized in so many ways. I cherish the people and it will always be a special place.

And …

One of the most treasured events for me at UW-L was being named an Excellence Award recipient in Mitchell Hall. It was a special honor and one I hold in highest regard.

What’s The favorite part of Your day?

I’ve come to love mornings. (I didn’t in college — more of a night owl then!) I spend a couple hours at home working on various things on my computer, sipping coffee and easing into my day. I love that I don’t have to be somewhere everyday at a certain time right away in the morning.

Any hobbies?

I love to cook and be creative with ingredients. (Recipes are a great place to start, but I usually improvise with what I have on hand!) I like to play rec team sports for fun and social interaction. About a year ago I started a running routine and have found that my creative thoughts really flow while I’m out there listening to music!

What’s your favorite vacation spot?

Sydney, Australia if we have a couple weeks ... or Puertos Adventuras, Mexico if we only have a long weekend.

How did you end up coming to La Crosse?

I picked La Crosse because it was different; no one in my family had gone there (youngest of seven) and not many from my high school had heard of it (except that Old Style was brewed there!) It was the right distance from home — far, but not a plane ride. And, playing a lot of sports, I thought I might be interested in physical therapy. My first visit was a one-day trip: my brother drove me, we walked around campus, had some pizza and beer at The Cellar and then drove back. It seems crazy that we didn’t stay overnight or take any campus tours, but I just wanted to get “a visual” of the place!

Thomas C.Pleger continued from page 27

What’s your favorite vacation spot?

Probably Door County and northern Wisconsin, but we enjoy spending as much free time at our home as possible.

What’s your favorite campus memory?

There are a lot of them, but I came away with one of the most terrific network of friends, with whom, to this day, I still keep in touch.

Who was your favorite staff person on campus?

I did work-study in the Dean’s Office for the College of Business Administration. I remember Amelia Dittman was a terrific adviser. Also, Sham Viyas, one of my marketing professors, had a really great relationship with his students.

Have you used your college education lately?

Recently, I applied for a variety of grants, both for myself as an individual artist and for the art program I’ve initiated at the after-school program. I used skills from college to organize the content of the grant and to not just “tell the story,” but “sell the story” in the application. Keeping in mind the audience that would be reviewing it, keeping it succinct and to the point, having all the necessary budget information as well as tracking methodology ... I felt like I was right back in a sales-marketing presentation class or doing my marketing research project for Cub Foods!

What else?

I really appreciate the effort of support and recognition that UW-L has put forth toward alumni. I think it says a lot about the “personality” of the university.

How did you decided to come to La Crosse?

I attended a summer archaeology field school during high school. It allowed me to meet Dr. Jim Gallagher, Research Archaeologist Robert “Ernie” Boszhardt and Dr. Jim Theler. I was impressed with the faculty and staff, as well as the campus, and the amazing geography and setting.

How did your student organization involvement help shape your career?

I was involved in the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center (MVAC) and spent many hours working on field projects and in the lab. My experience with MVAC gave me hands-on field experience, which gave me an advantage over fellow graduate students at UW-Madison.

What’s your favorite UW-L memory? I met my wife Teresa. We both lived in Wentz Hall and later started dating while I took my archaeology field school

course during summer 1988. We both have very fond memories of the campus and the community and enjoyed spending time at Riverside, Pettibone, Grandad Bluff and Goose Island parks. I also participated in the Wisconsin in Scotland (WIS) program during spring 1989. WIS was a transformational experience that resulted in lifelong friendships while providing my first real international experience.

Who was your favorite professor on campus and how did they leave a lasting impact?

Dr. Jim Gallagher was by far the most influential faculty member of my undergraduate experience. He provided guidance and advice, allowed me to work in the field and in the lab doing archaeology, recruited me to go to Scotland with him, introduced me and my wife to his family, and assisted in my acceptance into graduate school. Jim and Jan Gallagher continue to be good friends. Jim and I have motorcycled across the Four Corners Region of the Southwest. I would also have to say that Archaeology Professor Dr. Jim Theler and Research Archaeologist Robert “Ernie” Boszhardt were also an important part in my development as an archaeology student. What made UW-L unusual was

the ability to get to know professors and researchers and spend time working with them outside the classroom.

Have you used your college education lately?

I use my liberal arts education skills everyday in my job! Problem solving, communication skills, the ability to work with a diverse group of people, are all important in my job. Although I have three degrees and 11 years of college, I would say the skills I learned during the first two years of my undergraduate experience at UW-L are by far the most important. My liberal arts education prepared me for success in graduate school, being successful as a research archaeologist, professor and eventually a university administrator.

Anything else?

UW-L provided me and my spouse with an outstanding education. We were able to get to know faculty, staff and fellow students, and were exposed to an excellent liberal arts curriculum. It was a tremendous value and by far one of the best investments we made.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

Faculty and staff are the glue that keeps the university running smoothly. Without their guidance and support, we would not be where we are today. Many alums and non-alums work at UW-L and continue to give back to students (future generations of alumni) by joining the Alumni Association. “My positions at UW-L have given me the opportunity to know literally thousands of students. The Alumni Association has allowed me to stay connected to those graduates and follow their careers and accomplishments,” notes Karla Stanek, ’75 & ’80, director of Career Services and Academic Advising Center. “I joined initially out of respect for Eleanor Kennedy, the first Alumni Director,” says Carl Wimberly, professor emeritus. “I continue to be a member because I believe in the programs it offers and it has been a wonderful support to the university over the years.” “I’m one of the lucky ones who gets to connect with UW-L and its alumni on a daily basis. The Alumni Association, first and foremost, is made up of UW-L alums (and friends) just like me,” notes Carla Burkhardt, ’86 & ’93, assistant to the dean, College of Science & Health. “We all share a comfort level, a common perspective. UW-L and the La Crosse area are such special places that there is an instant bond between alums, even if they are meeting for the first time.” The Alumni Association supports students and alumni through Legacy scholarships, the Alumnus magazine, networking events, the Etiquette Dinner, Welcome Weekend events, Alumni Awards, and much more.

karla Stanek ’75 & ’80

carl Wimberly

carla Burkhardt ’86 & ’93

Become a life member and receive a special edition UW-L lapel pin! You can make two payments, if you’d prefer. Visit www.uwlalumni.org for all the latest alumni information. As alumni, faculty and staff, we all belong to the UW-La Crosse family. We also belong to the Alumni Association and we want you to belong too. Please join today!

To belong:

www.uwlalumni.org or 877.895.2586 for you.

UW-L Alumnus magazine Summer 2010

for la crosse.

for a lifetime. UW-La Crosse Alumni Association Cleary Alumni & Friends Center 615 East Ave. N | La Crosse, WI 54601 USA 608.785.8489 | 877.UWL.ALUM (877.895.2586) www.uwlalumni.org | alumni@uwlax.edu

’57

’68

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Jo Ann Boyd Scott has retired to Ashevville, N.C., but spends three months in Montana and Wyoming each summer. She misses teaching; she taught more biology and earth science than physical education. “I loved every day and I miss it,” she says. Her current volunteer “job” is designing websites for genealogytrails.com/mon (Montana) and genealogytrails.com/ wyo (Wyoming). Her husband, Lawrence, is an artist who designs jewelry.

Ray Byerly, Sheboygan, built a new “green” house that can be viewed at richlinebuilders.com; click on homes or home tours and click on the house in the upper right. They have a geothermal heat pump system that gathers hot air in the winter and cold air in the summer. Ray works for Lakeshore Technical College.

Theo Lynn Flickinger, La Crosse, has been teaching English for 20 years at Western Technical College in La Crosse. Flickinger has three children, Shannon (37), Erin (35) and Andrew (28).

’60 Jeanne (Lentz) Ferraro, Racine, has received the Wisconsin Dance Council Lifetime Achievement Award, given to those whose life has centered on dance as a performer or educator enriching the state’s dance heritage.

’64 Sandra Wendorf Libke and her husband, James, have sold their condo in La Crosse and have bought a home in the gated community of Oyster Creek, Englewood, Fla.

Jack Connaughton, ’68 & ’71, Manhattan, Kan., plans to retire after 30 years as Associate Director/Director of Operations at the K-State Student Union at Kansas State University. He and his wife, Georgeann, have a country home near Cashton where they plan to live beginning in December 2010. He hopes for an opportunity to give back to UW-L as a volunteer.

Dean J. Schwarten, Cedarburg, has retired from teaching physical education and coaching in Cedarburg for 33 years. He lives with his wife, Lois (Graff), who attended in ’62 & ’63. They have three grown children: Dean Jr., Neenah; Doug, ’91, Cedarburg; and Daren, ’93, West Bend, who with his wife, Kerie, has daughters, Talor and Grace.

Mary (Tornowske) Lubner, Cedarburg, recently returned from a month in South Korea where she was a chaperone for a 4-H youth exchange program.

’71

They’ll be part of it: NY, NY

Rinda (Reinold) Schibi, Cincinnati, took early retirement from her job as a system analyst at Ohio Casualty Insurance Co. She is now activities coordinator at the Alois Alzheimer Center in Greenhills, Ohio.

’72 UW-L’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble has been asked to participate in the Distinguished Concerts International Vocal Jazz Festival at Carnegie Hall in May. The ensemble, conducted by Music Professor Gary Walth, will perform a solo set and join other groups to form the Distinguished Concerts Singers International, a mass jazz choir of distinction.

Everett Bellamy, ’72 & ’74, Washington, D.C., has retired after serving as a dean in the JD Program of Georgetown University Law Center for 30 years. He will continue to teach as an adjunct professor.

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’74 Bonnee (Anderson) Nelson, Mission Viejo, Calif., has worked as a registered nurse at Mission Hospital for 22 years. She’s currently working in cardiac rehab and preoperative testing. She and her husband, M. Peter, planned to show their son the campus when she attended the Pompon Reunion during Oktoberfest.

Connect with your old college The university’s three colleges have websites and alumni newsletters. Keep your address info updated at www.uwlalumni.org/ whatsnew.htm

’75 Vickie Evenson, La Crosse, is a certified optician at Gundersen Lutheran. She is excited to be on staff again where she worked 10 years ago.

College Websites

’76 Li Anne Wai`oli Taft, ’76 & ’86, Seattle, works with leisure service management at Wai`oli Creative Services. She organized a UW-L reunion in Honolulu for alumni in the islands in 1999 and looks forward to planning more in the Northwest.

College of Business Adminstration:

www.uwlax.edu/ba

College of Liberal Studies:

www.uwlax.edu/LS

College of Science and Health:

www.uwlax.edu/sah

are attending graduate school and undergraduate school at the University of Minnesota and Creighton University.

University and Bethel University, they hope at least one of their children will follow in their footsteps and graduate from UW-L.

Mary J. (Rudolph), ’78, and Thomas W. Ottman, ’79, live in Andover, Minn. After receiving a bachelor’s in health administration, Mary went on to get a master’s from the University of Minnesota in Public Health Administration. She founded Siena Soap Co. (www.sienasoap.com) three years ago and is busy developing, manufacturing and selling allnatural soaps, lip balms, lotions and salves. Thomas has worked in investment management since 1981. He currently works with a local Minneapolis firm as an independent contractor managing investment portfolios for several of the local trade unions, as well as to small to mid-sized corporations and individuals. They have five children ranging in age from 11 to 26. While two of their children recently graduated from St. Thomas

’79 Phillip E. Hohensee, Buena Park, Calif., is a teacher at Cypress (Calif.) High School, a pastor at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Los Angeles and part owner of Academy 4 Test Prep. He and his wife, Jo Anne, have a daughter, Phija.

’81 Nancy Vittone Paddison, Pearland, Texas, was named the “Heart of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center” for December 2009. The award is given monthly to one outstanding employee of the cancer center and is based on peer nomination and approval by an institutionwide committee. Paddison is a

’77 Mark Hartman, Sun Prairie, passed his final Actuarial Exam in 2009 and has achieved the designation of Fellow in the Society of Actuaries. He passed the first two actuarial exams while a student at UW-L in 1977.

Mary Beth (Wambach) Volz, Sussex, traveled to Haiti on a mission trip as part of a 15-member team from Praise Temple Church. They organized religious gatherings, conducted free medical clinics and supplied food to an orphanage.

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’78 Kevin J. Kenny, Rochester, Minn., is an instructional designer in the Education Technology Center in Mayo Clinics College of Medicine. He recently received a doctorate from the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development. He and his wife, Kathleen, have three children who

classic in its 33 rd season Alums held their 33rd annual La Crosse Inverrary Classic this summer. With some members attending the Pom Pon reunion in October, attendance was lower. Chancellor Joe Gow joined the group to provide a campus update. Those attending, from left, included: Tom Litterski, Tom Kelly, Paul Beitlich, John O’Connor, Mike Welsh, Tim Guth, Bill Harlos, Steve Ward, Mike Noll, Paul Nelson and Dick Thorpe. Commish Jeff Bloxdorf took the picture.

physical therapist assistant in the outpatient rehabilitation services department.

Allan (Al) J. Pahl, Green Bay, returned to working from his home after 14 years at Camera Corner/ Connecting Point in Titletown. He works in technical support and client training for Management Information Group, an Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, firm that writes student information systems software for the K-12 market.

giving back

Karla Stanek, ’75 & ’80, 2010 Mrs. Oktoberfest believes in volunteering Karla Stanek, ’75 and ’80, was named Mrs. Oktoberfest in October. She’ll represent the La Crosse area as part of Oktoberfest’s Royal Family.

’84 Debe Kortness, Kotzebue, Alaska, is a nurse educator. “Funny how much of my Rec degree I use in all my jobs in ‘non-related’ fields,” she says. “Thanks, UW-L!”

Jane M. Osterhaus retired as a professor in kinesiology at San Jose State University in May 2010 after 23 years. She relocated to New Vienna, Iowa, and was named head varsity softball and co-head volleyball coach at Beckman Catholic High School. Osterhaus works as a substitute teacher in the area.

Denine Rood, ’84 & ’04, is vice president of learning at Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee.

’85 Doreen Lemke, Grayslake, Ill., loved swimming for La Crosse and still enjoys returning for swimming and alumni events. Another favorite memory for her is working with Jerry Culver. Doreen still loves visiting with Jerry’s wife, Anna Beth Culver, when she’s in town. She’s most proud to share

or more than 30 years, Karla Stanek has helped students land a job. Now, she has a new job herself — Mrs. Oktoberfest. The title honors a La Crosse-area woman who has impacted the community in her profession and as a volunteer. Stanek spent Oktoberfest week traveling throughout the community with the Royal Family, and will represent the area during the next year. Stanek, director of UW-L Career Services and the Academic Advising Center, was humbled and honored when asked to serve. “I didn’t know what to say when I was asked to be Mrs. Oktoberfest,” she re-

calls. “I know there are so many deserving women in the area who could be given the honor. I was deeply humbled.” As a person deeply committed to community service, Stanek chose “Take Time to Give Back” as her theme for her year-long reign. The theme appears prominently on the button she handed out to festgoers. The encouraging phrase has been something Stanek has impressed upon thousands of students she has met with and mentored during her 34+ years on campus. “I deeply believe it’s vitally important to give back to the community in which you live,” she explains. The Independence, Wis.,

native holds two UW-L degrees — a bachelor’s in mass communications in 1975 and a master of education-professional development in 1980. After serving as publications editor on campus for nearly a year shortly after earning her bachelor’s degree, Stanek has worked in the university’s Career Services Office since. In 1999, she became the office’s director. Stanek and her husband, John, ’76, live in La Crosse and have two grown daughters, Kasey and Kelly.

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more oktoberfest royalty

studies. She hopes to open an “Office of Diversity Studies.” Sheila (Wirkus) Psolka has been hired as Director of Field Experience in the UW-L School of Education after 25 years in the Sonora Desert in Yuma, Ariz., as a high school teacher and administrator. She’s happy to be home!

’88 Rod Gabriel, Fredonia, accepted a position as a member of the global VMware User’s Group (VMUG) Board of Directors in June.

Karla Stanek wasn’t the only 2010 Royal Family member with UW-L ties. Student Elizabeth Kramer was crowned Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest 2010. Along with traveling with the 2010 Oktoberfest Royalty until next year’s fest, Kramer will represent the area at the Miss Wisconsin scholarship pageant.

’89 Scott Belcher, Minneapolis, is a full-time realtor covering residential sales in the Twin Cities. He had been a residential supervisor for individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury for 20 years.

bell ringer Andy Temte, ’88, closed the New York Stock Exchange last spring. The La Crosse-based Kaplan Professional CEO rang the final trading bell March 12, marking the firm’s Schweser Study Program’s 20th anniversary. “The bell ringing was one of the top 10 things I’ve ever done and it wouldn’t have happened without the strong team I have working along side me,” says Temte. Thirty employees joined Temte when he stood on the balcony overlooking the floor. “It was a wonderful way to kick

Robert P. Bender married Sarah Beth Hammett June 19, 2010. They spent their honeymoon on an Alaskan cruise before returning to live in Artesia, N.M. Robert is a tenured history professor at

Douglas Michele Turco, ’85 & ’89, Bethlehem, Pa., received the 2010 Outstanding Researcher Award by the Goodwin College of Professional Studies at Drexel University, where he is an associate professor.

’86

fish fry with friends

Susie Jans-Thomas, Pensacola, Fla., is working for the University of West Florida in the doctoral program for curriculum and diversity

Class of ’52 physical education majors got together for a traditional Wisconsin Fish Fry in July. Ken and Marie (Molstad) Potterton, Oshkosh, seated, and Nancy (Hamilton) Dunbar, Colorado Springs, Colo., enjoyed food and friendship in Wautoma. Dunbar’s deceased husband, Bill, was a Beta member with Ken.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

Eastern New Mexico UniversityRoswell.

’90 Ronald J. Counsell, Watertown, owned and operated a business for 13 years until three years ago when he changed careers and joined Edward Jones Investments as a financial adviser. He opened his own office in May and reports “everything is going great.”

La Crosse with her 7-year-old daughter and bridge the old and new parts of her life together.

off the company’s 20th,” he notes. “We are very fortunate and humbled to have had the opportunity to help so many students achieve success on the highly sought-after CFA designation.” The Schewser Study Program has helped more than 100,000 investment professionals study for the Chartered Financial Analyst designation, along with other certification and licensing exams. See the bell closing at www.nyse.com/ events/1268219685731.html

Melissa Graff, Holmen, and Deanna Lee, ’92, La Crosse, recently performed four-hand piano works at a La Crosse concert. UW-L Professor Dallas Weekley paired them as a piano duo more than 20 years ago. They played duet works edited by emeriti Dallas Weekley and Nancy Arganbright and composed by Vanhall, Federer, Pachelbel and Joyce Grill.

the go to for to do

Debbie Veglahn, ’99, has long list of campus accomplishments

ake the lead in getting the new online student information system implemented. Check. Serve as the go-between for the Student Association and La Crosse MTU to get the Safe Ride and U-PASS programs up and running. Check. Provide oversight for the partnership with Follett Higher Education Group University Bookstore and Textbook Rental operations. Check. The tasks on Debbie Veglahn’s to-do list are as many as they are varied. For more than a decade Veglahn has been the go-to person for the university’s vice chancellor for administration and finance. For two decades before that, she helped employees with human resources issues. Veglahn has found success because of her positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges, as well as her humble leadership style. “I’ve always enjoyed helping people with whatever project needs to get done,” she says. Her work has been so impressive that colleagues gave her the 2010 Academic Staff Excellence Award. Veglahn started working on campus in 1974, shortly after dropping out of college. She had come to UW-L a year earlier, but had to quit because she didn’t have money to return. Her future mother-in-law convinced her to take the state’s civil service exam. Veglahn did. She passed and soon found herself as a typist

and receptionist in the Personnel Office in Graff Main Hall. Despite holding a fulltime job, Veglahn didn’t turn from her desire

deb’s file • Began as a typist and receptionist in the UW-L Personnel Office, August 1974, after completing a year of college on campus. Dropped out because she didn’t have any money to continue college. • Took classes while working full time, being a wife and mother of two boys. Earned a degree — with honors — in management information systems in 1999. • Became Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance in June 1999. Worked on numerous major campus initiatives, including: Growth, Quality and Access; Student Information System; University Bookstore and Textbook Rental changeover; U-PASS and Safe Ride; Image Now initiative.

to earn a college degree. She took a class a semester until nearing her management information systems degree in the late ’90s. Then, she doubled up on classes so she could graduate before her son. After earning her degree — with honors — in spring 1999, Veglahn was asked by then Vice Chancellor Sue Schoenberger to become her assistant. She managed a variety of projects for numerous vice chancellors and supervised a number of campus service units. She also championed getting classified staff not on computers online access so they could access needed personnel services. In 2007, Veglahn became project manager for the new Student Information System. Following that success, Veglahn began overseeing Follett’s operation of the Bookstore and Textbook Rental. She’s currently heading up implementation of Image Now, a program for electronic storage of documents as part of UW-L’s paperless environment efforts. If she had an opportunity to start her career over, Veglahn would no doubt pick UW-L. But, she would earn her degree earlier. “I wish I would have stayed in school,” she says. “A major motivation was that I didn’t want to be turned down for job advancement because I didn’t have a degree.”

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

“Wrestling with the angel” Writing helped Kent Koppelman cope with losing his 19-year-old son in a car accident more than 20 years ago. And, it’s helped the retired teacher education professor deal with deaths of his parents, a sister and close friends since. Now, his words are helping others who have suffered loss of a loved one. Professor Emeritus Koppelman just completed his second book on loss, “Wrestling With the Angel: Literary Writings and Reflections on Death, Dying and Bereavement.” “Ever since my son’s death in 1989, I have found that writing about grief has been enormously helpful for me to deal with grief,” explains Koppelman. “Sometimes the words come faster than others. The book about

Jason’s death was written very quickly as the words rushed out on paper to define and confine the pain I was feeling. But it took me over three years to finally write the poem in the book about my mother’s death. I can’t explain why that is, but I don’t need to.” The book includes essays, a one-act play, a short story, poetry and quotations. Along with helping those hurting from loss, the book aims to help scholars, hospice workers, funeral home directors, chaplains, ministers and others who work with bereavement. To find out more about Koppelman’s books, search by author at www.baywood.com and www. pearsoned.co.uk/Bookshop.

“twenty-four hours of darkness … “ An alum currently living in Portland, Ore., recently completed his third book of poetry, “Twenty-Four Hours of Darkness, Twenty-Four Hours of Light.” Christopher Keller, ’02, penned the book as an independent read and companion poetry book to Julio Cortázar’s 1963 antinovel, “Hopscotch.” The book has been nominated for the 2010 Oregon Book Award for Poetry. Keller is a poet, poetry group founder, teacher and race director. Since arriving 38

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

in Portland in 2004, he has worked as advertising director for Portland’s literary journal Poetry Northwest while completing his second book of poetry, “Blindfolding the Nearsightedness of the Body.” He is an active member of the Oregon State Poetry Association and Oregon’s The Lane Literary Guild. Keller teaches and reads his works throughout Wisconsin, Montana and Oregon. See more or buy the book at poetchristopherkeller.com.

Matthew Nowakowski, Plymouth, Minn., received a doctor of education degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in March. He serves as director of MBA programs for Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Twin-Cities campus.

Julie Pool is the director of social services at The Good Samaritan Health Care Facility in St. Croix Falls.

’91 Tami Carpenter-Olney, Phoenix, has taught for 19 consecutive years in Arizona. She is currently a world language Spanish teacher at an International Primary School in the Paradise Valley Unified School District where she’s been for 14 years. “Talk about having a Midwestern work ethic, this longevity is almost unheard of out here in Arizona,” she notes. After 12 years of marriage and three daughters, she was divorced in March 2007. She has a renewed vision to return to Wisconsin. She tells her students that their undergraduate college years will be some of their best. “I will never forget the warm culture that I experienced in God’s Country,” she says. “The highlight of my college education was being a foreign exchange student to Valladolid, Spain. I’m so satisfied I took full advantage of this opportunity of a lifetime. I have no regrets, and the six years that I lived in La Crosse were the best, carefree, innocent years of my life.”

’93 Corey, ’93, and Tamie Weydert, ’94, live in Lancaster. Corey is director of rehabilitation at Grant Regional Health Center; Tamie works at Tricor Insurance. They’re

proud their oldest daughter enrolled at UW-L this fall.

’94 Jason Parr, St. Paul, Minn., is co-founder and co-owner of JSP Properties, a full-service property management company offering professional services for residential properties in the Twin Cities.

Class of ’61 and prior

Rexford Mitchell Society 50 year reunion planned

Willem Van Roosenbeek, ’92 & ’97, married Tara De Long, ’94, May 1, 2010. They live in La Crosse. Will works as the Pride Center director at UW-L. In spring 2010 he received the UW System P.B. Poorman award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ People. Tara is currently a part-time graduate student in the UW-L Community Health Program. She continues to work at Gundersen Lutheran as a certified therapeutic recreation specialist.

Susan Whittle, ’94, married Dennis Stank May 24, 2008. They live in Cedarburg. Erin Kimberly was born Feb. 16, 2009. Dennis adopted Sean Christopher May 5, 2009.

’95 Keith Steenlage, Silvis, Ill., has been promoted to assistant general counsel in the Law Department at John Deere, a manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment.

’97 Becky L. Belter, Jackson, Mich., has been named chair of the Department of Language, Literature and Arts at Jackson Community College.

Each year, alumni marking their 50th anniversary of graduating from UW-L are welcome to join the Rexford Mitchell Society. Pictured above is the Class of ’59, a special class that graduated during the university’s 50th anniversary and held their special reunion 50 years later during UW-L’s centennial celebration in 2009.

re you a member of the Class of ’61? Or, from a class that graduated prior to ’61? Mark your calendar for a special reunion Oct. 14-16, 2011. That’s when the Class of ’61 will be inducted into the Rexford Mitchell Society. And, the Alumni Association will celebrate all

grads of 50 or more years. Plans include a getreacquainted social, tours of Centennial Hall and the new residence hall, a reunion dinner, and a football game. Help plan the reunion or get more information from alumni@uwlax.edu.

Thinking about a reunion? Interested in planning a college reunion? UW-L reunions take place on campus — and throughout the world! Get your Alumni Association helpful planning guide by calling 877.895.2586. Pictured to the right are the members of the class of 1960 who returned to campus last year.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

’99 Cindy (Nerbun) Burgos and her family have returned to the states after nearly six years in Brazil. They are now in the Houston area where her husband, U.B., is an IT manager with Exxon Mobil. Cindy continues to be at home on leave with their two children, Diego (4) and Victor (1).

Grant funds Scholarships for Milwaukee-area minorities A generous grant from the M&I Foundation will help minority students in need from Milwaukee go to UW-L. The $30,000 grant will provide five $2,000 scholarships for minority students from the central part of the city. The scholarships are renewable for up to three years beginning in fall 2011. The scholarship was announced at last fall’s Multicultural Reunion (pictured above).

Houa Xiong, ’98 & ’00, a senior academic adviser in the UWOshkosh Undergraduate Advising Resource Center, received an Outstanding Service Award from the university in September. The award recognizes non-teaching faculty and academic staff whose contributions enhance the institution’s overall academic environment and educational goals.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

’00 Kate L. Braasch, Wauwatosa, earned a master’s in leadership studies from Marquette University in December 2009. She is currently director of advancement relations at Marquette.

’98 Shannon K. Cisewski, Minneapolis, was hired in March 2009 as an assistant professor at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota for the doctorate in education leadership program.

Diana (Stein) Clark lives in New Glarus with her husband, Josh, and two children, Kaylie, (4) and Mya (1). She works in human resources- benefits in Madison and enjoys playing with her kids, yoga, reading, scuba diving and traveling.

Alum heading up sbdc A long-time corporate attorney with extensive work with small businesses has returned to campus to head the UW-L Small Business Development Center. Anne Morgan Hlavacka (lah-VAH-kah), an ’84 graduate in political science, became director of the center in June. Before taking the job, Hlavacka spent more than 20 years in private law practice at Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren in Milwaukee “I’m excited about being able to use the skills from my practice in business law and extend them to more than just one client at a time,” says Hlavacka.

The SBDC is known and has worked well with businesses throughout western Wisconsin, says Hlavacka. She intends that to continue. Hlavacka sees the La Crosse area’s thriving healthcare and technology-based organizations as a springboard for developing more business. “You really want to see these types of businesses take off,” she says. “La Crosse is a very attractive area for these businesses.” The center serves Buffalo, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau and Vernon counties.

Kimberly (Wilson) Holst, Phoenix, is an associate clinical professor of law at the Sandra Day O’ Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.

’01 Allison Wiest, Makawao, Hawaii, has been living on Maui for eight years. She recently got a job as the East Maui Watershed Partnership’s Community Outreach and Education Liaison. The East Maui Watershed Partnership (EMWP) is an environmental effort between federal, state and private landowners to preserve the native forest. She educates the public and schools about water resources

‘2010 minnesotan of the year’ Jeff Taxdahl, ’86 earns honor

by doing presentations and field study hikes.

’03 Anthony “Tony” DeRosa has been named assistant principal at Butler Middle School in Waukesha. His wife, Gretchen, is a reading specialist in the Wauwatosa School District. They are living in New Berlin and are thrilled to have moved the family back to Wisconsin.

Karyn Sobczak, married William J. Elliott July 31st, 2010. They live in West Milwaukee. After five years, she’s still the business systems manager with First Stage Children’s Theater in Milwaukee.

Judy L. Stoney, Clinton, retired from Clinton Elementary School in June 2010 after teaching 29 years. She taught second grade — an age/grade level she felt very passionate about – for 28 years. In retirement, she plans to travel, play golf, read for leisure, and spend time with family and friends at the family’s cabin in Watersmeet, Mich.

’04

hread Logic founder and president Jeff Taxdahl has been named a 2010 Minnesotan on the Move by Finance and Commerce. Taxdahl, ’86, was honored in April and featured in the Twin Cities newspaper, Finance and Commerce. He’s pictured here with his wife, Wenda, right, who is part of Thread Logic’s team. Also, Thread Logic won the 2010 Integrity Award from

the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota. The company was chosen for exemplifying the highest ethical standards and behavior in business, and displaying integrity in all operations. Taxdahl founded the embroidery and logowear company known for its Web-based marketing, quality work and customer service in 2002. He was one of 38 entrepreneurs

and business leaders to receive the award. The award was created to “cast an eye on the future of Minnesota’s business landscape by choosing a group of business people who have what it takes to gain great prominence in their field.”

Justin P. Moore moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., in October 2010 with his wife, Julia, and twomonth old son, Colin James. He is working as an attorney for the Army at Fort Carson, Colo.

’05 Sarah Seitz, ’05 &‘07, Whitewater, an academic adviser in the UWWhitewater Academic Advising & Exploration Center, received a UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

2010 Outstanding New Advisor Certificate of Merit from the National Academic Advising Association.

Sarah (Wilson) Wood, Fish Creek, is manager of the Pamida retail store in Sister Bay. She and her husband, Rick, are happy in their little home with a wonderful cat, Gunther.

’06 Matthew P. Cody, Milwaukee, is on the tax team with RitzHolman CPAs, a Milwaukee-based accounting firm and has been promoted to supervisor. Katherine Haake, Colfax, received a doctor of medicine degree from The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in May.

’07 Martha Jacobs, Beaver Dam, a PR Specialist at C. Blohm & Associates, has contributed to the agency’s success for more than three years. CB&A was named a runner up in the small agency category in PRSourceCode’s Top Tech Communicator survey.

Jay Gorsh, North Liberty, Iowa, is in his first year of a doctorate program at the University of Iowa. He is a research assistant for a science education grant and a facilitator for the University of Iowa’s High Adventure Challenge Course. 42

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

’08 Frank Fiordellisi, Jr., North Liberty, Iowa, is substitute teaching and coaching in the Iowa City Community School District. Hollie Nyseth, Neillsville, has received a 2010 Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation scholarship in recognition of her efforts to promote a more peaceful and just world. She is currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of Minnesota in sociology with a minor in human rights.

lymphoma for legacies

Alum’s brush with cancer saves life stories

’09 Joshua B. Hockett, Columbia, Mo., is the coordinator of strength and conditioning for MizzouRec. Kimberly Schoenfeld, Oconomowoc, is serving with a team of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps members to support rebuilding efforts in New Orleans.

’10 Jonathan M. DeVries, Randolph, is the business office manager of Human Resources at the Golden Living facility in Beaver Dam. He had been an employee at Golden Living in Randolph. He’s a member of the Rotary Club of Beaver Dam, the Dodge County YMCA and the Kiwanis Club of Randolph.

Lisa R. McGrath, Bloomington, Minn., started with the University of Phoenix in August as an Enrollment Counselor/Account Executive.

hen Joel Larson was diagnosed with stage-four lymphoma, he was told he had only a short time to live. He had no idea where or how to begin planning for death. And, he was also concerned about how he would be remembered by family and friends. Larson, ’83, found nothing to help with pre-planning death and remembrance issues, so he invented assistance. That was more than six years ago, and Larson has fully recovered from cancer. During that recovery, Larson carefully crafted a business plan and launched www.GreatBookofLife.com. The online resource provides:

•A place where people can write and publish life stories of family members or loved ones who have died. The stories will be stored for future generations. •A place where people can write their own life story in advance of any health issues or life-threatening conditions. •A n End-of-Life Planning Guide offering a directory of end-of-life resources and services. Larson says everyone should enter their senior years with peace of mind knowing their affairs are in order and their loved ones are protected.

Class of 20?? Natalie J. Wichgers, ’89, and Dean J. Pitcher, Franklin, a daughter, Mary Rose, June 18, 2010. She joins brothers James (18), Tony (14), Mike (12), Peter (10), and David (6); and sisters Mary Pat (16), Mary Clare (8) and Mary Therese (4). Natalie loves being an at-home mom taking care of such an awesome clan! Julie (Droessler), ’94, and James Beck, Dayton, Ohio, a daughter, Sophia Grace, March 13, 2010. She joins a brother, Brady James (2). Julie is still working as an attorney with the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office currently practicing in the area of labor and employment law. Virgil, ’96, and Kristin (Peterson), ’97, Jones, Jordan, Minn., twin sons, Madden Eugene and Porter Harrison. They join sister Samara and brother Elijah. “Kristin and I look forward to all of them becoming La Crosse Eagles,” says Virgil. Vicki (Hermanson), ’98, and Brandon Ferrell, Edgerton, a daughter, Ava Hays, May 20, 2010. Vicki works for the Edgerton School District. Kimberly (Overlie), ’99, and Brian L. Frutiger, Minneapolis, a daughter, Kathryn Acadia, April 20, 2010. She joins sister Isabella. Susan (Knaus), ’99, and Jerry VanDenLangenberg, Janesville, a son, William, May 13, 2010. Susan works for the school district of Beloit. Kristin (Ponto), ’99, and Daniel Wilkins, Aurora, Colo., a daughter, Hailey Lyn, July 27 2010. Kristin works for the City of Aurora.

Christie (Kerr), ’01, and Soren Gajewski, Sturtevant, a son, Jacek Louis Aug. 11, 2009. He joined brothers Aiden (7) and Shea (6), and sister Eleanor (2 ). Christie was promoted to the literacy coach position at Mitchell Middle School and works collaboratively with teachers, students and administrators on reading and writing across the curriculum. Ryan J., ’02, and Heidi (Hipenbecker) Meyer, ’01, New Lisbon, a son, Micah Raymond, June 10, 2010. He joins sisters Megan (6) and Madison (4), and brothers Mason (2) and Marshall (1). Ryan works for the New Lisbon schools; Heidi is a stay-at-home mom. Rebecca (Yohn), ’02, and Jeremy Smith, Jefferson, a daughter, Isabella Mallory, Jan. 7, 2010. Carrie Meyer McFarlane, ’03, and Dean W. McFarlane, Marshfield, a son, Reid Patrick, July 14, 2010. He joins brother Beckett (2). Carrie is employed by Figi’s. Kristen (Anderson), ’03, and Tony Possley, De Pere, a daughter, Harper Reese, March 28, 2010. Kristen is employed with Marshall & Ilsley Bank. Melissa (Keough), ’06, and Timothy Ruder, Memphis, Tenn., a daughter, Sofia Lorraine Feb. 26, 2010. Melissa works for Memphis City Schools.

Video Trip

olitical Science and Public Administration Professor Cecilia Manrique wanted her African Government and Politics class to get a feel of the country. So, she teamed up with Mia Badenhorst, University of Pretoria (South Africa) Golden Key adviser and a colleague and friend. “I thought it would be a good idea to have my students raise questions and issues with students from the country we were studying,” explains Manrique. The students posed questions to each other through a shared computer learning system before meet-

ing face-to-face via video conferencing. “It was a very successful meeting,” says Manrique. “My students agreed it seems the South Africans knew a lot about American politics and asked about election results. They learned that South African students speak an average of three languages each.” The visit overseas wasn’t the first for one of Manrique’s classes. Last spring her students “traveled” to Qatar. She intends to link with a Latin American college in spring when she teaches a Contemporary Latin America class.

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UW-L Alumnus magazine Summer 2010

remembering

Disability didn’t slow her down Life remembered — Marian Hammes

arian Hammes had a pioneer spirit and didn’t let a disability slow her down. Hammes survived polio at age 2 that left her right arm disfigured. Even so, she played the piano using only her knuckles, lived independently in her rural home and engaged plenty of college students learning to be educators. Hammes, 94, of Barre Mills, died Sept. 5. Hammes grew up in rural Barre Mills along with her seven brothers. She never married but cared for her older brother, Harold, who was developmentally disabled. Her disability was “nothing you thought about,” said her 59-year-old niece Michaeline Kay. “She accepted it, but I think other people could look at it as a weakness. There was no way she was going to let other people do that,” Kay said. As a teacher in a rural school, she taught up to eight grade levels in one room while stoking the wood stove and feeding her students lunch, said Burt Altman, former professor at UW-L and friend. Her teaching experience led to a career at the university, where she taught future teachers during a career of more than 30 years. It was unusual for a woman at that time to obtain

“Marian, in many ways, was a tough woman. She had to be.” Burt Altman

a master’s degree and the career she eventually had, said Norma Altman, a close friend. “Marian, in many ways, was a tough woman. She had to be. She was a woman professor in a day when women were treated not as equals in any field,” Burt Altman said. As a teacher, Hammes didn’t just stand behind a podium, her colleagues said.

UW-L Alumnus magazine winter 2010/11

She sometimes took her teacher-education students to public grade-school classes where she would demonstrate the process of teaching, Burt Altman said. “That took a lot of guts because you were dealing with an unknown … the kids,” he added. She was a leader in establishing the early childhood education program at UW-L. An early childhood education center at UW-L was dedicated to her in 1984. Although she had no children, Hammes had close relationships with her many nieces and nephews. Kay said when she was a child, Hammes would take her to the woods to pick mushrooms or paint trees or “whatever caught her eye.” Another niece, Rose Hammes, said she and her aunt would sit in the sunroom of her aunt’s rural Barre Mills home and watch the birds. Marian Hammes always had good advice about life, Rose Hammes said. “She intuitively could understand people’s conflicts and help them work through them,” she said. “She always made time for you.” Yet, she wasn’t one to draw attention to herself, Burt Altman said. If she were alive now and heard the kind words about her, “she would be blushing,” he said. Article courtesy of La Crosse Tribune

in memory 1935: Lillian Clark George, Napa, Calif. 1937: Helen G. (Thomasgard) Clausius, Richland Center 1937: Marjorie (Thoreson) Sacia Lee, Holmen 1943: Marion Fremlin, La Crosse 1945: M. Lucia “Punky” (Weiss) Gronbeck, Madison 1945: Marian Hammes, Barre Mills 1948: Ruth Kaun Emerick, Brookings, S.D. 1948: Jean Foss, La Crosse 1949: Donald Keenan Sr., Kewaunee 1953: William Glynn Humphrey, Racine 1953: Eileen Muth, Jefferson 1956: James C. Blackwood, Beloit 1959: Robert “Bob” A. Ritter, La Crosse 1960: Beatrice “Bea” (Nundahl) Hillbo, Viroqua 1962: John “Tony” Anthony Desmond, Watertown 1963: Blanche A Harder, Mechanicsville, Va. 1963: Mathias James “Jim” Noel, Pepin 1964: Eugene Kohlmeyer, Black River Falls 1966: Jeffry B. Klund, Sun City West, Ariz. 1967: Earleen Joyce (Miller) Wardwell, San Antonio 1971: James E. Rahn, La Crosse 1972: Merna (Feathers) Koula, Barre Mills 1975 & 1990: Darlene Zielinski Parker, La Crosse 1975: Michael R. Strasser, Onalaska 1978: William T. Weitzel, Saint Joseph, Mich. 1982: JoAnne “Joie” K. Olson, La Crosse 1983: Robert Osterhaus, Burnsville, Minn. 1987: Andrew Riemann Fries, Onalaska 1994: Andrea “And” (Olson) Tomten, Coon Valley 2000: Sam Felland, La Crosse 2001: Jeremy Cox, Houston, Minn. 2009: Emily Mae Seay, Superior

advocate for social justice

Life remembered — darlene Joan Zielinski Parker

arlene Joan Zielinski Parker had several passions in life: grandchildren, gardens and a deep devotion to social justice. Parker, who earned two degrees from UWL: a bachelor’s in 1976 and a master’s in 1981, taught at La Crescent (Minn.) Elementary School for 31 years. She died June 18, 2010, at the age of 67 following a 25-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Parker was an early civil rights advocate beginning in the ’60s. She had an unrelenting opposition to racism, sexism, homophobia and war. In the mid-‘60s, Parker

lead La Crosse’s opposition to the Vietnam War. Later, she contributed a quilt to the Names Memorial Quilt Project, honoring her brother, Robert, who died in 1992.

Linda Host

inda Host, 59, of La Crosse died June 2, 2010. After graduating from the University of Wyoming, Host joined the UW-L Mathematics Department in 1983 where she taught until retiring in 2005. She was a popular teacher who could convey complex ideas to all levels of students, and a talented mathematician who authored research papers. Professor Emeritus Host was chair of the Faculty Senate, a faculty representative, and chaired the committee charged with replacing Basic Studies with the General Education Program. Host is survived by her husband, Professor Emeritus Dave Bange of the Math Department. Memorials may be sent to the UW-L Foundation to an academic scholarship for future students in her memory. (See article on page 15)

Parker loved the state’s landscape and wildlife. Her favorite spots were Land O’ Lakes, Eagle River and Sliver Lake. She loved the La Crosse River marsh and walked there daily. Her children and grandchildren built a memorial bench, under her favorite big cottonwood in the marshlands. Parker is survived by her husband, Professor Emeritus Jim Parker, their three children and five grandchildren. Memorials may be given to the Darlene Joan Zielinski Parker Scholarship for elementary education students through the UW-L Foundation. (See article on page 15)

Eileen P. Muth

ileen P. Muth, 78, died Oct. 23, 2010. Muth, ’53, a long-time teacher in UW-L’s Exercise and Sport Science Department, was born in Milwaukee and raised in Pewaukee. She attended Waukesha High School. Professor Emeritus Muth taught school in Waupaca and West Allis, before returning to UW-L in 1968, where she taught until retiring in 1998. On campus she was known for her work with modern dance. After retirement she moved to Fort Myers, Fla., where she enjoyed many years of golf, tennis and traveling.

Pauline A. Abel

auline A. Abel, who taught in the university’s Campus School for more than 40 years, died June 6, 2010. Professor Emeritus Abel served students in the intermediate grades, as well as pre-service teachers. She recalled her students vividly up to her death, and cherished her teaching trips to Japan during the 1940s, easily recalling the country’s language and geography. Abel worked alongside many for whom campus buildings were named: Mitchell, Reuter, Drake and others. She recalled many campus historical events in an informal interview conducted two years ago: http://edtech-media.uwlax.edu/ UWLMediaSite/Viewer/?peid=0acf3a3f-cfaf49aa-b043-fe242c82d4fc

Jean Lois Foss

ongtime professor and administrator Jean Lois Foss, 83, died Oct. 24, 2010, in La Crosse. Foss, ’48, returned to the physical education department in 1962, chairing the department from 1970-74. Foss was one of the first women in the UW System to complete a UW System Administration Internship. For 15 years she was Associate Vice Chancellor and was the highest-ranking UW campus female administrator part of that time. She instituted an automated registration system, an Office of International Education, the library planning process and more. Associate Vice Chancellor Emeritus Foss retired in 1989 and received the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Excellence Award. Memorials may be given to the UW-L Foundation for the Jean L. Foss and Norene A. Smith OCW Scholarship.

memorials F O U N D A T I O N

Send memorials to the UW-L Foundation 615 East Ave. N. La Crosse, WI 54601 or go to www.foundation.uwlax.edu.

UW-L Alumnus magazine Summer 2010

homecoming 2010

a Sunny return The Homecoming game was a highlight of Family, Friends and Alumni Weekend. Clockwise from left: • The UW-L Cheerleaders perform a stunt during the football game. • The UW-L Screaming Eagles performed for the Family Friends and Alumni Weekend crowd attending the football game against UW-Platteville. • This eagle-eye view from the top of Roger Harring Stadium shows an ever-growing crowd before the Family Friends and Alumni Weekend football game Oct. 16. • Senior Travis Bordeau snags a catch during the football game on a sunny, warm afternoon. • The football game crowd cheered on the Eagles against the UW-Platteville Pioneers. The Eagles lost, 21-6. • Members of the 1985 national championship football team enjoyed the reunion.

If the address label lists someone who no longer lives here, please send the correct address to: UW-L Alumni Association, 1725 State St., La Crosse, WI 54601 USA. Production and distribution of the Alumnus is coordinated by the UW-L Alumni Association.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 1725 State St. La Crosse, WI 54601 USA

UW-L Pompon alums returned to La Crosse to reminisce and participate in La Crosseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oktoberfest Maple Leaf Parade last fall. Some appeared in a Lambeau Field photo, above, the cover of last summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alumnus.

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