Alumni Today Spring 2023

Alumni Today

Shaping a more INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

NASA’S SPACE LAUNCH System rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft launches on the Artemis I flight test, Nov. 16, 2022, from Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA’s Artemis I mission is the first integrated flight test of the agency’s deep space exploration systems: the Orion spacecraft, Space Launch System rocket, and ground systems.

NASA/Joel Kowsky

Alumni Today

SPRING 2023

UW-Platteville’s Mission

We promote excellence by using a personal, hands-on approach to empower each student to become broader in perspective, intellectually more astute, ethically more responsible, and to contribute wisely as an accomplished professional and knowledgeable citizen in a diverse global community.

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Engagement

Joshua Boots bootsj@uwplatt.edu

Alumni Relations Manager

Shelby Lang ’96 langs@uwplatt.edu

Contributing Writers

James Hibbard, Southwest Wisconsin Room

Stephen Kelley, Division of Professional Studies

Director of Marketing and Communications

Benjamin Jedd jeddb@uwplatt.edu

Marketing and Communications Contributors

Johanna Belken ’04

Diana Blindert

Easton Green

Ashley McFadden

Art Direction

Andy McNeill ’02

Alison Parkins

Katie Weigel

Ruth Wendlandt ’06

The ESC Plan | theescplan.com

Alumni Today is produced as a service of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Alumni Association. Letters to the editor are welcome, as are suggestions for articles and Class Notes. Call or write Development and Alumni Engagement, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 1 University Plaza Stop 1, Platteville WI 53818-3099, 800.897.2586, alumni@uwplatt.edu.

© 2023 University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Bringing the university to you for 60 years

The first Class Notes appeared in the second issue of the Pioneer Alumni Newsletter, printed in December 1963.

The Alumni Association is celebrating 60 years of connecting alumni with each other and their alma mater through its newsletter. The first Pioneer Alumni Newsletter was issued in March 1963. It consisted of six pages and no photos, but a clear vision—which then President Bjarne Ullsvik outlined in a letter in the issue.

“This alumni issue is evidence of a new attempt for increased communications between our alumni and the campus. By such increased articulation, we can provide additional service and enable our alumni to render evidence of loyalty to their alma mater,” wrote President Ullsvik.

Today, the newsletter is digital and emailed to 25,000 alumni every month. But, the mission still remains the same as it did 60 years ago—connecting alumni with each other and campus.

You can help build these connections by submitting updates about yourself for the Class Notes section, which runs in each newsletter. To submit a class note or sign up for the monthly e-newsletter, visit www.uwplatt.edu/alumni-friends.

THEN / NOW

Best in Engineering

The opening of Sesquicentennial Hall this fall marked the newest chapter in UW-Platteville’s illustrious history in engineering education. The new building adjoins Busby Hall of Engineering to create a 200,000-square-foot complex to support interdisciplinary engineering and computer science. At the center of the building is the Huff Family Innovation Center—one of the largest makerspaces in the Midwest—where students can turn their ideas into a design, prototype, and eventual business plan. This transformative building, combined with UW-Platteville’s low tuition and number one return-on-investment ranking, ensure UW-Platteville remains Wisconsin’s best in engineering for generations to come.

ORANGE & BLUE updates

“While showcasing our strengths in the recognition of more than 150 years of being Pioneers in education, Sesquicentennial Hall marks the beginning of a new era for UW-Platteville … Simply put, Sesquicentennial Hall transforms how we teach and learn. This building is a true Pioneer.”

Interim Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich at the grand opening of Sesquicentennial Hall last September. The new engineering building adjoins Busby Hall of Engineering to create a 200,000-square-foot state-ofthe-art complex that supports interdisciplinary engineering and computer science.

“Today we not only honor 12 heroes who attended the university and sacrificed their lives, but we honor all who served in Vietnam. Their service may not have been acknowledged in the manner of those returning home from earlier wars. They performed their patriotic duty and upon their return they faced a society which had political and philosophical disagreements … I cannot change the way Vietnam veterans were greeted home, but today I can say ‘Welcome home brother!’”

Lt. Col. Mac Kolar ’69 (third from right) at the dedication ceremony for the new Vietnam Veterans Memorial on campus. Kolar, along with Dr. James Lawton ’67, spent three years collaborating with people across campus to identify the 12 UW-Platteville students and alumni killed in action in the Vietnam War. Nearly 300 attended the Veterans Day ceremony and dedication, including next of kin and friends of the 12 veterans being honored.

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

1,430

Students in the fall 2022 freshman class—a 13% increase over last year. “I am encouraged by this tremendous increase in the freshman class, and I look forward to building on this momentum by continuing to focus on improving recruitment, as well as retention rates,” said UW-Platteville Interim Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich.

“During times of limited state resources and enrollment challenges, when it seems the word of the day is competition, we have been quite active in pursuing another, what we think is a more productive angle, and that is collaboration.”

Interim Provost Dr. Wayne Weber at a signing ceremony with UW Oshkosh to celebrate a new agreement offering a unique 3+1 dual bachelor’s degree program. The program provides UW-Platteville students the opportunity to receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UW-Platteville and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UW Oshkosh in four years, while remaining in Platteville. The collaboration hopes to address the significant shortage of health care professionals in Wisconsin and the tri-state region, which is acutely felt in rural areas.

Collaboration yields first women-focused criminal justice mentoring program

UW-Platteville recently rolled out its first women-focused mentoring program for criminal justice majors, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the UW-Madison Center for Law, Society, and Justice. The University of Wisconsin Women in Criminal Justice Mentoring Program provides students with mentors from multiple agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. Nearly 40 mentors are participating in the program, including 22 alumni and faculty from UW-Platteville. Mentors represent 26 different organizations, covering a variety of experiences in the criminal justice field.

STUDENTS ‘HACK’ TOYS FOR GOOD CAUSE

In what has become an annual holiday-time tradition, UW-Platteville students across all disciplines join together to modify electronic toys for children with special needs. The students adapt the toys so that children can operate them using external switches and buttons, making them more accessible. During last November’s fifth annual Holiday Toy Hack, students “hacked” more than 55 toys, which were then donated to area families, organizations, and clinics.

$1.3

MILLION

Total grant amount that UW-Platteville will receive over a five-year period as a recipient of the highly-selective McNair Scholars Program. The U.S. Department of Education’s Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program provides grants to institutions of higher education for projects designed to support diverse, first-generation, low-income students with effective preparation for doctoral studies.

$7.4

MILLION+

The total amount raised by the UW-Platteville Foundation during the 2022 fiscal year. This marked the third consecutive year that the Foundation achieved a record year of donations. The Foundation received over 8,000 gifts from more than 5,300 donors.

MSCJ grad uses degree to start mental health and substance abuse counseling program

Tassie Crews knows there is power in words. As a licensed master social worker and certified alcohol drug counselor, she’s seen first-hand how a conversation with the right person can change someone’s entire life. Crews has worked hard to earn the education and training to be that right person.

Crews earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and criminal justice, followed by a master’s degree in social work. Still, she found she wanted to better round out her knowledge base. Crews is a mother of four and worked full time, so she needed a program that offered her maximum flexibility. That led her to enroll in UW-Platteville’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice online program.

“It was very nice to be able to go to school online around the crazy hours that I was working,” Crews said. “Throughout the entire process of getting my degree, I was able to study after work, when I couldn’t sleep, when I had free time. So that was one of the huge benefits of the program.”

Crews worked as a correctional officer with the Iowa Department of Corrections while she studied at UW-Platteville. She says the program gave her tools and knowledge she could apply immediately to her role. Crews said she was also able to enact change at her prison.

“One of the huge benefits is that it really helped me through that job in helping explain the best practices and the things that were going on currently with the criminal justice system in

the prison system,” Crews said. “I spoke to them about the need for instantaneous crisis services, which have now been implemented.”

Her policy writing experience would only grow from there. After earning her degree from UW-Platteville in 2017, Crews was able to land a roughly $4 million Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant. These funds have allowed her to build and develop the new Certified Behavioral Health Center at Hillcrest Family Services program from the ground up. The program at Hillcrest Family Services in Dubuque, Iowa, is designed with a focus on mental health and substance abuse.

“When we look at the criminal justice system, when people are released from jail or prison, there are certain factors that we have to take into account,” Crews said. “We can’t expect someone to be sent back into the exact same situation they were in before and not give them any tools to be really successful.”

Crews has helped turn the program into a hub to connect clients to resources. Many of their clients receive counseling at little or no cost. In addition, the program connects people with insurance information, provides clothing, and helps them apply for things like benefits.

“There is zero judgment when you walk in the door,” Crews said. “Some people struggle with that, but I tell them it’s not a handout—it’s a hand up.”

Crews said the program also offers crisis services meant to help reduce recidivism and ensure their clients do not fall through the cracks.

TASSIE CREWS CREDITS

UW-Platteville’s Criminal Justice program for preparing her to launch a Certified Behavioral Health Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

In addition, they’ve partnered with local law enforcement and critical incident teams to try to minimize law enforcement intervention.

“One goal is to lower the rates of police contact and arrests. So now law enforcement can bring someone directly in,” Crews said. “They’ve informed us that their amount of repeat law enforcement contact has actually dropped since they brought people here, which has been amazing.”

Crews credits UW-Platteville’s Criminal Justice program for playing a vital role in all the good she’s able to do at Hillcrest Family Services. She said the support and instruction she received helped propel her to new heights in her professional career.

“The university was great, the feedback was always positive, and I’ve recommended the program to friends and colleagues. I can’t say enough nice things about UW-Platteville,” Crews added.

Stephen Kelley

take off in the new age of

Alumni careers space exploration

From sending private citizens to space to making major steps toward a return to Mars, the past couple of years have ushered in an exciting new era in space exploration. While Pioneer alumni are already known for making impacts that stretch across the globe, today their reach is expanding even further as they play key roles in some of the major recent developments.

ON FLIGHT DAY 20 of the Artemis I mission, Dec. 5, 2022, Orion captured the moon on the day of return powered flyby, the final major engine maneuver of the flight test.

Helping NASA return to the moon

While growing up in rural Eastman, Wisconsin, Wyatt Fisher ’06 had interests typical of many kids—dreams of being a pilot and building with LEGOs. But, for Fisher, these interests would eventually spark a career in the aerospace field that is anything but typical, leading him to work on the launch of NASA’s most powerful rocket.

Fisher earned a mechanical engineering degree from UW-Platteville and embarked on a career with NASA immediately following graduation. He is currently a Launch Vehicle Systems Engineer for Jacobs, one of NASA’s contractors in its Artemis missions. The missions aim to land the first woman and person of color on the moon, explore the lunar surface, and establish a continued presence there. Last November, NASA launched its Artemis I mission, sending the uncrewed Orion capsule to lunar orbit, the first to return in 50 years.

Fisher’s position is focused on cross-program integration, ensuring that the different programs required to launch the Artemis rockets are able to interact with each other and share critical information. During last fall’s Artemis I mission, Fisher was in the Mission Evaluation Room at Johnson Space Center, in Houston, Texas, operating the Exploration Systems Directorate Systems Engineering and Integration Console. He sat console for the launch, as well as seven shifts of Orion’s in-space operations, capturing any issues and alerting management.

“I’ve been working toward Artemis I in one way or another for my entire career,” said Fisher. “It was a bit surreal being on console during the launch—being in a room with so many others who also dedicated so many years to this mission. Working console wasn’t something I initially pictured for my career. It was a challenge for sure and will go down as one of the highlights of my career.”

Fisher has already started working on the Artemis II mission, which will return humans back to lunar orbit.

“Once we complete post-flight analysis from Artemis I, there will be a large focus on making sure the human systems are fully prepared for another mission,” he said.

Working console wasn’t something I initially pictured for my career. It was a challenge for sure and will go down as one of the highlights of my career.”

—Wyatt Fisher

WYATT FISHER OPERATES the console for the Artemis I mission. Photo taken on Dec. 6, 2022 inside the Orion Mission Evaluation Room while supporting at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

NASA

Building the ‘infrastructure of the future’ at Blue Origin

DR. MARCUS JACKSON ’14 likens the feeling he gets working at Blue Origin to that of the early railroad workers.

“I really feel like I am contributing to the infrastructure of the future,” he said.

With Blue Origin’s overarching mission of building a road to space, it’s easy to see why.

Jackson, originally from Elk Grove, California, graduated from UW-Platteville with a degree in mechanical engineering and then attended graduate school at UW-Madison. During his six years at UW-Madison, he was a part of NASA’s Pathways Internship Program, through which he spent his summers working at the NASA Ames

Research Center in California. Jackson’s specialty is additive manufacturing. He studied energy consumption, process improvements, and repair and re-manufacturing applications. While at NASA, he explored how these types of technologies can be used in space applications, like habitation on the moon or Mars.

Last year, Jackson took on a new challenge when he joined Blue Origin as a Materials and Process Engineer. He is part of a team of engineers building rocket engines, and he uses additive manufacturing to make engine components.

“My job is to make sure that when we are adding additive manufacturing components, they are of the highest quality possible and withstand the rigors of being in a rocket engine,” said Jackson.

Jackson said he loves working in this position and being a pioneer in an industry that has so much to explore. This is especially true for someone, like him, who grew up—and still is—fascinated by space.

“I still have a sense of adventure with outer space,” said Jackson. “I am fascinated by all the discoveries we make. I love reading science fiction.”

Jackson said working in the industry—whether at NASA or now at Blue Origin—and contributing to history being made drives his passion for the job.

“It’s very internally rewarding and motivating and makes me want to get up and go in the morning,” he said. “When I was at NASA, one mission I was on was developing a moon rover to take samples of water and moon ice. That’s a really easy way to get up in the morning. I would love for humanity to expand into the greater universe; that’s such an amazing goal. The work I’m doing will pay off for my children’s children. I truly believe that, and it’s inspiring to go to work every day.”

DR. MARCUS JACKSON stands next to a mockup of one of Blue Origin’s BE-7 engines.

Launching an early career at SpaceX

JUSTIN MAAS ’21 never thought his very first job after graduation would be at SpaceX. After graduating with a degree in electrical engineering, he applied to jobs locally in the Madison, Wisconsin, area and—as an afterthought—sent his resume to SpaceX, not expecting to hear from them. A few weeks later, he received a phone call and invitation to interview. Maas was hired as an associate engineer with the SpaceX launch team at Space Launch Complex 4 East within the Vandenberg Space Force Base, in Lompoc, California, where he quickly advanced to his current position of Launch Engineer.

“I can confidently say that I never imagined myself in this position,” said Maas. “Even just three years ago I would not have believed that I would have been given this opportunity.”

Maas, who grew up in Seymour, Wisconsin, credits UW-Platteville for this, particularly the faculty; hands-on experiences, such as the Senior Design capstone course; and the community he built among classmates.

“I figured there was little chance that a company as well-renowned as SpaceX would consider me a candidate,” said Maas. “Most employers consider UW-Platteville as a smaller school compared to more nationally recognized universities. However, it was actually because I attended UW-Platteville and took full advantage of the hands-on coursework that I had the opportunity

for an interview at SpaceX. The opportunities for development at UW-Platteville exceeded my expectations. Every course, professor, and fellow classmate prepared me for my career better than I could have imagined.”

As a Launch Engineer, Maas develops and implements a number of systems that ensure the safe, reliable launch of rockets, including operating and controlling ground systems at the launch pad before flight. The systems include electrical controls, propellant, cryogenics, hydraulics, and automation.

“There is not a career I would have rather pursued,” said Maas. “The ability to be part of a team that is revolutionizing the history of space exploration is incredibly satisfying, yet always challenging. There is a common saying that ‘you learn something new every day,’ except this is not true at SpaceX, because you learn up to a dozen new pieces of information every day.”

His favorite part of the career, Maas said, is launching rockets.

“There is nothing more exhilarating than watching your hard work pay off by sending a rocket into orbit,” said Maas. “It is an instantaneous feedback loop, knowing that all the work you have put in has meant something meaningful.”

Alison Parkins

JUSTIN MAAS

IS pictured with his parents, Debra and Brian Maas, inside the hangar at Space Launch Complex 4 East in the Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Shaping a more inclusive community

Robert Stallion ’13 and Brittany Howell ’14 and ’16 are taking action to make a difference on the UW-Platteville campus through initiatives and outreach programs to bring awareness to the importance of representation. Stallion and Howell first met nearly a decade ago as undergraduates, not realizing their professional paths would cross years later. Howell, a licensed professional counselor, returned to her alma mater in December 2021 as a Multicultural Specialist and Counselor, with the focus of providing counseling services to minority student populations. Stallion was already working at the university as an Admission Counselor and Multicultural Outreach Specialist. He’s also an Assistant Coach for the men’s basketball program. Stallion was a member of the UW-Platteville men’s basketball team from 2009–13. To both of their surprise, they reconnected on campus, and together they’re making their impact known through coordinating alumni reunions and networking events for faculty, staff, and students of color.

“For us, building community is important,” said Howell. “When people feel like they belong to a place, space, or an environment, they feel confident in who they are. We want people to feel they belong at UW-Platteville.”

ALUMNI ARE CREATING CHANGE ON CAMPUS, THROUGH IMPORTANCE OF REPRESENTATION AND PROGRAMMING

When people feel like they belong to a place, space, or an environment, they feel confident in who they are. We want people to feel they belong at UW-Platteville.”

—Brittany Howell

ROBERT STALLION ’13, Admission Counselor and Multicultural Outreach Specialist, is also an Assistant Coach for the men’s basketball program.

According to Howell and Stallion, for many underrepresented minority students, attending UW-Platteville can be a difficult transition, where students can feel isolated and experience imposter syndrome: feelings of self-doubt of their skills, talents, and accomplishments.

“It can be isolating. I have had bouts of imposter syndrome,” said Stallion. “When we talk about isolation, we typically talk about the students, which is very important, but at the same time, to serve the students, we need to keep faculty and staff members of color here. I had the idea of having gatherings for faculty and staff of color.”

Save the Date!

Join us for the second annual Office of Multicultural Student Affairs reunion, Oct. 21, 2023.

Howell had the same idea. After a discussion, Howell and Stallion created networking events for faculty and staff of color, which takes place at least once a semester. They also organized the inaugural Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Alumni Reunion. The second annual OMSA Alumni Reunion will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.

“We are addressing two initiatives at once, student retention and staff retention,” said Howell. “If we can keep staff of color on campus and help them create a sense of belonging and community, it also contributes to student retention because representation does matter.”

“These are opportunities to get people in the same room, network, introduce each other, and find another person who could be a part of their support system,” added Stallion. “It’s important for our students of color to see alumni because it’s a living finish line. They see people who look like them, who have been in their seats, and walked their paths.”

When Howell and Stallion were students, they

expressed having mostly positive experiences, but were also exposed to challenging circumstances including racism, biases, and microaggressions— issues current Pioneers are still facing today.

“To have had those experiences that involved racism and discrimination, it allows me to be equipped with the skills, tools, and encouragement necessary to help push students forward. For many students, that one experience can make them feel like they cannot continue college,” explained Howell. “A lot of people of color, including myself, and students of color in general, we are used to taking on a lot—I’m here to let students know you don’t have to carry that load alone. You don’t have to do it by yourself. You have support at UW-Platteville through programming, counseling, or dropping by my office. I’m fortunate to provide that space.”

In creating a safe space for all students, Howell and Stallion recommend the university to invest in cultural programming and listen to the concerns of students. In addressing these concerns, starting in

It’s important for our students of color to see alumni because it’s a living finish line. They see people who look like them, who have been in their seats, and walked their paths.”

—Robert Stallion

fall 2023, OMSA Affinity Housing will be offered.

“It’s going to be a huge step in the comfortability for our students of color and feeling less isolated,” said Stallion. “Not only are our students of color feeling isolated in the classroom, but they also can feel isolated in the residence halls. To have OMSA Affinity Housing for students of color, it will build more community in the residence halls. It will go a long way. UW-Platteville will feel more like home.”

Howell notes additional amenities are also being discussed, including bringing a cultural barber shop to campus.

“We want to have a space on campus for barbers and hairstylists to offer their service to

students of color,” she said. “Students would not have to travel back home to get their hair done. When you take care of yourself, you also feel good and confident in who you are.”

When Howell and Stallion embarked on their own collegiate careers, they never foresaw themselves staying in Southwest Wisconsin, but both alumni credit their educational background with giving them the foundation to succeed. They acknowledge how they’re lifelong learners and are grateful they’re able to bring attention to critical issues. As they continue to organize more programs for students, staff, faculty, and alumni of color—each gathering has continued to grow with positive responses.

“I have always believed UW-Platteville is a great place for young people to receive a good education,” said Stallion. “For some young people who come from different backgrounds, whether culturally, financially, or economically, it’s a great place for those people to change their lives for the better. I truly believe that. I have taken that feeling and love for mentorship, teaching, and helping young people—especially young people who look like Brittany and myself—to help them gain access to higher education. It’s why I decided to stay on campus as an alumnus.”

Howell adds, “For Rob and me, this is not work. It’s my calling. We have found a way to continue connecting with people outside of the student population, and with faculty, staff, and alumni. We are trying to support the university’s initiative of diversity and inclusion through outreach programming and other opportunities through networking.”

Ruth Wendlandt ‘06

BRITTANY

’14 and ’16 is a Multicultural Specialist and Counselor, with the focus of providing counseling services to minority student populations.

HOWELL

LANDSCAPE

The P-shaped pollinator hotel in the Markee Avenue roundabout was built by the UW-Platteville Department of Biology. It attracts native insects and gives them a place to overwinter during the coldest months.

UNEARTHED from the archives

A dress and a handbook

By James Hibbard, University Archivist

The university archives have a myriad of irreplaceable materials, from early student newspapers, letters, and diaries to yearbooks, catalogs, and university papers. While it is special to see these items, the only way to truly appreciate them is by researching the persons who originally owned them and the context in which they were used. To illustrate this point, let us look at two items in the archives, a dress and a handbook.

Alvena Schroeder’s 1864 commencement dress

In the reading room of the archives, a dress form holds Alvena Schroeder’s dress that she wore to the Platteville Academy’s June 1864 commencement. The dress is olive green with pleats. It still contains 17 of its original 18 buttons. It was not manufactured, but rather made by a local seamstress. To give some idea of the size of the dress, it only fits on a small, antique dress form.

Who was Alvena Schroeder? Alvena was born in March 1849 in Hanover, Germany. Her father was Hinrich C. D. Schroeder, a carpenter. Her mother appears to have died in Germany, for her name was not found in the records. In 1854, Hinrich packed up his family, Alvena and three other siblings, and immigrated to America, arriving in Platteville by 1855. Alvena, who clearly had a desire for education, was fortunate. Not only did she attend the Platteville Academy in the early 1860s, but she also had the opportunity to participate in the academy’s June 1864 commencement exercises. Being a special event, Alvena wore this dress. Two years later, in 1866, Alvena furthered her education

by becoming part of the first class to attend the new State Normal School. In 1869, she graduated with the first Normal School class.

After earning her teaching degree, Alvena taught in the Platteville public schools into the early 1870s. Sometime before 1880, Alvena set aside her teaching career to assist her elderly father at home. She never returned to teaching. After her father died in the early 1890s, Alvena lived in Platteville until the late 1920s, when she moved to California to live with her niece in Los Angeles, where she died in April 1930.

Nancy Morrow’s handbook

Entitled Handbook of Mineralogy, Blowpipe Analysis and Geometrical Crystallography, the book, published in 1918, is small, 4” x 7” x 2,” heavily dog-eared, and, at first glance, unremarkable. Upon closer examination, however, the book has a unique signature. On the top edge of the pages is printed in ink: “NANCY MORROW.” The book was once owned and used by Nancy Morrow (Mining School class of 1938) for her studies at the Mining School.

Who was Nancy Morrow? Born in 1918, Nancy was the fourth of five children of Blanch and Homer B. Morrow, the Director of the Mining School from 1920–41. Like Alvena, Nancy also lost her mother, who passed away in 1926. Growing up with two older brothers who attended the Wisconsin Mining School and an older sister who attended the State Teachers College, Nancy chose her own path by becoming the first female student, along with Fay Bible, to attend the Mining School from 1935–38. As she later explained, “all her life she had been associated with engineers, as her father and two older brothers are of the profession. Thus, it seemed only natural for her to lean toward the engineering profession.”

Nancy, who took journalism classes at Platteville High School, continued along this line at the Mining School by becoming a journalist for the W.M.S. Geode. As noted in the Geode, for three years, both Nancy and Fay worked in the “stench of the chemical laboratory,” drew engineering projects on “drafting boards,” and worked with

THE FRONT INSIDE cover of the handbook shows the name Jack H. Morrow (Nancy Morrow’s younger brother, class of 1942) on the left side. The right side shows Frederick O. Anderson (Nancy’s son on address label); Joseph Kluck, Ernest Ovitz, Arnie Frey, and Richard Richards (Nancy’s classmates); and Jack H. Morrow (upside down) on the right side.

“ore-dressing machinery.” When not in class, Nancy and Fay worked as reporters and then as advertisers for the Geode. Along the way, one of Nancy’s male classmates admitted, Nancy “tried to make gentlemen out of all of us.” Five of those “gentlemen” signed Nancy’s handbook.

After Nancy graduated in May 1938, she married fellow classmate Oliver Anderson that fall. By 1940, Oliver was employed by the Mahoning Mining Company in Rosiclare, Illinois. Over the course of their marriage, Nancy and Oliver had several children. Both Nancy and Oliver lived the rest of their lives in Rosiclare, Oliver dying in 1972, Nancy dying in 1976.

As to Nancy’s handbook, in addition to her classmate’s signatures, it has the signature of her younger brother, Jack H. Morrow (Mining School class of 1942), and it has an address stamp of Frederick Anderson, her son. Hence, it appears Nancy let Jack borrow it for his studies and it eventually ended up in her son’s possession.

Alvena and Nancy’s stories are just two of many, but knowing their stories add context and breathes life into an old dress and a dog-eared book that otherwise would be just two intriguing items in the archives whose stories were unknown.

Pictured left to right are Fay Bible and Nancy Morrow at the Mining School flag pole.

GOING THE DISTANCE

Zimmerman makes an impact on the track and in the classroom

It’s possible that 2007 graduate Dana Zimmerman represents one of the truest definitions of a UW-Platteville Pioneer—someone who pushes boundaries and perseveres, even when the odds might be against them. Zimmerman was born with cerebral palsy, affecting the right side of his body. He was also diagnosed with a learning disability, affecting the way he is able to receive and interpret information. With the help of friends and family, Zimmerman set out to prove neither of these would define him.

“We grew up in a very modest household and physical therapy was really expensive,” said Zimmerman, who grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota. “My dad decided the next best thing was to get me swimming.”

By the age of 10, he was competing in swimming and running events at the Courage Country Championships—competitions for persons with similar disabilities. He especially excelled at the running competitions, and this soon led him to connect with Art Payne, a cross country and track coach for Central High School, in Saint Paul. Payne worked with Zimmerman for five years, learning how to tailor workouts for him. Zimmerman’s coaches at Harding High School played a pivotal role as well. Vicky Knutson, his cross country coach, pushed him to eventually become the team captain and NovaCare Award winner, which is a brave and outstanding performance award for persons with disabilities among able-bodied athletes. An additional coach, Lisa

Koelfgen-Faust, specifically designed a running program that eventually led Zimmerman to fourth, fifth, and sixth place finishes in the 800-, 1,500-, and 5,000-meter races during the 1996 Paralympic games in Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to crediting Payne for developing him as an athlete, Zimmerman also said it was his running coach who introduced him to his future academic and career path. Zimmerman was a first-generation college student and said the idea of pursuing higher education had never occurred to him, until Payne suggested that he should explore developmental adapted physical education as a profession.

“Having a learning disability, I was on the middle to low end of the academic scale,” said Zimmerman. “I had never considered the idea of college.”

Zimmerman connected with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Minnesota, which helped him with college readiness resources.

“I was paired up with a DVR officer and I took a psychological assessment report that said college work, for me, would be ‘extremely difficult.’”

DANA ZIMMERMAN IS a silver medalist in the 1,500-meter run in the 2000 Paralympic games.

Top right, Zimmerman and his friend, John Herrin—a fellow UW-Platteville alumnus— participate in a Tough Mudder competition.

Bottom right, Zimmerman and his wife, Sara, visit the Floating Islands in Vietnam.

Still determined not to let anything stop him, he enrolled at UW-Platteville the next fall.

When Zimmerman arrived at UW-Platteville, he met Tom Antczak, Head Coach of the cross country program, whom he credits for helping him achieve his athletic life goal. Antczak designed a program for Zimmerman so that he could continue running. He followed a plan that had him running indoor and outdoor track, as well as cross country, eventually preparing him for the 2000 Paralympic games in Sydney, Australia.

“I got on a plane, took my textbooks with me so I could keep up with my studies, and went to Sydney,” said Zimmerman, who ended up taking home a silver medal in the 1,500-meter run with a time of four-and-a-half minutes.

After achieving his athletic goal, he turned his attention to finishing his physical education degree at UW-Platteville. It was a challenge, he said, to complete student teaching and pass the required standardized tests to obtain his teaching license, but he stuck with it and graduated.

After teaching one year in Hudson, Wisconsin, he eventually enrolled in a graduate program for adapted physical education at UW-La Crosse.

It was there, Zimmerman said, that he honed his skills and learned to better assess students, utilize adaptive equipment, and develop better after school programs for persons with disabilities. He was eventually asked to fill a full-time position teaching at UW-River Falls—a job he said he never would have conceived of a decade prior.

“I think about how I didn’t even know anything about college or if I could even go to college, to coming full circle and being a professor,” he said.

After decades of accepting challenges and exceeding his goals, Zimmerman set out for a new challenge in 2018, when he and his wife Sara moved to Bangladesh to teach. Zimmerman described an initial period of difficult cultural adjustment.

“Seeing the treatment of persons with disabilities in a developing country took an emotional toll,” said Zimmerman. “My students had never had a person with a disability in a power position. I heard a lot of ‘what’s wrong with you?’, ‘does your brain work right?’, and ‘how are you going to teach us?’ I did a lot of integration and sensitivity awareness and a lot of teaching about what a disability is. There was a lot of teaching, re-teaching, and breaking down cultural barriers. In the end, I hope there were a lot of life lessons besides physical education.”

Today, Zimmerman is back in the U.S., teaching physical education at Saint Paul Online Elementary School. One thing that hasn’t changed is his desire to continue educating and helping others, although he has new goals for how to do so. Zimmerman recently established a new scholarship at UW-Platteville—the Cerebral Palsy Big Brother Scholarship. His long-term goals include someday working for a university in the student support services, so he can help others coming into higher education overcome their own obstacles.

“Whether it’s someone with a physical disability or academic or developmental delay, I just want to help guide those future professionals,” said Zimmerman. “They have the ability, they just need a few extra handshakes and high fives.”

Alison Parkins

Kaiser family commits $1 million to UW-Platteville Foundation

To Corey Kaiser, a 2018 graduate of UW-Platteville, “Midwest Nice” is more than just a slogan.

“To me, ‘Midwest Nice’ means we would rather see people do well,” said Kaiser. “That’s something that has always resonated with me, whether throughout my business career or my personal life.”

Kaiser and his wife, Teah, expressed this sentiment with their recent pledge of $1 million, through the Kaiser Family Foundation Corporation, to the UW-Platteville Foundation to support facility upgrades on campus.

After graduating with a degree in business administration, Kaiser created the brand The608, locally marketing Wisconsin-branded clothes. The company quickly gained traction and Kaiser rebranded to Wisconsin Clothing Company. He then merged with his family’s BrandL Embroidery & Imprints to become WCC Brands, with a retail brand of Wisconsin Clothing Company. Kaiser is the main Owner and Manager of the company, which has now expanded well outside the 608-area code, selling its products in nearly 50

retail locations and two flagship stores across the state, in addition to booming online sales.

Kaiser said he is not afraid to describe himself as a “homer,” having grown up in the small community of Kieler, Wisconsin, and attended UW-Platteville— only 10 minutes from home.

“I’ve always loved my small town of Kieler, and I went to UW-Platteville because it was close,” said Kaiser. “I lived in Platteville and still had the college experience. I have always loved Wisconsin communities; everyone has each other’s backs.”

Kaiser’s love for Wisconsin communities not only drives his company’s brand—which he describes as “clothing by Wisconsinites for Wisconsinites”— but also moves him to give back to the communities that are the

backbone of his brand, especially in Southwest Wisconsin.

“I am honored to be a Pioneer, especially when I see how well the university is doing and all of the new projects. I want to be able to help,” he said.

“We are immensely grateful for this impactful gift from the Kaiser family,” said UW-Platteville Interim Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich. “Partnerships, such as this one, within our Southwest Wisconsin community are essential for our university and region to continue to thrive and be a vibrant place to learn and live.”

A large portion of the gift from the Kaiser Family Foundation Corporation will support a major renovation to Bo Ryan Court, in Williams Fieldhouse, which is home to more than 100 university events annually,

including commencement.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Kaiser family on the renovation of Bo Ryan Court to provide a best in class, multilevel premium seating facility,” said Dr. Kristina Navarro, Director of Athletics and Recreation and Assistant Chancellor for Sports Administration at UW-Platteville. “This gift will not only allow us to continue to enhance our profile of competitive excellence as we recruit top talent to UW-Platteville, but it demonstrates a strategic revenue generation effort to continue to build and expand our event hosting capabilities. I am excited to welcome partners, donors, fans, and alumni to the Kaiser Family Suites at Bo

Ryan Court in the fall of 2024. This is truly a game changer for UW-Platteville and Pioneer nation.”

Another portion of the gift will support future capital projects at UW-Platteville.

“The Kaiser family has tremendous passion for Southwest Wisconsin,” said Joshua Boots, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Development and Alumni Engagement at UW-Platteville. “This investment will have an incredible impact on Southwest Wisconsin, the university, and beyond. I want to personally thank Corey and Teah for their generosity and for making this transformational gift a reality.”

Alison Parkins

COREY ’18 AND Teah Kaiser own Wisconsin Clothing Company, part of WCC Brands. The Kaiser Family Foundation Corporation recently pledged $1 million to the UW-Platteville Foundation to support facility upgrades on campus.

Shop the entire collection of Wisconsin-branded clothes at www.

CLASS NOTES

1966 graduates (pictured from left to right) Richard Bronson, Gary Tuescher, and Gerry Anderson celebrate a combined 240 years of life experiences.

Jim Ryan ‘77 writes in to us saying, “Pioneers strong at the South Pole! Representing the Pioneers’ spirit in Antarctica!”

Sharon Pink ’81 retired as the assistant director of TRIO Student Support Services at UW-Platteville. Pink worked at the university for 36 years.

Brian Weavel ’92 was selected as a pizza judge for the National Pizza Show in Rosemont, Illinois, in August. He was selected to judge by the United States Pizza Team and Pizza Magazine Quarterly. The National Pizza Show is the largest pizza show in the region, featuring 3,000 foodservice operators and distributors. Weavel was the owner of Anna’s Pizza & Pasta in Winnebago, Illinois, for 24 years.

Jill Furman ’03 coached her all-girls middle school FIRST Lego League team to a championship win at the FIRST Robotics regional competition held in Appleton, Wisconsin. At Homecoming, Furman received the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award presented by the Alumni Association.

Casey Droeszler ’05 received the Associated Subcontractors Alliance Award for the Superintendent of the Year (2020–21). He works for Hensel Phelps in San Diego, California.

Rhonda Viney ’74 and ’79 retired as the director of housing at UW-Platteville in 2011. She writes, “being in residence life for more than 30 years provided experiences, personal connections, skill development, and training that developed me as a person and a professional.”

Mick Viney ’74 and ’79 retired from UW-Platteville in 2011 as Assistant Chancellor Emeritus for Student Affairs.

Rhonda and Mick celebrated their 48th anniversary in July 2022. They spend their winters in Mesa, Arizona. They write, “Life has been good. We have fond memories of the staff and students we worked for and with at UW-Platteville.”

Glenn Tredinnick ’84 retired from civil engineering with HR Green Inc. Tredinnick designed many roads, bridges, and utilities in the Chicago area and did work in 12 states. Originally from Linden, Wisconsin, Tredinnick earned a mining engineering degree from UW-Platteville, and he recently relocated back to Grant County from Aurora, Illinois.

Jessica Butts Scott ’03 is the inaugural Associate Vice-President, Online and Continuing Education at the University of Alberta. Scott earned bachelor’s degrees in business administration and Spanish from UW-Platteville.

Director

Joelle Doye ’06 is the Communications

at Mineral Point (Wisconsin) Unified School District. She is also the President of the Wisconsin School Public Relations Association.

Liisa Erita ’13 is a Senior Chemist at Woodstock Sterile Solutions.

Construction Networking Event

Nearly 50 alumni attended the Construction Networking Event this spring, where they recruited students for internships and full- and parttime jobs in the construction field.

Men’s Basketball Alumni

Dozens of men’s basketball alumni returned to Bo Ryan Court on Jan. 8. They were recognized during the UW-Platteville vs. UW-Stout game. The Pioneers defeated the Blue Devils 74–58.

Adam Iserman ’13 is the Assistant Director of Residence Life at Purdue University.

SHARE

NEWS! YOUR TO HEAR

Robert David Jinkins ’14 was recently spotlighted in the magazine  Fine Art Connoisseur. His exhibit, Horizon Line, at the Miller Art Museum in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, features large paintings depicting life on a Wisconsin farm. Jinkins’ painting, titled “Scarecrow in the Garden,” was featured in a “Five to Watch” article published in a previous issue of  Fine Art Connoisseur. In May 2022, another piece received first place at the TMA Contemporary, the Trout Museum of Art annual juried exhibition.

Brandon Behlke ’15 is a junior high English Teacher at Warren (Illinois) School District.

uwplatt.edu/shareyourstory

WE WANT FROM YOU

Michael Patrick ’15 is the Program Management Office Director for Long Beach (California) United School District.

Jenny McLean ’16 is the Recruitment and Retention Coordinator for the UW-Platteville School of Education.

Winifred Redfearn ’19 recently made research contributions to the “Sifting and Reckoning” exhibition at UW-Madison. The public history project aims to ensure that all students, faculty, and community members are aware of the full history of the university and seeks to give voices to marginalized individuals and groups of people on campus who faced, challenged, and overcame prejudices. Redfearn conducted some archival research on housing discrimination and eugenics for UW-Madison’s ongoing campus history project. Redfearn earned her master’s in history from UW-Madison in 2022. She has since returned to UW-Platteville as a Lecturer in the history and ethnic studies departments.

Jolene (Servais) Werlein ’21 is the UW-Platteville College of Liberal Arts and Education Communications and Media Manager.

Scott Sibik ’17 is the new Director of Tax Content and Calculations at Corvee.

Tell us about any updates in your professional or personal life— promotions, accomplishments, awards, moves, marriages, baby announcements, and more.

1940s

Hazel D. Mueller Smith ’43, Dodgeville, WI

Eleanore J. (Parrish) Wojan ’49, Perry, IL

1950s

Dolores J. “Rock” Hutcheson ’50, Platteville, WI

Robert D. Weber ’50, Algoma, WI

Joan E. (Green) Parsons ’51, Pueblo, CO

Janice L. (Weigel) Westphal ’52, Loyal, OK

Janet A. Morgan ’53, Monroe, WI

James M. Schilleman ’54, Cambridge, WI

Arlene (Broughton) Ferguson ’55, Woodstock, IL

Milton W. Wille ’55, Mequon, WI

Alice E. (Ripp) Hanson ’56, Middleton, WI

Richard R. Koehler ’57, Lake Geneva, WI

Gordon L. Johnson ’57, Durham, NC

Marian J. (Ginsterblum) Carroll ’57, Winona, MN

Carol J. (Hoesly) Gruber ’58, Fort Atkinson, WI

Patricia J. (Loy) Jenkins ’58, Green Bay, WI

James “Jim” B. Kelly ’59, Menomonee Falls, WI

Carol M. (Neises) Kanack ’59, Jefferson, TX

Lyle F. Laske ’59, Baxter, MN

Thomas A. McGuigan ’59, Garden Grove, CA

Belva May (Schwingel) Studnicka ’59, Williamsburg, VA

Donna J. Williams ’59, Madison, WI

Kennard D. Sandmire ’59, Lodi, WI

1960s

Stanley A. Torstenson ’60, Genoa City, WI

James Batchelor ’60, Owen, WI

Bruce C. Dempsey ’60, Filmore, CA

Mark A. Langkamp ’61, West Lafayette, IN

Helen J. (Prideaux) Wentz ’62, Woodruff, WI

Rex A. Getschman ’63, Baraboo, WI

Harold D. Kobbervig ’64, Racine, WI

Steve Benton ’64, Brodhead, WI

Karsten A. Vinje ’64, Sheboygan Falls, WI

James E. Wright, Sr. ’64, Galena, IL

Marlene (Anderson) Messling ’65, Deerfield, WI

Robert J. Orth ’65, Appleton, WI

Gerald T. Mullen ’65, McFarland, WI

Phyllis M Unmacht ’66, Sun Prairie, WI

James F. Effinger ’66, Prairie du Sac, WI

Ronald E. Bickford ’67, Sun Lakes, AZ

Mary M. (Winkers) Stanek ’67, Muscoda, WI

Allyn J. Lepeska ’67, Dallas, TX

Daniel B. Neckvatal ’69, Madison, WI

1970s

Kenneth F. Kartman ’70, Arkansaw, WI

Kenneth D. Wilcox ’71, Eagle River, WI

Barnard H. McCauley ’71, Carmichael, CA

Joseph G. Huggins ’71 and ’73, Winnebago, IL

Norman R. Hurlburt ’71, Black River Falls, WI

Laurie C. (Cornelius) McDowell ’71, Verona, WI

Martin E. Sprosty ’72, Prairie du Chien, WI

Mary K. Dunn ’72, Mineral Point, WI

Ellen M. (Fitzgerald) Popp ’72, Platteville, WI

Deborah J. (Spangenberg) Bednarek ’74, Waukesha, WI

Scott A. Cahak ’76, Rhinelander, WI

Joel R. Jarvis ’76, Wautoma, WI

Bernard W. Bowers ’79, Fayette, IA

Suzanne “Sue” E. (Wheeler) Gevelinger ’79, Mineral Point, WI

Paul A. Wedig ’79, Belmont, WI

1980s

Richard L. Theyerl ’83, Loves Park, IL

Thomas J. McKeon ’83, Milwaukee, WI

Coletta C. (Wiest) Wegmann ’83, Bloomington, WI

Jon A. Pernsteiner ’88, Cambridge, WI

Connie J. (Wenger) Rufi ’89, Argyle, WI

2000s

Kristopher C. Kreul ’03, Platteville, WI

Jeffrey J. Tebbe ’05, Dubuque, IA

2010s

Joseph T. Pecora ’15, Fall River, WI

Edward O. Mumby ’17, Platteville, WI

Employees

Kenneth E. Buttry, Horseshoe Bend, AR

Mark C. Everson, Mineral Point, WI

Kristopher C. Kreul, Platteville, WI

Johanna Mellor, Dickeyville, WI

Alvin Menninga, Stoughton, WI

Jesse G. Reinstein, Platteville, WI

Scott Ringgenberg, Verona, WI

Kelly J. Sullivan-Soley, Dubuque, IA

Jeffrey J. Tebbe, Dubuque, IA

David Van Buren, Platteville, WI

Thomas A. Waters, Albuquerque, NM

COMMENCEMENT

May 13

PIONEERS DAY OF GIVING

April 27–28

The Day of Giving spans two days, allowing for 1,866 minutes to give in honor of the university’s founding year. Thank you to alumni and friends who generously gave, supporting our UW-Platteville students. Together we show our pride and make a difference for fellow Pioneers.

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

May 21

Established in 1972 by the Alumni Association, the Athletic Hall of Fame honors standout student-athletes, coaches, and contributors.

MADISON MALLARDS ALUMNI TAILGATE

June 10

Join the UW-Platteville Alumni Association for a fun night at the Duck Pond during the annual Madison Mallards Alumni Tailgate and baseball game.

Celebrate the class of 2023 at the spring commencement ceremonies.

www.uwplatt.edu/commencement

ASCE CONCRETE CANOE FINALS

June 10–12 | UW-Platteville and Blackhawk Lake

UW-Platteville will welcome an estimated 400 students and guests from across the country for the annual American Society of Civil Engineers Concrete Canoe Society-Wide Finals competition.

HOMECOMING 2023

Oct. 6–7

www.uwplatt.edu/homecoming

GOLF OUTINGS

Swinging for Scholarships

June 9 | Platteville Country Club

The 10th annual Barry L. Ellis Swinging for Scholarships Golf Classic will raise funds to support music scholarships.

40th Annual Spikerman Memorial Golf Outing

June 10 | The Oaks, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin Friends of UW-Platteville alumnus Boyd

Spikerman organize this fundraiser for a scholarship in his honor awarded to students studying criminal justice.

Pioneering Forward Golf Outing

June 15 | University Ridge Golf Course

This event supports the Pioneering Forward Athletic Fund, which helps provide opportunities that impact each student-athlete.

Red Dog Memorial Golf Outing

August 5 | Platteville Country Club

Hit the links with other Pioneer faithful at this annual event benefiting the men’s basketball team. Money raised assists the program with equipment, travel expenses, and facility renovations.

Alumni Golf Outing Supporting BILSA Scholarships

August 18 | The Oaks, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin Money raised supports scholarships for students studying within the College of Business, Industry, Life Science, and Agriculture.