Foundation News

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation and Alumni Association teamed up this summer to formally recognize the many volunteers who have served the UWP community over the past year.

Kim Schmelz, alumni director and executive director of the UWP Alumni Association, opened the program by acknowledging the work of the alumni volunteers.

"A large part of my position involves working with alumni volunteers and because of my work with you, I'm a prouder UWP alumna. The dedication, desire and love you show for your alma mater is truly remarkable," said Schmelz.

The evening was emceed by David Allen, president of the UWP Alumni Association and Fred Jaeckle, co-chair of the UWP Foundation. They began the evening by asking the more than 100 volunteers to stand and be recognized for their work in endeavors ranging from serving on advisory boards and committees to making classroom presentations and acting as judges at the College of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science Expo.

Bob Bodden, a widely recognized Platteville community volunteer, was the keynote speaker and shared his thoughts on "The Importance of Lifetime Volunteerism."

Dennis Cooley, assistant chancellor for university advancement and executive director of the UWP Foundation, presided over the presentation of Helping UWP Grow Stronger awards.
Brian Voelker and Jeff Mazanec were honored for their fundraising work in naming the "M" Steps, which also reunited many older alumni and helped to kick off UWP's "100 Years of Engineering" celebration.

Barry Brodbeck, Dan Keyes and Ron Osterholz were recognized for their efforts on the Bo Ryan Court Committee, which helped to raise private funds for the Williams Fieldhouse improvements.

For their work on the Pioneer Museum Committee, which is stewarding the museum project on the lower level of the newly renovated Ullsvik Hall, Mary Freymiller, Tom Lundeen and Mary Kelly were honored.

Dennis Palmer, retired director of Auxiliary Services Facility Operations, was honored for his lifetime of service, specifically including assistance he gave during post-retirement to help UWP during the construction phase of Southwest Hall, which helped to save the university millions of dollars, according to Cooley.

The UWP Volunteer of the Year Award, in its inaugural year, was given to Jeff Kronser, executive vice president of Strand Associates. Kronser has been instrumental in helping the EMS alumni chapter grow its supporting member program, has taken the lead on several fundraising projects on campus with the support of Strand Associates employees, and serves on the UWP board of directors.

"Jeff has been an incredible advocate for UWP ... Quietly, confidently and humbly, Jeff has done all of this without drawing any attention to himself. This selflessness serves him well and makes it all the more special that Jeff Kronser is the initial recipient of the UWP Volunteer of the Year Award," said Cooley.

Audience members enjoyed the evening and explained that their current efforts grew naturally out of their experience while in school at UWP.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without this university. It's helped me to achieve my career goals, helped me network and make many contacts through the years. It just seems natural that I would give back," said Rich Wandschneider, who has served on the Alumni Board for four years. He is an architect and is also the director of the Madison Area Technical College architectural program.

Cody and Lacey Sime, both 2005 alumni, were also in attendance and talked about their sense of connectedness.

"I was born and raised in Cuba City, so this university has always been close to home and felt like home. Five out of six of my parents' children attended UWP and three of the five are accountants, so I think it's safe to say we're huge believers in the business program here," said Lacey.

Brent and Emily Massingill, both UWP alumni and now living in Orangeville, Ill., also talked about the quality of the programming and mentoring.

"I wouldn't have the job I do or the confidence to do it without the great teachers and mentors I met here. Platteville has an excellent criminal justice program - I just can't say enough good things about it," said Brent, who is an Illinois state trooper and safety education officer for District 16 out of Rockford.

Chancellor David Markee closed the program, thanking the volunteers, as well as Cooley and Schmelz and their staffs.

Anyone interested in learning more about the UWP Foundation may contact Cooley at (608) 342-1182; anyone interested in learning more about the UWPAlumni Association may contact Schmelz at (608) 342-1970.

Contact: Kim Schmelz, alumni director and executive director of the UWP Alumni Association, (608) 342-1970, schmelzk@uwplatt.edu Written by: Evelyn Martens, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, martense@uwplatt.edu