Foundation News

PLATTEVILLE - Kathleen Tigerman, University of Wisconsin-Platteville professor of English, received the 2008 Abughalous Award for Excellence in Scholarly Research.

The Abughalous Award is named for Mansour Abughalous, a teacher and scholar in the UWP Department of Mathematics from 1990 to 1998. The award is presented each year to a UWP faculty/instructional academic staff member who has demonstrated outstanding career achievement in scholarly research.

Tigerman's research has largely focused on the literature of the Wisconsin Indians, and has been compiled into the book, "Wisconsin Indian Literature: Anthology of Native Voices."

"My research pulls together diverse sources to celebrate and inform the non-Native inhabitants of the driftless bioregion of the ecological and cultural brilliance of the peoples of the First Nations," Tigerman said.

"This text reflects years of research, in several fields, and is a model of interdisciplinarian work," Stephanie Branson, retiring chair of the humanities department said. "The text serves as a useful tool in the course that she has created for our department, Wisconsin Indian Literature, and one critic recommended that it be used in all courses of Native American literature."

"Tigerman's anthology is the first of its kind in the United States. Her work is unique in that the reader hears the distinct voices of indigenous peoples," Patrick Glenn Hagen, incoming chair of the humanities department, said. "Through her research, teaching, public lectures, conference papers and interviews in the media over the past decade, Tigerman has taken great steps in helping the UW System serve the cultural and intellectual interests of Wisconsin Indians."

With the majority of the royalties from her book, Tigerman has established the Ingrid Washinowatok Speaker's Fund. This fund, administered by Verna Fowler, president of the College of the Menominee Nation, supports education on Native issues in the state of Wisconsin.

"As a teacher, and as a scholar, Tigerman has demonstrated that she is committed to diversity education at UWP and elsewhere. This reflects the university's commitment to providing students with a broader perspective and knowledge about minority populations in the United States," Branson said.

Tigerman's colleague, Dennis Ciesielski, said, "Beyond its academic value, Tigerman's work reflects her deep investment in our university's diversity protocol. By helping to bridge the cultural and historical gap that too often distances us from an intellectual and ideological understanding of Native American experience, Tigerman's research brings a valuable combination of scholarship and practice to her field and to the university at large."

Tigerman has also served as the keynote speaker at the University of Illinois at Springfield for the Capital Scholars Honors Program Award Banquet, has received several Dean's Fund Awards for her research and has been nominated to serve on the board of directors of Cultural Landscape Legacies.

Tigerman will be recognized at the Chancellor's Convocation on Aug. 25, where UWP Chancellor David Markee will present her with a plaque and a monetary award. The UWP Foundation funded the 2008 Abughalous Award.

Tigerman resides in Gays Mills with her husband, Carl Schlect.

Contact: Carol Sue Butts, UWP provost and vice chancellor, (608) 342-1261, buttsc@uwplatt.edu
Written by: Nicole Eggebeen, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, eggebeen@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- Approximately $200,000 in scholarships were awarded to 270 new freshmen through the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation this year. These scholarships help students pay for tuition and fees.

"With the cost of tuition and the expense of living rising, students expenses are getting higher. Financial help like scholarships makes paying for college easier," said Sarah Blevins, UWP scholarship coordinator.

Most scholarships range in amounts from $500 to $1,000. Some, like the Sentry Insurance Foundation Leadership Scholarship are renewable for four years if the student continues to meet the criteria. Four scholarships, the Leo and Phoebe Boebel Scholarship, George Bullis Scholarship, J.P. Cullen Scholarship and the Ted and Sande Richards Scholarship cover the recipient's full tuition and fees.

Scholarships are managed by the UWP Foundation and funded through donations. Those interested are also free to establish their own scholarship in their own name, or that of a loved one. Anyone wanting to make a scholarship donation or establish a scholarship may contact the UWP Foundation at (608) 342-1186 or foundation@uwplatt.edu. Donations can also be made online at http://www.uwplatt.edu/foundation.

Any new freshman accepted to UWP may apply for new freshmen scholarships. The application deadline is Jan. 12, 2009. Once students are admitted to UWP, they are sent a scholarship application to fill out. Certain scholarships through the UWP Admissions Office require no application. Recipients are nominated by an admissions advisor based on factors such as extracurricular activities, SAT/ACT scores and high school G.P.A. A full list of new freshman scholarships is available at www.uwplatt.edu/finaid/scholarships.html.

Anyone wanting more information about UWP scholarships may contact Blevins at (608) 342-1836 or blevinss@uwplatt.edu.

Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - Brad Biddick and his wife Peggy were recently honored with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation Distinguished Service award at the annual Donor Recognition Dinner.

Brad is currently the president of three local corporations, Trelay Seeds, Rural Route 1 Popcorn and Biddick Inc. All three expanded from the farm his grandfather Elmer started in the early 1900s. As the name suggests, Rural Route 1 Popcorn specializes in gourmet popcorn and has a showroom in Montfort.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Trelay, the Biddicks funded two initiatives to support agriculture students at UWP. The first, the Trelay Agriculture Fellowship, provides a stipend to a UWP student living, working and learning about agriculture methods and techniques at Pioneer Farm. The second, the Trelay International Pioneers Fund, provides scholarships to agriculture students for study abroad experiences related to agriculture.

"The college and the Foundation truly appreciate the support of this extraordinary couple," said UWP Chancellor David Markee, "Brad and Peggy have worked hard to advance this region, both contributing their time and leadership to our regional and professional organizations, and for this we are extremely thankful."

The Biddicks are long-standing patrons of UWP. Since the late 1980s, the Elmer G. Biddick Charitable Foundation has provided monies to fund professional development grant awards to UWP faculty in agriculture. Over the years, faculty have had the opportunity to undertake special projects which have served to develop and improve UWP?s academic programs in agriculture.

In addition, the Biddicks support UWP's Community Scholarship Program. The Program allows donors to support high school graduates who wish to attend UWP. Donors are able to select which high school their scholarship monies go to. Both Brad and Peggy graduated from Iowa-Grant High School and in turn support the Community Scholarship Program at Iowa-Grant.

The Biddicks philanthropic gifts honor their heritage. Brad Biddick's grandmother, Ada Bethke, graduated from UWP in 1913. Ada was an artist and contributed to the success of the Trelay seed corn business with her bag designs, brand names and display signs. In support of a regional economic development initiative - ArtsBuild - undertaken by UWP in 2005, Trelay provided funding for a full-color, 120 page directory, featuring information and photos about more than 160 Southwest Wisconsin artists. This directory has served as a marketing and networking resource for regional arts professionals, making a significant difference in their livelihoods over the last three years. The Biddicks and Trelay are also sponsors of the Rural Artists Exhibition series that features works depicting rural life and landscapes.

Brad is also involved with the Wisconsin Crop Improvement Association. He has acted as their president and is currently the secretary-treasurer. Biddick helped form the Independent Professional Seedsmen Association and served both on their board and as the president.

Written by: Russ Brickey, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, brickeyr@uwplatt.edu

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

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation held its annual Donor Recognition Dinner on June 21 to honor those who have played a major role in funding the various scholarships, capital projects, development funds and other initiatives at UWP. Those present at the dinner were just a few of the more than 10,000 current donors who support UWP. The evening began with a social and later featured musical entertainment by two members of the Heartland Festival cast, who gave the attendees a sample of the shows featured in this summer's festival. Individuals were also invited to attend a showing of one of the festival's musicals, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," that took place later that evening. William Dennis, UWP faculty emeritus, closed the evening by leading the room in singing "Alma Mater."

Dennis Cooley, assistant chancellor for University Advancement and executive director of the UW-Platteville Foundation, spoke to the audience as they ate. One notable accomplishment is the annual giving program topped $1 million in cash gifts received for the first time ever. This is largely due to the growth of the Community Scholarship Program for UW-Platteville. Cooley stressed how important this program is in helping students obtain the funds necessary to pay for college. CSP allows donors to fund scholarships for students from the high school of their choice. Last year, the Foundation gave out five scholarships as a trial in Verona, Monona Grove, River Ridge, Iowa-Grant and Platteville school districts. The number of scholarships grew to more than 70 this year, and the Foundation will give out more than 250 next year.

Cooley outlined the Foundation's major fundraising priorities per Chancellor Markee: the Butch Leitl field naming, new engineering building, Ottensman Hall renovation, Boebel/Karrmann Hall renovation, Engagement Center, Williams Fieldhouse Phase II and Community Scholarship Program. The funding needed for these projects totals between $38.5 and $41.5 million.

Over the next eight years, the Foundation has identified more than $100 million worth of projects that need funding, making the support of donors critical at this time. The projects include the doubling of UWP's scholarship endowments.

Cooley then elaborated on what the development officers in the Foundation are working on in order to secure this support. Liz Goodfellow, who has been charged with developing the Dubuque Scholarship Drive, has helped secure a key gift for the development of the UWP Engineering Center and wrote the grant for a $600,000 Challenge Grant from the Kresge Foundation. The Foundation has until Dec. 31 to raise the remainder of the $1.7 million needed for the new building in order to receive the $600,000, and is on a trend to do so.

Angie Gasior, the development officer for the College of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science, helped secure a $250,000 donation from John Deere toward the new engineering building that will include a laboratory naming for the company.

Denee Hirsch has helped take the Community Scholarship Program to the corporate level with the M-S.T.E.P. Program, which gives the company that funds the scholarships the opportunity to mentor the students who are awarded the scholarships. Hartung Brothers Inc. and the Alliant Energy Foundation have both established M-S.T.E.P. scholarships, and some 20 other companies in the tri-state area are considering joining the program.

Holly Kaiser's projects include the Butch Leitl Field Naming, Williams Fieldhouse Phase II and Boebel Hall Renovation Phase II.

Markee then addressed the audience, relating the history and growth of the Foundation since its beginning in 1964. He also stressed the importance of scholarships to attract the most desirable students, and of funds to support faculty and building projects, and how the support of donors helps make all of these possible.

"Your generosity is what makes this institution move," said Markee.

Cooley concluded by acknowledging Brad and Peggy Biddick as the recipients of the 2008 Distinguished Service Award. Through Trelay Farm/Trelay Seed and their own personal contributions, the Biddicks have helped fund a number of different projects at UWP, and are also contributors to the CSP for Iowa-Grant High School. Brad Biddick shared a few of their thoughts on UWP and life.

For Peggy and I, UWP is community. This is what we believe, and we think that UWP does too: Risk more than is comfortable, dream big and give more than you get," said Brad Biddick.

Anyone wanting more information on the donor recognition dinner or the UWP Foundation may contact Cooley at (608) 342-1309 or cooleyde@uwplatt.edu Anyone wanting to contribute to one of UWP's various funds can do so by visiting www.uwplatt.edu and clicking on "Make a Donation" or by contacting the UWP Foundation at (608) 342-1186 or (877) 395-1100 or http://www.uwplatt.edu/foundation/

Contact: Dennis Cooley, assistant chancellor for University Advancement and executive director of the UWP Foundation, (608) 342-1309. Written by: Megan Mowry, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194.

PLATTEVILLE - For the last nine years, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation has provided dollars, through the UW-Platteville Foundation Opportunity Fund, to support projects to do those things that were a priority but that departmental/unit budgets couldn't cover. To date, well over 110 grants have been awarded with a total dollar figure of over $750,000. In 2008, the UW-Platteville Foundation has allocated around $75,000 for Opportunity Fund projects.

Funds were awarded to projects which address UW-Platteville's new academic initiatives; projects with goals to increase student recruitment and retention in specific geographic areas or in programs where capacity exists; projects designed to develop partnerships, on or off campus; and activities or programs that improve the quality of life of our educational community.

One such initiative is the renewable energy minor UW-Platteville will implement in fall 2008. The UW-Platteville Foundation awarded $5,000 to the Renewable Energy Minor Council with an Opportunity Fund Grant to further develop the minor at UW-Platteville.

Renewable energy encompasses energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydrogen, bio-fuels and bio-products. A minor in renewable energy is applicable to any major field of study at UWP including agriculture, engineering, business and political science.

The grant will assist UW-Platteville faculty visiting industry contacts and building the renewable energy minor program. This includes establishing relationships with industry members to gain economic support for the program. The grant will also support the development of the core classes associated with the new minor. Some of the funding will assist in generating promotional materials about the new minor.

In 2006, UW-Platteville administration, faculty and a number of Wisconsin companies met to discuss Wisconsin's future energy needs. At this meeting, it was determined that UWP has a strong interest in alternative energy and bio-products.

The Renewable Energy Council is comprised of chair, Mesut Muslu, electrical engineering; Chris Baxter, School of Agriculture; Charles Knox, industrial studies; John Iselin, mechanical engineering; Mike Dalecki, social science; Rami Reddy, agriculture; and Tim Zauche, chemistry. The council's purpose is to address the university's interest in alternative energy and bio-products, or renewable energy.

The council recommended that a university-wide renewable energy minor be established at UWP. The minor is open to students in all majors with an interest in renewable energy wishing to seek credit. The minor is a standard 24 credit minor, with nine core credits and 15 elective credits.

The goal of the renewable energy minor is to increase the knowledge of students with regard to renewable energy sources as well as traditional energy sources and their impact on the environment and society. The minor strives to help students develop an in-depth and interdisciplinary understanding of issues related to energy and products made from traditional and renewable resources as well as their associated markets.

For more information on the renewable energy minor, visit the renewable energy website at http://www.uwplatt.edu/ee/renewableenergy, or contact Muslu at (608) 342-1157 or muslu@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Mesut Muslu, chair, Renewable Energy Minor Council, (608) 342-1157, muslu@uwplatt.edu Written by: Lisa D. McLean, Office of Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, mcleanl@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - University of Wisconsin-Platteville professor of piano, Eugene Alcalay, recently released a CD, "Lyrical Liszt." An accomplished pianist, Alcalay is a native of Bucharest, Romania. He began playing at the age of 2 and composing at the age of 8. Alcalay received a bachelor's degree in piano and composition from Indiana University School of Music, a diploma from The Curtis Institute of Music, as well as a master's and doctorate degree in piano performance and a master's in composition from The Juilliard School.

Now a newly promoted professor of piano at UWP, Alcalay released his CD, "Lyrical Liszt," on Partita Records in 2008. The two-year long process began with a Scholarly Activity Improvement Fund grant from the Office of Sponsored Programs at UWP. The SAIF grant has been established to promote scholarly activity among faculty and instructional staff at UWP. The rest of the project was sponsored by the UWP Foundation.


After receiving the grant, Alcalay hosted a Steinway Gala Benefit Recital in September of 2007. The gala was held in an effort to raise money for a new Steinway piano for the Richard and Helen Brodbeck Concert Hall. The Concert and Artist piano was on location for Alcalay's recording of his CD, allowing him to demonstrate the differences between UWP's old Steinway and the Concert and Artist piano for the gala. Since Alcalay is a Steinway artist, the Concert and Artist piano was provided rent free from a Steinway dealership for his recording.


"UWP is fortunate to have such extreme talent in Eugene Alcalay, a world-renowned pianist. His new CD captures his outstanding performance and the music resonates with one's soul. Eugene's recording concert also launched the fundraising for the Steinway Artist Piano Fund, UWP's efforts to replace a quarter century old concert piano," said Liz Goodfellow, director of major gifts at UWP's Foundation.


After 54 takes during recording, and four months of editing, the CD is completed and ready for release. "It was a great learning experience," Alcalay said. "I was honored to record in Brodbeck Hall because the hall has really good acoustics. I was also honored that UWP and the UWP Foundation sponsored and believed in me enough to support me in this endeavor."


John Marco, the CD's producer, said, "Professor Alcalay's outstanding keyboard abilities allow him to transcend the formidable technical challenges presented by these works and bring to the fore the music's beautiful lyricism. Liszt's music is remarkable not only because of its pyrotechnical brilliance, but because this brilliance often serves a higher purpose: a deeply romantic lyricism."


Anyone with questions about the CD may contact Alcalay at alcalaye@uwplatt.edu


Contact: Eugene Alcalay, UWP Department of Performing and Visual Arts, (608) 342-1292, ; Prepared by: Nicole Eggebeen, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,