UW-Platteville Foundation

TriCore AEA establishes scholarship fund at UWP

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:37:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announced the creation of a scholarship fund by TriCore AEA. The scholarship will be available to junior and senior UWP engineering students from Racine and the surrounding area.

TriCore AEA - an engineering firm based in Racine - is nationally recognized for its expertise in factory automation for the food, dairy, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. It is a privately owned company consisting of dozens of engineering professionals with over 350 years of combined experience in process control and data integration. Regarding the scholarship fund, Dave McCarthy, TriCore AEA president, said, "We currently employ a number of high quality graduates of UW-Platteville and are excited about the prospects of helping to send deserving local students to this fine engineering school."

The scholarship will award two $1,500 scholarships per year for five years. Eligible students must be of junior or senior status at UWP and maintain a GPA of 2.8 or better. The recipients will need to have declared a major in computer science, software engineering or electrical engineering, with a preference going towards those who have a controls emphasis. Students must come from a 30-mile radius around Racine.

Anyone with questions about the scholarship may contact Denee Hirsch, UW-Platteville Foundation, director of development, at (608) 342-1969 or hirschd@uwplatt.edu.

New UWP engineering building wings honor former professors

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:19:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - When the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's new engineering building opens next month, students will walk in the shadows of faculty members who nurtured the university into the force that it is today.

The two wings of the new engineering building will be named for two former engineering faculty members, Dale C. Dixon and Edward O. Busby, who both were popular with students and influential in guiding the department as it grew into a widely respected and multi-faceted engineering school.

Dixon, who died in 1999 at age 83, retired from UWP in 1980 after a 42-year teaching career. He taught in Platteville during the transition from Wisconsin Mining School to the Wisconsin Institute of Technology and the merger with UW-Platteville. He also coached many sports at the mining school.

Busby, who now lives in Madison with his wife, Lois, was dean of the College of Engineering from 1966 until his retirement in 1988. The Busbys have provided numerous scholarships to engineering students through the Edward O. and Lois E. Busby Endowed Scholarship.

The administrative wing of the $25.6 million, 108,500-square-foot building will be named for Busby, who shepherded the school's engineering programs through accreditation and expansion. The building's other wing - housing mainly classrooms, laboratories and student work spaces - will be named for Dixon, who frequently has been cited by mining school alumni and others as one of their favorite professors.

The ribbon-cutting for the new building will occur at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle will open the building and later speak at the first of UWP's two fall commencement ceremonies. Classes in electrical engineering, engineering physics and physics will begin in January in the new building, which also will house general engineering labs, the Nanotechnology Center for Collaborative Research and Development, workspace for student organizations and display cases to highlight student projects.

Busby said he is thrilled to be able to attend the opening of the new building.

"Obviously, I'm extremely proud of what's been accomplished at Platteville while I was dean and professor of civil engineering," he said, adding that Dixon, who played a role in hiring him at UWP, and Chancellor Bjarne Ullsvik, who "gave engineering the kind of support we needed to get accredited," also deserve a lot of recognition and credit.

Busby said that he was very proud to be at the department's helm as the civil engineering program received national accreditation in 1968, followed by the mining program in 1970. That provided the opportunity to establish other new programs, including mechanical engineering in 1974 and electrical engineering in 1982.

He said he is very happy to see how the engineering programs have blossomed over the past few decades, adding that he remembers when starting an electrical engineering program was a dream and that the school now has just awarded its 1,000th electrical engineering degree.

"The world is a better place to live because of Platteville engineering grads," he said.

Dixon received a mining degree in Platteville in 1936 and taught on campus for approximately three years before enlisting in the Navy and serving in the South Pacific during World War II. He participated in the battles for the Gilbert Islands, Marshall Islands, Mariana Islands, Palau and the Philippines. He returned to Platteville in December 1945 and resumed his teaching duties in the mining school. In addition, Dixon coached the mining school football team from 1952 to 1959 and also coached basketball, track and baseball.

Dixon is widely remembered by mining school alumni as a favorite professor. In a program printed for a 2006 reunion of graduates of the Wisconsin Mining School and the Wisconsin Institute of Technology, student after student listed Dixon as a "significant professor" in questionnaires completed for the book.

Dixon was referred to as "#1 Miner" in the headline of a story announcing his retirement in The Geode, UW-Platteville's engineering newsletter. His car also had the Wisconsin license plates carrying that title.

He clearly had a dry sense of humor. The retirement article included a quote on what he called the "large increase" in the number of women choosing mining as a major. "I think four years ago there were maybe one or two women in mining," he said. "Presently, there's about eight or nine."

Dixon's sons, Dale and Bill, both live in Tucson, Ariz. Bill Dixon said that he and his brother would like to attend the building dedication although they haven't yet finalized travel plans.

Bill Dixon said the naming is a well-deserved recognition of his father.

"He put 42 years of his life into the place," he said. "The attention might unnerve him a bit but I think he would be proud to have such an honor."

The decision to name the wings after Dixon and Busby was an easy one, said Dennis Cooley, assistant chancellor for University Advancement and executive director of the UWP Foundation.

"When we asked miners if it was appropriate to name a wing for Dale Dixon, who was greatly respected by the students he taught and mentored, the response was overwhelmingly positive," Cooley said. "And, when we wanted to name the administrative wing for Dean Busby, who led to the accreditation of many of our engineering programs and was outstanding in his development of the engineering faculty, we also received overwhelmingly positive support."

For more information on Busby, Dixon or the naming of the engineering building wings, contact Cooley at (608) 342-1309 or cooleyde@uwplatt.edu.

Scholarship established in memory of Dr. Peter Kang

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:12:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has announced the establishment of the Dr. Peter Kang Memorial Scholarship Fund for Excellence in Public Service. Sunny, Susan and Kim Kang - the late Dr. Peter Kang's son, daughter and wife, respectively - started this scholarship in honor of the former UWP professor.

As a dedicated faculty member of UWP from 1969 to 1997, Kang served as a former chairperson and professor emeritus in political science. In 1991, he was the recipient of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society's Teacher of the Year award. Before coming to UW-Platteville, Kang received his M.A. in public administration from Seoul National University School of Law and his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Minnesota. A Fulbright Scholar, Kang taught at the International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan, the Yonsei University School of Law in Seoul, Korea and Harvard University, as well as other academic institutions. He received many grants for academic research and presented papers at professional conferences in North America, Asia and Europe. His writings in the areas of Japanese politics, comparative regional governmental systems and executive leadership have been widely published in professional journals and books.

Kang urged his students to build a better civil society through the use of their intellectual talents and higher education. Having lived in a land torn apart by war, Kang strove for peace, committing his life to helping raise ethical social leaders who are dedicated to public service.

Of establishing the scholarship in honor of his father, Sunny Kang said, "He believed that education is here to develop ethical social leaders, and he took pride in further education as a means for peace and not just getting a job. He understood the importance of civil leadership and the public servant."

The scholarship will be made available to UWP students in their junior or senior year with a declared major in the department of social sciences. Preference will be given to those in political science, international relations and history. The recipient must be in good academic standing with the university, and while financial need is preferred, it is not necessary. An essay with a 600 word minimum is required, covering the applicant's experience or commitment to excellence in public service. Along with the recommendation of an advisor or a faculty member testifying to the applicant's commitment to academic excellence, there must also be a recommendation that shows the applicant's commitment to excellence in public service and character. This scholarship is renewable, but must be reapplied for each year.

Anyone wanting more details on the scholarship or wanting to make a donation may contact Dennis Cooley, executive director of the UW-Platteville Foundation, at (608) 342-1309 or cooleyde@uwplatt.edu.

UWP field to be named after Coach Lester 'Butch' Leitl -

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:08:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is raising money to renovate the school's football complex after it names the field for Coach Lester "Butch" Leitl.

Leitl coached three sports over 41 years - from 1927 to 1968 - and retired from UWP in 1969. Leitl is known not only for his efforts as a coach but also as a mentor to student-athletes.

The dedication will occur prior to the 1 p.m. kickoff at the Pioneers' last football game of the season against UW-Whitewater on Nov. 15.

Thereafter, the field will be called Butch Leitl Field at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium. UWP letter winners and others interested may attend the ceremony.

As part of the tribute, UWP plans to expand the stadium facilities to include a new locker room and multi-purpose area to better serve a growing number of athletes. The new facility will be used by the varsity football and soccer teams, club sports teams and during high school events.

Several of Leitl's former student-athletes say the honor is well-deserved.

"He was a special guy - one of the people in your life you never forget," said former football player Mike Routhieaux, '65. "I remember how much he respected his players and their decisions, even if he didn't agree with them."

Gil Lindloff, '48, a former football and baseball player, said he fondly remembers Leitl's great one-liners: "'Sleep nights' was a phrase I heard quite a bit."

Lindloff added that Leitl always showed great concern for his players. "He made sure we had a place to stay and looked after the ones that were away from home," he said. "He was helpful when we were looking for jobs during college and after we graduated. Many of his players' first jobs were because of his referrals."

Leitl lettered in football at UW-Oshkosh and then at UW-Madison where he held the school record for the long-distance place kick for many years. He is an inductee into the UWP Hall of Fame and the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. A decorated veteran of World War I, Leitl also is remembered for his emotional support of players leaving for World War II.

"Butch was a pretty tough cookie," said long-time friend and former UWP Assistant Chancellor Lloyd Linden. "He was full of fire and brimstone on the field but he was a really good fella to be around. He made sure his players were taken care of and felt like part of a family."

Leitl died in 1980. He is survived by a son, Jim, and a granddaughter. He also had one daughter, Mary, who is deceased.

The goal of the UWP Foundation is to raise $1 million for the naming and renovation project. Pledges and donations have been brisk. To date, more than $260,000 has been committed.

The project's funding will come from private gifts so construction cannot begin until a significant portion of the cost has been raised. Fundraising will continue through this year and most of 2009. Plans call for work to begin in summer 2010. Construction could occur sooner if funds are available earlier.

For more information on the naming, locker room project or dedication on Nov. 15, contact Holly Kaiser at the UW-Platteville Foundation at (608) 342-1879 or e-mail kaiserh@uwplatt.edu.

Jeff Moring Memorial Scholarship for Forreston High School established

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:53:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has announced a memorial fund in honor of Jeff Moring, a UWP alumnus from the 1960s. In an effort to encourage more students from Forreston, Ill., to attend UWP, the Jeff Moring Memorial Scholarship is eligible to incoming UWP freshmen who have graduated from Forreston High School.

The scholarship, started by Moring's UWP classmates Tom Frisbie and Paul Swalve, rewards one student each May. In addition to the lead gifts from Frisbie and Swalve, many others from around the Forreston area and the rest of the country contributed to the fund, and over $2,000 was raised during the spring phonathon.

The award for the 2008-09 academic year was earned by Alyssa Vails from Baileyville. She is the first recipient of the scholarship.

Frisbie said, "Paul and I were beneficiaries of a college that was affordable and allowed us to play a sport we loved. We want to give back to an institution that gave us opportunities that others did not. Jeff was smarter and a better athlete than I and he would have excelled if cancer hadn't taken him down his second year at UWP. So it is only fitting that the scholarship be in his honor. Most people won't know or remember Jeff, but hopefully another student from Forreston will know and benefit as we did."

Swalve said, "I was two years older than Jeff - we were very good friends. I had attended Platteville for two years, and I encouraged Jeff to also attend Platteville and also play football at Platteville. Jeff was a great athlete and ambassador for Forreston and Platteville. He was a terrific young man. I also appreciate the education I received at Platteville. It enabled me to have a good career. Hopefully this scholarship will help others to reach their goals."

As Frisbie and Swalve were involved with sports during their tenure at UWP, they would like to see the scholarship benefit a student who participated in extra-curricular activities, particularly sports, while in high school.

"Jeff and I were like brothers. We played and fought together, we attended the same church, we were in the same grade, we attended the same school from kindergarten through college, we worked on the railroad together, we dated twin sisters, we played every sport together. He was quarterback, I was the center. He was the pitcher, I was the catcher," said Frisbie. "I was the first in my family to graduate from college, and UWP made that possible. I've had a good life and hopefully I've given back to the community and have passed on what others have given to me."

Anyone wanting more details on the scholarship or interested in making a contribution may contact Holly Kaiser, director of development, at the UW-Platteville Foundation at (608) 342-1879 or kaiserh@uwplatt.edu.

Two new criminal justice scholarships presented at UWP scholarship awards banquet

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:47:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville now has two new criminal justice scholarships to award.

Scholarships named for Jean Fricke and Cecile Hoffman were announced during the Sept. 18 UWP Liberal Arts and Education Scholarship Awards Banquet.

Both a former soldier in the U.S. Army and a graduate of UW-Platteville, Fricke has started a scholarship to support and facilitate students who share her passion for criminal justice, education and the administration of truth. Though she is currently employed as a parole officer in Kenosha, her dealings with law started nearly 30 years ago. Upon completing her tour of active duty in 1978, Fricke went on to successfully earn a B.S. in criminal justice from UW-Platteville in 1982. Her enthusiasm for criminal justice has failed to wane, as she earned a Master of Science degree in criminal justice from UW-Platteville in 2007.

Hoffman, a former instructor of family consumer education at UW-Platteville, has honored her daughter, Linda, with an award bearing her name. Linda Hoffman graduated with academic honors from UW-Platteville in 1992 with a B.S. in criminal justice before receiving a degree in law from the University of Missouri in 1995. After serving as a prosecuting attorney in Franklin County, Mo., for several years, Linda returned to Wisconsin, where she is currently employed as an assistant district attorney in Portage (Columbia County).

In accordance with her daughter's passion for criminal justice, the Linda Hoffman Criminal Justice Scholarship encourages university students to pursue careers in law enforcement by providing financial support and professional recognition.

Both scholarships require a minimum 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) and a declared major of criminal justice. The Jean S. Fricke Criminal Justice Scholarship is available to junior or senior students at UW-Platteville who submit a one-page essay that indicates their career goals, extra-curricular activities, past achievements, why they feel deserving of the award, and how they would benefit from the award. The Linda Hoffman Criminal Justice Scholarship will be available to students with a minimum of 30 credits, a career goal of serving in a law enforcement field, and evidence of active campus involvement and/or community service. Financial need may also be of concern.

The addition of these two scholarships doubles the number of criminal justice scholarships available to UW-Platteville students.

Anyone wanting more details on the scholarships may contact Liz Goodfellow, director of Development, Major Gifts at the UW-Platteville Foundation, at (608) 342-1031 or goodfellowe@uwplatt.edu.

UWP hosts Traditional Pow-Wow

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:27:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE- The pounding of drums and the stomping of feet will resound from the Williams Fieldhouse at the University of Wisconsin Platteville on Saturday, Oct. 25 as part of the Traditional Pow-Wow. Grand entries will take place at 1 and 7 p.m. This is a free event open to the public.

"A pow-wow is an expression of traditional culture, but also is part of the evolution of culture. It's traditional and modern at the same time," said Carl Allsup, chair of the department of ethnic studies.

While the public will be able to watch dances, Allsup said that the pow-wow is not a performance. It is a social gathering. In fact, the public will be invited to dance in several inter-tribal dances. "This a way to invite people in and show that it's for everyone ... It's a big social gathering that is not in itself a spiritual thing, but has a strong spiritual base," expressed Allsup.

One of the cultural traditions that participants will see at the pow-wow is the tribal dress of the Native American dancers. Allsup said that the regalia are part of individual expression. While similar at first glance, all regalia are drastically different, each an expression of the individual dancer.

Lance Tallmadge and Denise Logan will be head dancers for the event. The Lake Delton Singers will be the host drum and invited drums will be Little Thunder, Beenah Un Dennah and the BMB Singers of the Oneida/Menominee nation. Bobby Bird is the master of ceremonies. Evans Logan is the arena director. At 5 p.m., all dancers, singers and their families are invited to a feast.

"Those who come to the Pow-Wow will not learn what it's like to be an Indian, but they will begin to witness the vibrant and dynamic culture. It's a way to learn something and get outside traditional ways of thinking," stated Allsup.

The Traditional Pow-Wow is sponsored by the Indigenous Ethnic Studies Program, the UWP Foundation, College of Liberal Arts and Education, Teaching Excellence Center, Multicultural Educational Resource Center, Campus Programming Resources, department of humanities and individual donations.

Anyone wanting more information about the Pow-Wow may contact Allsup at (608) 342-1705 or allsup@uwplatt.edu.

New scholarship established by Sloan Implement

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:16:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - A new fund has been established at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville by Sloan Implement. The scholarship is a pledge of $1,000 that will be awarded to one incoming freshman at UWP each year.

"It is a honor to be part of the Foundation here at UW-Platteville and be able to work with such great companies, like Sloan Implement. It gives me great pleasure to create the opportunity for new incoming freshmen to get involved with companies through scholarships like this. It is our hope here at the Foundation to be able to create a bond between these companies, our students and UW-Platteville," said Jaclyn C. Bevan, development officer with the UW-Platteville Foundation.

Sloan Implement was established in 1931 and is the largest privately owned John Deere Dealership in the world, with 14 locations throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. Sloan Implement offers their customers over $45 million in new equipment and over $9 million in new parts inventory. With the ability to ship equipment and parts anywhere in the United States, along with the ability to export John Deere equipment and parts anywhere in the world, Sloan Implement continues to achieve the goal set forth by their company motto: To do the best job we can for our customers.

"We're happy to provide a scholarship to a deserving student from the area who is involved in the community and in agriculture. We desire this to not just be an award, but the beginning of a long term companionship with Sloan Implement," said Ryan O'Flanagan, general manager of the Sloan Implement in Monroe.

The recipient must be a full-time student with a high school GPA of 3.0 or above who has registered as a full-time student in the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture at UWP. Preference will be given to students who have an agricultural background and are from Grant, Green, Dane, Iowa or Lafayette county. The recipient should have some involvement in the community.

Anyone with questions about the scholarship may contact Bevan at (608) 342-1864 or zimmermanj@uwplatt.edu.

UWP hosts American Society for Engineering Education Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:11:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE- Engineering professors and instructors from across the northern Midwest will gather at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Oct. 16 through 18 for the annual American Society for Engineering Education North Midwest Section Conference. This is the second time since 1991 that UWP has hosted the event.

"This is an important enough event to put UWP on the map. Industries, other universities and communities come to know us. It's a prestigious event. We are recognized as having an excellent engineering program," said Abulkhair Masoom, UWP chair of general engineering.

ASEE is a national organization that strives to further education in engineering and technology. The conference, themed "Educating the Engineer of 2020," will consist of keynote speakers, presentations and a banquet. Middle and high school teachers from the tri-state area will also join in the conference, thanks to a UWP Foundation Opportunity Grant, which will cover their registration fees. The teachers will participate in a panel discussion and have the opportunity to present some of their projects. The goal is to strengthen the partnership between UWP and tri-state area schools and encourage more area students to explore a career in engineering.

"The goal is to have a bridge between these schools and the university. Teachers will learn how to help young students thinking about a technical career. Currently, we invite elementary students each year to come and explore our labs. I believe we're making an impact. We will get to interact with teachers as fellow educators. I appreciate the opportunity of the grant and am indebted to the university," said Masoom.

Conference participants will also learn about various topics in engineering education at technical sessions. During these sessions, professors and instructors will present academic papers. These papers had to go through a rigorous selection process by a nine member faculty committee before being selected to be presented. All papers presented will be put on a conference proceedings CD that will be given to all conference participants. The keynote speakers for the conference will be representatives from PLEXUS and Alliant Energy, and Dean Isaacson, superintendent of Platteville Schools.

"Teaching and learning go hand in hand. As educators, we have to modify and adjust our methods. That's what the conference is about, improving ways of exchanging ideas and techniques," said Masoom.

He invites students interested in engineering education to participate in the conference at a much reduced registration fee. Participants may register for the conference until the day of the conference.

The conference is sponsored by UWP, ASEE, Esterline-Avista Inc., PLEXUS, Alliant Energy, First National Bank and Mound City Bank.

Anyone wanting more information about the ASEE North Midwest Section Conference may contact Masoom at (608) 342-1732 or masoom@uwplatt.edu.

UWP Phonathon, building on success since 1985

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:44:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - For the past 23 years, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Phonathon has been building relationships with alumni and friends of the university, while raising money for almost 1000 different funds.

"The Phonathon not only provides updated information from our alumni and friends of UWP by contacting them, but benefits the UWP students with scholarships for new freshmen and continuing students," Gina Udelhofen, the current director of Annual Giving and Donor Relations, said. "The donations also help with the upgrades needed for the campus."

The first UWP Phonathon was held on April 20, 1985, and was organized and conducted by Dwight Klaassen. Klaassen was hired as the director of University advancement, director of development and executive director of the UWP Foundation in May 1984. The first calling took place in the Platte Room in the then Ullsvik Center.

Before the Phonathon, alumni had been able to make donations to UWP through the annual alumni drive mailing. The Phonathon was created to replace this mailing, Klaassen said. During the fall of 1984 meetings were held to help develop the Phonathon, so calling could begin in spring 1985.

It was good for the Phonathon to start when it did, Klaassen said. "It put us in touch with those who care most about us, our alumni, and raised awareness among them that supporting us financially was a good thing and also necessary."

In the beginning, there were a few major obstacles to overcome; a place to hold the Phonathon, having enough phone lines put in, learning, purchasing and maintaining computer programs for the database and finding callers, Klaassen said. Other tasks required for the start of the Phonathon included learning how to conduct the Phonathon, writing the scripts for the "ask," having the appropriate forms prepared, and obtaining phone numbers of alumni.

"The local telephone company was able to get the lines in, the computer center worked hard at getting us up to speed and departmental meetings were held to educate and encourage faculty to come and make calls," Klaassen said.

"Most of the first phone calls were made by faculty and staff and they were asked to first call some alumni from their departments that they personally knew," Klaassen said. "They were encouraged to visit with them as long as they wanted and they often talked for up to one half hour or more."

Some of the departments were more successful in their calls than others, Klaassen said.

"The Phonathon was an immediate success in both connecting with alumni and raising funds," Klaassen said.

The first calling in 1985 was done on Saturdays and then in fall 1985, the calling was done in the evenings on different days, Klaassen said. Callers were not paid until 1990, but before then, callers were served pizza as compensation.

The Phonathon has been managed by some influential individuals, including Klaassen, Barb Daus, Jacqueline Braun Y Harycki, Ivy Pape, Laura Buchs, Jayne Adams, Laurie Hamer, Christine Chapin -Tilton, Kelly Sullivan Soley and, currently Gina Udelhofen.

When Pape took over the Phonathon in 1990, it became more difficult to find volunteers for calling, so callers were hired after this point, Klaassen said.

When looking for the ideal candidate to call our alumni and university friends, Udelhofen looks for individuals who will promote UWP in a positive way and enjoy talking with the alumni and friends of UWP.

Callers this year have worked on contacting close to 31,000 alumni and friends, Udelhofen said.

The first year of Phonathon brought in about $35,000, in 1995 it brought in about $243,000 and in 2005, it brought in about $392,000, Udelhofen said.

"The Phonathon really gives back to the campus and its students here. The contributions that the Phonathon brings in do not go to just one area, the funds benefit every aspect of our campus," Ali Winiecki, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice and a third semester Phonathon caller, said. "The foundation has really grown tremendously since I started working here and it's been an honor to be able to represent the student population when making my calls."

Anyone wanting more information about the Phonathon may contact Udelhofen at udelhofg@uwplatt.edu or 608-342-1968.

Chester and Susan Dziekanowski Scholarship established

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:12:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation proudly announces the establishment of the Chester and Susan Dziekanowski Scholarship.

Chester T. Dziekanowski, a 38 year veteran of the Department of Biology at UWP, was born and brought up in North Amherst, Massachusetts. In 1960 and 1962, respectively, Chester earned both his B.A. and M.A. at the University of Massachusetts. In 1970, five years after starting his teaching career at UWP, he completed his Ph.D. at the University of Missouri. Specializing in taxonomy - the classification of living things - Chester's contributions to biology and education manifested into the form of numerous hands-on field trips to the mouth of the Mississippi and south along the Rio Grande. Chester is also responsible for founding and organizing the collection of pressed and labeled plant specimens from around the world in the UWP's Herbarium.

Susan (Bourkney) Dziekanowski was born in Buffalo, New York and spent most of her childhood in Houston, Texas. Susan received her Bachelor's degree in English and Master's degree in Education from UWP.

The recipient of the scholarship should be a junior or senior with a declared major of biology with a botany emphasis or ornamental horticulture with two pre-selected Biology courses completed. If no junior or senior fulfills the requirements, a sophomore with at least 45 completed credits may be selected. The recipient shall have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5/4.0, and preference will be given to students with work or volunteer experience in the field of Botany that includes, but is not limited to, University employment. Interested applicants may contact the UWP Biology department.

The first Dziekanowski scholarship recipient was selected in the spring 2008 semester. The recipient was Faith Sherburn of New Glarus.

Anyone wanting more details on the scholarship or wanting to make a donation may contact Holly Kaiser, Director of Development at the UW-Platteville Foundation at 608-342-1879 or foundation@uwplatt.edu

New scholarship established in memory of Keri Pustina at UWP

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:22:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - A scholarship has been established in memory of long time employee of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Keri Pustina. Pustina worked in the facilities management department and was involved with numerous construction projects on campus. Her main projects included the renovations at Pioneer Tower and Russell Hall as well as the development of the infrastructure for the Pioneer Horticulture Gardens.

Pustina passed away as a result of a car accident on September 23, 2004. She resided in Livingston with her family and was an active member on the Iowa-Grant School Board for many years. Pustina is remembered as wife and mother of three girls.

Incoming freshmen from Iowa-Grant High School attending UWP are eligible for this scholarship and may apply by contacting the Financial Aid Office at (608) 342- 1836. The other criteria for this scholarship are financial need, a grade point average between 2.0 and 3.5 and extra curricular involvement.

For more information or to donate to the Keri Pustina Memorial Scholarship, please contact Jaclyn Bevan, UWP development officer, at (608) 342-1864 or zimmermanj@uwplatt.edu.

Abughalous honor awarded to UWP professor Tigerman

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:27:00 +0000

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

UWP freshmen eligible for scholarships

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:33:00 +0000

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

Biddicks receive Distinguished Service Award at UWP

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:28:00 +0000

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

UWP hosts first volunteer recognition dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:10:00 +0000

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

UWP holds annual Donor Recognition Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:18:00 +0000

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.

UWP Foundation offers grant for new renewable energy minor

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:40:00 +0000

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

UWP piano professor releases CD

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Thu, 29 May 2008 18:55:00 +0000

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,

UWP students recognized at student leadership awards

noreply@blogger.com (Gina) — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:46:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - Fifteen students from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville were honored at the 17th annual UWP Leadership Awards Program. Students were recognized for their outstanding work and involvement at the university level through their promotion of outstanding student leadership and development. Kenneth Brotheridge, Lisa McLean, Mollie Allred, Abby Felix, Jordan O'Connell, Daniel Winter, Eugene Woehrle, Brittany DuCharme, Frank Moullet, Hanah Diebold, Opal Dennis, Valerie Golz, Nancy Lambert, Jenna Walsh and Kelly Jo Aldworth were all recognized as outstanding student leaders.

Six students were recognized as recipients of the UWP Foundation Excellence in Leadership Award, given to freshman, sophomore or junior students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, continuously above and beyond the classroom, while maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.

The 2008 recipients are Woehrle, DuCharme, Moullet, Diebold, Dennis and Golz. McLean was honored as the recipient of the 2008 Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Award. Faculty, academic staff or community members recognized as functioning in a primary advisory role of a recognized student organization are eligible. Lambert received the 2008 Outstanding Support Staff to a Student Organization Award. This honor is given to a faculty, academic staff or classified staff member who provides important support but are not advisors to a recognized student organization. Aldworth was awarded the UWP Outstanding Graduate Student, an award given to one graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities while contributing to UWP and the greater Platteville community. Walsh was the recipient of the UWP Woman Student of the Year.

This award recognizes a female student who has an outstanding record of making a difference in the lives of women by supporting the well-being and interests of females. Four students were recognized as recipients of the UWP Chancellor's Medallion Award, an award given to seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, continuously above and beyond the classroom, while maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. The 2008 recipients are Allred, Felix, O'Connell and Winter.

Brotheridge was honored as the 2008 Dean Linden Pioneer Achievement Award winner. The Dean Linden Pioneer Achievement Award is presented annually to one outstanding student who has made a significant impact while serving in a leadership capacity at UWP. This award is named in honor of Lloyd Linden, an individual who served, for nearly 30 years, as dean of students and assistant chancellor for Student Affairs at UWP. Several student organizations were recognized for their outstanding service to the university. The award recipients included Student Senate, Alumni Association Oak Leaf Award for Outstanding Student Governance Group; the Exponent, Alumni Association Oak Leaf Award for Outstanding Student Organization; and Sigma Phi Epsilon, Alumni Association Oak Leaf Award for Outstanding Greek Organization.

For more information, contact David Nevins, UWP leadership development coordinator, at (608) 342-1483.

Contact: David Nevins, leadership development coordinator, (608) 342-1483, nevinsd@uwplatt.edu
Written by: Anne Killian, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, killiana@uwplatt.edu

New Alliant Energy Foundation scholarships available for incoming under-represented freshmen

noreply@blogger.com (Kolina Stieber) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:00:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently announced the establishment of the Alliant Energy Foundation 5x5x5 Scholarship for Under-Represented Students. Five scholarships for $1,000 will be awarded per year for five years.

The scholarship will be awarded to graduating high school seniors enrolled at UWP as full-time students in the fall semester. The student must represent a historically under-represented group within the UWP student population and be from an area where Alliant Energy has a presence.

"We are delighted to help provide deserving young people with financial assistance to continue their education at UW-Platteville," said Marty Fox, executive director of the Alliant Energy Foundation. "Our foundation strongly believes in supporting diversity within educational institutions and within the future workforce."

"I think [this scholarship] represents the university's desire to increase the number of under-represented students on campus," added Holly Kaiser, UWP Foundation development officer. "The students that receive this scholarship will enjoy a very unique relationship with the Alliant Energy Foundation throughout their college careers. This scholarship will be much more than financial assistance."

The recipients must declare majors in accounting, agricultural education, agri-business, business administration, communication technologies, comprehensive business, computer science or engineering. Academic criteria for consideration include an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Financial need will also be considered in the selection process.

"Our relationship with companies is very important to meet the universityâ•’s goal of graduating a successful, well-rounded workforce. We are able to match a companyâ•’s needs with our needs and find a solution that will benefit future UWP students," Kaiser said. "Our relationship with the Alliant Energy Foundation is one of a kind and I look forward to the future of this scholarship program."

With the rising cost of college, more and more students are in need of financial assistance to be able to attend. In particular, students from historically underrepresented groups, Carlos Wiley, Multicultural Educational Resource Center director, said. "I believe this scholarship will help those students and make UWP an option for their future education."

The Alliant Energy Foundation is a philanthropic organization created by Alliant Energy Corporation and is operated as a separate entity led by its own board of directors. The foundation is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where Alliant Energy employees, retirees and customers live and work. The foundation, which is funded solely by the Alliant Energy shareowners, seeks to further the corporationâ•’s goals of being a good corporate citizen and contributing member of society.

Scholarship awards for 2008-09 will be made in the spring. Anyone interested in learning more about the scholarships, selection criteria or deadlines may contact the UWP Foundation at (608) 342-1186.

Contact: Holly Kaiser, UWP Foundation Office, (608) 342-1879, kaiserh@uwplatt.edu Written by: Kolina Stieber, UWP Office of Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, stieberk@uwplatt.edu

UWP receives $600,000 Kresge Challenge Grant

noreply@blogger.com (Kolina Stieber) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:02:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has been awarded a $600,000 Challenge Grant from The Kresge Foundation toward the construction of the College of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science facility, which is scheduled to be completed in December 2008.

"We applaud your efforts to build paths of opportunity within your community," said Rip Rapson, president of The Kresge Foundation. "Ensuring the health and vitality of nonprofit organizations such as yours is central to building strong, vibrant communities. We are proud to help your very important work."

The grant was made to UWP on a challenge basis to help in its efforts to raise the balance of the approximately $1.7 million needed to complete funding of the facility by Jan. 1, 2009. In fact, one of the criteria in receiving the grant was that the UWP Foundation demonstrate a strategic plan for raising money for additional private gifts, including gifts from new donors. Dennis Cooley, assistant chancellor for University Advancement and executive director of the UW-Platteville Foundation, said the Kresge Grant will be an important incentive in UWP's campaign to raise the additional funds.

"This grant will be of tremendous help to illustrate to potential new donors what a worthy investment this facility is and how their support will help. We feel very fortunate that The Kresge Foundation understands that this is not just a building, but rather as Mr. Rapson said, a 'path of opportunity,' " said Cooley.

The university's efforts have included friend and fundraising strategies to identify and steward donors, phone and face-to-face visits, establishing naming opportunities, and securing key people and contributions to challenge engineering alumni for support. A key strategy, explained Cooley, has been to help donors become more philanthropically minded by helping them to connect more closely or re-connect with UWP.

"We had a wonderful time with the 'M' Step Project, which allowed alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the university to make gifts that also left a legacy at the 'M' and UWP. That showed us how much we can get done when people feel involved and invested, and we plan to continue our strategy of reaching out to alumni and our friends in business and industry to complete this building project," he said.

The new state-of-the-art, three story, 108,500 gross square foot engineering building includes 22 labs, nine classrooms and 32 faculty offices as well as space for UWP's MEMS/nanotechnology programs, biomedical engineering and other technology based programs. UWP is also serving additional students, many who are enrolled through the Tri-State Initiative, which will increase the number of students pursuing professional degrees in engineering, mathematics, science, business administration, construction management and other technical fields. UWP's enrollment is expected to increase to around 8,000 students by the year 2011.

Chancellor David Markee said he is thankful for the grant and proud that the UWP ethic was in keeping with Kresge's nine core principles in grantmaking: creating opportunity, community impact, institutional transformation, risk, environmental conservation, innovation, collaboration, underserved geography and diversity.

"We share these values and have been working for years to increase our impact on this region by providing students with leading edge opportunities and sending them out into their communities to keep the cycle of innovation and collaboration growing. We are grateful to The Kresge Foundation for this show of support and we will continue to work hard to provide the quality of education people have come to expect from UWP," he said.

The Kresge Foundation supports communities by building the capacity of nonprofit organizations in six fields: health, the environment, arts and culture, education, human services, and community development. In 2006, the foundation approved 230 grants throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa, totaling $152 million.

Anyone interested in learning more about the College of Engineering, Mathematics, and Sciences new facility may contact Cooley at (608) 342-1309 or cooleyde@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Dennis Cooley, UWP assistant chancellor for University Advancement and executive director of the UW-Platteville Foundation, (608) 342-1309, cooleyde@uwplatt.edu Written By: Evelyn Martens, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, martense@uwplatt.edu

New scholarship established by Hartung Brothers Inc.

noreply@blogger.com (Kolina Stieber) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:04:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - A new fund has been established at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville by Hartung Brothers Inc. of Madison. They made an initial $25,000 pledge that will provide five $1,000 scholarships to be given out each year for five years as part of the M-S.T.E.P. (Mentoring Scholarships Training Education Placement) Program.

The M-S.T.E.P. Program is designed to connect companies with UWP students that major in areas related to the company's interests. The companies may build relationships with the selected scholars or the general student population by hosting receptions on campus in which representatives may interact with students or by participating in different student-based events. The company has the option to mentor the students and to hire them if they meet the company's expectations.

"The new M-S.T.E.P. program is a win-win program. For the students, it provides real world experiences and builds networks with the companies. For the businesses, it allows them to mentor and train the students to what they need to enter the current job market," said Denee Hirsch, director of development and major gifts at UWP.

Hartung Brothers Inc. is a family owned and operated agribusiness that has been in operation since 1975. They have offices located in Madison; Arena; Bowling Green, Ohio; Portland, Ore.; and Uvalde, Texas. They provide agriculture contracts for various vegetables and are also a Midwest regional supplier of liquid and dry fertilizer.

"We get a lot of good employees from UWP, and we'd like to show our appreciation by helping students get a good education in agriculture. Agribusiness needs talented employees, and UWP does a good job of training people for the industry," said Jerry Brunner, who works in human resources for Hartung Brothers Inc.

The scholarships will be awarded to new freshmen with declared majors of interest toHartung BrothersInc., such as agribusiness, ageducation, soil and crop science, ag mechanics and horticulture. Special consideration will be given to those students living in communities where Hartung Brothers Inc.has a presence and to those students who have been active in 4H, FFA, an agriculture club or any other local agriculture organization.

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is April 18. All applicants should prepare a biography about themselves for the application and include their vision of their education and career goals. Interested applicants should contact Mark Zidon, director of the School of Agriculture, at (608) 342-1393 or zidon@uwplatt.edu and Cc to pete@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Denee Hirsch, director of development and major gifts, (608) 342-1969, hirschd@uwplatt.edu

Written by: Megan Mowry, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194

Scholarships available to UWP students

noreply@blogger.com (Kolina Stieber) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:08:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - Several scholarships are available to University of Wisconsin-Platteville students. A $1,000 scholarship is available for students who want to promote the Iowa County Fair. Applicants must have been a resident of Iowa County for at least one year or a member or an Iowa County 4-H or FFA club that exhibits at the Iowa County Fair. Applicants must also have a valid driverâ€™s license and live within 20 miles of Iowa County for the summer of 2008. Students may apply by visiting www.iowacounty fair.org and clicking on "Fairest of the Fair." Applications are due April 14.

The Ernie Guenther Memorial Fund is offering a scholarship based on academic achievement, engineering and materials projects and extracurricular activities. The Ernie Guenther Memorial Fund Committee of the Milwaukee Chapter of ASM-International promotes participation, growth and professional development in the field of Material Science and Engineering within the state of Wisconsin. The application deadline is April 21.

The Price County Association for Home and Community Education is offering two $250 scholarships. Applicants must be Price County residents and full-time students with at least a 3.0 G.P.A. Applications are due May 1. Students in the field of transportation, logistics or related areas are eligible for the Delta Nu Alpha scholarship. Applicants are selected based on scholastic achievement, overall career goals and related interest in logistics and recommendations. Applications are due May 1.

Agriculture students who are Grant County residents are eligible for the Grant County Cattlemen's Association scholarship. Recipients will be invited to attend the annual meeting to be recognized. Applications are due May 5. The National Poultry and Food Distributors Association Scholarship Foundation is awarding four $1,500 to $2,000 scholarships to students studying poultry science, food science, agricultural economics or marketing, nutrition and all other areas related to the poultry industry. Applicants must be full-time juniors or seniors. Academic excellence is considered. Applications are due May 31.

The Denise Bertucci Memorial Scholarship is being offered by the Jaycees of Wisconsin Foundation to students 21 years of age or older who have returned to school after taking at least two years off. Applicants must have at least two years of school completed and have a 3.0 or higher G.P.A. Applications are due June 1.

The Wisconsin Association for Food Protection Inc. is offering the EH Marth Food and Environmental Sciences Scholarship Award for $1,500. Applicants must display an interest in dairy or food science, environmental health or allied areas of life sciences and be a Wisconsin resident. Applications are available from George Nelson of the WAFP Scholarship Committee. He may be contacted at (715) 235-4114, nelson@uwstout.edu or 1207 Main St. E, Menomonie, WI 54751. Applications are due July 1.

All applications except the EH Marth Food and Environmental Science Scholarship Award and the Iowa County Fair Society Scholarship are available at the Financial Aid Office. Anyone wanting more information about these scholarships may contact Sarah Blevins, UWP scholarship coordinator, at (608) 342-1836 or blevinss@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Sarah Blevins, scholarship coordinator, (608) 342-1836, blevinss@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu

UW-Platteville Community Scholarship Program continues to grow

noreply@blogger.com (Kolina Stieber) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:50:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE- With continued support from UWP alumni and friends, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Community Scholarship Program has generated $18,200 worth of scholarships to be awarded to high school seniors planning to attend UWP this fall.

The UW-Platteville CSP will be awarding 75 scholarships to students this spring. These scholarships will be between $100 and $500. Four students currently attending UWP received UW-Platteville CSP scholarships last spring when they were high school seniors.

The UWP Foundation designed the UW-Platteville CSP to focus UWP alumni and friend support to the high school of their choice. With this gift, donors allow the UWP Foundation to grant scholarships to graduating high school seniors that are accepted to UWP from high schools in the tri-state area. To promote the UW-Platteville CSP, the UWP Foundation will be holding a phonathon in the spring, starting in early February. Their goal is to raise enough money to provide more scholarships, hopefully in higher amounts, to high school seniors accepted into UWP during the 2009-2010 academic school year. For more information about the UW-Platteville CSP, or to contribute, contact Gina Udelhofen, UWP Foundation, at (608) 342-1968 or udelhofg@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Gina Udelhofen, UWP Foundation, (608) 342-1968, udelhofg@uwplatt.edu Written by: Anne Killian, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, killiana@uwplatt.edu