Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - A Wisconsin education fair for high school student, parents and prospective adult students will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, in the Ullsvik Center-Velzy Commons October 3, 2003 from 9-11 a.m. This program will provide an opportunity to obtain information about programs from approximately 100 different post-secondary schools. Representatives of community colleges, universities and colleges, vocational schools, trade schools, and the military will be present to talk about the many educational opportunities available.

No formal session will be held; rather, the students and parents will be free to move about the area, spending as much time as they wish with the individual representatives.

In addition, a financial aid counselor will be present to answer questions related to financial assistance available to students as they seek education and training beyond high school.

For more information, please contact your local high school guidance counselor or the local site coordinator, Brad Richardson, Office of Student Recruitment, at UW-Platteville by calling (608) 342-1127 or 1-800-500-8914.

This event is free for all participants.

PLATTEVILLE - The Wisconsin Women in Higher Education Leadership (WWHEL) organization is committed to increasing the number of women in leadership roles at institutions of higher education throughout the state. The group will host its annual conference Oct. 16-17 at the Ho-Chunk Hotel and Convention Center in Baraboo.

Organized by the Madison Area Technical College and Southwest Technical College in Fennimore, the schedule of events for this year's WWHEL conference includes keynote speakers Barbara Lawton, Lt. Governor of the state of Wisconsin, and Pat Alea, a nationally recognized speaker and consultant. Workshops throughout the two-day event include seminars like "Using Quality Tools to Improve Meetings" and "Career Development: Steps Toward Academic Leadership." A panel of female leaders in education will discuss their journeys to positions of authority in "Voice of Experience: Women Leaders," and in the "Women at Work: Changes, Conflicts and Challenges" session, participants will discuss the key findings of research on the progress women have made in the past 20 years.

Event organizers have tried to keep the cost of the conference reasonable. The $140 registration fee covers all events and workshops and three meals. Registration forms, which are available online at the organization's web site (http://www.wwhel.org), must be mailed to D'Ann Zickert, Prospective Student Relations; Madison Area Technical College; 3550 Anderson Street; Madison, WI 53704-2599 by the Oct. 3 registration deadline. Hotel reservations may be made under the WWHEL block by calling the Ho-Chunk Hotel and Convention Center at 1-800-466-5550. More than 120 participants are expected to attend.

WWHEL, formed in 1997, seeks to increase the number and effectiveness of women in Wisconsin higher education leadership. Specific goals include providing professional development opportunities for the preparation and support of women administrators and eliminating barriers to women's achievement in higher education leadership. WWHEL is sponsored by various public and private college and universities in Wisconsin and is affiliated with the American Council on Education.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville hosted a regional WWHEL workshop in April, and sent a contingent to the fall conference last year at St. Norbert College in De Pere. UWP Provost and WWHEL President-elect Carol Sue Butts said progress being made with women in higher education has not come as swiftly as she would like.

"I am committed to assisting and encouraging women to obtain leadership positions in higher education," Butts said. "There are many talented, bright, energetic women in higher education, but they need guidance and support in taking the next step into administration."

Agriculture students enjoy dinner with Dean Ford at this year's Ag Fest on September 9.

PLATTEVILLE - Each year the University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Agriculture holds Ag Fest. On Sept. 9, 15 agricultural clubs and organizations gave presentations at the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity house to students who might be interested in an agriculture related club.

Students were welcome to ask questions and meet with present advisors and members of the individual clubs. They were also introduced to their academic advisors.

Dean of the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture Duane Ford welcomed students back to campus. UWP alumnus Kelly Gregory-Nabb of Phizer Animal Health was the guest speaker. She encouraged all attendees to get involved in activities on campus.

Ag Fest also featured a hog roast that was free to students. After the meal, students had time for a little recreation with sand volleyball, basketball and horseshoes.

"Ag Fest is a great opportunity for new students to get a chance to meet with agriculture professors and students," said agriculture professor Mike Mee.

For more information about agriculture clubs and organizations contact the School of Agriculture at (608) 342-1393 or the website at http://www.uwplatt.edu/soa.

PLATTEVILLE - Indian, Indonesian and Thai Dance Performers will grace the presence of UW-Platteville for Asian American Night, dancing in portrayal of their cultures, traditions and religion on Saturday October 4, 2003.

The night begins with a reception at 7 to 9 p.m. at Velzy Commons located in the Ullsvik Center. Three professional performance groups-Indian dance from Kalapriya Dance Company, Indonesian dance from the Consulate General of Indonesia and Thai classical dance from Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute in Chicago-will perform for roughly 30 minutes.

"We are trying to bring an exposure to Asian culture to the people at UWP and surrounding community," said Pusaporn Tabrizi, advisor of UWP Multicultural Services.

"If you are interested in learning about different cultures and their traditions you should come to this event," said Ong Vang-Xiong, treasurer of UWP Asia Club. "The performances will keep you on the edge of your seat and their dancing will tell you about the people."

Asia Club, Hmong Club, Multicultural Services and SUFAC sponsor the event.

Tickets are available after Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Multicultural Services rooms 129 and 124 Warner Hall or by calling 342-1555 or 342-1506. Tickets are free, however, seating is limited.

The UWP Marching Pioneers have begun their season, and will play during half time of the Green Bay Packers-Detroit Lions game at Lambeau Field Sept. 14. UWP Director of Bands Barry Ellis said the Marching Pioneers may be one of only two marching bands to play at the hallowed stadium this football season.

PLATTEVILLE - Though good marching bands seem to be as much a part of college football as helmets and shoulder pads, they are becoming a thing of the past at professional football games. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Marching Pioneers are among a select few to play at Lambeau Field this year. They took the field during the half-time of the Packers-Lions game in Green Bay Sept. 14.

"If they don't have a band, a large corporation buys the half-time. So, unfortunately for a lot of bands, that's a trend at a lot of stadiums," UWP Director of Bands Barry Ellis said. "If I'm not mistaken, we're one of only two bands marching at Green Bay this year."

It isn't the first time the Marching Pioneers have had the honor of playing at a professional game. They last played at Lambeau Field in 2000. In 1997, the year after the Packers won the Super Bowl, they played during a game televised on Monday Night Football. It was the marching band's first performance there since the 1980s; it was also a first for Ellis.

"One of the more memorable experiences for me has been the performances at Green Bay," Ellis said. "It's an incredible experience, especially the first time. There's something magical about the first time." The band also played at a Packers-Bears game at Soldier Field in Chicago in 1998.

The Packers-Lions matchup was only the second season game at the newly dedicated Lambeau Field. If 60,000 screaming fans weren't enough, the renovation has boosted the number of fans at Packers games to more than 72,000.

"It's quite a rush when you're out there at half-time and your adrenaline is flowing. It's quite an experience, not only for us the directors, but certainly for the students," Ellis said.

Ellis is directing the marching band along with UWP music professor Joe Caploe.

"It's definitely a thrill for all. The students have been working very hard to prepare to do a great show," Caploe said prior to the performance. "They will represent UWP in grand fashion."

Indeed, the 100 students in marching band have been prepared for the football season for nearly three weeks, arriving for practices a week before classes started. In addition to the three times they rehearse each week, the band practiced three extra times this week to prepare for the Packer game.

"These students worked hard, and we've worked hard over the years to build this program, and they deserve it. It's something they look forward to," Ellis said.

For some, it was only their second time playing with the Marching Pioneers, having performed for the UWP Pioneers home opener a week earlier. While they play for about 12 minutes during halftimes of Pioneer games, the Packers don't allow them nearly as much time.

"The Packers only give us 6 minutes, from the first time you put your foot on the field to the end," Ellis said. The Marching Pioneers performed "Karn Evil 9" by Emerson, Lake and Palmer and "The Best of Times" by Styx, as well as "Let it Whip" by the 1970s funk group The Dazz Band, a song that featured the UWP Rangerettes.

The band departed for Green Bay after an early morning practice Saturday. They were to visit the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Saturday afternoon and spend the night in Oshkosh. Sunday called for an early rise again as the band squeezed in one last rehearsal on the Packers' practice field in the Don Hutson Center.

"I'm just glad we have an opportunity to offer this to the students. It's great for us, it's great for the band, it's great for the students, it's great for our department and it's great for the University," Ellis said.

As for the state of marching bands at professional football games, Ellis said they haven't ruled out the possibility of playing at Soldier Field again, even if the Bears don't hold training camp at UWP anymore. And some marching band members, perhaps after witnessing the Vikings pummel the Packers in the season opener, said they would like to play at the Metrodome.

The Packers, meanwhile, keep the Marching Pioneers on a rotating list and try to extend them the honor of playing at Lambeau Field once every two or three years, Ellis said.

"We just hope we're able to do these in the future," he said.

Terry Ludeman, a senior level economist with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development will present a program concerning the anticipated changes in workforce demographics at a luncheon at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 11:30 a.m. The presentation and luncheon will occur at the Harry and Laura Nohr Gallery located in Ullsvik Center.

Ludeman will cover the topic of the changing demographics with respect to race and gender and how it impacts the community according to Frank Igou, assistant professor of management.

"Wisconsin has one of the highest workforce participation rates. Many people in Wisconsin work more than one job and more hours for lower wages," said Igou. "Somewhere near the date 2014, the workforce will reach a critical point as there will be more people exiting the workforce at age 65 than entering at age 18. This will have a direct effect on job availability," said Igou. Ludeman's presentation will take some of these facts into consideration and break down what they mean to an individual and the community.

The cost of the luncheon will be $9. A reservation for the luncheon and presentation can be made by contacting Peg Haese at the Department of Business and Accounting at (608) 342-1660 or haesem@uwplatt.edu.

PLATTEVILLE - During the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Homecoming Week the Agriculture Technology Center will be officially opened for use by the campus, researchers and the community.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at Pioneer Farm at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10. Duane Ford, Dean of the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture (BILSA) will welcome attendees to the grand opening.

Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) P. Scott Hassett will speak about the Wisconsin Agriculture Stewardship Initiative. The Wisconsin DNR donated $1 million of the $1.6 million needed to complete the building. The other $600,000 has come from the sale of capital bonds by the State of Wisconsin.

"Construction of the Agriculture Technology Center started about 10 months ago, but this is a project that we've been talking about since 1999," said Ford.

The new Agricultural Technology Center will house a distance education classroom, conference meeting room and offices for current faculty and staff members working at the Pioneer Farm and for visiting scientists and extension outreach specialists for all of the offices of Pioneer Farm employees.

Tours will be available throughout the weekend. For further information or to schedule a tour call the Pioneer Farm at (608) 725-1850 or visit their website (http://www.uwplatt.edu/pioneerfarm). With construction on Hwy. 151 the best way to travel to the farm is to turn south on Ipswitch Road just east of Platteville. Follow Ipswitch to College Farm Road and then turn left. Look for the Agriculture Technology Center's bright "Pioneer blue" roof.

PLATTEVILLE - A room in the basement of Ottensman Hall has recently been refurbished to accommodate the new mentor center designed for women in the engineering program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Formerly used as a machine shop and a workroom before its refurbishment, Room 045 will now be used as a central location for women involved in the engineering program to use for multiple mentoring functions.

The mentor center may be used as a study area and will accommodate computer access. A lounge area will also be available for students to meet as groups, study, or relax between classes. The mentor center will also feature a resource room containing books that cover topics such as professionalism, technical issues and outreach programs. Books that help students choose a field in engineering, along with information for following a career after graduation will also be available. The mentor center will also function as the main office for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) organization. Each of the seven officers of the organization will be available in the mentor center throughout the week for a total of 14 hours. Those students with questions regarding the organization or engineering in general are welcome to visit the officers during their hours. Last, but not least, the mentor center will be used as a storage area for the tools used in the tool program.

Although the purpose of the mentor center is to focus on supporting women in the college of engineering, mathematics and science (EMS), all students are welcome to visit and facilitate the center.

An open house to celebrate the birth of the mentor center will take place in 045 Ottensman Hall Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All students, faculty and community members are welcome to attend. Students will be on hand to answer questions and refreshments will be available. During the open house, posters outlining the women in engineering program and the toolboxes used for the tool program will be on display. Information regarding outreach activities and the comprehensiveness of the UW-Platteville engineering program will also be available at the open house.

"The mentor center is a work in progress," director of Women in Engineering and Engineering Advising Tammy J. Salmon-Stephens said.

Funding for the mentor center was made available through donations from Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) and Alliant Energy. Salmon-Stephens is currently working on grant proposals to obtain more funds for continued growth and improvement of the new mentor center.

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville takes time each year to recognize alumni who have achieved great honors. A 1987 graduate, Monique Charlier, has been included in this year's list of recipients.

Charlier will be recognized in the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture. Charlier transferred from UW-Stevens Point to UWP and changed her major to construction management.

"At UWP I received a practical, hands on education that gave me a great foundation to enter the construction industry," Charlier said.

Charlier currently is employed by The Jansen Group of Milwaukee as the division vice president / senior project manager.

In her free time, Charlier has been studying blacksmith and does architectural metal work, which she started reading.

Recently The Business Journal selected Charlier as a Woman of Influence in the Community Supporter category for her involvement in the Milwaukee community.

"I am very involved with the community and have served on several volunteer boards," Charlier said. "I currently serve as a board member for the Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity and Agape Community Center." She was also selected by The Business Journal as a 40 under 40 recipient.

"I haven't been back to UWP for many years. I passed through earlier this year on my way to Dubuque and it was nice to see all of the new buildings that have gone up since I left," Charlier said. "When I come back in October it will be very nice to visit the new facilities and how the campus has changed."

PLATTEVILLE - Ernesto Sirolli believes that the future of every community lies in the dreams and aspirations of its people.

This idea to use local resources to help communities grow from within has caught on. Thousands of new jobs have developed in new and expanding businesses since 1985 with the help of the Sirolli Institute and his enterprise facilitation approach.

A world-renowned pioneer in economic development, Sirolli will conduct a one-day workshop on the UW-Platteville campus from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9. Pre-registration is required. Cost for the Ernesto Sirolli workshop is $50 if you registration before Sept. 26, $60 after.

This dynamic and inspirational workshop is designed for individuals interested in economic and business development, including economic development professionals and volunteers, civic leaders, bankers, business owners and managers, government officials and entrepreneurs.

"I think that the Sirolli Institute has quite a bit of experience in a variety of situations and geographical areas and in different types of communities," said Ed Bible, economic development planner with the Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. "The Sirolli Institute believes strongly in its approach, and others have come to its support and have given them credit for creating new employment opportunities."

The Sirolli Enterprise Facilitation model involves a person-centered approach to local business growth and targets economically distressed communities.

Sirolli developed his ideas for economic development while aiding indigenous farmers in Africa and later facilitating business growth in Australia. His philosophy focuses on people and values instead of technology and generation of wealth, a model that has gained attention because it offers a compassionate, cost-effective strategy to infrastructure development that optimizes the use of available resources.

Bible said that area economic developers are also considering applying for a National Demonstration Initiative that would bring Sirolli Institute professionals to the region for a three-year demonstration project. The project is funded by the National Association of Regional Councils and the U.S. Department of Commerce. They will fund projects in six communities nationwide.

Those interested in attending the Oct. 9 workshop can contact Duane Ford, dean of the UWP College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture via telephone, 608-342-1547; or Susan Noble, program coordinator for the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, at 608-342-1062. For more information about the Sirolli Institute you can visit its web site (http://www.sirolli.com).

This year's UWP Dairy Judging team consists of (L to R): Dr. Mike Mee, Stephanie Stout, Bryan Moret, Michelle Ritschard and Kurt McCullough. The team placed third at this years Accelerated Genetics 10th Annual Dairy Judging Contest.

The dairy judging season has begun. The UW-Platteville dairy team consisting of Stephanie Stout, Kurt McCullough, Michelle Ritschard and Bryan Moret competed in the 10th Annual Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Contest in Viroqua on Sunday, Sept. 14. Eighteen teams representing 13 schools competed.

The UWP team placed first in the milking shorthorn class with McCullough placing third overall. UWP also placed fifth in the Guernsey breed. In the Holstein breed the team finished third with Stout placing 4th overall. The team was competitive in the other breeds as well.

Overall UWP placed third in the contest with McCullough placing sixth and Stout placing third overall. The team was consistent in its placing for each class.

The top five teams were: the University of Illinois with a total of 2,006 points. University of Minnesota with 2,005 total points; UW-Platteville came in third with1,970 total points; UW-Madison took fourth with 1,946 total points and Iowa State University finished fifth in the competition with 1,928 total points.

This has been the best finish for UW-Platteville at this contest since 1996. Special thanks was offered to Cory Weigel for getting practice classes ready out at the farm and assisting.

The next event the UWP dairy judging team will be judging at is the World Dairy Expo Sept. 30 to Oct. 4.

PLATTEVILLE- Put on your raincoat and prepare yourself for an incredible evening of entertainment at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Center for the Arts. The national touring company of the renowned musical Singin' in the Rain will be appearing at the Richard and Helen Brodbeck Concert Hall at 8pm on Oct. 3 as part of the 2003-04 UWP Performing Arts Series.

Known for its dedication to the arts and for bringing some of the world's finest performers to Southwest Wisconsin, the Performing Arts Series has a long history of quality events, such as Terence Blanchard, the Three Irish Tenors and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. This event will be no exception.

The movie version of Singin' In the Rain starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O' Conner and Jean Hagen, consistently appears on lists of the all -time greatest movies ever made. Broadway-star Twyla Tharp brought Singin' in the Rain to the Broadway stage in grand style, retaining almost all of the original choreography from the movie. It is her original production that has made the national tour possible.

The UWP presentation will feature the original national tour set plus all of the props and costumes of the period. Singin' in the Rain's famous 'rain dance' number, which has been indelibly imprinted in our collective conscience by Gene Kelly, has been kept in its entirety and is wonderfully recreated onstage with the help of an ingeniously designed 'rain machine.' The event features a company of over 30 performers and musicians.

There will be a free 7 p.m. pre-show discussion in the Center for the Arts with members of the Singin' in the Rain cast, during which time audience members will be able to get involved in a question and answer session with some of the performers.

There will also be a pre-show dinner beginning at 6 p.m. and featuring the foods of the 'Pacific Rim' for $12 per person. Dinner tickets should be purchased by Sept. 30 by calling the University Box Office at 608-342-1298.

For an unforgettable evening of nostalgia and first-rate family entertainment, this is an event that has it all: a spectacular Broadway production with an amazing set, sensational choreography, sumptuous costumes and silly, fun and scintillating music that will send everyone out singing and dancing!

All Performing Arts Series performances begin at 8 p.m. and tickets are available through the University Box Office in the Center for the Arts. Ticket prices for Singin' in the Rain are: UWP Students $ 10; Under 18 $15; Senior Citizens $23; UWP Faculty/Staff $ 23; General Admission $25.The University Box Office is open Monday - Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and can be reached by calling 608-342-1298. The University Box Office is located in the lobby of the Center for the Arts on the campus of the University of Wisconsin - Platteville at 700 West Main Street. More information on the Performing Arts Series can be found at http://www.uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

Deirdre Dalsing, formerly employed as director of clinical services at Hillcrest Family Services in Dubuque, has joined the team at UWP Counseling Services. She is looking forward to doing what she can to help students and is excited about the dynamics of working in a University atmosphere.

PLATTEVILLE - For University of Wisconsin-Platteville students who are dealing with any kind of emotional distress, UWP Counseling Services is here to help. Counselor Deirdre Dalsing, who is new to UWP, has committed her life to helping people, but if it weren't for one course in her undergraduate studies, she might not be in counseling at all.It was at UW-Madison where Dalsing earned a degree in behavioral science and law, and it was a group therapy course there that first got her interested in counseling.

"I think sometimes you get into a situation where you realize, 'Wow, I'm connecting with this, there's something about it,'" Dalsing said. "I became really interested in how people work in groups and the dynamics behind change. It was that one course in college that really kind of changed my path."

Dalsing began her career in counseling in Dubuque, and stayed there to earn a master's degree in clinical psychology from Loras College. Continuing to learn more in the field is important to her.

"You can never know enough about helping people," Dalsing said.

She takes great pride in her work as a counselor.

"You can see impact, you can see change," Dalsing said. "By identifying what is causing them the distress or difficulty, talking about it and evaluating how it's impacting them, we can help them look at what they can do differently."

"Her experience and personality will be a very positive addition to our staff," director of University Counseling Services Roger Meyer said. "I think the students will relate to her very well."

Prior to joining the staff at UWP, Dalsing was employed at Hillcrest Family Services in Dubuque, working with high-risk adolescents as director of clinical services. She still resides in Dubuque with her husband and three children. In her free time Dalsing likes to read, spend time with her kids and play golf, a popular family sport.

UWP Counseling Services, located across from UWP Health Services at 220 Royce Hall, is open Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office is also open Wednesday evenings until 8:30 p.m. Appointments are encouraged but not required.

"Sometimes a one-time session makes a big difference," Dalsing said. "We all go through times in our lives where sometimes just another person's perspective or just having someone else's ear, can bring great relief."

PLATTEVILLE-The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Rountree Ensemble will hold its first performance of the year at 8 p.m. on Wednesday September 24. The performance will take place at the UWP Center for the Arts in the Richard and Helen Brodbeck Concert Hall.

The Rountree Ensemble is a professional ensemble resident at UWP. UWP faculty as well as professionals from the area perform a wide variety of concerts.

The group will perform three large-scale sonatas. The first is a serenade "Opus 7" by Richard Strauss. Next a piece by Piszczek called "Pangean Dancers". This piece was written specifically for the UWP Ensemble. It will consist of nine wind instruments and percussion. The final selection of the concert is Serenade in B flat "Grand Partita" by Mozart.

"This is music anyone can listen to," said John Marco, artistic director for the concert. "It is high quality performance."

Following the performance drawings for free CDs will take place. Cost of the concert is $10 for general admission and UWP students get in for free. For more information or where to get tickets call the University Box Office at (608) 342-1298.

The high school Choral Festival is a longstanding event at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. On Tuesday, Sept. 30, high school students from around the state are invited to campus to participate in a men's and women's chorus, augmented by UWP's own women's choir, the Coro D' Angeli and men's choir, Singing Pioneers. The singers rehearse during the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. then present a concert at 7 p.m. in the Richard and Helen Brodbeck Concert Hall located in the Center for the Arts.

"High school students are presented an opportunity to sing along side the more mature voices of the college students and for the high school students music making occurs at a faster level," said Bob Demaree, UWP Director of Choral Activities. "For the college students, this is a kick-off to the performance year, allowing them to get focused quickly."

At the evening concert each of UWP's five choirs Coro D' Angeli, Singing Pioneers, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, and University Singers are slated to perform. Following the performance of UWP's five choirs will be the women's combined and men's combined group performances.

"We are trying to give the high school students an opportunity to be involved in a performance they may not be able to get at their high schools," said Demaree.

Tickets are available at the Center for the Arts box office: general admission, $4 and UWP students or those under the age of 18, $2. The CFA box office can be contacted at (608)342-1298.

PLATTEVILLE - UW-Platteville alumni will have the opportunity to share their memories and reunite with old classmates at the annual Alumni Reunion Weekend.

Organized by the UWP Alumni Association, this year's reunion will take place Friday, September 19 with events carrying into Saturday, September 20.

The reunion will kick off with the Pioneer Football Luncheon at noon on Friday, followed by the Leitlmen Reunion taking place in the Platteville East and West Rooms in the Pioneer Student Center. Registration will begin at 2 p.m. in the Velzy Commons (formerly known at the Beaux Arts, Galleria and Touche Rooms). Campus tours will be offered to alumni starting at 3 p.m. followed by a social gathering back in the Velzy Commons at 4:30 p.m. The reunion class banquet will begin at 5:30 in the Velzy Commons featuring keynote speaker, Chancellor David Markee.

Saturday's events will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a registration for new arrivals and a continental breakfast for everyone. Reunion photographs will begin at 10 a.m. with the reunion recognition program and brunch to follow. After the brunch at 1 p.m., alumni will have the choice to attend the Pioneer football game versus Drake University at the Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium or to attend a tour of the Pioneer Farm followed by a box lunch.

All UWP alumni are welcome to attend and join in the festivities to celebrate the golden class of 1953, along with the classes of 1943 and 1963.

"[The reunion] is a time of reminiscing and renewing friendships with former classmates and UWP," Ann Philip, Director of Alumni Services said.

Any questions or concerns, including those individuals still interested in making reservations for this year's Alumni Reunion Weekend may contact the Alumni Office or Ann Philip at (608) 342-1181.

PLATTEVILLE-On Thursday, September 11, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville held a candle light vigil in remembrance of all of those who lost their lives or loved ones on that tragic day.

Andy Myers, event manager for the Campus Programming and Relations coordinated the event in which over 200 students, faculty and community members attended.

Chancellor David Markee, student Patrick Murphy, and Valerie Wetzel Assistant Director for the Pioneer Student Center and Pioneer Involvement spoke at the event.

"It is our effort to help people remember losses we had that day," Wetzel said.

The University Choir sang several selections on the direction of Greg Dennis. "Amazing Grace", the song which the firefighters of New York have chosen as the theme for this years Remembrance Day was sung by the choir, as was the National Anthem and God Bless America.

UW-Platteville professor Sue Price takes a hands-on role with her students. Advising students is just like teaching in another classroom, she said. Price was selected as one of this year's outstanding academic advisors.

PLATTEVILLE - When University of Wisconsin-Platteville animal science professor Sue Price meets with students for academic advising, she tries to do more than just aid them with their class schedules. She sums up her advising philosophy in one statement: "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

Price has been honored as one of this year's outstanding academic advisors at UWP.

"Advising is really an important part of what I do," Price said. "I really see it as a part of teaching. It's a classroom in a different setting."

Price, in her 17th year at the University, advises between 45-50 students every semester. A veterinarian herself, most of Price's advisees are studying pre-veterinary in UWP's pre-professional program.

"I try to teach them to investigate and research this profession, to get out there and experience it first-hand so they really know for sure this is a profession that they are going to love," Price said.

Price tries to get beyond class schedules and academic plans with her students, especially juniors and seniors. She talks to them about professional networking and internships and persuades them to get work experience in the field. Price is interested not only in all areas of her students' academics but also their lives.

Agriculture professor Michael Mee wrote in a letter of recommendation that Price is one of the most dedicated faculty members in the UWP School of Agriculture.

"She is usually one of the first to arrive in the morning and one of the last to leave at night," Mee said. "Sue cares about her students. The door to her office is always open. Students know that they can trust and confide in her."

Trust is indeed an important ingredient to a successful student-advisor relationship, Price said.

"It's only when you trust one another that you can be really honest with each other and spend meaningful time together," Price said.

Things have come full circle for Price, who did her pre-veterinary work at UWP before going to Purdue University for her doctorate in veterinary medicine. She said being an effective advisor now is a great way thank two UWP faculty members, Russell Jahn and Roy Shaver, who helped her years ago.

Price also worked on a Navajo Indian reservation in Arizona while completing her formal education in veterinary medicine. Later she worked on llamas and other exotic animal while stationed at a veterinary school in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. She said studying abroad is a great way for all students to learn about other cultures as well as about themselves.

"Just working with people of a different culture I realized how fortunate we are in the United States with our education system," Price said. "(In Bolivia) I actually ended up tutoring the dean of the veterinary school down there just because the training there had been so much less than what we had."

Back in the United States she practiced veterinary medicine in Plain, Wis., but a back injury forced her out of private practice and she soon returned to UWP, this time to teach.

Price lives outside of Platteville and enjoys reading and playing the piano in her spare time. Her favorite hobby, however, is motorcycling, but the same back injury is threatening that activity, despite therapy.

"I told everybody that if I have to have a second back surgery I'd give my motorcycle up," Price said. "That's why this physical therapy has got to do it."

Price was honored, along with Joe Lomax and Max Anderson, as this year's outstanding academic advisors at the Chancellor's Convocation Sept. 2. Other nominees for the award included Michael Compton, Charles Cornett, David Drury, Mohan Gill, Deb Kinder, Corinne Enright, Rea Kirk, Joe Schmalfeldt and Kim Tuescher.

UW-Platteville alumnus Michael Roberts, who now serves as Administrator of Law Enforcement Services with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, said his criminal justice degree from UWP was integral part of his success.

PLATTEVILLE - It isn't a new phenomenon that many college students begin studying one thing but end up graduating with a degree in something completely different.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Michael Roberts, who currently serves as administrator of law enforcement services for the Wisconsin Department of Justice, is one such person. When he began studying at UWP in the late 1960s, he wanted to be a veterinarian.

The state justice department, you might imagine, has little use for veterinarians. Roberts ended up studying criminal justice at UWP and graduated in 1971, establishing a path to success in law enforcement.

In his current post, Roberts is involved with some of the most important aspects of fighting crime in Wisconsin. He oversees the crime information bureau, which collects and disseminates criminal history, and the training and standards bureau, which operates training for officers throughout the state.

Roberts reports directly to Wisconsin Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager and is also responsible for Wisconsin's three crime labs.

"They do all of the forensic evidence for the state," Roberts said.

All in all, Roberts oversees a departments with a total of 180 full-time employees and a combined $45 million annual budget.

Establishing yourself at the top tier of the Wisconsin Department of Justice isn't something you can do straight out of college. Roberts, who grew up just outside of Platteville near Belmont, got his start in law enforcement as a police dispatcher at the Platteville Police Department 37 years ago.

In fact, he worked at the police department while simultaneously taking classes at the University.

"I was working full-time and going to school full-time and that didn't leave much time for other things. You're burning a candle at both ends, but it was a thing that was necessary," Roberts said.

Still, even working as a dispatcher, he didn't aspire to go into law enforcement at that time.

"I kind of dropped into the situation. My original plan was to be a veterinarian," Roberts said.

But in some of his first classes he realized that career might not be for him.

"I took a lot of chemistry classes," Roberts said. "A lot of chemistry majors were enjoying the classes a lot more than I was. I said, 'This isn't something I like to do.'"

It was then that he turned his attention toward the criminal justice program.

"At that time to C.J. program was brand new. I had gotten interested in the law from working at the department," Roberts said. He split time between working as a police officer at the Platteville Police Department and taking classes, earning a degree in criminal justice in 1971. His education at UWP helped him get a position at the state's criminal information services bureau, where he worked his way up the ladder.

"It opened the door and helped me get where I am," Roberts said. "I don't think I'd be doing what I'm doing without it."

Roberts enjoys playing golf in his spare time. He now lives in Stoughton with his wife Melanie, but hasn't forgotten the city of Platteville or the University where he got his start in law enforcement.

"It's a nice community and a nice campus," Roberts said.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville international student Katie Holman chooses from the wide variety of entrées available at the newly renovated UWP Glenview Commons.

PLATTEVILLE - The Glenview Commons dining area at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has undergone some changes the last four years, but the most recent one may have the greatest effect - giving students more options than ever while simultaneously cutting down the time they wait in line.

First implemented last March, the dining area has switched from traditional cafeteria style serving lines to a "platform" food service design, Director of UWP Dining Services Jim Mueller said. Eight different themed serving areas offer their own style of cuisine every day.

"Students right now want more variety," Mueller said. "We did a lot of surveying of students the past couple of years and this is what they wanted. This gives them options, with 13-17 different items to choose from."

Mueller said the change was a success in its test period last spring. The number of entrees offered has doubled, and the increased options mean faster lines as students "shop around" before they decide what to eat. An April survey found that 94 percent of students were satisfied with the new areas.

Previously, the east and west main food lines both offered the same food that rotated by day. Now the east line will feature traditional entrees in the "Main Event" area and baked potatoes with a variety of toppings at the "1 Potato 2 Potato" bar. The west line has become "Cucina Italia," offering pizza, pasta, breadsticks and other Italian foods daily.

"We make the pizzas fresh," Mueller said. "We actually prepare them right out there in front, putting them through the oven, cutting them, and putting them right on the shelves."

The "Signature Cuisine" area, located on the east side of Glenview Commons, is a deli bar by day but offers themed meals at night.

"At lunch its basically a deli bar with burgers and fries and things like that. In the evening we'll do demonstration cooking. We'll have our chefs and our student chefs actually prep food right in front of the students," Mueller said.

The themed Italian, Mexican and Asian meals will be served Monday through Thursday nights.

The "Green Streets" salad bar remains virtually unchanged, offering a full array of salad toppings, dressings and soup. Making accommodations for vegetarians throughout the menu, not just at the salad bar, was an important aspect of the redesign.

"We try to incorporate vegetarian items with all these different concepts," Mueller said. "There's a growing trend here - not as big as at some other campuses - but we do have a definite niche for vegetarians."

Cereal is offered at all meals at "The Cereal Bowl," located between the east and west seating areas. Two "Dessert Isle" stations and two "Thirty's" beverage stations round out the service areas, as well as a good meal.

Mueller said Associate Director of Dining Services Joellen Schoonover, who manages Glenview Commons, has been the "driving force" to make the change to platform service happen, just one of the many changes at Glenview in recent years. Tile, carpeting, curtains, tables and chairs have all been replaced in the last four years, and the patio was repaired last summer.

"It's been a gradual process to get to the point to where we're pretty well set right now," Mueller said.

Though other improvements are in the works as well. An air conditioning system is scheduled to be installed in Glenview Commons within the next two years, the convenience store may be moved to the lower level and email stations may be added to the waiting areas, Mueller added.

UW-Platteville Chancellor David Markee highlighted academic initiatives and stressed the importance of attracting a larger, more diverse student body during his convocation speech Sept. 2.

PLATTEVILLE - As University of Wisconsin-Platteville Chancellor David Markee kicked off the academic year with his annual convocation speech Tuesday, two themes seemed to take the center stage as the University's top official laid out the institution's accomplishments and goals.

Amid an affirmed national interest in the importance of diversity in higher education, UWP administrators will continue current programs and initiate new ones to attract more students near and far. And despite massive cuts in state funding, UWP officials are committed to serving students and to pursuing improvements to campus buildings and infrastructure.

Markee said the University must examine its facilities. Renovation projects are continuing on Williams Fieldhouse and Ullrich Hall. Improvements for Ottensman Hall, home of the University's revered engineering program, are in the planning phase.

"As we look to the decade ahead, we need to ask, 'what labs and resources will be needed to continue this great engineering program?' We need to determine how much we must change," Markee said. "That work has begun already and will continue throughout the year."

Construction is also underway at UWP's Pioneer Farm as the Agriculture Technology Center is almost complete. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Oct. 10. A $1.1 million Living and Learning Center will be finished this fall, and the UWP Foundation is working with private donors to build the $1.8 million state-of-the-art Swine Center.

Construction projects are also on the horizon for the Ullsvik Center, Glenview Commons, the Dairy Center, Karrmann Library and Pioneer Tower.

As the University improves its facilities, partnerships are being forged to attract new students to UWP, help diversify the student population and give domestic students the chance to experience another culture.

"Our goal this year is to see if we can have 200 students study abroad," Markee said.

The Chancellor signed an agreement with the University of Applied Sciences in Darmstadt, Germany, in May to offer a joint international masters for computer science. Eight German students are studying at UWP this semester.

"I'm sure you'll have an opportunity to meet them on campus this fall," Markee said.

A partnership with the South-Central University for Nationalities in Wuhan, China, will give Chinese students the opportunity to study in the United States as they complete course work to earn a master's of science in education degree in English education. Invitations were issued to 30 students to come to UWP in January to complete one course of their program.

"Our hopes are that many of these students will be able to obtain the visas to study here," Markee said.

Sixty-two international students studied at UWP last year.

The distance education program continues to see increases in enrollment as well, with students enrolling from all over the country and abroad.

The implementation of a collaborative engineering program at UW-Fox Valley also increases the reach of the institution. A second full-time faculty member is being hired and construction has begun on a $400,000 lab there, fully supported by Fox Valley-area businesses, Markee said.

The proposed development of a similar collaborative at UW-Rock County was requested by businesses in that area, Markee said. The project has the support of UW System administration and both houses of the state legislature, but the final state budget did not provide funding for the program.

"It was a victim of the governor's veto pen right at the end," Markee said. Efforts will continue to secure funding.

Despite a loss of $171 million of state funding to the UW System over two years, and a $1.7 million hit to the UWP budget in that same period, UW-Platteville will continue to focus on students and the delivery of a high quality education. The UW System as a whole lost 650 positions over the next 2 years; UWP lost 19, Markee said.

"We're going to try to be as responsible as we can with the resources we have," Markee said.

PLATTEVILLE - As students were eagerly getting ready to come back to school, faculty and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville were also getting organized for the upcoming year. At this year's fall in-service on Aug. 28, put on by the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture, employees of the University were able to come together to discuss violence in the workplace and methods of prevention.

The main focus of the in-service was a presentation given by John Deere & Co. employees, Steve Loeffelholz and Pam Hillary. The two discussed violence in the workplace, ways in which it can be prevented, if and how colleagues can see it coming and what "red flags" can be identified. The two also gave examples of situations that occurred at John Deere and the ways that they were handled.

The presenters concluded with a video about how to detect that someone might potentially be a problem. The attendees were than able to discuss how to deal with the problems and what is the most effective resolution. The presenters suggested developing a committee to create an action plan just in case something were to happen and how the situation would be handled. They also recommended to make employees feel comfortable with informing supervisors of potential problems.

"If you don't have something written down, you can't do anything about the problem," said UWP Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost Carol Sue Butts.

After the discussion of the video, a panel was set up to inform the attendees about the UWP policies on violence and what they are doing to prevent situations from arising.

The director of UWP campus police, Laurel Skrede, encourages people to report instances that they think might possibly lead to a condition for documentation.

"It won't hurt to report an occurrence. Even if you're not sure, at least this way we can look back and see that there were previous occurrences," Skrede said. "Also, sit down in your departments and discuss what you would do if something did happen."

"Very rarely have instances which involve misconduct or violence occured at UWP," said Human Resources Director Kate Kelley.

Tomas Kubinek (as the Six-Legged Man) performs Sept. 8 at the UW-Platteville Center for the Arts.

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series will present the comedic brilliance of Tomas Kubinek on Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.

Originally from Prague, this Jacques LeCoq-trained physical comedian has achieved a rare degree of comedic artistry that appeals equally to all ages. While Kubinek includes charming language in an often-silent art form, it is the visual impact of his improbable feats that truly astounds. His outrageous theatrics are executed with such conviction and charm that people of all ages are reduced to giggles, howls and screams of delight.

Tomas Kubinek's internationally acclaimed solo performances play to packed theaters around the world. After a sold-out run on Broadway, The New York Times lauded his work as "Absolutely expert!"

Kubinek is the recipient of numerous international awards including the Moers Comedy Prize from the International Comedy Arts Festival in Germany, the Schneestern Award from the International Festival of Humor in Arosa, Switzerland, and the Samuel Beckett Theatre Award from the Dublin Theater Festival in Ireland. Perhaps his most illustrious award is "The Gold Fly-Swatter".

He was proclaimed International Grand Champion of Housefly-Catching at the Moucheville Open in Moravia, beating competitors from 12 other nations.

Reserved seats for Tomas Kubinek are $8 for adults and $5 for children under 18 and are available through the University Box Office in the Center for the Arts.

The University Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be reached by calling 608-342-1298. The University Box Office is located in the lobby of the Center for the Arts on the campus of the UW-Platteville at 700 W. Main St. More information can be found at http://www.uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

PLATTEVILLE-Lancaster resident Bill Haskins did not have to travel far to earn his master's degree in project management. Haskins decided to take a combination of online and on-campus classes at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to further his education.

UWP has been offering distance education since the 1970's to students residing in Wisconsin. In 1996, the University extended its reach to students throughout the United States. By 1999, UWP reached out worldwide and both print-base and online courses for the business administration program were offered, along with three 100 percent online master's degree programs in criminal justice, project management and engineering.

Haskins, who has lived in the area for the last 13 years and grew up here as well, found the UWP distance learning program well-suited his needs as a non-traditional student.

"UWP is an influential and compelling presence in the area," Haskins said.

Haskins knew he always wanted to be at "the big table" or in a position to influence what happens there. He says he likes the learning and personal development process, and he hopes always to be able to assist others in reaching their objectives.

Haskins was fortunate enough to have to work only part-time while being a full-time graduate student.

His advisor, Tony Munos, and instructors have substantial practical knowledge of the subjects they taught. Virtually all the instructors in the program have PhD's and years of academic experience as well, Haskins said.

"For the most part they treated me as a peer. I have now what I consider to be long-term relationships with many of them," Haskins said.

Haskins credited UWP with providing advice on scheduling time for studying, finding a quiet place, adequate resources, application skills and a good computer.

"With the UWP distance education program, nowhere else can one be exposed to such a wide range of life and professional experiences over a long period of time. Though one cannot get to 'know' classmates online in the traditional sense of the term, it is amazing how much we can learn, even in this asynchronous environment," Haskins said. "The classroom experience, of course, adds to the interpersonal dynamics which are completely absent from the online environment. It is invigorating to participate both as a student and as a 'mentor' of sorts for the younger people in the live classroom."

Those interested in learning more about distance education at UWP can visit the website (www.uwplatt.edu/disted) for a complete list of degree programs and available courses. You can also call 608-342-1468 or toll-free 800-362-5460 to request an informational packet about UWP distance education.

It was a hectic time all around the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus last year when new students began to arrive at the residence halls, and it was no different at Hugunin Hall on the first day students could move in. More than a thousand new students will begin to move in and become acclimated to the UWP campus with orientation events Aug. 29 - Sept. 1. Local businesses will welcome new UWP students with a plethora of discounts and prizes Sat., Aug. 30 when students take the streets for the Discover Downtown scavenger hunt.

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will welcome more than a thousand new faces to campus this year, and oh what a welcome it will be.

Faculty, staff and continuing students will help new students adjust to life at UWP with a four-day series of orientation events beginning Friday, Aug. 29. New student orientation will continue over the Labor Day weekend and fall-semester classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Orientation is a time for new students to make the transition from living at home to living at the University. Transfer students find orientation events can be useful in the acclimation to a new school.

"We're helping our students make contacts and connections with UWP. Orientation is a time to help new students and transfer students learn the ins and outs of campus," Leadership Development Coordinator David Nevins said. "And we have a little bit of fun, too."

Students will begin moving to their new home at UWP when the residence halls open at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 29. A social sponsored by international student services from 2-4 p.m. will give students the opportunity to meet other new students while they sample treats from other lands.

UWP Chancellor David Markee will welcome new students with an address at the Pioneer Activity Center at 7 p.m. Another social event will follow: the Playfair at 8 p.m., which Nevins called the "ultimate icebreaker."

Saturday's events will help students get acclimated to the downtown area. A picnic at noon will be followed by the Discover Downtown scavenger hunt at 1 p.m. and a free sampling of what Platteville pizzerias have to offer at 2 p.m. Avalon cinema will also be handing out movie tickets free for UWP students.

The area between Dobson and Morrow halls will be transformed for the Rockin' Block Party that night from 5-9 p.m. The Javier Mendoza Band will play at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, the movie "Bruce Almighty" starring Jim Carrey will be shown outdoors on the lawn near Brockert, Pickard and Hugunin Halls at dusk. In the event of rain the film will be shown at Pioneer Crossing in the Pioneer Student Center.

The circle will be an area of excitement Monday, Sept. 1, for the carnival from 4:30-9 p.m. A picnic supper will be served amid carnival attractions, sand volleyball, disc golf and other games. Student Senate will sponsor a watermelon seed spit.

Dining services will be getting in on the action as well. In addition to the picnic meals Saturday and Monday, a "South of the Border" special dinner will be served Saturday night and faculty will be able to join students for a steak dinner Sunday night.