Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - University of Wisconsin-Platteville biology major Rosemary Kuhnle recently gave a presentation on women's oral health in the Patricia A. Doyle Women's Center on campus.

Kuhnle stated, "My objective for the presentation was to raise awareness on how changes in our oral health can be related to the many different stages of life a woman goes through such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause. I am passionate about what I do and really enjoy educating people about their oral health as it relates to their overall health."

She also talked about the association between gum disease and other diseases such as heart disease, low birth-weight babies, diabetes and osteoporosis. She emphasized the importance of oral health and its relationship to overall health, stating that oral health is more than just brushing and flossing.

"I think it is very important that we give our students a venue to present. I also think that this is a subject that is very important to the total health of all persons," said Patricia Foster, director of the Patricia A. Doyle Women's Center.

Kuhnle graduated from Madison Area Technical College in 1998 as a registered dental hygienist and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biology at UWP with plans to attend dental school to become a pediatric dentist. Lately, she has been delivering dental education workshops in the area such as at Cuba City Elementary School and the UW-Platteville Children's Center.

Contact: Pat Foster, director, UWP Patricia A. Doyle Women's Center, (608) 342-1453, fosterp@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: April M. Schmidt, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,schmidap@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- The metals processing technology program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently received an approximately $1 million software donation. The programs, MAGMASOFT(r) and MAGMAIRON(r), were donated by Magma Foundries Technologies Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill., through an alumnus connection.

The alumnus connection is Benjamin Johnson, a 2006 graduate with a degree in manufacturing technology management with minors in drafting and product development and metals processing technology. Kyle Metzloff, UWP associate professor of metals technology, collaborated with Johnson and Magma Foundries Technologies Inc. to obtain the software for the UWP metals processing laboratory. Johnson is employed at the company as a project engineer. His duties include setting up projects for account managers, being a support person for account projects and setting up presentations.

Johnson met the company during an internship with Berntsen Brass and Aluminum Foundry of Madison. As part of a project, Johnson compared two different software programs from two different companies, one of them being Magma Foundries Technologies Inc. The goal of the project was to find the best software for analyzing the cooling of metal castings.

After his internship, Johnson kept in contact with Magma Foundries Technologies Inc. He met them again at the 2005 Foundry Education Foundation (winner of the 2004 UWP Friend of the College Award) College Industrial Conference in Chicago, Ill. At the conference, industrial leaders recruit students from accredited schools. UWP is one of these 25 accredited schools in North America and has been since 1969.

Johnson was hired by for Magma Foundry Technologies in May 2006. Shortly after he was hired, he approached the company about donating the software. "I had friends in the program that I thought would enjoy the new Magma software," said Johnson. To obtain the software, Johnson and Metzloff sent summaries of how the software would be used in the curriculum at UWP to the owner of Magma Foundries Technologies in Germany. When the owner came to the United States to visit the company, he approved the donation.

The new software will help students to simulate things they are unable to do in a laboratory, like casting 100,000 pounds of molten iron. Casting parts such as engine blocks, tractor parts and car suspensions can be done with less chance of defects. Students can apply the software to a three dimensional model and see if the casting process will be successful before casting the actual product. The software analyzes the way the metal cools, predicts how the metal will flow in the mold and identifies defects and potential problems. In this way, costly mistakes on the product are avoided. "This sets UWP apart," said Metzloff. "We can do the theoretical aspects and manufacture the product. It's one thing to just model something, but we take it a step further in that we put it to use to see how it really works."

Metzloff believes that the software will help attract more students to the metals technology management program. "Students like to see cutting edge technology. We still need employees for manufacturing in Wisconsin. It is the third largest supplier of metal castings in the nation," he said.

The software will be put to use in fall 2007. Metzloff will take a weeklong training course in March to become familiar with the software. Johnson will aid in the training as well as the set up of the equipment.

Anyone wanting more information about the donation may contact Metzloff at (608) 342-1142 or metzlofk@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Kyle Metzloff, professor, metals technology, (608) 342-1142,metzlofk@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,kurdik@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - On April 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the lower level of Russell Hall, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Industrial Studies Department will hold an open house in its labs primarily to recruit students into its manufacturing technology management program, including the plastics processing technology minor. According to Richard Klawiter, assistant dean of UWP's College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture, the open house might be particularly useful to students who need to declare a major or are thinking about changing majors or adding a minor; high school seniors or graduates and their parents who are exploring university programs for the first time; or teachers and guidance counselors keeping abreast of opportunities for their students. Professors, staff and students will be on hand during the open house to speak to interested people and perform live demonstrations of industrial technology operations.

"Many people might be under the assumption that the manufacturing industry does not offer a secure future due to overseas movement, but experts in the industry say that demand for management-level positions in the industry will be high due to retiring baby boomers. Manufacturing companies with a commitment to remain in the U.S. will be looking to fill management positions, and our program provides an excellent opportunity for students to acquire the skills necessary in this trade," said Klawiter.

The Center for Plastics Processing Technology at UW-Platteville partners with leaders in the plastics industry to provide hands-on experience to students in the program. It was established in recognition of plastics manufacturing as the largest and fastest growing industry in the area.

In addition to the manufacturing technology management program, the industrial studies department offers programs in technology education for those wanting to teach tech ed in middle or high schools; building construction management for those wanting to acquire skills in managing large construction projects; and occupational safety management for those wanting to manage safety issues in industrial settings. The manufacturing technology management program offers concentrations in areas other than plastics, like drafting and product development technology, computer integrated manufacturing and metals processing technology. Interested people will be able to inquire about all of the industrial technology programs at the open house.

Several industrial technology student organizations will be present during the open house as well: the American Foundry Society, American Society of Safety Engineers, Construction Management Association, Society of Manufacturing Technologists, Society of Plastics Engineers, Technology Education Association and Women in Industrial Technology.

Anyone interested in learning more about the open house may contact Klawiter at (608) 342-1246 or klawiter@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Dick Klawiter, assistant dean, College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture, (608) 342-1246, klawiter@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: April M. Schmidt, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, schmidap@uwplatt.edu

Paul Rusesabagina, whose actions inspired the 2004 Academy Award nominated film, "Hotel Rwanda" was this year's distinguished lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. (Photo by Andrew McNeill)

PLATTEVILLE - History, Hollywood and the horror of genocide came to life at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on March 28 as the standing-room only crowd listened to distinguished visiting lecturer Paul Rusesabagina describe his experiences during and after the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rusesabagina's story was the inspiration for the 2004 Academy Award nominated film, "Hotel Rwanda."

Rusesabagina began his presentation by offering some general background on the history of Rwanda, dating back to Belgian colonial days. As he lead up to the events depicted in "Hotel Rwanda," the 100 days during which 900,000 people were killed, Rusesabagina explained some of the issues surrounding the long-standing hostilities between the Tutsi and Hutu people and questioned why such atrocities happen.

"We are three groups of people - the Hutu, who make up 85 percent of the people, the Tutsis, who make up 14 percent of the people and the Twa, who make up one percent. We intermix, we intermarry. Why did we kill each other?" asked Rusesabagina.

The explanation is complex, according to Rusesabagina, and includes the role of Western nations during colonial times and especially "bad leadership" within Rwanda. He continued his theme of the importance of leadership throughout his presentation.

Rusesabagina received a standing ovation from the audience following his powerful presentation about his experiences during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. (Photo by Andrew McNeill)

As the genocide ensued, Rusesabagina was able to use his position as acting manager of the Mille Collines Hotel to shelter 1,268 people. There, the group endured many hardships but managed to stay alive despite bombing and military threats. Repeatedly during the narrative, he spoke of the importance of "words" in keeping his group alive.

"I believe in the power of words. I believe in the power of words to save lives and to kill lives," he said. At several points during the ordeal, Rusesabagina said he was able to use words to prevent the killing or enforced evacuation of the people in his protection. He called these moments "windows of dialogue" and said he learned many lessons during that time.

"I learned that no one can be completely evil and that no one can be completely good," he said.

In the question and answer session that followed the presentation, audience members asked about the condition of the country now and whether any of those responsible for the genocide have been brought to justice. Rusesabagina, who has lived in exile in Belgium for the past 10-and-a-half years, said Rwanda has made little progress in forming stable institutions or selecting leaders who will move the country forward. He also explained that, to date, only about 30 people have been brought to justice for the massacre.

Many audience members were also interested in Rusesabagina's thoughts on solutions for the Rwandan difficulties.

"The best solution is dialogue - dialogue leading to democracy," he said. He said that while Africans will ultimately have to be responsible for African solutions, western countries can also play a role by facilitating discussion and reconciliation, not just in Rwanda, but in places such as Darfur and the Congo, where millions of people have been killed or displaced. He urged the audience members, and young people in particular, to stand up when they see injustice.

"Talk about it ... urge the world to get involved. Ask your leaders to convey a message to the Sudanese and Congolese that, you know, 'you guys are not above the rules, the law.' They should know that one day they will have to face history," he said.

Quincy Bufkin, a UWP freshman majoring in civil engineering, said he was impressed with Rusesabagina's message concerning leadership.

"I think he spoke the truth when he talked about how important it is to have good leaders, both in his country and around the world. We need people who can get different sides together and seek solutions, who will respect each other and sit down together to engage in a dialogue," he said.

Another student, Abby Felix, a junior majoring in criminal justice, said she was inspired by the message and found much relevance to her life as a student. She was able to attend a dinner in Rusesabagina's honor on the evening prior to the presentation.

"I think it's important for us to realize that words are important and, like he said, dialogue can surmount any number of problems. But words can also build up tension and pressure and create problems. During the dinner, he explained how, at first, it was just that one group was somehow less 'valuable' than the other. Eventually, that group began referring to the other as 'cockroaches,' as though they were merely insects. Eventually the first group became so desensitized that they were able to do this mass killing. The words we use are important, and I hope we all keep that in mind as we engage in dialogue with one another," she said.

Rusesabagina has continued his humanitarian efforts through the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation and continues to advocate and work for solutions in Rwanda. He is the recipient of the Immortal Chaplains Prize for Humanity, the National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award and the Presidential Medal. In 2006, he published his autobiography, "An Ordinary Man."

The Pioneer Distinguished Lecturer Program is funded by UWP Campus Programming and Relations (CPR) and the Segregated University Fee Allocation Committee (SUFAC). Selection of the annual speaker is coordinated through the Improvement of Learning Committee and CPR.

Contact: Cara Fish, Campus Programming and Relations, (068) 342-1497,fishc@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Evelyn Martens, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,martense@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- Grade school students will now know where their morning glass of milk comes from thanks to the Sigma Alpha professional sorority at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. The sorority is participating in Ag in the Classroom, a national program coordinated by the United States Department of Agriculture to educate students about agriculture.

Ag in the Classroom works within existing criteria to provide basic information about agriculture and educates students about where their food comes from. Sigma Alpha will use hands-on activities in their lesson plans on soil, Wisconsin products, dairy products, farm safety and Heifer International. Heifer International is an organization that raises money to buy stock animals in Africa. They then give those animals to families in Africa.

"The program is important for kids to get a better understanding of agriculture. A lot of kids grow up not knowing where their food comes from," Gretchen Goodenough, philanthropy chair of Sigma Alpha, said.

Sigma Alpha will travel to seven schools and educate approximately 300 students. The program kicked off on National Agriculture Day on March 21. The national Sigma Alpha professional sorority participates in the program as a philanthropy project. This is the third year the UWP chapter has participated and all Sigma Alpha sisters are active in the program as part of their membership.

"The sisters learn leadership, professionalism and communication skills from the program. It's also something they can put on their resume," said Goodenough.

Sigma Alpha is working with the Grant County Farm Bureau, Milk Marketing Board, Wisconsin Beef Board, Wisconsin Pork Association, Wisconsin Apple Growers Association, Wisconsin Strawberry Association and Wisconsin Cranberry Association with the help of community donations to put on the program.

Anyone wanting more information about Ag in the Classroom may contact Goodenough at (608) 342-3522 or goodenoughg@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Gretchen Goodenough, philanthropy chair, Sigma Alpha professional sorority, (608) 342-3522, goodenoughg@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Liberal Arts and Education has selected Aric Dutelle, a lecturer in the department of criminal justice, to receive the Academic Staff Excellence in Teaching Award for 2007. The award is given annually to an instructor working in a part-time or full-time academic staff position who demonstrates excellence in teaching and a commitment to the department, college and university.

Dutelle joined the LAE staff in August 2004 to help establish the forensic investigation program. Since then, he has developed five new courses in forensic investigation and, according to Tom Caywood, chair of the criminal justice department, built the program to a point where it is being considered as a possible minor and an emphasis within the major of criminal justice. Caywood also noted that Dutelle's courses fill quickly and he consistently receives high marks on his student evaluations, despite the fact that the courses are very labor intensive.

In addition to his work in the classroom, Dutelle serves as academic advisor to approximately 50 students and acts as an internship advisor in making contacts for internship placements and employment with investigative agencies. He has been active in the local community, also, since moving to the area in 2004. He is a consultant for local law enforcement agencies and serves as a deputy sheriff for the Grant County Sheriff's Office.

Aside from the local law enforcement community, Dutelle has worked with and consulted for several federal agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Interior. In 2006, Dutelle received an Outstanding Service Award for work he performed in assisting the local and national Honduran law enforcement agencies in training personnel there in crime scene processing and investigative techniques.

"His commitment to this department, to the College of Liberal Arts and Education, to the university and to the criminal justice field in general reflects great credit upon himself and the university," said Caywood.

Joe Lomax, professor of criminal justice and former chair of the department, said Dutelle has been instrumental in building the forensic investigation program.

"Although television and criminal investigation movies may have helped create student interest in the science and skills associated with crime scene investigations, it has been Aric Dutelle's knowledge, enthusiasm, professional connections and innovative teaching methods that have sustained and deepened their interest," said Lomax.

As an example of Dutelle's innovative teaching techniques, both Lomax and Caywood described the experience students had last spring in Dutelle's crime scene processing techniques course. Working collaboratively with the UWP farm, Dutelle arranged for two animal carcasses to be buried so that students would have the opportunity to process an outdoor crime scene. The experience, dubbed "the pig dig" by the students, provided "one heck of a learning tool for students," Caywood said. "Smell and all," he explained.

Dutelle has also contributed to the department by writing and obtaining a lab modification grant for the criminalistics lab making it, according to Lomax, the best in Wisconsin's criminal justice programs. Dutelle was also instrumental in helping UWP acquire the Automated Fingerprinting Identification System (AFIS), making UWP one of only 12 universities in the nation to receive this advanced investigation system. His published work includes reports of his work in Honduras and general inquiry into how popular culture notions of crime scene investigation affect law enforcement teaching and practice.

Contact: Tom Caywood, chair, UWP Department of Criminal Justice, (608) 342-1653,caywood@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Evelyn Martens, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,martense@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation has initiated the Community Scholarship Program for UW-Platteville, designed to focus community support to the high school of a donor's choice. The program gives donors the opportunity to support both his or her local high school and UWP with one gift.

The goal of the Community Scholarship Program for UW-Platteville is to provide assistance to graduating high school seniors attending UWP. The long-term goal is to have enough funds for scholarships for every student entering UWP from each school, and to even provide funds for all continuing students from those high schools participating in this program. Any graduating high school senior accepted into UWP is eligible to receive this scholarship.

Jina Polkoski, UWP Foundation Community Scholarship Program coordinator, states, "As a 2003 Potosi High School graduate, I'm excited to hear that scholarships will be provided to graduating high school seniors planning to attend UW-Platteville. This is a great opportunity for high school graduates to continue their education."

Currently, the Community Scholarship Program for UW-Platteville has generated a total of $53,000 in gifts, from alumni and friends of UWP. Lancaster High School has received the largest donation with $16,000 towards the program thus far. 140 high schools from Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin are participating in the program, and that number continues to grow daily.

For further information about the Community Scholarship Program for UW-Platteville, contact Gina Udelhofen, UWP Foundation annual giving coordinator, at (608) 342-1968 or,udelhofg@uwplatt.edu

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

PLATTEVILLE- University of Wisconsin-Platteville Professor Keith Thompson received a UW-Platteville Opportunity Grant to aide in funding the construction of a new music facility for Wisconsin Badger Camp. Thompson's grant, along with a grant from 3M, will assist in the cost for constructing the new music facility. Thompson is the advisor for Chi Epsilon, and members from this civil engineering based professional organization are volunteering with members from Engineers Without Borders to construct the music facility.

Wisconsin Badger Camp is a non-profit organization serving people with developmental disabilities. The need for a music facility became more apparent since the expansion of the new camper lodge was completed. As more campers are able to attend Wisconsin Badger Camp, it is important for additional activities to be available so group sizes continue to stay relatively small.

The new music facility will be located on the main campus area of Wisconsin Badger Camp, which is located 10 miles south of Prairie du Chien. The design of the new building will be collaborated between Chi Epsilon members and members of Engineers Without Borders. Both organizations will provide their design input and will assist with the building's construction. The conceptualized facility will house a storage area for the music equipment and instruments, and the rest of the structure will be enclosed, with the ability to open the room to the outdoors.

The project will break ground this spring, as soon as the project engineers are sure the weather will cooperate for the duration of the project. Beginning the construction of the facility depends on the schedules of members of Chi Epsilon and Engineers Without Borders. Brent Bowers, executive director of Wisconsin Badger Camp, hopes to have the facility ready to open at the start of camp season on June 1. "Music was always an integral part of the festive atmosphere at Wisconsin Badger Camp; we have a CD of the camp's songs for campers to listen to throughout the year when the campers are at home," said Bowers.

The class format will initially focus in areas of percussion but eventually expand to using other musical instruments and equipment, such as a piano and a riser system for a stage area. Classes will include music appreciation and learning activities so every skill level can be involved and engaged in the learning process. Wisconsin Badger Camp is currently seeking a music specialist to head the music program as an activity director for the June 1 opening.

Chi Epsilon has been partnering with Wisconsin Badger Camp for years and has assisted the camp by building picnic pavilions, adding a deck onto the nature center, and by building park benches. Mark Brusberg, president of Chi Epsilon, is happy to continue to foster a partnership between Chi Epsilon and Wisconsin Badger Camp.

"I feel the project will be very beneficial to both Badger Camp and Chi Epsilon. The project will give Chi Epsilon members a chance to work together and build teamwork skills as well as bond the Chi Epsilon organization into a stronger student group. There are always benefits to Badger Camp with projects such as this. This project will give the campers something new to be excited about at Badger Camp and make their experience that much more enjoyable," said Brusberg. Engineers Without Borders is a new partner with Wisconsin Badger Camp. Ryan Staab, president of Engineers Without Borders, hopes that their collaborative effort grows in the upcoming years.

"I am very excited to work with Wisconsin Badger Camp for a number of reasons. First, the people at Wisconsin Badger Camp are great to work with. Next, working at Wisconsin Badger Camp allows the organization to become more comfortable working together. Finally, working with Wisconsin Badger Camp allows us to inexpensively get many of our members involved in projects and get the group to be more locally visible to the surrounding communities," said Staab.

Bowers expressed his gratitude for the university partnership. "Wisconsin Badger Camp thanks 3M for their funding in which we were able to get the music program off the ground. We also want to thank UWP; with the addition of the Opportunity Grant funds we are able to make a much more valuable and productive program. With the involvement of Chi Epsilon and Engineers Without Borders we were able to stretch those dollars even further. We are grateful to the university for their continual involvement with Wisconsin Badger Camp. We would like to invite everyone to come to our campus this summer and see the music program in action," said Bowers.

Contact: Keith Thompson, assistant professor, civil and environmental engineering, (608) 342-1479, thompsmi@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Lisa D. McLean, (608) 342-1194,mcleanl@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE -The University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Liberal Arts and Education (LAE) announced that it will host a nationally renowned tour of women from Israel and Palestine, who will share with audiences their experiences of life in this highly contested region.

"Jerusalem Women Speak: Three Women, Three Faiths, One Shared Vision," will make a presentation to the UWP campus on April 17. The three women, one an Israeli Jew, one a Palestinian Christian, one a Palestinian Muslim, all raised in either Israel or Palestine, will describe their first hand experiences of living in the region and will present their vision for achieving peace and stability. Aside from providing eyewitness accounts of life in and around Jerusalem, the presentation provides a female perspective on the conflict.

The tour, sponsored by Partners for Peace, is in its 11th year and features new participants every year. The general theme of the tour is everyday life in Israel and Palestine during this time of great conflict. Previous speakers have touched on the following topics in the context of their day-to-day lives: human rights; free access to health care, work, education and religious worship; cultural interactions; psychological problems; family relationships; interaction between different faiths; travel and trade restrictions; housing problems; security; reasons for the ongoing violence and hopes for peace.

Nancy Turner, UWP associate professor of history, organized the event with the goal of bringing greater awareness about the Middle East to campus.

"Audience members will gain an understanding of the current daily living conditions of Israelis and Palestinians and will hear the opinions of people living in the region concerning ways to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflict. In order to provide a background for the presentations, the women will also briefly explain the origins of the conflict - one which plays an enormous role in U.S. foreign policy decisions, but which is often incompletely and inaccurately understood by most Americans. The presentation will add to the campus's knowledge of the Arab world, a region of the world which does not normally get much attention on our campus or in Southwest Wisconsin," Turner explained.

This presentation is made possible through a grant from the Chancellor's Opportunity Fund, as well as matching resources from the Women's Studies Program, the Liberal Arts and Education Dean's Fund and the Department of Social Sciences.

The women will speak in the University North and South Rooms in the Pioneer Student Center at 7 p.m.

Anyone interested in learning more about the tour may contact Turner at (608) 342-1789 or visit the Partners for Peace website atwww.partnersforpeace.org

Contact: Nancy Turner, professor, department of history, (608) 342-1789,turnern@uwplatt.edu Prepared By: Evelyn Martens, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,martense@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Criminal Justice Department has something to celebrate this semester as department chair, Thomas Caywood, co-published his first textbook. The book, entitled "Correctional Officers in America: The Emergence of a New Profession," was written in collaboration with Stephen Walter, a former UWP criminal justice faculty member.

The book covers a wide variety of topics including correctional officers, inmates, diseases in jails and prisons and the professionalization of officers within the system. "Correctional officers are often the least visible people in the criminal justice system. The field is continually emerging as a profession and it is important that information is available to create a better understanding of what these people do. I hope this textbook sheds light on an issue that is often left in the dark," Caywood stated.

It took the pair just under four years to complete the book. In the future, Caywood hopes the book will be used in several of the criminal justice courses taught at UWP. Caywood commented, "This was a great experience to learn more about the criminal justice field and the entire publishing process. I have found that you must be open to constructive criticism and willing to make a variety of changes to better the book as a whole."

In 1995, Caywood earned his Ph.D. in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Shortly after receiving his Ph.D., he began teaching at UWP and has been a professor at the university for over 10 years. He has taught a multitude of different classes including criminal justice seminar and police functions. His involvement at UWP does not end in the classroom. Caywood also serves as the faculty advisor for the Veterans Club and is a member of the College of Liberal Arts and Education Council.

For more information about his recent publication, please contact Caywood at (608) 342-1653 or caywood@uwplatt.edu. A copy of his textbook is also available in the Karrmann Library located on the UWP campus.

Contact: Thomas Caywood, UWP Department of Criminal Justice chair, (608) 342-1653, caywood@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Lauren Lehr, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,lehrl@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announced that it has formed a new international exchange partnership with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB) in Aas, Norway. UMB offers a broad range of study programs that closely correspond to major research issues related to environmental sciences, biology, land use, food and natural resource management.

The partnership offers opportunities for one-on-one student exchange, particularly in agriculture, business, biology and geology, though there will be opportunities for students in other disciplines as well. Additionally, the new partnership offers faculty exchange and research opportunities and summer courses a few weeks in length. The university has over 200 undergraduate programs, as well as several MS programs in eight departments.

"I am truly excited about our new international exchange partner. Theirs is a small rural campus, in many ways like UW-Platteville but set in the rolling hills and near the fjords just south of Oslo. I believe our students in agriculture, business, biology and geology will readily find this to be a great opportunity. I also expect we will have faculty members who will find opportunities for leading classes to Aas, for faculty exchange and for collaborative research," said Duane Ford, dean of the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture.

Anyone interested in learning more about this or other international exchange programs through UW-Platteville may contact Barb Daus, special assistant to the chancellor, at (608) 342-1282 or daus@uwplatt.edu.

PLATTEVILLE - On Wednesday, April 4 from 5-6:30 p.m. in 103 Doudna Hall, the College of Liberal Arts and Education (LAE) of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville will present the sixth lecture in their "Ideas for a New Century" Faculty Forum Series, "The Ethanol Fraud." Mike Dalecki, sociology professor, will present his research on the topic. Terry Liska, economics professor, will respond to Dalecki's presentation. The audience will be able to ask questions and make comments during the last half hour of the lecture.

In describing the event, Dalecki said, "Ethanol has been touted as a solution to our energy problems, specifically our country's dependence on imported oil. The presentation will focus on ethanol as a substitute for other energy sources, and whether the resulting gains in energy independence match the hype. Additional consequences of an ethanol energy focus will be examined."

The LAE Faculty Forum is a program newly instituted in fall 2004, and the April lecture will be the last forum scheduled for this academic year. The purpose of the forum is to allow faculty to present information in their research areas to university faculty, staff, students and community members.

This free event is open to UWP students, faculty and staff and to the public. Registration is not required. Refreshments will be served.

Contact: Laura Anderson, assistant dean, College of Liberal Arts and Education, (608) 342-1117,andersla@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: April Schmidt, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,schmidap@uwplatt.edu

Left to right: Michael Anderson, Dick Gregory and Troy Cobb at the 56th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner given by the Racine NAACP.

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Education recently supported the Racine National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) through the purchase of a table and ad for its 56th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner. The theme of the dinner was "Voting our Values, Valuing Our Votes."

Racine NAACP president and UWP Master of Adult Education graduate, Beverly D. Hicks, said, "While we are and always have been studiously non-partisan, we are working hard to ensure that every eligible voter is registered and every registered voter casts his or her vote on election day."

Representatives of the UWP School of Education participating in this event included Michael Anderson, director of the School of Education; Sue Alborn-Yilek, coordinator for the Education Office of Special Programs; Pat Bromley, coordinator of the Master of Science in Adult Education program; Troy Cobb, site coordinator for the Master of Science in Adult Education program in Racine and Milwaukee; Carlos Aranda, MSE recruitment and retention specialist; and Richard and Carol Rogers, adult education instructors.

Comedian Dick Gregory served as the keynote speaker of the evening. He has been a leader in the Civil Rights Movement since the 1960s. Currently, according to his website (www.dickgregory.com), "he continues to be a 'drum major for justice and equality'."

According to Bromley, the Master of Adult Education program is the most diverse program at UW-Platteville. Students in the program may attend courses in five locations: Janesville, Milwaukee, Madison, Racine and Platteville. The program aims to provide ways for students employed full time to achieve an advanced degree.

"We are happy to support the Racine NAACP. The local support for this organization is impressive, and the local elected officials and businesspeople backing it are highly regarded," said Bromley.

"Carol and I thought it was a great event and were very pleased to have the opportunity to attend. We met many of our present and former students, made new friends and had the opportunity to hear Dick Gregory do an outstanding job in his presentation," said Rogers.

UW-Platteville holds a Silver Life Membership with the NAACP and is a member in good standing of the Racine NAACP.

Contact: Patricia Bromley, graduate studies, (608) 732-1251, bromleyp@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: April M. Schmidt, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,schmidap@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Image Committee is seeking input for a new UWP logo, which will be used on everything from print pieces to the website and promotional items for the university.

"We are looking for new and interesting ideas that tie in with UWP's rich history, yet shows the forward thinking of the university and its programs," said Amy Kreul, assistant director of publications.

Kreul explained that the committee might decide to use components of different design submissions in creating the final logo.

"Our goal is to solicit ideas. We don't want to impose a host of rules, which might restrict creativeness," she said. Kreul noted that this is not a contest and no prizes will be awarded. "It's a way for students and alumni to express their positive feelings about UWP and connect back in an artistic way," she said.

Alumni, students and community members are encouraged to submit their drawn out ideas by April 30. Information about UWP's history, mission and colors is available at www.uwplatt.edu/chancellor/.

Anyone interested in submitting a design should contact Kreul at pennekaa@uwplatt.edu, or mail a submission to her at University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Publications Office, 1 University Plaza, 06 Brigham Hall, Platteville, WI 53818. Electronic submissions are preferred.

Participants in this activity assign to UWP the right to use the design, the copyright and derivative rights, if applicable, and any applicable patent rights. Only the final selected artists will be notified of the committee's decision.

Contact: Amy Kreul, UWP Publications, (608) 342-1197,pennekaa@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Evelyn Martens, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,martens@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Pioneer Student Center (PSC) with special events April 2-4.

Chancellor David Markee will kickoff the celebration with coffee and donuts in the Alumni Lounge on April 2 at 10 a.m. followed by cookies at the information desk at 2 p.m. Rural Route 1 will do an all day promotion on April 3 where they will give away free popcorn. Students can also enjoy cake in Heritage Hall throughout the day on April 4. Each day at 3 p.m., students will have the opportunity to win prizes by entering a drawing in the Bear's Den and Pioneer Involvement Center.

Students will showcase their talents at Open Mic nights April 2 and 4 and karaoke night on April 3. Other festivities throughout the week include trivia games, quizzes for Take 5 candy bars, a Hi 5 campaign and promotions at the University Bookstore. The building will be decorated for the celebration and a showcase will educate students about the offices and services in the PSC. The celebration will also be a time of recognition. Five-year employees will be recognized as well as fifth year seniors. The celebration will conclude April 4 with a drawing for the "big ticket" prize. The prize will be announced at a later date.

"The celebration of the fifth anniversary is an opportunity for us to look back where we were five years ago and look where we are today. It's a chance for us to make a mark and say this is the progress we've made," said James Ball, assistant director for operations and building services.

The PSC was built from a need for a central location on campus for students to gather that would support academics and technology. The Ullsvik Center, which served as the previous student center, is located on the edge of campus. It needed renovation and did not have the infrastructure to support new technology. As the new student center was in the planning process, the concept of combining academics and new technology with the traditional aspects of a student union emerged. The PSC is the first student union in the state to do this. It is equipped with SMARTboards, projectors and document cameras. Two computer labs, with new computers installed this past year, provide students a place to do homework. The entire facility is also equipped with wireless internet. The dining areas and Alumni Lounge provide students with the traditional aspects of a student union.

Since its construction, the PSC has been successful in providing students with a clean environment to eat, interact and become involved on campus. The facility is ranked in the top 10 out of 54 other student unions for cleanliness according to the Higher Education Benchmarking Institute student union analysis. The PSC staff is ranked in the top five for being knowledgeable and friendly.

"We want to continue to do more to make sure we are the living room for campus," said Ball.

Future plans for the PSC include rearranging Pioneer Crossing to allow for approximately 100 more seats. Dining services also strives to develop a new product every year. Students can be involved in these plans by participating on the Pioneer Student Advisory Committee. There are currently three seats open. The PSC staff looks at the student population and adapts and grows according to their needs.

"It's amazing it's been five years already. The facility is out of its toddler stage and has evolved through the students," said Deb Putnam, assistant director for the Pioneer Student Center.

Anyone wanting more information about the fifth anniversary may contact Putnam at (608) 342-1249 or putnamd@uwplatt.edu. Students interested in being on the Pioneer Student Center Advisory Committee may contact Ball at (608) 342-1160 or ballj@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- On March 22, high school students will come to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to compete in the Southwestern Wisconsin FFA Career Development Events (CDEs). Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the event will conclude at approximately 1 p.m.

Contest areas consist of agricultural mechanics, agronomy, dairy cattle, dairy products, farm business management, floriculture, horses, junior dairy cattle, livestock, meats, poultry, sales and wildlife. The winners of each contest area will go on to the state competition at UW-Madison on April 27.

The National FFA Organization has been holding CDEs since its establishment in 1928. UW-Platteville has been involved in the contests for over 35 years. CDEs are designed to help prepare students for careers in agriculture. The contests build upon what students learn in their classrooms and in FFA and provide students with real-life scenarios in their chosen career.

Students in the School of Agriculture and professors at UWP will help run the contests. "We can't run the contests without student help. It gives them the opportunity to serve and learn about the events," stated Mark Zidon, director of the School of Agriculture.

Anyone wanting more information about the CDEs may contact Zidon at (608) 342-1393 or zidon@uwplatt.edu or visit the website at www.uwplatt.edu/org/ffa/cde

PLATTEVILLE- The 2007 Technology Challenge at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville will give high school and middle school students the opportunity to compete against each other and learn about the industrial studies program. The competitions will take place in and around Ottensman Hall.

The event will be held on March 22 coinciding with the Engineering Expo and the FFA Skills contests. The day kicks off at 9 a.m. and will conclude at approximately 2 p.m. Competitions consist of trebuchet, human-powered tractor pull, autonomous robot, airboat, team problem solving and crumple zone and freeway barrier. For the crumple zone and freeway barrier competition, students must construct a freeway barrier to stop a truck, preventing the breakage of an egg.

"The technology challenge is a recruitment tool. It also provides students with real world problems. They get to develop a solution and then test it against other students," said Frank Steck, professor of technology education at UWP.

The Technology Challenge is based off the Spring Seminar, a broader competition that encompassed all of what was then called the College of Business, Industry and Communication, now the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture. Since it's launch in 2004, the Technology Challenge has expanded from three competitions to six. Last year, over 200 students participated, making it the largest Technology Challenge yet. Students enrolled in the Curriculum and Facilities Planning class are organizing, setting up and judging the competitions.

Anyone wanting more information about the Technology Challenge may visit the websitewww.uwplatt.edu/ind_studies/TechChallenge.html or contact Steck at (608) 342-1532 ormailto:steck@uwplatt.edu

Contact: Frank Steck, professor, technology education, (608) 342-1532, steck@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - The Heartland Festival, University of Wisconsin-Platteville's summer arts festival, has announced the 2007 auditions for children's roles in the musicals "Seussical" and "Sound of Music." Auditions will be held on March 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Center for the Arts building on campus, for children ages 5 to 18. This season marks the seventh outing for the annual arts festival.

Based on the work of author Dr. Seuss, "Seussical" showcases the famous Dr. Seuss characters including Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, the Whos of Whoville and the Cat in the Hat. These classic tales are brought together by Jojo, a young boy and "thinker of strange and wonderful thinks." "Seussical" will be directed by Milwaukee resident Paul Helm. Helm worked for the Heartland Festival as an actor, musician and music director in the 2004 and 2006 seasons, earning roles that include the tinman in "Wizard of Oz" and Seymour in "Little Shop of Horrors." "Seussical" opens on June 29.

The musical classic "Sound of Music" remains one of the most popular musicals of all time. When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval captain.

Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon, they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the captain's immediate service in their navy. To escape, the entire family must flee over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II. New UWP assistant professor of theater, David Schuler, will direct. "Sound of Music" will open on July 6.

Roles will be available for the children of Captain von Trapp in "Sound of Music" and several parts in "Seussical." Auditions will be in 30-minute segments in small groups. No stage experience is necessary.

Interested parents should call (608) 342-1707 or send an e-mail to cfa@uwplatt.edu to sign their child up for a group audition time. For more information on the Heartland Festival, visitwww.uwplatt.edu/arts/heartland

Contact and Prepared by: John Hassig, CFA director of performing and visual arts, (608) 342-1267,hassigj@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- Students and community members will learn about the role the media plays in promoting research and other activities that go on at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville during Farm Forum. The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 27 at the Agriculture Technology Center at UWP's Pioneer Farm.

Pam Jahnke, farm director of Wisconsin Farm Report Radio, will be the keynote speaker. Jahnke began her career in radio while studying at UW-River Falls. There, she started the campus's first Farm Show and was awarded the top national scholarship from the National Association of Farm Broadcasters.

Jahnke is currently employed with WTDY/AM 1670 and Q106 FM. She has been named Farm Broadcaster of the Year for the western United States by the National Association of Farm Broadcasters. For this award, Jahnke accepted special commendation from the Wisconsin State Senate. Other achievements include being named the Agri-Marketing Person of the Year by the Badger chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association and being named a Friend of Agriculture by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. Jahnke received this award for her role in raising awareness for the Harvest of Hope program.

"Farm Forum is a great opportunity for students and faculty to look at alternative ways in which the outside community and agriculture contribute to the success and progress that takes place at Pioneer Farm," Carmen Check, president of the Agriculture Council said.

Pioneer Farm is located seven miles off campus on College Farm Rd. Anyone wanting more information about Farm Forum may contact Check at checkc@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Carmen Check, Ag Council president, checkc@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,kurdik@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host a reception for alumni and prospective students on Thursday, March 29, at the American Family Insurance Corporate Headquarters (Building A) from 6 to 8 p.m. Prospective students will have the opportunity to speak with students, faculty and staff, as well as alumni employed in the Madison area, to learn more about UWP programs, campus life and career opportunities after college.

The American Family Insurance Corporate Headquarters is located at 6000 American Parkway, Madison. Light refreshments will be served. Anyone interested in attending should R.S.V.P. to Marcia Cordts, UWP Office of Prospective Student Services, at (608) 342-1127, (800) 500-8914 or cordtsm@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Marcia Cordts, UWP Office of Prospective Student Services, (608) 342-1127 or (800) 500-8914 Prepared By: Evelyn Martens, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,martense@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will be hosting a Research and Poster Day on March 29. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the University North and South Rooms and the Platteville East and West Rooms of the Pioneer Student Center on the UWP campus. The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Research and Poster Day recognizes the efforts and commitment of UWP faculty, staff and students involved in research and scholarly/creative activities. Participating individuals will present a wide variety of displays including photographs, slide shows, videotapes, presentation manuscripts, computer displays, equipment demonstrations and published articles.

"Research and Poster Day allows the university community to be more aware of the research activities being conducted on campus. It is also a means for students to share their work and build graduate and post-graduate opportunities," commented Kathryn Lomax of the Office of Sponsored Programs.

This year, UWP will have 22 participating students including: Amanda Brown, Samantha Schuettpelz, Mallorie McDowell, Maria Lutzke and Melissa Jones of psychology; Jacob Bubolz of agriculture; Katherine Campbell, Josh Duran, Tony Gregerson, Peter Hedlund, Elaine Hildebrandt, Craig Hineline, Lucas Johnson, Morgan Lowery, James Newman, Mark Sala, Jake Smith, Anne Turner and Sarah Whiteman of chemistry and engineering physics; Mackenzie Hellert, Daniel Hoesly and Tricia Ostby of biology.

Anyone wanting more information, may contact Lomax at (608) 342-1456.

Contact: Kathryn Lomax, Office of Sponsored Programs, (608) 342-1456,lomax@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Lauren Lehr, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, lehrl@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- Jamie and Angela Larse, alumni of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, recently received the Outstanding Young Farmer award by the National Jaycees United States Junior Chamber.

The Larses won the state Outstanding Young Farmer award last year and went on to the national competition hosted by the National Outstanding Young Farmers Congress in Phoenix, Ariz. As part of the award, the couple was inducted into the Outstanding Young Farmer fraternity. The award is based on 50 percent progress in an agricultural career, 25 percent progress in soil and water conservation practices and 25 percent contributions to the well being of the community, state or nation. The Outstanding Young Farmer program strives to foster a greater interest in the farmer and improved urban-rural relations through the understanding of the farmers' problems. It also seeks to develop an appreciation for farmers' contributions and achievements and to promote the growing awareness of farmers' importance and impact on the American economy to the agribusiness community. The award is sponsored by Deere and Company and supported by the Outstanding Young Farmers of America Fraternity and the National Association of County Agriculture Agents.

"The award was a surprise, but we're very proud. Farming is something we chose to do and what we enjoy. We've done a lot of expansions and improvements and had great support from our family," said Angela.

The Larses own a 450-cow dairy farm where they grow alfalfa and corn for their herd on 1,500 acres of land. They practice strong soil conversation by taking soil samples every three years and regularly rotating their crops. They also raise all their own replacement heifer cattle. The Larses have reached out to young agriculturalists by opening up their farm to local FFA chapters and hosting a group of agribusiness students for a work-study program. In June, their farm will host a dairy breakfast.

"We like to keep our farm open for people who want to learn more about agriculture," stated Angela.

The Larses started farming with Angela's father upon graduation from UWP. Angela grew up on a farm, so production agriculture was an area she felt comfortable in and enjoyed. Jamie had worked on a farm throughout high school and worked at Pioneer Farm during his college career at UWP.

During their time at UWP, the Larses were involved in the School of Agriculture. In addition to his Pioneer Farm job, Jamie also was a member of Farmhouse fraternity and Dairy Club. Angela participated in Dairy Club, Collegiate FFA and Block and Bridal.

"We enjoyed UWP because we were so close to our classmates in the School of Agriculture. We made lifetime friends," said Angela.

Jamie and Angela both graduated with degrees in animal science. Jamie graduate in 1996 and Angela graduated in 1995.

Contact: Jodi McDermott, coordinator of recruitment, retention, and marketing, School of Agriculture, (608) 342-1366,mcdermoj@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, .kurdik@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - In 2005, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation set up the Platteville 1866 Fund to support student-centered activities on campus. The fund depends on the generosity of UWP's alumni and friends, whose gifts to it are used to guarantee essential services for current students. Monies from the fund were recently distributed to various campus agencies for use during the 2006-07 academic year.

The Platteville 1866 Fund supported five initiatives for the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science (EMS). Chemistry majors with an emphasis in criminalistics will be able to travel to the annual meeting of the Midwest Association of Forensic Scientists in Indianapolis, Ind., to present their research projects to an audience of professionals in the field. Forty chemistry students will travel to a national conference in Chicago to explore employment options. Students majoring in mathematics education or elementary education with an emphasis in math will have the opportunity to attend the Wisconsin Mathematics Council's Green Lake meeting to give presentations and meet other educators in their field. A large sum will be used to purchase software and licenses that students need in seven courses of the Master of Science in Engineering Program. FIRST Robotics Team members will transport themselves and their robots to area schools and to the FIRST Robotic Regional Kick-off and Competition in Milwaukee.

"Recently, we had three new high school students come to the FIRST Robotics work meeting as a direct result of robot demonstrations conducted at Platteville High School. It is great to see young students excited about science and technology, and the funding received from the UWP Foundation Platteville 1866 Fund is instrumental for us to continue this work," said Clyde A. Holverson, a mechanical technology specialist in EMS.

The College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture (BILSA) received funding for several initiatives, as well. They will use Platteville 1866 funds to support four initiatives: to provide scholarships to help students with the costs of studying abroad, to assist in better educating women about non-traditional industrial technology management careers through special events, to increase hands-on learning with machines in the industrial studies labs and to hire more horticulture students to work in Pioneer Gardens for experiential learning.

"The department of industrial studies greatly appreciates the donated Platteville 1866 funding to assist in educating women in non-traditional industrial and technology education careers," said Lyn Bouck, an occupational management safety professor in BILSA.

The College of Liberal Arts and Education received Platteville 1866 funding for two initiatives. Some of the monies were used to secure the first endowment for the Adopt a Band Member program, developed to generate ongoing income for the UWP Marching Band. The rest of the funds will support teacher placement and travel to the Aldine School District near Houston, Texas.

The athletics and recreation department acquired funds to increase communication between it and its student body through flat screen message centers in Williams Fieldhouse. It will also be able to replace the carpeting in the Pioneer Fitness Center because of Platteville 1866 funding.

"Without this funding, we would not have been able to provide these upgrades. The message centers allow the department to communicate with our students on a variety of items, event schedules, Pioneer Activity Center schedules, intramurals, and so forth, in a first-class manner. We no longer have to use flyers and bulletin boards. The flooring in the fitness center, which gets about 8,000 usages per month, was badly worn and in need of replacement. This will benefit all students, faculty, staff and community members who use the facility," said athletic director Mark Molesworth.

A portion of the allocations also went to fund campus-wide collaborative initiatives. Human resources received funds to support their efforts to recruit diverse applicant pools. The University International Education Committee will coordinate a conference on internationalizing the curriculum with their allocation.

As support from the state of Wisconsin diminishes, UW-Platteville depends more and more on gifts from alumni and friends. The UWP Foundation developed the Platteville 1866 Fund in recognition of UWP's history and in preparation for a secure future. The fund will support community scholarship, student research, tutoring and student assistance, cultural enrichment, museum and historical activities, student-driven entrepreneurial endeavors and extra-curricular activities.

Anyone interested in giving to the 1866 Fund may contact Gina Udelhofen at (608) 342-1968 or udelhofg@uwplatt.edu. For general information on various Foundation funds, interested parties may visitwww.uwplatt.edu/foundation/.

PLATTEVILLE- During the fall 2006 semester, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science announced the second annual General Electric (GE) Health Care Design Contest. This collaborative design contest is designed to challenge the innovation and originality of UWP engineering students with prizes awarded to the top three entries. On Dec. 8, six proposals from six UWP student groups were evaluated for entry into the final round, to take place in May. GE will announce the student groups that are advancing on April 24.

The six student groups submitted a variety of product designs which include: an electrode vest, a redesigned television remote and an electric wheelchair, all hoping to benefit healthcare and proceed to the final round.

Teresa Brunner, a student group member, states, "This project has been a great learning experience in that I must be conscientious of the constructability and ease of product use. I have also learned a great deal about communication, especially because the team is from a group of varied fields of study. We each bring strengths to the group and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning from each group member."

Dave Hoffman, principle engineer with GE Medical Systems, proposed the idea of building a competition in the fall of 2005 to Abulkhair Masoom, professor and chair of the UWP General Engineering Department. Hoffman is a 1979 physics alumnus of UWP.

Masoom states, "The projects provided an excellent platform for our students to apply skills taught during lectures. It certainly helped improve their problem-solving ability, people skills, as well as hands-on skills with engineering components."

The proposals of the six UWP student groups are judged by a panel of GE managers and engineers, most of them UWP alumni, in accordance to the degrees of innovation, originality, relation to health care engineering, quality of proposal and clarity of the plan to implement proposed designs. Teams advancing to the second round will be required to give a 20-25 minute long oral presentation to the GE health care headquarters in Milwaukee before the judging panel.

Hisham Abdel-Aal, UWP Department of General Engineering, states, "I am hoping the students learn that Engineering Design is an art of implementing what is possible while dreaming of the impossible; constantly finding ways to improve upon what has been conceived and always recognizing what is not implemented yet then ask: Why not?"

Questions may be directed to Abdel-Aal, at (608) 342-1515 or abdelaah@uwplatt.edu. Questions may also be directed to Masoom, at (608) 342-1732 or masoom@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Abulkhair Masoom, chair, UWP Department of General Engineering, (608) 342- 1732,masoom@uwplatt.edu Hisham A. Abdel-Aal, UWP Department of General Engineering, (608) 342-1515,abdelaah@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Anne E. Killian, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,killiana@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - In August 2006, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville began searching for a new registrar and has recently ended that search with a decision to hire David Kieckhafer of Verona. He will begin work as the new registrar on April 9.

Kieckhafer is not new to the college registration world, having accumulated nine years of associate/assistant registrar experience at Edgewood College in Madison. He has over 23 years of experience in higher and adult education. He will come to the registrar position with a Master of Science in administrative leadership from UW-Milwaukee's School of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in computer science from Lakeland College in Sheboygan.

Initially, Kieckhafer plans to help the Registrar's Office prepare for the May commencement. He said that his start date is opportune because he will be able to familiarize himself with UWP's graduation process right away. Making sure graduation ceremonies proceed smoothly is a major responsibility of the registrar in addition to meeting with students, overseeing registration each semester, managing the Transfer Information System and veteran's enrollment, and participating in the Wisconsin Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (WACRAO).

On March 7, Kieckhafer, although not yet officially employed by UWP, decided to attend Countdown to Commencement, an event graduating seniors may attend to take care of all of their commencement needs in one place at one time.

Kieckhafer said that he is going to uphold UWP's traditionally strong commitment to serving students and is willing to take extra steps to ensure this commitment. With his computer science background, he plans to initiate a review process to look for opportunities where technology can improve services within the Registrar's Office to the campus community. He looks forward to continued involvement with WACRAO and expanding his connections to WACRAO members in the UW System.

"On behalf of the search and screen committee for the registrar search, we are happy Kieckhafer will be part of the UWP community," said Richard Klawiter, assistant dean of the UWP College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture.

Dave Van Buren, associate vice chancellor, said, "Kieckhafer came across as somebody who is positively oriented toward students. I'm sure he will be able to balance the needs of the students and faculty. He presented himself as someone who would build professional, yet amiable, relationships with students. I think he will be strongly committed to becoming part of this campus and community."

Contact: David Van Buren, UWP associate vice chancellor, (608) 342-1246,vanburen@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: April M. Schmidt, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,schmidap@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - For four years, several University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty and academic staff members have conducted research projects in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) through the UWP Teaching Excellence Center (TEC). These projects have often been funded through grants from the UWP chancellor's office and the Office of Instructional and Professional Development (OPID) of the University of Wisconsin System.

As a research area, SoTL focuses on the idea that teaching is and should be a scholarly activity subject to the same principles and procedures governing scholarly research publications. SoTL research emphasizes teaching improvement through scholarly investigation into teaching practices and student learning outcomes. Lee S. Shulman, president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement for Teaching, defined SoTL: "A scholarship of teaching will entail a public account of some or all of the full act of teaching ... in a manner susceptible to critical review by the teacher's professional peers, and amendable to productive employment in future work done by members of the same community."

Recently, several faculty members from the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science (EMS) and the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture (BILSA) presented the findings from their SoTL research projects. Avuthu Rami Reddy, assistant professor of agricultural business, documented learning outcomes for lessons used in an agricultural marketing class involving the use of an online trade simulator. Donna Perkins, business and accounting professor, explored the effects of topic importance on students' motivation to learn in an organizational behavior class.

"Using SoTL principles gives me a new approach to solving old problems and assures students that my goal in teaching is to help them learn," Perkins said.

John N. Tembei, assistant professor of animal science, conducted research into the importance of small group learning communities in predicting student learning outcomes. John Mirth, professor of mechanical engineering, investigated the teaching of writing skills in an engineering materials course.

"I always enjoy experimenting with teaching methods. Being engaged in SoTL provides a forum for me to share ideas with others and encourages me to fully develop and document ideas that improve my teaching," Mirth said.

Matthew W. Roberts, assistant professor of civil engineering, developed a study considering various ways to approach the peer review of teaching.

"In applying peer review of teaching, I've received some immediate benefits to my teaching. Interestingly, I seem to have gained the most from reviewing another faculty member's teaching. By visiting the classroom and interviewing the students of another instructor, I learned several ways to improve my teaching," Roberts said.

Several other faculty members from all three colleges participated in SoTL research in fall 2006 and received funding for it. The Teaching Excellence Center publishes each year's SoTL reports in a journal made available online at http://www.uwplatt.edu/tec/sotl.htm. Among other faculty development links, the TEC provides many other SoTL web resources on its website at http://www.uwplatt.edu/tec/links.html.

In addition to providing a forum for faculty/staff research into effective teaching, SoTL provides chances for UWP to collaborate with faculty/staff from other UW System universities, such as UW-La Crosse, UW-Stout and UW-Superior. OPID and the Carnegie Academy for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) give a conference once a year where SoTL scholars meet to discuss their research and also form overall objectives and priorities for future SoTL scholarship.

A SoTL forum on general education will take place on Friday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Platteville East Room of the Pioneer Student Center.

Anyone interested in SoTL opportunities or events may contact Tom Lo Guidice, director of the TEC, at (608) 342-1798 ortec@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Tom Lo Guidice, director, UWP Teaching Excellence Center, (608) 342-1798,loguidit@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: April Schmidt, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, schmidap@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- Eighteen students and two faculty members from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville will travel to Hong Kong and China with the 2007 China Study Tour, March 9 through 25.

"The goals of the tour are for students to expand their knowledge of how different cultures work, especially the business culture and to learn the best ways to compete," said Amy Schackman, International Business Resource Center.

Throughout their travels, students will visit different industries, universities international terminals and cultural places. Students will begin their tour in Hong Kong where they will visit the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council. There, Fiona Chan, assistant corporate relations manager, will give a presentation. Following, UWP students will meet and network with students at the Lingnan University. Students will also visit the Hong Kong International Terminals.

The next stop is Shenzheng, where students will tour the A.O. Smith facilities. A.O. Smith is a company based out of Milwaukee.

During their time in Guangzhou, students will listen to a presentation by Eileen Bai, commercial specialist for the Foreign Commercial Service and U.S. consultant general. UWP students will then travel to Guangzhou University where they will have lunch with the students and listen to a lecture. In the evening, students will visit the Liu Rong Temple and Family Chen House.

Upon arrival in Wuhan, UWP students will socialize and network with students from South Central University of Nationalities (SCUN) and receive lectures from SCUN professors. UWP is a partner with SCUN as part of the international exchange program.

The tour will continue as students fly to Shanghai. During their time there, students will visit the Shanghai Museum, People Square, Pearl Production, the Jade Buddha Temple, the Silk Museum, Yu Garden, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Following, Paul Swenson, chief representative of the China Office of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce will give a presentation. Students will further expand their knowledge of Chinese business with visits to Nu Skin Enterprises, and HUSCO-Kayaba Hydraulics and PRENT, both Wisconsin based companies. PRENT participated in the spring Career Fair at UWP. Students will conclude their time in Shanghai with an acrobatic cultural show.

In the culture center of Xi'an, visits to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Terra-cotta Warriors are scheduled for the students. The China Study Tour will conclude in Beijing, the highlight being a visit to the Embassy of the United States. Chief U.S. trade representative to China, Sarah Kemp, will welcome students and give a presentation. Students will then visit John Deere and the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE). At UIBE, students will listen to a lecture on Chinese economics and business by a UIBE professor. Students will further experience the culture of China with visits to the Silk Market, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall and the Ming Tomb before returning to the United States.

Cara Fish, communication technologies major, is going on the tour. "I am looking forward to having an international business experience. I think it's a great way to learn outside the classroom and have a real world experience," she stated.

As they listen to presentations and converse with professionals and other students at these visits, UWP students will learn about topics in business including organization, products, human resources, education, training, compensation, market strategy and international marketing. "I'm looking forward to seeing how fast China is modernizing and seeing the major cities and new infrastructure," said Peter Soman, a senior majoring in business finance and accounting going on the tour. As part of their learning experience, students will be trained daily in basic Chinese language.

In addition to acquiring business skills and experiencing a different culture, students will also earn class credits. The tour is part of the Chinese Business Practices and Cultures course. Students will be graded based on their attendance to presentations, their participation in group discussions and a written report.

Greg Gallagher, a senior technology management major, is one of the students who went on last year's tour. He went because he thought it would be a great experience to learn about another culture and business. "I would recommend this experience for other students, absolutely. There's no way to describe how different the culture is without seeing it for yourself," he said.

This is the fourth year of the tour. It was started from a grant by the U.S. Department of Education. This year's tour is an expansion of previous tours Students were selected based on a their personal goals.

Anyone wanting more information about the China Study Tour may contact Louis Nzegwu at (608) 342-1597 or ibrc@uwplatt.edu

Contact: Louis Nzegwu, executive director, International Business Resource Center, (608) 342-1527,ibrc@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,kurdik@uwplatt.edu"

PLATTEVILLE- Paul Rusesabagina, survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, is the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's 2007 distinguished lecturer. The event will be housed in the Williams Fieldhouse on March 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. All classes are cancelled during the event. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions of Rusesabagina after the lecture. At 12:15, the book signing of Rusesabagina's autobiography, "An Ordinary Man," will be held in Heritage Hall of the Pioneer Student Center. An open forum will be held at 7 p.m. in the Pioneer Student Center.

Rusesabagina's story was the inspiration for the Academy Award nominated film, "Hotel Rwanda." Over 900,000 people were murdered during the course of 100 days during the Rwandan genocide that began April 6, 1994. During this time, Rusesabagina used his position as manager of the Mille Collines Hotel to shelter 1,268 people. Some of the hardships these people faced included threats of entry from militia, putting mattresses on the windows for protection from bombs, and having to drink from the hotel's swimming pool.

Rusesabagina continued his humanitarian efforts with the founding of the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation in 2005. The foundation gives aid to women and children affected by the Rwandan genocide. For his efforts, Rusesabagina received the Immortal Chaplains Prize for Humanity, the National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

"Paul is someone who appeals to a wide variety of people. His lecture will be very informative, educational and inspirational," said Cara Fish, Campus Programming and Relations.

The selection of the Pioneer Distinguished Lecturer Program was coordinated by the Improvement of Learning Committee and Campus Programming and Relations (CPR). CPR and the Segregated University Fee Allocation Committee fund the event. Anyone wanting more information about the event may contact Fish at (608) 342-1497 orfishc@uwplatt.edu

Contact: Cara Fish, Campus Programming and Relations, (608) 342-1497,fishc@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,kurdik@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - On March 20, nearly 100 police officers and law enforcement professionals will be visiting the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus as the UWP Criminal Justice Department and Criminal Justice Association host the 34th annual Criminal Justice Career Day. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Williams Fieldhouse on the UWP campus. The career day is free and open to everyone, including UWP students, staff and faculty, community members and area high school and college students.

"At the Criminal Justice Career Day, students are able to network with a wide variety of law enforcement agencies to receive insight and educational tips in an opportunity to enhance their chances of future employment. Whether students want to learn more about a specific area of law enforcement or to further solidify their career pursuits, everyone can benefit from this event," commented Joe Lomax of the criminal justice department.

Thirty-four years ago, Lomax was the founder of the Criminal Justice Career Day. He started the event to help promote the UWP Criminal Justice Department in the Platteville community and surrounding areas. At that time, there was little recruitment of college educated criminal justice students and even less people knew about the programs offered at UWP. Lomax found that the career day gave students the opportunity to interact with law enforcement agencies while providing the agencies the ability to seek full- and part-time employees.

Today, the event has grown into one of the largest career fairs in the Midwest. This year, the university hopes to have nearly 100 federal, municipal and state criminal justice agencies and law enforcement professionals in attendance, making this UWP's largest career day yet. In the past, attending agencies have included a variety of different law enforcement departments, including the United States Border Patrol, United States Army, Grant County Sheriffs Department and the Platteville Police Department.

Reed Kious, Criminal Justice Association member and the Criminal Justice Career Day co-chairperson, commented, "The career fair is an amazing way for students to get more involved in the professional world of criminal justice. Career day has opened my eyes to the many opportunities available to young people in the field of criminal justice."

Those individuals interested in employment and internship opportunities are recommended to bring a resume and to dress in business casual attire. On-site interviews may be conducted. There is no pre-registration or cost to attend the Criminal Justice Career Day. For more information, contact Lauren Lehr at (608) 342-1622 orlehrl@uwplatt.edu

Need help perfecting your resume? Visit the UWP Career Center for more information about writing and finalizing your resume. The Career Center is located on the first floor of the Karrmann Library on the UWP campus. For more information about the Career Center, call (608) 342-1183.

Contact: Lauren Lehr, Criminal Justice Career Day chairperson. (608) 342-1622,lehrl@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Lauren Lehr, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,lehrl@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- The University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science (EMS) is hosting the annual EMS Expo on March 22. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Ottensman Hall on the UWP campus.

The expo will highlight departments, programs and organizations in the College of EMS through interactive demonstrations and displays. There is no cost to attend and everyone is welcome. For more information, contact the College of EMS at (608) 342-1561 or visit http://www.uwplatt.edu/expo.

Contact: Tammy Salmon-Stephens, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, (608) 342-1563, salmont@uwplatt.edu Prepared By: Lisa D. McLean,mcleanl@uwplatt.edu, (608) 342-1194,mcleanl@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- Construction is nearly complete at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville for a pedestrian bridge between Southwest Hall and Glenview Commons. The purpose of the bridge is to provide a more direct connection from Southwest Hall and the future new engineering building to the main campus.

Cassi Fox, Becky Marotz and Matthew Rood assisted in designing the bridge for their senior design project in fall 2005. They graduated in December of 2005. Fox graduated with a degree in civil engineering. Marotz and Rood graduated with degrees in civil engineering with emphases in structural and geotechnical. The goal of the project was to create a design that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The students worked with JJR-US LLC, an architectural engineering firm based in Madison. Mark Meyers and Matt Roberts, both UWP civil engineering professors, served as the group's advisors.

"The design created by the senior design group formed the basis of the present design and construction of the bridge," said Meyers.

Over the past year, UWP has increased its enrollment by four percent. To accommodate this growth, the campus is also expanding with the completion of Southwest Hall and the new outdoor track and the construction of the new engineering building. The bridge plays a significant role in merging these new additions to the rest of campus.

"The pedestrian bridge provides a safe route for students to go from Southwest Hall to Glenview Commons or other destinations. It is a vital link as this previously underdeveloped area of campus is now developing," commented Richard Egley, director University Centers.

Peter Davis, engineer at the Physical Plant, added, "The bridge will add focus to that end of campus and provide a connection between the new residence hall, the existing residence halls and Glenview Commons. It will also be an interesting focal point."

The open top steel truss bridge coupled with a hardwood deck spans across the ravine with asphalt and concrete paths leading up to it. Upon completion, the whole structure will be approximately 240 feet long and 35 feet above the ravine. According to Fox, the structure satisfies standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Progress is steadily underway with the completion of the structure for the foundation of the bridge. The bridge itself is in the process of being installed soon. The construction team is still working on the finishing touches such as the pathways.

Anyone wanting more information about the construction of the bridge may contact Davis at (608) 342-1155 or davisp@uwplatt.edu

Contact: Peter Davis, engineer, Physical Plant, (608) 342-1155,davisp@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,kurdik@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- Producers, researchers and government officials will share with each other the latest information on management and conservation practices at the Discovery Farms and University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneer Farm bus tour. The event, sponsored by the Regional Dairy Modernization Task Force, will take place March 22 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Pioneer Farm, located on College Farm Road, seven miles from the UWP campus.

The goal of this event is to bring together people from different areas of agriculture to share new information on the interface between agriculture and the environment. "You don't often get a group together where you have the opportunity to hear many different viewpoints and opinions at the same time," said Kevin Bernhardt, professor of agribusiness at UWP. "This is a unique opportunity to see first-hand practices being used on commercial farms and to be a part of discussions of where to go from here. It's not your typical tour."

Participants will start at Pioneer Farm and from there, take a bus to tour Jim Heisner's Discovery Dairy Farm in Mineral Point and Mark Riechers' Discovery Beef Feed Lot in Darlington. Participants will then head back to Pioneer Farm for a discussion panel and farm tour.

Discovery and Pioneer Farm are both parts of the Wisconsin Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (WASI), a collaborative effort between producers, researchers, agricultural and environmental organizations and government agencies, to find production methods that are profitable, but at the same time, preserve and enhance natural resources. The role of Pioneer Farm is to test new ideas that look promising, but not yet proven to be commercially viable. Once an idea passes the tests at Pioneer Farm, it is implemented at Discovery Farms throughout the state.

Discovery Farms further evaluate the environmental and economic impact of these new methods in a commercial farm setting and create alternative management practices if necessary. Heisner is experimenting with rotational grazing while Riechers is implementing direct planting.

"The scope is larger than the scope of most other research. Most agricultural research is done on a small scale. Here, we're trying to melt information from 11 different farms," stated Chris Baxter, assistant professor of agronomy and State Extension nutrient management specialist.

After touring the Discovery Farms, a discussion panel of producers, researchers and government officials will answer questions and share information on the current research and new practices. Discussion topics will include, runoff collection, the impact of cropping systems and manure application on the amount of runoff and infrastructure for collecting data. Dennis Frame, co-director of the Discovery Farms Program and a contributor in the development of a statewide nutrient management program, will be the moderator. Members of the panel include representatives from Pioneer Farm, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Production, the Department of Natural Resources, UW-Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service and producers Riechers and Heisner.

"We're bringing different parts of agriculture together, but in the end, we're all one team. The more we come together as producers, government and researchers, the better off we are in the long run," commented Bernhardt.

Events sponsored by the Dairy Modernization Task Force are already making an impact. To date, 1,353 people have participated in the events and workshops held over the past four years. From the Dairy Summit III workshop, 41 percent of the industry professionals that attended stated that the task force events were very influential in helping them help their clients. The task force seeks to improve producers' ability to achieve their farm business and personal goals and increase milk production, economic activity and the number of cows in the region.

Baxter is hopeful that this event will have an even larger impact. "The potential implications of this are huge. It could lead the way in new agriculture policies and it's right in our student's backyard," he stated.

Registration is due March 15 and is $20 in advance and $40 at the door. Anyone wanting more information about this event, or to register may contact Bernhardt at (608) 342-1365 orbernhark@uwplatt.edu.

PLATTEVILLE - What do the indigenous Aboriginals of Australia have to do with American engineering students? Likewise, what would American engineering students gain by learning about the Aboriginal culture while studying in Australia? Previously the answer might have been very little. Only now are these two underrepresented groups specially paired together in a new study abroad program offered by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

The study abroad program, called Engineering in Australia, is located at the University of Newcastle in Newcastle, Australia. There, U.S. engineering students study topical areas in their discipline of engineering while taking courses on Aboriginal culture and cross-cultural understanding. The program is available to engineering students from any U.S. institution of higher education for either fall or spring semester. Program dates for the most part coincide with the U.S. university calendar, with the fall program starting in July and ending in November, and the spring program starting in February and lasting until June.

The University of Newcastle is a premier institution of higher education in the Australian university system that excels in research and boasts an excellent School of Engineering. The university enrolls 23,000 students of which 3,000 are international students, and 200 of these international students come from the U.S. Newcastle is a port city with 350,000 inhabitants that lies just north of Sydney on the eastern coastline of New South Wales. Newcastle is large enough to support the attractions of a major city with theaters, cinemas, sporting events, cafés, and art galleries - but without the drawback of crowds and traffic congestion. Many international students choose Australia as their study abroad destination because of the informal and relaxed lifestyle, affordable cost of living, and good weather.

For years, Lisa Riedle, associate dean of UWP's College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science (EMS), has recognized the importance of international study opportunities for her students. It wasn't, however, until three years ago when she found a way for study abroad to fit into her engineering students' demanding schedules.

"This program gives engineering students an opportunity to study abroad while staying on track for graduation. Students can follow the same or a similar plan that was laid out by their home institution's engineering program. This allows students the opportunity to not only study engineering in another country, but also coordinate engineering principles and learn about another country's approach to the engineering profession. Many of the engineering students will eventually work for international companies and this experience will give them the head start they need to succeed," maintains Riedle.

Riedle's assertions are not exclusive. In fact, according to the recent CIEE publication, "Our View," a new Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology criterion mandates that engineering students "understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context."

Despite the importance of the engineering component, program creators wanted to maintain a rich and diverse cultural experience for the students. Even though Australian culture is very unique in its own right, it is still one with Anglican roots. Americans don't necessarily stick out, and English is spoken, even if it is of the "Aussie" variant. Therefore, in an attempt to enhance the cultural experience, the program incorporated two requisite courses: Cross-Cultural Understanding and Introduction to Aboriginal Studies. On-site program coordinator, Catherine Browne, teaches this one credit Cross-Cultural Understanding course.

"This course looks at perceptions of culture and developing cross-cultural competencies which aim to enrich the students' experience," states Browne.

In addition, Browne offers student support from start to finish. She will meet students at the airport, bring them to their accommodations, and conduct an on-site orientation during the students' first week. Throughout the program she provides support for personal and academic issues that may arise. Finally, Browne also organizes and leads educational excursions which have been designed to supplement students' studies in both engineering and Aboriginal studies.

The program was created through years of collaboration between UWP's Institute for Study Abroad Programs (ISAP), the College of EMS, and the University of Newcastle. The program was, however, not without some challenges and obstacles. One of these was determining course equivalencies. Course descriptions and syllabi from both universities had to be compared and contrasted by the engineering faculty to ensure accurate and equitable credit transfer.

Engineering in Australia will be starting its initial semester in the spring of 2007. As fledgling programs go, it will start small, currently with five students enrolled. UW-Platteville has, however, previously sent its students to the University of Newcastle as direct enrollees and exchange students. One of these is Joe Elsinger, a current junior civil engineering student. Elsinger spent the spring semester of 2006 studying in Newcastle. He admits that considering his major he had some hesitancy about how his coursework "down under" would transfer, both in difficulty and in relevance. But as it turned out, there was absolutely no reason to worry.

"Though the teaching style was a little different, what I learned gave me a perfect base for the classes I am currently taking this semester," states Elsinger.

His favorite class was Introduction to Aboriginal Studies, which was taught by an indigenous Aboriginal faculty member. Other fond memories Elsinger recalls are his East Asian and Pacific housemates who gave him a greater understanding of culture and global issues, fun times on the beach, and visiting Sydney and the outback.

Current ISAP director Donna Anderson asserts, "We are excited about this unique program that allows students to examine engineering through a new cultural lens while providing an in-depth look at Australian culture. In the end, it is hoped that these engineering students will come home having not just learned formulas and equations, but also having the preparation to live and work in a global context and plenty of great memories from one of the best experiences in their young lives."

Contact: Donna Anderson, director, UWP Institute for Study Abroad Programs, (608) 342-1727,anderdon@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Russ Braby, outreach specialist, UWP Institute for Study Abroad Programs, (608) 342-1010

PLATTEVILLE - Since its inception in 2004, ArtsBuild has reached out to more than 350 artists in Southwest Wisconsin, connecting them with networking, educational, marketing and partnership opportunities to help them be successful artists and entrepreneurs. The award winning arts and economic development program is now poised to expand its network, setting a goal of reaching more than 500 area artists and creative entrepreneurs of all disciplines during the upcoming year.

Developed by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Office of Continuing Education and supported by numerous state and local arts organizations, ArtsBuild seeks to drive economic development in Southwest Wisconsin by tapping into the area's artistic resources. The program offers entrepreneurial courses, artist workshops, networking opportunities and community brainstorming sessions to encourage area residents to see the arts as integral aspects of the region's economy.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, ArtsBuild has been able to produce a new brochure and participant questionnaire to help reach out to artists and creative entrepreneurs living within the Southwest Wisconsin and tri-state area. The brochure will be distributed to artists, arts-related businesses and organizations, and communities throughout the region, highlighting the opportunities and resources available through ArtsBuild and growing the regional arts network.

Though a young program, ArtsBuild has already become a valuable resource in Southwest Wisconsin - an area receptive to innovative economic development initiatives. This grassroots program has generated much local enthusiasm among the region's artists and arts and community leaders. In 2006, ArtsBuild was named the Top Rural Development Initiative by Wisconsin Rural Partners and was a recipient of the 2006 UW-Extension Award for Excellence in Civic Engagement. During a recent visit to the region, Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton noted: "The ArtsBuild model ... drives communities to inventory and revalue their cultural assets, make entrepreneurs of artists and turn innovative collaborations into powerful forces to leverage new investment and economic activity in a region. It is a story I tell all across the state."

For more information or to request a brochure, contact Heidi Dyas-McBeth at (608) 342-1314 ordyasmc@uwplatt.edu, or download a brochure on the ArtsBuild website atwww.uwplatt.edu/cont_ed/artsbuild

Pictured left to right Jin-ju Ruan and Yan Luo

PLATTEVILLE - Two professors from the South Central University for Nationalities (SCUN) in Wuhan China are spending the spring 2007 semester in residence at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. The visit is part of an ongoing program with SCUN to provide Chinese students with educational opportunities in English and U.S. culture, and to provide their Platteville counterparts the opportunities to learn in China.

The faculty members are Yan Luo and Jin-ju Ruan, both English instructors at SCUN. Luo is the director of the linguistic teaching and research office in the College of Foreign Languages who specializes in comprehensive English, English pronunciation practice, English public speaking and debate, English listening and business English listening. She is a member of the Hubei Association of Foreign Literature Studies and a national Mandarin level examiner.

Ruan is an associate professor at SCUN who specializes in college English, which focuses on intensive reading, listening skills, writing and speaking skills. She holds a Master of Arts in English linguistics and literature from the Central China Normal University and attended the College English Teacher Training Program jointly sponsored by the Nanjing University Teacher's College and Columbia University in Nanjing.

While here, Luo and Ruan are immersing themselves in English and cultural studies, including courses in English literature, speech, intercultural communication, film and American government. Luo said it is the best way for them to learn and be able to share that information with their students back in China.

"We have some sense of life here from textbooks and films, but it doesn't really prepare students for what to expect. For example, it's very common here to have people say 'good morning' and 'hi' as they pass each other on the street or campus, whether they know each other or not. That's not very common in China. Now, we have some first-hand experiences to share with our students, so they will prepared for some of the differences when they come here," Luo explained, referring to the students from SCUN who attend UWP every spring to complete their master's degree in English Education.

Ruan added that they are optimistic about the relationships growing between American and Chinese students and faculty and that these types of exchanges are becoming more common.

"Many Americans are going to China and seeing how we are developing and the changes that have recently taken place. These experiences will help us with our English education efforts and many Americans are starting to learn Chinese also. These are all positive developments," she said.

The visitors' first impression of Platteville was a pretty frigid one - not the people, just the weather. The women took a walk from campus to Main Street in the middle of the below zero temperatures and encountered very few people out and about. The townspeople they did meet on the street told the women they were "very brave."

Mittie Nimocks, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Education, said the college is pleased to host the visiting faculty members.

"We hope their semester here is productive, and we know our faculty and students will do everything they can to welcome them and assist in their goals of learning more about American culture. We also believe this is a good opportunity for us to learn more about Chinese culture and enhance our own understanding of educational methods and opportunities there," Nimocks said.

With a history that dates back more than 3,500 years, Wuhan is one of the "Chinese Famous Cities of History and Culture." Since 1927, Wuhan has been comprised of three cities, Hankou, Hanyang, and Wuchang, which are located where the Han and Xunshi rivers join the Yangtze (Chan Jiang). Situated on a plain, it is the capital city of Hubei Province, and it is the biggest hub city in Central China. Divided by the Yangtze, Wuhan has come to be known as the Three Towns of Wuhan with Hankou and Hanyang on the west bank, and Wuchang on the east. SCUN has a student population of 16,000 and 48 ethnic minority groups are represented on campus.

For more information about the exchange program with SCUN, contact Barb Daus, special assistant to the chancellor, at (608) 342-1282.

Contact: Wally Iselin, professor, School of Education, (608) 342-1271,Iselin@uwplatt.edu Prepared by; Evelyn Martens, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,martense@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville and project director, Jodean E. Grunow, Ph.D., mathematics department, have recently received notification that the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title II Higher Education Professional Development Grant proposal, entitled "Using Authentic Assessment and Data Analysis to Develop Prompt and Effective Interventions to Improve Student Understanding and Achievement," has been funded in the amount of $210,282 over the next three years. A professional development opportunity for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, the grant funds a three-year program that will allow groups of teachers to receive training in authentic assessment and intervention development to improve student achievement and understanding, and then, in techniques for mentoring in compliance with PI-34 requirements.

The grant was written to satisfy several needs. Following a previously enacted ESEA grant, "Writing Constructed Responses in Mathematics," this grant was written in response to requests from those participating teachers to continue to use knowledge developed in that grant in an extended setting and to bring colleagues on board who wished to participate based on observed results.

"Taking the class 'Writing Constructed Responses in Mathematics' has challenged me as a teacher to focus on creative activities that require students to think, interact and respond in both critical thinking and a written form of discovery and learning. Students have responded and grown beyond my expectations which in turn has been noted by parents as 'unbelievable.' Whenever a college course brings this amount of reflection in my classroom and allows me time away from my classroom to collaborate with area teachers, I am thankful - and the fee was waived by a generous grant - thankful again!" said Gail Otte, a kindergarten teacher at Iowa-Grant Elementary School.

"The use of constructed response in the classroom is now part of how I teach on a regular basis. I believe my students have benefited from my inclusion of constructed response questions in all subject areas," said Jodi Bast, a fourth grade teacher at Iowa-Grant Elementary School and past participant in the program.

"I am pleased that a second mathematics grant has been funded. The results from the first grant were outstanding. Several of those participants were hoping to be able to continue with their work. They also wanted their colleagues to be able to have a similar experience. I have so enjoyed working with these Southwest Wisconsin teachers. They are dedicated, innovative, enthusiastic, conscientious and inspiring," Grunow said.

Additionally, the emphasis on student achievement and understanding and student/teacher/district accountability for such, as reflected in the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts-Criteria Referenced Tests and the newly enacted No Child Left Behind assessments, has necessitated deeper understanding of each student's strengths and needs. Recent focus on special needs interventions is also driving a thrust for deep understanding of individual needs. Written at the request of teachers who address these needs daily, the grant responds to helping teachers gain access to knowledge of each of these components and developing strategies to promptly and effectively capitalize on strengths and inventing interventions to immediately and efficiently address needs.

"This program allowed our team to understand the importance of having a curriculum that encompasses all six strands of mathematics. Students need to have opportunities to solve problems using mathematical processes, number operations and relationships, geometry, measurement, statistics and probability, and algebraic relationships. Assessments using constructed response allow teachers to understand students' pattern of thinking as they solve problems," said Jamie Nutter, principal of Lancaster Elementary School, who helped in the grant writing for the program.

"As I developed the constructed responses for my fifth grade students, I kept in mind the state standards, the benchmarks for Dodgeville School District and the learning goals for each unit in Everyday Math. This enabled me to do a quick assessment of student progress and check their writing skills at the same time," said Mary Jacobson, a fifth grade teacher at Ridgeway Elementary School and past participant in the program.

The grant was also written to provide opportunities for both new and in-service teachers to address the professional requirements of the recently enacted PI-34 certification and recertification legislation. PI-34 asks new and in-service teachers to develop professional development plans focused on increased understanding of the impact of teacher knowledge - beliefs, content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, content specific knowledge and knowledge of learners' cognitions. It calls for experienced teachers to learn to become mentors for teachers entering the field. Using research-based knowledge, the grant will help teachers address these needs.

"Grunow is service oriented in her approach to education, and this grant exemplifies her dedication to quality mathematics instruction. Teachers in Southwest Wisconsin will benefit from the opportunity to hone their teaching skills and, of course, their students will benefit too. This is what universities are supposed to do, serve the citizens of the state of Wisconsin," said Michael Anderson, the director of UWP's School of Education.

Open to teachers through an application process, with preference given to district teams and administrator involvement, participants will work with authentic assessment and data analysis of large-scale assessment results to develop effective interventions designed to capitalize on evidenced strengths and to address identified needs. Participants will be awarded credits (five per year for two years) both for their participation in a summer seminar and for subsequent action research in their classrooms throughout the ensuing year. The funding provides monies for substitutes, so participants can meet with team members and visit other teachers and classrooms. In addition, UWP faculty mentoring will be available to the participating districts.

Following a year of participation, the first cohort will return to the UWP campus for a summer seminar to share the findings of their year's activities and to focus on mentoring techniques that can be used with colleagues as they return to their districts for a second year of action research. Teachers who participated in the original grant and have been certified as mentors will work with a project of their choice. Administrators will have specific sessions designed to meet their needs. In the second summer of the grant, a second cohort will begin with a summer seminar to focus on the assessment/intervention components.

The grant is open to schools in the CESA #3 area and a cooperating partner, the School District of Beloit. Twenty-five to 40 participants will be accepted in each cohort. Those participants will have the opportunity to impact additional colleagues through the mentoring process in their districts.

According to Grunow, this is a unique professional development opportunity that addresses several current needs. The grant will pay for all expenses for the program. Credits earned in the program can be applied to UW-Platteville. Anyone interested in participating in this project may contact Grunow at (608) 342-1943 orgrunowj@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Jodean Grunow, professor, UWP Mathematics Department, (608) 342-1943,grunowj@uwplatt.edu. Prepared/Formatted by: April M. Schmidt, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, schmidap@uwplatt.edu