Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - Navigating pyramids and the Gibraltar Strait were all in a fortnight's work for seven University of Wisconsin-Platteville students when they set off on a short study tour from Egypt to southern Spain. They were led by Louis Nzegwu, professor and executive director of the International Business Resource Center at UWP.

The trip, which ran from June 8 through 24, was a pioneering experience for the IBRC, as its previous tours were all to China.

The IBRC's goal in taking students on the short study tour to North Africa was to introduce them to a whole new side of global business. It is well known that China is gaining in the world economy, and business tours there have become more and more common over the past few years. North Africa, by contrast, is practically a well of unexplored potential.

"That part of the region," said Nzegwu, "is one we have had a relationship with, but have not expanded on economically. It is one of the emerging markets in the world. For example, Tunisia's educational labor force is very high. They are using that capital to develop their economy."

The seven students on the tour were Jenna Dean of Mineral Point, Jessica Getz of Janesville, Katie Milanowski of Muskego, Gavin Murphy of Darlington, Devine Nzegwu of Platteville, Sarah Pelot of Weston, and Abbie Wiegel of Shullsburg.

The first days of the tour were spent in Cairo, Egypt. Everyone got to see some pyramids. Of the Giza pyramids and the sphinx in particular, Pelot said, "I just love history, and I felt like I was in it. It was beautiful."

The students also enjoyed a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities.

Dean said it was one of her favorite stops in Egypt. "Although we only visited a small portion of the artifacts there, we flew by so much history that I couldn't even fathom. The tombs, statues, jewelry and mummified kings and animals were so mind blowing!"

Their second day in Africa, the students visited the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and met with Commercial Attaché Christina Sharkey, who briefed them on the economic situation in Egypt.

"Egypt is important to us," Nzegwu explained, "because it holds a strategic position in the Middle East. The only way to create peace and commerce in the world is to trade."

From Cairo, the tour moved on to Tunis, Tunisia.

Nzegwu said the immense cooperation from the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia made that part of the tour so much better, and in fact, one of their key operatives was born and raised in Wisconsin. The embassy arranged four days in Tunisia stock full of business visits, and the tour participants were left impressed.

"Tunisia was the spot where I learned the most business-wise for the class," said Wiegel. "The businesses we visited and the people we talked to were great. I feel like I could do business there."

"The African Development Bank in Tunis was my favorite business that we visited," said Pelot. "They answered a lot of questions about issues like dealing with poverty and dealing with management and building successfully."

"We visited places like the Crown and Heinz in Tunis," said Wiegel, "and it was good learning how an American business could do business in Africa, but when we were at the bank we learned how wealth is distributed and pretty much why Africa is the way it is. It was really interesting."

Nzegwu explained that Tunisia is poised for even further economic success right now.

"In Tunisia," Nzegwu said, "the economy's clean and the country's clean. It shows the importance of education. The African Development Bank is in Tunis. That showcases Tunisia as a center for economy headquarters. Tunisia is one of the leaders in Africa. Tunisia is very stable economically. That is why the US should invest in Tunisia."

Dean said her favorite Tunis business was the Crown Maghreb Can Inc. manufacturing plant. "The can processing system is really neat to witness firsthand. The presenters were really cordial and offered us refreshments made in the factory and sent Louis marketing pamphlets so we could learn more. The people were so generous and willing to show us their work and help us understand business in Tunisia."

On their cultural day in Tunisia, Nzegwu took the participants to the nearby city of Carthage, famous for its ruins. While there, he said they were lucky to run into a professor of ecology who was able to tell them all about the ruins. They also visited a museum with the largest collection of mosaics in the world.

"Carthage, the city itself, was amazing," said Wiegel. "Its beauty, basically, was so capturing. You know, the white buildings with the blue shutters ... you're just walking on cobblestones."

From Tunisia, they went on to Morocco, where they were able to visit several key cities, including Marrakech, Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier.

In Marrakech, students visited the University of Marrakech as well as receiving a tour of the city. They also visited the Souk that night; the Souk is one of the biggest squares in Morocco that does business at night and it is the center of Moroccan economic activities. After that, they took the train to Casablanca and visited the U.S. Consulate, where they received presentations on doing business in Morocco.

Later that day, they had a tour of Casablanca and visited some cultural sites, like the Hassan Mosque. They ended the day visiting the U.S. Moroccan Chamber of Commerce, and left later in the day for Rabat via bus.

At the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, they met with agricultural attaché Michael Fay, who gave a two-hour presentation on business in Morocco, before they broke into groups and were able to have one-on-one business meetings with other embassy officials. Nzegwu said it was an incredible experience for the students.

After a day visiting a university in Tangier, the students made the ferry trip across the Gibraltar Strait to Spain. Unfortunately, the ferry had been running late and they ended up having to spend an unplanned night in Algeciras.

"One of the IBRC policies is the safety of our students first," Nzegwu wrote to university officials and the students' parents that night. "In addition, we do not use ground transportation after 7 p.m. outside the city we are conducting our short study tour activities in. We had the option to continue to Spain but as the tour director I decided that we should spend the night in Algeciras, Spain."

An unplanned free evening spent on the southern coast of Spain is not altogether a terrible trial, though Wiegel said because they had been staying in five-star hotels the entire trip, the students felt a bit spoiled and possibly didn't enjoy their local hotel as much as they might have otherwise.

From Algeciras, they made their way via bus into Seville, where the students and Nzegwu were able to meet extensively over the course of two days with university officials from the Spanish American Institute. SAI is the university UWP has an exchange partnership with and they were extremely welcoming to the IBRC's short study tour.

Many international programs like this one are available at UWP.

"UWP has one of the best hook-ups with studying abroad and the most interesting and new trips are offered through the IBRC," said Dean. "If any student gets in touch with the IBRC or UWP study abroad offices, they are sure to have a splendid time and life learning experiences."

"The IBRC and Louis were open to any communication that was available," said Wiegel. "They were outstanding to deal with, whether we had questions about the trip or just wanted to learn how to sign up." She also mentioned that the scholarships the IBRC was able to give to all the student participants were amazingly helpful in making an already inexpensive trip even more affordable.

The IBRC's next short study tour is again to Africa, but this time to the countries of Nigeria and Ghana.

"Ghana is one of the emerging markets in Africa," said Nzegwu. "The infrastructure is getting well in place. Nigeria is strategically placed in Africa for a crossroads of economic activity."

"I think people should definitely take advantage of the West Africa trip," said Wiegel. "These trips to Africa are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students and the IBRC is wonderful to work with."

Anyone interested in learning more about the North Africa Short Study Tour or the upcoming West Africa Short Study Tour, or about any other IBRC activities, should contact Louis Nzegwu at (608) 342-1597 or visit the Web page at uwplatt.edu/ibrc.

Contact: Louis Nzegwu, IBRC executive director, (608) 342-1597, ibrc@uwplatt.edu Written by: Emily Hadorn, writer, UWP Department of Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, hadorne@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- The transition to college can be an uncertain time for new students. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's New Student Orientation seeks to ease the transition by giving students an opportunity to know the campus and make new friends. A variety of events are planned for new students Aug. 30 through Sept. 2.

"We know that students who take part in New Student Orientation get connected to UWP and are more successful," said David Nevins, UWP leadership development coordinator.

New Student Orientation kicks off with the Platteville Chamber of Commerce Welcome Picnic and Merchant Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 3:30 p.m. at City Park. Several area merchants will have tables where students can get information about the merchants, discounts and free promotional items. WSUP will entertain students with music and prize giveaways. Students may also participate in a scavenger hunt of downtown businesses. Playfair follows at 7:30 p.m. in the Williams Fieldhouse. Students will meet hundreds of new people during this high energy session of ice breakers and games with prize giveaways. The day will conclude at 9 p.m. with a welcome ice cream social with freezie pops at the Pioneer Student Center west lawn.

On Sunday, Aug 31 from 1 to 4 p.m., students will have the opportunity to learn about diversity, career preparation, alcohol abuse and fitness during informational sessions. Afterward, students can ride a mechanical bull, play inflatable games, and win prizes at the Rockin' Block Party from 4 to 8 p.m. in front of Porter Hall. The outdoor movie, "Ironman," will follow at 8:30 p.m. in front of Hugunin, Brockert and Pickard Halls. Local businesses will bring pizza samples for students to enjoy during the movie. After the movie, students can win T-shirts and highlighters while dancing with new friends at the Highlighter Dance party from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Monday Sept. 1 events begin with a welcome dinner celebration at the Pioneer Student Center from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Following from 6 to 9 p.m., two new rising country stars, Lady Antebellum and Fisher Stevenson will entertain the students on the Pioneer Student Center west lawn.

Lady Antebellum was named "Top New Group" at the 2008 Academy of Country Music Awards. Their sound is a blend of classic country, 1960s and 1970s music and rhythm and blues with a contemporary edge. They are on the shortlists of artist to watch in 2008 by Billboard, Country Weekly, MSN Music and the Boston Globe and "the next big thing" according to Nashville Lifestyles magazine.

Fisher Stevenson, who opens for Lady Antebellum, didn't discover country music until his late teens, but fell in love right away. He states on his website that the songs spoke to him in a positive way. As a musician, he seeks to speak to others through his music, which is influenced by Dwight Yoakam, Rodney Crowell and Keith Urban.

"We got lucky, we booked the band just as they were starting to hit it big and now they're pretty darn popular," said Valerie Wetzel, assistant director of the Pioneer Student Center.

New Student Orientation concludes Sept. 2 with the first day of classes. Throughout the day, lifesaver tables, staffed by the UWP Student Ambassador Corps, will be in various areas on campus to help students find their classes and inform them of how to drop or add a class. Students can also grab some free candy.

A full schedule of events can be found at http://www.uwplatt.edu/admission/orientation.html

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

PLATTEVILLE - Every year, the geography department at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville takes students on an educational study tour of geography and culture in the western United States. This year, the usual trip was punctuated with some unusual - and exciting - events.

In addition to traveling to such popular sites as Zion and the Grand Canyon, the tour met up with notable 1973 alumna Jane (Stark) Sewell, experienced its first-ever on-tour engagement between participants, and visited famous Zuni artist Ken Seowtewa.

The tour left Platteville on May 17 and headed toward Nebraska. In Nebraska, they met with Sewell, who joined them for the day. Alumni had rejoined the tour for brief or sometimes long stretches before, but Sewell was a little unique.

"She was kind of important because she was the first woman to sign up for the trip," said Waugh. The first western field trip in 1972 was comprised entirely of men, mostly because of the large gender gap at UWP at the time.

"Geography isn't one of those traditionally male or female fields," Waugh explains. "The first trip just happened to be all guys, and Jane was instrumental in keeping the trip from evolving into a tradition of being a guy trip."

After Sewell signed up as the first female participant in 1973, she had a group of her other female friends sign up as well. Sewell said the western tour is different today than in the 1970s.

"We described what we were going to do and she said it had changed a lot," said Waugh. "The trip used to be mostly geology. When I took over the trip we added more cultural and human stuff."

After traveling across Utah and seeing Zion National Park, which Waugh said is always a favorite of the students, the trip edged down the western coast in California to visit Yosemite National Park for a few days.

"Yosemite is a place we don't go a lot," said Waugh. Their second day there, the students had a free day, and Bennett Morris and Amy Schackman decided to spend it hiking to the top of Yosemite Falls. This is where their engagement took place. "Bennett had carried the lunches up and was getting them out of his pack. Then he started digging around in his pack again, and he was taking forever doing it, so I just started eating," Schackman said.

"I asked our friend who was with us to take a picture of us once I was done messing around with the backpack ... then I turned around with the ring and asked her," Morris said.

After a few seconds of initial shock, Schackman said yes, but then was in for another surprise: her fingers had swollen on the long hike up the falls, and the ring didn't fit.

"We had to hike back down to the bottom and run my hand under cold water for close to five minutes before he could get it on," Schackman laughed.

"We've had three different marriages come as a result of the trip," Waugh said, but this is the first engagement he knows of that happened on the trip.

From Yosemite, the tour then wound its way down through Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon and eventually to New Mexico, where the students met with Seowtewa.

Seowtewa is a Zuni artist whose family is famous for the kachina murals in the Zuni mission. Kachinas represent the spirit of the gods of the Zunis who personify natural elements like clouds, sky or trees. According to the Zuni religion, they can also be asked for guidance or assistance.

The Seowtewas are interested in restoring the existing kachina paintings that they began in the 1970s, as well as painting new ones. Seowtewa carries on the project from his father, Alex Seowtewa, who originally started it.

"That was such a moving experience, hearing him talk about his dad, and all the things he's done," said Riley Schultz, a student on the tour.

This is the first time Waugh had met with Seowtewa, and he hopes to bring the tour back to the Zuni reservation again in the future. "It was a great cultural experience," he said.

The western field trip will go again next summer.

"It's different every year," said Waugh. "We go a different way and see different things, and of course the people are different too."

"If you like camping and spending time outdoors this is a great trip," Schackman said. "Not only do you get to see some really cool places, but you get to learn some of the history and creation of those places that goes beyond what a park brochure can tell you. Meeting new people is fun too, especially since not everyone that goes on this trip is a geography major."

For more information about the western field trip, contact Waugh at (608) 342-1386.

Contact: Rich Waugh, tour director, (608) 342-1386, waugh@uwplatt.edu Written by: Emily Hadorn, writer, UWP Department of Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, hadorne@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- One hundred thirty two University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumni, students, family, friends and high school counselors attended the third annual UWP Night with the Rockford Riverhawks. The event took place Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Road Ranger Stadium in Loves Park, Ill.

The free event, sponsored by UWP Alumni Services and Prospective Student Services, featured a tailgate with chicken, hot dogs and barbequed pork catered by the Rockford Riverhawks. The baseball game against the Chillicothe Paints followed and a fireworks display concluded the night.

"We had a great time. We took our grandson who loves baseball. It was a good time," said Tom Kampmier, husband of Lenora Kampmier, a 1960 UWP graduate. Among the attendees were three current UWP students. Alumni Services is striving to promote their services and benefits among current students and welcomes students to alumni events.

"Students are invited to any of our alumni events. We'd love to have more students attend," said Angella Day, event planner for Alumni Services. While the exact activity and date are yet to be determined, Alumni Services is planning another event in Rockford, Ill., for next summer.

"It was a good time. Everyone seemed to have a blast. We’re looking forward to another event in Rockford next year," said Day.

"This is the second year that my wife, son and I have gone to the Riverhawks game for UWP. We usually attend several Riverhawks games every year and it is always fun to do so with the university. It's nice to meet other alumni from the area as well as seeing some faces you haven't seen in a while," said Brent Massingill, a 2001 graduate of UWP.

Future alumni events include a social at Jack Quinn's Pub in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sept. 5; a Milwaukee Brewery Boat Tour in Milwaukee on Sept. 6; a Colorado Rockies Game in Denver, Colo., on Sept. 7; and a St. Ambrose football tailgate Sept. 13 in Davenport, Iowa, on Sept. 13. All events require pre-registration.

Anyone wanting more information about Alumni Services or to register for future events, may visit alumni.uwplatt.edu or contact Day at (608) 342-1217 or dayan@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Angella Day, event planner, Alumni Services, (608) 342-1217, dayan@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PLATTEVILLE- Even after 30 years, the Hugunin superstaff, a group of 15 past resident assistants of Hugunin Hall, are still good friends. Every August, they hold a reunion. This year, the Hugunin superstaff came back to the place where they all met, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Hugunin Hall and later went to the home of Terry Vaassen, a Hugunin now residing in Platteville.

The Hugunin superstaff met between 1974 and 1978, as they became resident assistants. Even though they live as far away as Florida, they have gathered together every year since 1982.

"Some of us met at the staff meetings and others we knew already in the hall. As new people came in, we encouraged them to apply [to be a RA]. I became a RA because of the free room and board, but I also saw other RAs and it looked interesting. The people I worked for were just awesome," said Jim Magestro, a Hugunin superstaff member now residing in Green Bay.

The Hugunin superstaff hold their reunion at a different group member's home every year. During the gathering, the group reminisces and tells stories about their college memories such as trips to the "M," competing against other resident halls, the Snowball dance and Homecoming.

"We bring our families too. Most of our wives are graduates of UWP. Our kids have also gotten to know each other," said Vaassen.

Most of the Hugunin superstaff lived on campus their entire college career and highly recommend living in the residence halls.

"Living on campus is phenomenal, relaxing and rewarding. We've made lifelong friends and have been to each other's weddings," said Vaassen.

"Living on campus was incredible. We fed off the university and were really involved," added Magestro.

"It is great to see that a housing staff group has continued to get together annually for so many years. I knew these RAs and their supervisors as I was the resident director of Porter Hall at that time. They were all characters then and they still are. Their strong friendships, connections to one another's families, and fond memories of their time together in the residence halls since then is so evident as you spend time with them. It's wonderful to see that kind of commitment to staying in touch and maintaining those ties. Hugunin superstaff - we salute you." commented Rhonda Viney, UWP director of Student Housing.

The Hugunin superstaff consists of Vaassen; Magestro; Bob Sullivan of Erie, Colo.; Carman Rasso of Rock Island, Ill.; John Stiseth of Brookfield; Chris Zwettler of Madison; Dave Hanson of Madison; Kerry Cartier of Waunakee; Gary Phelps of Burnsville, Minn.; Tom Fitzgerald of Verona; Jim Strobusch of Lakeland, Fla.; Dave Hoffman of Menomonie; Jim Gardner of West Bend; Scott Simenson of Hudson; and the late Phil Kenas.

Contact: Liz Goodfellow, director of development, major gifts, (608) 342-1031, goodfellowe@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - Area high schoolers had the opportunity to investigate a crime scene and try the crime in a mock court at the Crime Scene to Court Room forensic science camp at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville from July 20 to 25.

The camp was the result of a grant written by Kerie Wedige, UWP community education program manager in continuing education and the camp director.

"We received funding from the Chancellor's Opportunity Fund," said Wedige. "The grant was submitted last November and was awarded in December for this year. Therefore we had funds to help market and to help with start-up costs for the program."

Three instructors collaborated to teach the camp - Aric Dutelle, a criminal justice instructor; Chuck Cornett, a chemistry professor; and John Rink, a political science professor.

"All the instructors were a natural fit for the camp," Wedige said. "We were very fortunate that they all agreed to be a part of the camp. Aric and I were talking one day and it just came about that it would be a great idea to involve young people at UWP. Aric had worked with Chuck before on various projects related to criminalistics, so Chuck was asked to teach the chemistry portion of the camp. I saw numerous articles on how well the UWP Mock Trial team had done at nationals under the direction of Dr. John Rink - and the pieces came together."

Interest in forensic science has increased nationally, at least partly due to television shows like "CSI: Crime Scene Investigator."

"The show," said Cornett, "has generated a significant increase in interest in forensic science as well as science in general."

Twenty-four campers were put through all the steps of being a forensic scientist, and as it turns out, the television show "CSI" is not all that close to the real thing.

"'CSI' the TV show is not anything like reality," said Lisa Kreidler, a junior at Darlington High School and camp participant.

"Everything does not happen in a day and one person does not do everything," agreed April Brandt, also a junior at Darlington High School and camp participant.

"'CSI' is a Hollywood production that often, as in several times per episode, misrepresents the reality of careers in forensic science," said Cornett. "For me, the camp is an opportunity to provide young students with more realistic representations of careers in forensic sciences and a great idea of what UWP has to offer in the educational arena of the forensic sciences."

The camp is a good introduction crash course in what doing forensic science actually entails in the real world.

"It helps you know if this is what you want to do before you get to college," said Jessica Pluemer, a junior at Lancaster High School and camp participant.

Perhaps the most interesting part of forensic science is its merging of two worlds: criminal justice and science. Two camp participants could take away completely different experiences from the camp to put toward choosing a major in college. For example, Samantha Bausch and Caroline Grinde, both seniors at Potosi High School, found they liked different aspects of the camp.

"I like the chemistry part," said Grinde, who plans to major in some type of science in college.

"And I'm more interested in the mock trial," Bausch said. "I want to do criminal justice in college."

"I liked the chemistry aspect because it's fun to see the different chemical reactions between compounds," said Pluemer. "When we find the drugs on the crime scene, we don't know if they are actually drugs, so we have to send the substances to the lab to test if they're illegal."

The campers got to process a crime scene on campus that had been taken from a previous mock trial case and recreated by Dutelle, Rink and Dutelle's assistant Katie Hodgson.

"The idea for the crime scene came from a mock trial scenario used in competition by the American Mock Trial Association about 10 years ago," Rink said. "We adapted it for our purposes."

"We have tried to keep everything as real as possible," Wedige said.

"I liked the fingerprints and the blood spatter, and collecting evidence," said Kreidler. "You get to put on gloves."

Wedige says they have plans to do the camp again next year, and will probably run it about the same way as this year according to length and the number of participants included.

"I would definitely want to do this again," Brandt said. "I would encourage anyone to do this camp if you're interested in chemistry or anything related."

"I think the camp was fantastic," Rink said. "It was hard work and lots of fun, just the way I like it."

Anyone interested in the forensic science camp can contact Wedige at (608) 342-1313.

Contact: Kerie Wedige, camp director, UWP Department of Continuing Education, (608) 342-1313, wedigek@uwplatt.edu Written by: Emily Hadorn, writer, UWP Department of Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, hadorne@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - Thomas Hickey, professor emeritus of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, endowed a theater performance award for students in 2008.

According to the award guidelines, the Thomas Hickey Theater Performance Award will be awarded yearly to full-time UWP students for excellent student stage performances in regular academic year UWP theater productions. UWP students should demonstrate superior preparation, imagination and delivery of the stage role. Recipients and allocations will be determined by the UWP Department of Performing and Visual Arts.

Hickey is no stranger to the stage. He began performing in high school, and he has performed in over 20 UWP productions, which include plays, musicals and operas. Some of his favorite roles were Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" and the witch in "Hansel and Gretel."

Mittie Nimocks, dean of the college of Liberal Arts and Education, recalls her memories of Hickey. "I've been fortunate enough to work with Tom as a colleague and as an actor. I played one of the ghosts to his Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol,' and he, of course, was wonderful in that part as he is in every part," said Nimocks. "I hear from students and faculty alike what a good teacher and good person Tom is. He is a beloved character on campus as well as on stage."

Hickey also enjoys attending performances as part of the audience as well. "So often, we, as audience members, walk away from a performance without saying anything. I hope the awards give student performers some sense of appreciation. I want them to realize that someone out there is thinking about what they're doing," said Hickey.

In addition to the Thomas Hickey Theater Performance Award, Hickey also endowed the Thomas Hickey Musical Theater Award. The musical theater award, started in 2007, requires similar performance success as the theater performance award, but the two awards distinguish different genres of performances. "I wanted to give talented students in music and theater an opportunity, and some students are not involved in both," said Hickey.

Before creating these two awards, Hickey began his philanthropy to the arts at UWP in 2006 when he supplied funds for the UWP Humanities Department annual writing contest. Each spring, UWP students submit short stories and poetry to the writing contest for the chance to earn monetary awards for placing first, second or third. Hickey wanted to see larger awards for the writing contest to commend accomplished student writers at UWP.

"The arts need support," said Hickey. "Such a great deal of pleasure in my life came from the arts, and this is my big 'thank you' to what I've received."

Since retiring from UWP in 2005, Hickey remains active in music and theater by performing with the Platteville Chorale and attending theatrical performances at UWP. He also intends to continue supporting the arts by adding to his established awards at UWP.

Anyone interested in learning more about the many arts programs offered through the Department of Performing and Visual Arts may contact Dan Fairchild, department chair, at fairchig@uwplatt.edu or visit the website at www.uwplatt.edu/finearts/. Anyone interested in making a similar gift to a program may contact Liz Goodfellow, director of development and major gifts, at goodfellowe@uwplatt.edu or by calling (608) 342-1031.

Contact: Dan Fairchild, department chair, UWP Department of Performing and Visual Arts, (608) 342-1123, fairchig@uwplatt.edu Written by: Riley Schultz, writer, UWP Department of Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, schultri@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE -Counseling Services at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville received a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to fund a campaign that addresses misconceptions about alcohol use. By informing the UWP student population of these misconceptions, Counseling Services hopes to decrease the number of students engaged in high-risk drinking.

Roger Meyer, director of University Counseling Services, noted that students' perceptions about drinking are inaccurate. According to a 2007 Alcohol and Other Drug Use survey, students at UWP estimated that 99 percent of the student population drinks alcohol. However, the survey indicated that, in reality, 75 percent of the student population consumes alcohol, and 55 percent of the student population chooses to drink responsibly rather than excessively (defined as five or more drinks per occasion).

"This misperception is believed to influence students to drink and to drink more heavily," said Meyer. "Students may feel pressured to drink because they believe that 'everyone is doing it' and because they want to be accepted by their peers. They do not realize that a very significant number of students choose not to drink at all."

The new informational campaign was designed by UWP students. Counseling Services collaborated with Bernard Harris, professor of business and accounting, to involve Harris' two Introduction to Marketing classes. Teams of students in these classes developed campaign proposals based on the results of the survey. Students were encouraged to incorporate campus media outlets in their strategies. The winning team will be announced this fall, and grant money will be used to fund their campaign. The winning team also receives a $200 award in Dining Dollars to use at UWP dining facilities.

The campaign's effectiveness will be assessed this spring. The UW System will conduct another AOD Use survey, and the results of the spring 2009 survey will be compared to the 2007 survey. However, Meyer noted that the results might not be apparent immediately. "Significant impact usually takes time," said Meyer. "We may not fully see the results for three to five years."

Meyer hopes the Department of Transportation will continue to offer this grant. This is the fourth grant that the DOT has offered. "Because of student turnover and the engrained misperceptions of students, this is an ongoing effort," said Meyer. "The DOT is making a sincere effort to address high-risk drinking behavior in college students and the drinking habits they carry on into the community after graduation. One of the first steps is to inform the students about the actual alcohol use on our campus."

Anyone interested in learning more about the many programs and services offered through Counseling Services may contact Meyer at meyer@uwplatt.edu or visit the website at www.uwplatt.edu/counseling.

Contact: Roger Meyer, director, UWP University Counseling Services, (608) 342-1865, meyer@uwplatt.edu Written by: Riley Schultz, writer, UWP Department of Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, schultri@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - Carroll University President Dr. Douglas N. Hastad and University of Wisconsin-Platteville Chancellor Dr. David J. Markee recently signed an articulation agreement to give Carroll University students a clear pathway to earn an undergraduate degree in mechanical or electrical engineering. Under the terms of the agreement, students would complete three years of coursework at Carroll University and then transfer to UW-Platteville to complete their final two years of coursework. Students who successfully complete the program will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in applied physics from Carroll University and a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

"We are very pleased to be able to offer this program for Carroll students," said Hastad. "Area business leaders have been telling us for some time that there is a great need in this community for engineers. We are looking forward to helping fill that need and to supporting the local business community. Hopefully, our graduates of this program will return to Waukesha to begin their professional careers."

The five-year program will build on the strengths of both institutions. Carroll University has strong natural science and mathematics programs, which are foundational subjects in engineering. In addition, Carroll's strong liberal arts core will help engineering students gain valuable knowledge in such diverse subjects as energy and the environment, politics and special interests, laws and regulations, economics and community development. Program organizers say the need for integrated solutions to engineering problems is of increasing importance, and Carroll's general education requirements will add quality and substance to the program.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has a strong and recognized century-long tradition of excellence in undergraduate engineering education. Its academic programs in engineering are accredited by ABET, the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology.

"Wisconsin and the Midwest have a documented need for more engineers," Markee said. "This program articulation is a win-win partnership. The result: students benefit and our Midwest technical workforce is enhanced. We should all look for more innovative ways to give students access to sought-after degree programs."

Carroll University will begin accepting students into the program in the 2008-2009 academic year. Prospective students may contact the Carroll University Office of Admission at (262) 524-7220 for more information.

Claire Beglinger, senior advancement officer for Public Relations, Carroll University, (262) 524-7242, cbegling@carrollu.edu, or Barbara Daus, special assistant to the chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, (608) 342-1282, daus@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - For the second year, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and the 132nd Army band out of Madison collaborated on the annual Band Conductor's Workshop, an intensive three-day boot camp for maestros of the baton to work on their craft. The workshop ran June 13 through 15.

In 2006, Chief Warrant Officer Bradley Anderson, the Army band director, preformed in a jazz ensemble with UWP director of bands and professor of music Barry Ellis. The two talked about the desire to have a professional level conductors' workshop and Anderson was familiar with the quality of the music department at UWP. "We are not strangers to UWP," said Anderson, "we've had a number of band members who went to school there."

Prior to this, the workshop had been held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but Anderson was interested in moving the program and found that his and Ellis' schedules matched up. Ellis liked the idea and thought that the UWP campus and Platteville were the perfect location for such a workshop.

"The workshop is our favorite time as far as coming together as an ensemble," Anderson said, "we get together as an entire concert band and learn what we can from professional musicians. Everyone benefits from it - it's a win-win situation."

Since it is considered part of their training, band members are paid for their time and the Army pays for their housing.

The workshop consisted of lectures and conducting sessions facilitated by Ellis and associate director of bands at UWP, Matthew Gregg.

Student conductors were videotaped as they conducted the Army band. During the rehearsal, instructors spoke into a microphone attached to the recording equipment, providing a real time critique of each student's performance. Conductors were then given DVDs of their "podium time" with the feedback already incorporated.

"We give them something they can use immediately," said Ellis of the process, "they are being critiqued in front of us, in front of the entire ensemble, and on the tape."

Every year a national caliber guest instructor is invited to UWP specifically for the occasion. This year's guest was Russell Mikkelson, director of bands and associate professor of music at Ohio State University.

Mikkelson is a native of Wisconsin and one-time director of bands at Stevens Point Area Senior High School. Among his many distinctions, Mikkelson is an internationally recognized conducting coach, a former president of the Big Ten Band Director's Association, and a recipient of OSU's Music Distinguished Scholar Award. This was his first time as an instructor at the workshop.

“The amount of time actually conducting the band is one of the fantastic characteristics of this particular workshop," says Mikkeslon, "not to mention the actual performance, and [the Army band] is a very good band, by the way. In my experience, these aspects of the UWP workshop are unique and help to make it attractive and effective for me as a clinician as well as for the participants.”

"We wanted to attract a national caliber of guest instructors,"says Ellis, “and so far we've been really successful."

Last year's guest instructor was W. Francis McBeth, a former professor of music and resident composer at Ouachita University in Arkansas. As well as being an accomplished conductor and teacher, McBeth is a nationally known composer. His compositions have won awards from the American School Band Director's Association and the prestigious Eastman School of Music in New York. In 1975, McBeth was appointed as the state of Arkansas's Composer Laureate. He has been a conductor in 49 of the 50 states, conducted former president elect Bill Clinton in an all-state high school band, and has subsequently been invited to the White House and slept in the Lincoln bedroom there.

Student conductors are primarily secondary school teachers from the area looking to improve their style. Each conductor chose one score from a pre-selected list of pieces from 20th century composers. Some scores were from famous orchestral composers, such as Leonard Bernstein and Gustav Holst, and others were from composers more familiar to band and wind ensembles, Percy Aldridge Grainger.

"I select music of varied technical levels," says Ellis. "We select music that a junior high ensemble could perform with music that would challenge a college band. This is another aspect of the workshop - exposure to a wide range of serious literature that instructors may be able to program with their own ensembles."

This year's workshop included a composition by student conductor Joel Blahnik entitled "Easter Sunrise."

Blahnik, a Wisconsin native, is a graduate of Lawrence University Conservatory of Music. He taught as an instrumental music educator in the Wisconsin Public Schools from 1961-1993 and has lectured and conducted in over 200 secondary schools across the state. Blahnik is also an active composer of band music and has a number of pieces published and recorded.

Written in 2002, "Easter Sunrise" is an eight movement suite for woodwind instruments based upon an ancient Gregorian chant, the liturgical music sung by medieval monks. The composition symbolizes the mystical stages of Easter, the Mystery of Christ from Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil.

For Blahnik, the workshop was a way to explore his own music while honing his craft as conductor. "I was highly impressed by the teaching of Barry Ellis and Matt Gregg. Both were very perceptive and coached the student conductors very well," says Blanhik. "They were gentle with an 'old-timer' like me and very encouraging to the young conductors who participated in the endeavor."

On the second day of the workshop, the band and the conductors performed a full-dress concert open to the public.

In addition to preparation for the performance, each participant did a detailed musical analysis of one other score from the list, and on the third day conductors had one last chance to use what they learned and conducted a second piece with the band.

Even though the workshop is only in its second year at UWP, the number of participants is growing. Nine student conductors participated this year, up from seven in 2007.

"We're just about maxed-out," said Ellis, "too many participants would limit the amount of time each conductor would have with the band."

Despite the long hours of rehearsal, members of the Army band are already anticipating next year's workshop. Anderson said, "We look forward to continuing this and we'd like to make it a tradition."

Anyone wanting information about the workshop may contact Ellis at (608) 342-1017, ellisb@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Barry Ellis, director of Bands, UWP Department of Performing and Visual Arts, (608) 342-1017, ellisb@uwplatt.edu Written by: Russ Brickey, writer, UWP Department of Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, brickeyr@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - Students at University of Wisconsin-Platteville will reach out to their peers this fall with a new program that combines social concerns, conversation and drama.

Slated for new student orientation at the beginning of the fall 2008 semester, "Teaching Awareness Through Drama" is a performance piece headed by UWP student Devine Nzegwu, a senior in the international studies program. The performance will consist of skits written by UWP students on issues that affect the campus community - alcohol, race, sexuality and gender, among others. The project is overseen by Valerie J. Wetzel, assistant director of the Pioneer Student Center and Pioneer Involvement, and Carols Wiley, director for the Multicultural Educational Resource Center.

"It's drama, but we also want to have discussion sessions between skits," said Nzegwu, "we want to engage people on that level as well as watching the performance."

Performers will pause after each skit to allow audience members to comment upon the issues being raised and to engage each other in conversation.

"The idea is to get the point across about how people feel in certain situations," said Nzegwu, "and we want to give everyone a chance to share their feelings."

Nzegwu got the idea for "Teaching Awareness Through Drama" when a friend and former UWP classmate brought a similar program to campus during the celebration of Unity Week in April of 2008. UW-La Crosse student Angel Grainger, a transfer from UWP, staged a series of skits based upon cultural concerns entitled "Awareness Through Performance."

"Their performance was excellent and eye opening," said Nzegwu. "The main thing we want to do differently is to add the discussion aspect to the type of performance Angel and her troupe staged. Our group is a definite and we are now working on those things that will make the performance a really powerful experience."

"I hope that the program will make students more aware of how their actions, or not taking action, can affect people around them," said Wiley.

The "Teaching Awareness Through Drama" troupe is still looking for writers and actors. "I've noticed that the people who are involved are people who are already involved with our student climate," says Nzegwu. Anyone who is interested should contact Wiley in the MERC office at (608) 342-1332, wileyc@uwplatt.edu, or Wetzel in the Pioneer Involvement Center office (608) at 342-1448, wetzelv@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Carlos Wiley, director, UWP Multicultural Educational Resource Center, (608) 342-1332, wileyc@uwplatt.edu, or Valerie J. Wetzel, assistant director, Pioneer Student Center and Pioneer Involvement, (608) 342-1448, wetzelv@uwplatt.edu Written by: Russ Brickey, writer, UWP Department of Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, brickeyr@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - One man's story of survival as a Jewish refugee in Nazi Europe has been written into music by a University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty member.

Nancy Fairchild, adjunct instructor of music at UWP and director of bands at Platteville High School, directed her composition entitled "A Musical Leap Out of Darkness" in concert on May 20. In the packed Platteville High School auditorium that night was Leo Bretholz, co-author of the memoir "Leap Into Darkness," the text that inspired Fairchild's music.

In 1938, when he was only 17, Bretholz fled his native Vienna as the Nazis invaded Austria. He spent the next seven years on the run, even jumping from a moving train bound for Auschwitz, and eventually joining the French Resistance.

Working with another writer, Bretholz turned his story into a memoir that is now in its eighth printing and has been translated into German and Dutch.

Over 60 years after he fled his home city, Bretholz was a visiting author at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. when he and Fairchild met across a copy of his book. Fairchild was leading a class trip to the capital and visited the museum where Bretholz was signing copies of "Leap Into Darkness." At the time, she had no idea of writing a musical score based on the memoir, but Bretholz's story had a haunting effect upon her.

"I read it and I could just hear the music in my head," Fairchild said in an interview with the Baltimore Jewish Times. "I had sleepless nights because I kept thinking about this piece. I've read the book five times now, each time getting something new out of it."

Fairchild approached Bretholz to ask his permission to write a piece of music based upon his life. "I was a little skeptical at first," Bretholz said in the Jewish Times piece. "But as I heard more, I could tell she was a serious musician with serious intention." Bretholz gave his blessing to Fairchild and she began transcribing the melodies she heard in her head.

The result was a four movement suite for band which Fairchild worked on for nine months.

The first movement, "Secrets and Goodbye," is built upon a series of musical motifs that symbolize 'goodbye' in English and in German. The second movement, "Crossing," is the musical representation of the young man crossing a river to safety. The movement utilizes the unconventional musical technique of mouthpiece tapping to help the audience imagine a rainstorm and ends with a loud musical crash, a reminder of "Kristallnacht" or "Night of Broken Glass" when more than 2,000 Synagogues and more than 25,000 Jews were arrested in Germany in 1938. "Transport No. 42" is a remembrance of the many Jewish people that were transported by train to their death. The movement includes a section where the musicians sing a portion of the French National Anthem that is cut short and recreates train sounds, cries of passengers, the sound of a young man leaping, and the train leaving in the distance. The suite ends on a choral tuned based on hope with "How Brightly Shines the Morning Star," commemorating Bretholz's escape and survival. Platteville High School's principal, Jeffrey Jacobson, read excerpts from "Leap Into Darkness" between movements.

Bretholz, now 87, was able to travel to Wisconsin with funds provided by a Platteville Community Grant. He lectured at two additional performances at the Platteville High School and signed copies of his book at Badger Brothers Coffee Shop on Main Street. His wife, Flo, accompanied him. The couple was hosted by Fairchild and her husband, Dan, UWP chair of the Department of Performing and Visual Arts.

Fairchild plans to create a Web page where people can listen to "A Musical Leap Out of Darkness."

"We can't just shove this under the carpet and forget about it," Fairchild is quoted in the Jewish Times. "We must not forget what happened in history or let history repeat itself."

"[Fairchild] felt I should be there when they first produced [A Musical Leap]," Bretholz said in the Jewish Times, "It was a little surreal, with some sadness, but it showed there's a spirit in America, there are people who care." Fairchild is presently seeking a publisher for her music in hopes of spreading word about Bretholz's story.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the program should contact the UWP Department of Performing and Visual Arts at (608) 342-1143.

Contact: Dan Fairchild, chair, Department of Visual and Performing Arts, (608) 342-1123, fairchig@uwplatt.edu Written by: Russ Brickey, writer, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, brickeyr@uwplatt.edu

Platteville - When good people make bad choices, dire consequences may follow. That was one of the themes at this year's Reader's Theater Camp during the annual Pre-college program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, in which students wrote, directed and performed an entire production themselves.

"I love acting, but I never really had this kind of opportunity before," said 17-year-old Derrick Head of Milwaukee. "It was interesting to develop the themes and the characters and also perform in it. I would like to have more experiences like this." Head played Pastor Williams in the drama, which examined some of the trials and challenges in the lives of his congregants.

Approximately 100 kids from urban areas in Milwaukee and Madison got a taste of life on campus during the annual summer program, which is now in its 13th year. The camps are funded through the Department of Public Instruction with help from the UW System and are open to students in grades six through 12. Carl Wesley of the Multicultural Educational Resource Center has been the Pre-college director for the past six years.

In addition to Reader's Theater, the program also offered Bike-A-Rama; Leadership and Career Exploration; and Entrepreneurship and Finance. The program is designed to give students from urban areas, mostly Milwaukee and Madison, an opportunity to experience life on a college campus in a more rural environment. They live in the residence halls and attend class or use other facilities on campus as appropriate.

Thirteen-year-old Lashay Turner of Milwaukee said the experience does help students envision themselves in college.

"I love this campus - it's so beautiful. And as I walk around, I can really start to see myself here, going to class every day and getting my degree here. I hope to come back every year," Turner said.

In fact, this year marks the largest class of Pre-college alumni entering UW-Platteville. Five students, who have been attending the camps for a number of years, are entering as freshmen in areas ranging from criminal justice, biology, education and pre-med.

"We're familiar with campus and have a pretty good sense of college expectations since we've been coming here for years. I think having been through the program is going to help us a lot," said Joseph Carter, otherwise known as "Big Toe Joe" because of a swollen toe incident his first year at camp. The other four students are Kiara Stewart, Delon Lewis, Clarice Jordan and Jaslyn Lewis. All five students are from Milwaukee, and all five served as camp counselors.

In addition to those students, Wesley puts together a team of counselors and support staff from the UWP student body each year, and they undergo extensive training before the camps begin. The UWP students said they also find the experience educational.

"Watching them go through the whole process of writing and performing their own production was very interesting - everything from watching them develop the themes to naming the characters. It's been quite an experience," said Shakari Tayborn, a junior majoring in psychology.

Anyone interested in learning more about this or other programs offered through MERC may contact Wesley at (608) 342-1585.

Contact: Carl Wesley, coordinator, UWP Pre-college Program, (608) 342-1585, weselyc@uwplatt.edu Written By: Evelyn Martens, Communications Specialist/Editor, (608) 342-1194, martense@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- A new College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture alumni chapter has been activated at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

The new BILSA chapter, now representing the entire college of BILSA, replaced the Ag and Biology chapter. "The new chapter is more inclusive and more useful to the college. It's more of an open door. It will also allow more people to be involved," said Amanda Trewin, outgoing alumni chapter president.

Because the new chapter includes all of BILSA, the chapter will work to have more activities for BILSA alumni and support more scholarships for current BILSA students. This year, the chapter is sponsoring a hole at the BILSA golf outing, will hold their annual meeting at the BILSA alumni hospitality tent at Homecoming, and will continue to sponsor an agriculture teacher reception at World Dairy Expo. The chapter will meet four times each year.

Membership to the BILSA chapter is granted with membership to the Alumni Association if the person has a degree in the College of BILSA. Current members of the ag/biology chapter will automatically become BILSA chapter members when they renew their membership. The BILSA chapter is funded by Alumni Association dues. When alumni from the College of BILSA pay their membership dues, 20 percent are forwarded to the chapter.

Any UWP alumni may join the Alumni Association online at http://alumni.uwplatt.edu. "By joining the Alumni Association, alumni receive benefits and help support scholarships, award programs and events," said Kim Schmelz, alumni director.

Benefits of being a member of the Alumni Association include full access to the AluMnation online community, free alumni Career Center services, car rental discounts, homeowners and auto insurance, access to the UWP credit card, UWP Center for the Arts discounts and Noah's Ark water park discounts.

Anyone wanting more information about the Alumni Association, the new BILSA alumni chapter or has an interest in serving on the chapter board may contact Schmelz at (608) 342-1970 or schmelzk@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Kim Schmelz, alumni director, (608) 342-1970, schmelzk@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PLATTEVILLE- The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Industrial Studies recently hosted a visit from the National Association of Industrial Technology and received a full six year accreditation.

UWP was the first school to receive the maximum six year accreditation from NAIT, of which it is a charter member. For the accreditation, the department of industrial studies prepared a self study report, which addressed each of the more than 100 points of accreditation. Several examples include the mission, program definition, course sequencing, communication, course requirements and enrollment, classroom and laboratory activities, internships, results of student evaluations and vitae, or qualifications of faculty.

"NAIT is like an auditor. We tell them what we do and they come and verify it. We set high standards. Accreditation means that someone is saying our programs meet minimum requirements and are of good quality. Students and parents look at accreditation as a signal for the quality of our program," said Dick Klawiter, chair of the department of industrial studies.

The NAIT representatives, Rick Coscarelli, executive director of NAIT; C. Ray Diez of the industrial technology department at the University of North Dakota; and Jason Nemeth of V-Sim Inc., visited with Tom Covert, academic computer support specialist for the UWP College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture; Diana Trendt, interim director and career consultant for the UWPCareer Center; Pete Davis, assistant director of facilities managementat UWP; Carol Sue Butts, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UWP; Shane Drefcinski, general education and assessment coordinator at UWP; Cathy Riedl-Farrey, director of business services at UWP; Mick Viney, assistant chancellor for student affairs at UWP; Duane Ford, dean of the UWP College of BILSA; Jennifer Snoek-Brown, UWP reference librarian; Don Moen, a UWP alumnus; Angela Udelhofen; director of the Office of Admission and Enrollment Services at UWP; student organizations and department of industrial studies faculty.

"NAIT is extremely pleased that UWP has chosen to be accredited by NAIT and utilize its accreditation tools to continuously make quality improvements. These tools are based upon a set of proven and tried standards. Quality is when every part is made the same. By being accredited, UWP ensures their graduates have the same skills sets. UWP has such a high placement rate because it recognizes the importance of quality. When an employer hires a quality graduate from an accredited institution, they are more likely to come back to that institution the next time they hire because they know those graduates will have the same skill set," said Coscarelli.

The NAIT team told Klawiter that they were very impressed with how prepared and knowledgeable everyone was. They were most impressed with UWP's library preparation and the way UWP handles its application materials.

"The team said they were very pleased and impressed with the completeness and organization of the NAIT material," said Klawiter.

Contact: Dick Klawiter, chair, department of industrial studies, (608) 342-1246, klawiter@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE - A wealth of historical displays, information and archives from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville can be found on the ground floor of Ullsvik Hall in the Luce Center museum. The museum is available for UWP students, staff, alumni and community members to explore the unique history that shaped UWP. "This museum is designed to inform visitors about the history of UWP and the surrounding area," James Hibbard, museum designer, said. "The goal of the museum is to give everyone who comes through an understanding of what UWP was and where it is going. It tells the story of UWP's history and that of Southwest Wisconsin."

One of the displays featured in the museum is a lectern that John F. Kennedy spoke at on a visit to UWP in 1959. Next to the lectern is an Exponent article and photo of Kennedy speaking at the same lectern. Another display features a dress that UWP alumna Alvena Shroder wore on her graduation day - in 1864.

A time capsule from 1958 can be found in the museum. Hibbard would like to hold a ceremony to open it in the near future. Pioneer pride surrounds the UWP football display, containing a uniform from 1906 and photo of the team in 1921.

The museum is also home to the oldest continuously used library in the state, displaying books that date back to 1843. The Southwest Wisconsin Room is located next to the museum. It contains UWP archives, which include chancellors' papers, University of Wisconsin System publications, committee minutes, office records, class schedules, photographs, course catalogs, directories and yearbooks.

In addition, the Southwest Wisconsin Room serves as a genealogical and local history room, containing materials from Southwest Wisconsin and the lead mining region. "Historical materials pertaining to Southwest Wisconsin are available for use, giving visitors, especially prospective students, a better understanding of the context of UWP," Hibbard said.

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no fee to enter the museum. For more information regarding the museum, contact Hibbard at (608) 342-1229 or hibbardj@uwplatt.edu. Visitors may tour the museum on their own or set up a private tour by contacting Hibbard.

PLATTEVILLE- Students and professors from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville said adios to UWP as they embarked on a two-week international short study tour of Guatemala recently. The course, a short travel seminar in Guatemalan Business Practices, is offered through the UWP business department. On the trip were 11 UWP students, business professor Wendy Brooke, and Steve Kleisath, chair of the business department.

The course is designed to help students develop an understanding of the world's economies. By taking this course, students become aware of the role of multinational corporations, their practices and policies in Central America, and the influence they have on the business climate in the region.

"Taking this course taught me business practices completely different than the ones we learn in class," Rachel Knoespel, UWP business minor, stated. "Going to Guatemala not only improved my understanding of global business but gave all of us the opportunity to embrace a new culture."

The students spent one week in Guatemala City, the hub of international trade in Central America, where they visited the U.S. Embassy, the American Chamber of Commerce and several multinational corporations. At each stop, the group received tours and specific presentations by business leaders.

The second week was spent in Antigua, a world heritage site, where students received tours of several historical and cultural sites. As coffee and jade are two regionally based industries, students experienced a tour of a coffee plantation and jade factory.

"Each time I go to Guatemala I am always taken with the pride and offering of friendship from the people there," Brooke said. "Although I have been to Guatemala many times in the past; I was very excited to share my love of this place for the first time with students. I am looking forward to expanding the program for next year."

For more information about the Guatemala short study tour, contact Brooke at (608) 342-6049 or brookew@uwplatt.edu

Contact: Wendy Brooke, UWP professor of business, (608) 342-6049, brookew@uwplatt.edu Written by: Anne Killian, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, killiana@uwplatt.edu

PLATTEVILLE- Two by Two Animal Campus, a newly formed organization, had its first interaction with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville when Kristin Woodward, president and CEO of Two by Two Animal Campus, presented at Pre-Vet Camp recently.

Pre-Vet Camp is sponsored by the UWP School of Agriculture. It is held each summer and is open to 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Students practiced suturing and injections, dissected a cow's reproductive tract, palpated for pregnancy, isolated and evaluated embryos, learned about animal behavior and proper restraint, worked with horses, observed a small animal surgery, read x-rays, performed a physical, and made a diagnosis on a large and small animal. Sessions were taught by Alicia Prill-Adams, assistant director of Pioneer Farm; Sue Price, professor of animal science; Cory Weigel, dairy herd manager; and veterinary staff from the Platteville Vet Clinic.

"Two by Two Animal Campus is a very unique program that Southwest Wisconsin offers. Our goal is to help students at pre-vet camp find out what other types of animal care centers there are in the world and encourage them to find ways to make a difference in these settings," said Gretchen Kamps, UWP camps coordinator.

Woodward discussed how and why Two by Two Animal Campus was founded, its humane education program and its future. She also told students how they can get involved in humane education as veterinarians.

In explaining the importance of humane education, Woodward quoted Ghandi, saying "The greatness of a nation is judged by the way its animals are treated." She continued, "When children see animal abuse or abuse animals, they become desensitized to violence. Then hurting a human becomes no big deal. When kids learn at an early age to treat animals well, they learn to treat people well."

Two by Two Animal Campus' humane education program, Kindhearted Kids, is a five week session that incorporates mandatory academic skills such as writing, math, reading, art and vocabulary. It is the only program of its kind in the U.S. During the five weeks, the students become a foster parent of a stuffed cat or dog. They keep a pet journal, recording when they feed, walk and play with their foster pet. In the classroom, students learn how to be a helping hand, the costs of having a pet, being safe around animals, and about pet overpopulation and the importance of spaying and neutering.

"We have really good feedback from parents. They're very approving, especially of the cost of a pet lesson," said Woodward.

In addition to teaching second graders, Woodward and her team have started a new education program at the fourth grade level with the 25 classes of second graders they began teaching the first year, who are now fourth graders. This lesson teaches students about disaster preparation. Students are put in groups that act as families with a pet. They then make a disaster preparation plan for the family and the pet. Woodward plans to further expand the humane education program to middle and high school levels.

The future of Two by Two Animal Campus includes an actual campus that will be built on a 150 acre plot in Potosi. The campus will feature an animal shelter with a home like setting for abused and abandoned animals and several museum like exhibits and educational areas. Visitors will be able to get a birds-eye view of habitat on the tree top walk, work with their animals in the training area, witness surgeries in the intake and surgery area and spend quality time with their dogs at the Central Bark off leash managed dog park.

Woodward hopes to further involve UWP students in the near future. "It's a great opportunity for students. Education majors can get involved for the field experience and become team teachers. There's a variety of things to volunteer for," explained Woodward.

Said Kamps, "Many veterinary students are able to take advantage of volunteer opportunities that will allow them to work directly with animals. It is our hope that students will look at Two by Two as a great way to work with animals and also help teach others about animals."

Two by Two Animal Campus is currently looking for volunteers to help prepare education materials on Aug. 9 at Northeast Iowa Community College in Dubuque, Iowa. Volunteers can come to help anytime between 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

Anyone wanting more information about Two by Two Animal Campus or to volunteer may contact Woodward at kristin@twobytwoanimalcampus.org. Anyone wanting more information about Pre-Vet Camp may contact Kamps, at (608) 342-1371 or kampsg@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Gretchen Kamps, camps coordinator, (608) 342-1371, kampsg@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu