The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has announced the naming of the new Swalve Golf Suite in recognition of a gift from Jeff and Tara Swalve. The facility will provide student-athletes on the Pioneer women’s golf team with an indoor training and practice space that supports year-round development and competitive excellence.

The Swalve Golf Suite will offer a dedicated space for golfers to practice, analyze performance and build their skills regardless of weather conditions. The project reflects the Swalve family’s commitment to supporting student-athletes and investing in the future of Pioneer athletics.

The first-ever Pioneer Legacy Gala: Off to the Races, hosted by the UW-Platteville Foundation & Alumni Association, brought together alumni, donors and friends of the university for an unforgettable evening celebrating Pioneer pride and student success.

Held with a festive Kentucky Derby theme, the event welcomed approximately 140 guests for an evening filled with energy, generosity and community spirit. Attendees enjoyed derby-inspired décor and activities including betting on classic horse races, a silent auction, live auction and wine and whiskey pulls, all in support of the Pioneer Scholarship Fund.

By the end of the evening, the inaugural gala raised an impressive $102,740 to support scholarships for UW-Platteville students.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville celebrated 1,037 degree candidates during its 216th commencement, held across three ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Bo Ryan Court in Williams Fieldhouse. Chancellor Tammy K. Evetovich congratulated graduates, highlighting their achievement that reflects hard work, perseverance and commitment. “Take time to reflect on how far you have come,” she urged. “Remember, growth happens when we stretch ourselves, embrace new challenges and step into the unknown.”

Family, friends, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate graduates from the College of Liberal Arts and Education, the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science and the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture throughout the day.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announced Sonja Passant as the Associate Director of Platteville Analytics and Institutional Reporting Services (PAIRS). Passant will assume her new role on Monday, May 18.

In this capacity, Passant will help lead PAIRS’ analytic and reporting services that support university strategic planning, decision-making and resource allocation. PAIRS’ data-driven insights have been instrumental in shaping enrollment strategies and enhancing student outcomes at UW-Platteville, directly aligning with the university’s mission to promote academic excellence and student success. As Associate Director, Passant aims to further optimize reporting processes and cultivate a university-wide culture of data-informed decision-making.

As rural areas struggle to draw young people to their communities or keep young people from leaving rural hometowns, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is making it a priority to connect students with rural job opportunities. To further these efforts, the School of Education hosted its 4th Annual Rural Education Conference and Job Fair on April 15th in Velzy Commons at Ullsvik Hall.  

“The goal of the Rural Education Conference and Job Fair is to provide students with a professional conference right here at UW-Platteville. Each year, we highlight the benefits of rural living and teaching. We connect students with local school districts who have jobs in education,” said event coordinator Lindsay Hollingsworth, Associate Director of the School of Education and professor at UW-Platteville.

Several students, faculty, and alumni from the College of Liberal Arts and Education at UW-Platteville received student research awards, attended, or presented at the 2026 WGSC Spring Conference, “Rooted in Justice: Fifty Years of Feminist Scholarship and Community Engagement,” held in Madison on April 9-10. The conference was co-convened by the Universities of Wisconsin Women’s & Gender Studies Consortium and the Office of the Gender and Women’s Studies Librarian.

May the 4th, considered Star Wars Day by legions of fans (“May the Fourth be with you”), is a fitting date to debut the Ethan Squires Steinway concert grand piano. Squires was a devoted Star Wars fan, and the repertoire for the evening’s concert was chosen to honor and celebrate Squires, his love of Star Wars, and the new instrument purchased in his memory.

A talented mechanical engineering student and a gifted pianist and trombone player, Squires passed away suddenly from a medical event in April 2024. At the time, he was completing his manufacturing engineering co-op and preparing his piano audition for the UW-Platteville music program’s concerto competition.

“Ethan was so kind, warm, helpful, and caring,” remembers Dr. Danny Rowland, associate professor of low brass. “Everyone he encountered left smiling, happier, and better off than when they started.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will celebrate its 11th annual Pioneers Day of Giving on April 23–24, a two-day fundraising event dedicated to supporting student success.

Alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff are invited to come together for this high-energy, campus-wide tradition. One of the most impactful ways to give is through the Pioneer Scholarship Fund. Support of this fund directly helps students achieve their academic dreams at UW-Platteville while also providing the university with flexibility to address its most urgent needs.

“Pioneers Day of Giving is more than a fundraiser — it’s a powerful demonstration of what our community can accomplish together,” said Tammy Evetovich, chancellor of UW-Platteville. “Each gift helps pave the way for our students by opening doors to opportunity and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.”

On Tuesday, March 24th, 2026, UW-Platteville will be hosting Indigenous, New York Times bestselling author Angeline Boulley for a reading and discussion. The event will take place in Nohr Gallery from 7:00-8:00 pm and will focus on Boulley’s famous 2021 novel, Firekeeper’s Daughter. Students, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend.   

The University of Wisconsin–Platteville Foundation and Alumni Association has named Bridget Wallace as its next executive director, effective April 6, 2026.

Wallace, a 2015 graduate of University of Wisconsin–Platteville, currently serves as chief of staff to Chancellor Tammy Evetovich. In this role, she has worked closely with campus leadership to advance strategic initiatives and strengthen partnerships that support student success and institutional growth.

Prior to serving as chief of staff, Wallace spent three years as a senior development officer with the foundation, where she partnered with alumni and donors to grow philanthropic support for the university. Before returning to her alma mater, Wallace held advancement roles with several nationally recognized nonprofit and higher education organizations, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society, and the UW–Madison Foundation and Alumni Association.

When Trinity Schlorf walked across the stage as the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science senior speaker last spring, few of her classmates knew she had created a piece of art that would eventually hang inside Lambeau Field. But for Schlorf, who graduated in May 2025 with a degree in mechanical engineering with a biomedical emphasis, engineering and art have always been intertwined in her life.

This fall, Schlorf was named a grand-prize winner of this year’s Packers Student Art Contest. Her piece, Not Just a Team: A Legacy, explores how the Packers’ history, the depth of Wisconsin community traditions and her own family memories shaped her love of football. The win includes her artwork being displayed at Lambeau Field, a trip to a home game and a $5,000 donation to the Art program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Engineering roots, artistic heart

The Fall Construction Networking Event this month reached an exciting milestone with a sold-out crowd and the most companies in attendance to date. The event welcomed more than 65 companies and 190 company representatives, including 117 University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumni returning to connect with the next generation of professionals. More than 300 students participated, creating a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration, mentorship and opportunity.

The Construction Management program continues to grow rapidly, with 150 new students joining this fall—the highest number yet. Since the program’s name change in 2020, enrollment has more than doubled, reflecting strong industry interest and student enthusiasm for careers in construction management.

WiSys has named University of Wisconsin-Platteville alum and inventor Isaac Lange as a Carl E. Gulbrandsen Innovator of the Year. The award is bestowed annually and presented during the WiSys SPARK Symposium.

"Receiving Innovator of the Year from WiSys felt gratifying, knowing all my hard work and discipline has paid off, while also giving me the motivation to keep pushing forward. Accomplishing this milestone in the adolescence of my company will help connect me to pathways I never knew were possible and I am very grateful for WiSys to have chosen me for this award," Lange said.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation and Alumni Association is proud to announce it raised $8.7 million in philanthropic support during the 2025 fiscal year, continuing a strong tradition of generosity and impact. The Foundation received 8,700 individual gifts—an increase of nearly 500 from the previous year—demonstrating the growing engagement and collective support of the UW-Platteville community. 

 Dr. Tammy Evetovich, chancellor of UW-Platteville, acknowledged and thanked donors for their steadfast commitment to the university and its students. 

“I am deeply grateful for the alumni and friends who continue to invest in our mission; it speaks volumes about the confidence they have in our university’s future,” said Chancellor Evetovich. “This support makes it possible for us to deliver on our promise of affordability, excellence and student success, and do so in ways that truly set UW-Platteville apart.”  

On Tuesday, February 11, regional artists and UW-Platteville alumni gathered to celebrate the third annual Nohr Gallery “Small Works Exhibition.” This juried exhibit features a variety of artworks that measure twelve inches or less in all dimensions and weigh under 45 pounds. While the call for art was open to all artists, the exhibition provides an opportunity for regional artists and UW-Platteville alumni to revisit Nohr Gallery and reminisce on their artistic roots.  

“I loved UW-Platteville and my time there,” said Greg Senn, a 1982 graduate who currently resides in New Mexico with his wife, Barbara. “Coming across this venue and being able to participate in these exhibits for the past three years has been fun for me. My family and friends in Wisconsin have also been able to see my work firsthand.” 

For Kearstin Schweitzer, being "first" is both familiar and celebrated. A quick search on YouTube reveals several inspiring interviews showcasing her groundbreaking accomplishments as a football coach. Currently, Schweitzer serves as the first female position coach at Valparaiso University, a historic milestone in their league.

Her journey toward breaking barriers in coaching began at Lakeland University, where she made history as the first female coach in their football program, taking on multiple roles. From there, Schweitzer came to UW-Platteville, where she became the first female coach in Pioneer history while also earning a Master of Science in sports administration on campus. Despite her numerous accomplishments, she remains focused on the present and the opportunities that lie ahead.

To build a solid team, there must be a shared commitment to the mission and a unified vision. At the Milwaukee Police Department, one team exemplifies this: the forensics division. Seven of the 11 members are graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, with 2018 alumna Cassandra Strandberg leading the way as crime scene supervisor. Strandberg's journey reflects the growing trend of Pioneer graduates excelling in law enforcement, particularly within forensic investigation. 

“I am responsible for supervising civilian crime scene investigators and sworn forensic investigators,” said Strandberg, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in forensic investigation with a minor in criminal justice. “I respond to scenes, review reports, assist with communication throughout the department and train new crime scene investigators.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation announces the merger of its Alumni Association board and Foundation board, effective July 2024, forming the unified UW-Platteville Foundation and Alumni Association, Inc. This decision underscores a renewed commitment to alumni engagement and university support, marking a significant milestone in strategic planning and collaboration. 

"The consolidation of our boards will create a stronger, unified voice in advocating for UW-Platteville's interests and priorities," stated Dr. Tammy Evetovich, chancellor of UW-Platteville. "This integration will play a crucial role in nurturing relationships with university stakeholders, attracting potential donors and championing initiatives that benefit the entire UW-Platteville community." 

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation proudly announces another historic achievement in philanthropy, raising more than $9.3 million during the 2024 fiscal year. This marks the fifth consecutive year of record-breaking donations. The remarkable milestone reflects a significant increase over last year's total of $8.7 million and $2 million more than two years ago.

Dr. Tammy Evetovich, Chancellor of UW-Platteville, expressed gratitude for the continued generosity and commitment of donors. “I am deeply grateful for every individual who made this milestone possible," said Chancellor Evetovich. "Achieving a fifth consecutive year of record-breaking fundraising is truly a reflection of the pride people have in this university. Together, we are laying the foundation for continued excellence and preparing for the future, today.”

Terrence Ingram’s lifelong passion for nature propelled him through a celebrated career in conservationism that spanned more than 60 years. Now, his recent estate gift to the UW-Platteville Foundation will ensure opportunities for the next generation of students to continue his work in this field.

Ingram graduated from UW-Platteville in 1961. While his degrees were in physics and mathematics, he never let go of his passion for environmentalism, particularly studying birds. Ingram says, as a high schooler, he spent every Sunday afternoon in the timber looking for birds.

“I took a course in ornithology at Platteville, even though the professor didn’t think I should because I didn’t have a biology background,” said Ingram. “But, by the time the class was over, I was taking half the class on fieldtrips, while the professor took the other half.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces the appointment of Stacia Stephenson as executive director of Development and Alumni Engagement and the UW-Platteville Foundation.

“We welcome Stacia to the executive director position of the UW-Platteville Foundation,” said Joe Denk, board chair of the UW-Platteville Foundation. “She brings extraordinary relevant experience, great institutional knowledge and an outstanding record of achievement. We will look for her to expand and build on the incredible levels of growth achieved by the Foundation in recent years.”

While growing up in rural Eastman, Wisconsin, Wyatt Fisher ’06 had interests typical of many kids—dreams of being a pilot and building with LEGOs. But, for Fisher, these interests would eventually spark a career in the aerospace field that is anything but typical, leading him to work on the launch of NASA’s most powerful rocket. 

Fisher earned a mechanical engineering degree from UW-Platteville and embarked on a career with NASA immediately following graduation. He is currently a Launch Vehicle Systems Engineer for Jacobs, one of NASA’s contractors in its Artemis missions. The missions aim to land the first woman and person of color on the moon, explore the lunar surface, and establish a continued presence there. Last November, NASA launched its Artemis I mission, sending the uncrewed Orion capsule to lunar orbit, the first to return in 50 years. 

Dr. Marcus Jackson ’14 likens the feeling he gets working at Blue Origin to that of the early railroad workers.

“I really feel like I am contributing to the infrastructure of the future,” he said.

With Blue Origin’s overarching mission of building a road to space, it’s easy to see why. 

Jackson, originally from Elk Grove, California, graduated from UW-Platteville with a degree in mechanical engineering and then attended graduate school at UW-Madison. During his six years at UW-Madison, he was a part of NASA’s Pathways Internship Program, through which he spent his summers working at the NASA Ames Research Center in California. Jackson’s specialty is additive manufacturing. He studied energy consumption, process improvements, and repair and re-manufacturing applications. While at NASA, he explored how these types of technologies can be used in space applications, like habitation on the moon or Mars.

Connor Trempe likes to understand how things work. It’s a trait that has served him well as a software engineer. He recognizes that each piece of code is vital in ensuring the entire program runs correctly and that the quality of the code directly correlates with the robustness of the software. 

It was that mindset that drew him to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Pathway. Through the pathway, students can earn both their undergraduate and graduate degrees faster by taking some courses simultaneously. By enrolling in the pathway, Trempe said he was able to graduate with two degrees in just five years. 

“Honestly, it was a big time and money saver for me,” Trempe said. “My master's only took me a year and a half, and my undergrad only took me three and a half years. The program really accelerated my growth and performance as a leader, both inside my organization and with my clients.”

On Saturday, Oct.  7, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville will welcome the Midwest Choral Artists, an ensemble of musicians from across Central Wisconsin, with a special connection to UW-Platteville. 

The Midwest Choral Artists, now in its fifth season, is made up of 32 members, nearly all of them UW-Platteville alumni, current students and employees. The ensemble is co-directed by Dr. Bob Demaree, director of choral activities at UW-Platteville, and UW-Platteville alumnus Jason Troxel.

Demaree praises the ensemble members’ dedication to singing together, noting that some travel from as far away as Fond du Lac, Milwaukee and La Crosse, Wisconsin. They begin their season in August with a one-day retreat rehearsal in Platteville, followed by five, weekly four-hour rehearsals in Madison to prepare for a concert. 

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will celebrate Homecoming the week of Oct. 1-7. With the theme “Pete’s Road Trip,” the celebration offers a week of favorite traditions for students and alumni.

The week kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 1 with a student volleyball tournament. Student traditions continue throughout the week, including the banner ceremony on Tuesday, tug of war on Wednesday and house decorations on Thursday. The Yell Night and Homecoming royalty coronation will take place Friday, beginning at 7 p.m. on Bo Ryan Court, Williams Fieldhouse, where the UW-Platteville women’s volleyball team will take on UW-River Falls. 

On Friday at 5 p.m., outstanding alumni will be honored for their achievements during the annual Alumni Awards Ceremony. The event will be held in Velzy Commons, Ullsvik Hall.

This year, as part of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s 45th anniversary of providing distance education, we will be sharing the stories of notable alumni and their work. These features not only celebrate these talented individuals’ achievements, but the distance education they received along the way to help them reach their goals. UW-Platteville is proud to have helped so many students find success and will continue to pioneer distance education excellence heading into the future. 

Natalie Isensee's attraction to the military stemmed, in part, from the numerous leadership opportunities it presented. However, her time in service offered her much more than anticipated. Natalie has since utilized her skillset and experiences to give back to her fellow veterans, her community and the university. 

Isensee’s military service began while she was an undergrad at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While there, she joined the Marine Corps Officer Program and later completed the Officer Candidate School. After graduation, she was commissioned in the Marine Corps as a logistics officer, and her passion for serving her country led her to active duty. In 2003, Isensee was deployed to Kuwait, where she played a crucial role in the initial invasion of Iraq. She and her unit crossed the border into Iraq on the very day the war began.

For the fourth consecutive year, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation celebrates a record year of donations, raising $8.7 million during the 2023 fiscal year, which ended June 30.

“This banner year for fundraising is a testament to our history of excellence and the unwavering support of our alumni, friends, faculty and staff and their belief in our university’s mission,” said UW-Platteville Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich. “This support is nothing short of transformative, and it guarantees that, together, we can continue to uphold our university’s traditions of excellence and access.”

The UW-Platteville Foundation received more than 7,500 gifts during the fiscal year. This year’s fundraising total is a $1.1 million increase over last year’s record.

When David Ward enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the 1970s, then called Wisconsin State University-Platteville, he had no way of knowing how much attending the university would impact his life. Now, 47 years after graduating from UW-Platteville, Ward has shown a long-time commitment to the university in a number of ways throughout the years, including teaching, creating a scholarship and most recently, adding an estate gift to his plans.

“There are three things, outside family, that made me who I am,” said Ward. “Being born and raised on a farm, which taught me hard work; growing up in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, a supportive community that especially supports its youth; and majoring in agriculture at UW-Platteville.”

Like many distance and graduate education alumni, Jeffrey Hole’s educational journey hasn’t followed a traditional path. His plan of earning a master’s degree started in high school and spanned decades as he served his country and community, raised a family and built a career. He accomplished his goal in 2022, but for Hole, his educational journey is never finished.

Hole grew up in a small farming community outside of Madison, Wisconsin. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served an initial active-duty term. He was reactivated to serve in the Gulf War and later instructed at a leadership school prior to ending his military service.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will hold its Pioneers Day of Giving April 27-28, and members of the UW-Platteville Foundation Board of Directors have pledged to match any gift given throughout those two days, up to $100,000.

“The Foundation Board feels strongly that a matching challenge is timely, given the tremendous impact we have had on the university over the past few years,” said Joe Denk, chair of the Foundation Board of Directors. “Now is the time to celebrate and recognize the Foundation’s impact, increase its donor base and expand engagement. The Foundation and its board members do so much to support UW-Platteville’s students, faculty and staff. This match is a testament to their passion, leadership and dedication to this great university.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Wright Center for Non-Traditional and Veteran Students, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, the Office of Professional Program Support and the Dean of Students Office will be celebrating UW-Platteville female student veterans with an event, open to the public, on Tuesday, April 18.

“The UW-Platteville I Am Not Invisible Women Veterans Event is focused on honoring our women veterans and service members through creating awareness, conversation and sharing of resources,” said Greg Tremelling, coordinator for the Wright Center for Non-Traditional and Veteran Students at UW-Platteville.

In its latest show of support to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Construction Management and Construction Safety programs, Findorff donated a telehandler, to be used in the university’s Construction Lab. Officials from UW-Platteville celebrated the arrival of the new equipment last week and remarked on the impact it will have on students’ experience in the program.

“We pride ourselves on experiential learning. We pride ourselves on those hands-on experiences, and this construction lab does exactly that,” said UW-Platteville Interim Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich, speaking to a crowd of UW-Platteville faculty, staff and students and Findorff representatives at the Construction Lab. “Without the support of our corporate sponsors and donors, I don’t think we could do this alone.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Alumni Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for candidates for the 2023 awards. The award categories include Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni; Alumni Association Outstanding Alumni; College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture alumni awards; College of Liberal Arts and Education alumni awards; and the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science alumni awards.

The deadline for all award nominations is Wednesday, March 15. The Outstanding and Distinguished Alumni Association Awards will be presented in the fall. The College of BILSA, College of LAE and College of EMS alumni award presentations will take place at Homecoming.

Outstanding Alumni Association Award Criteria:

When Alex Walechka and Rebecca Koble enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s online Master of Science in Engineering program in 2021, they went in with the expectation that most graduate students do. Namely, to attain an advanced degree in their area of specialty to improve their current careers and future job prospects.

Walechka and Koble both accomplished this, earning their diplomas this past December, but they also found something more than advanced learning during their time in the program. Something that could have easily never been, but once discovered, enriched both their academic and personal lives because of it.

Staff at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville congratulate the fall 2022 graduates of its distance education and master's degree programs. The fall 2022 commencement occurred on Dec. 17, 2022, with more than 560 candidates receiving their diplomas in three ceremonies. This included 21 master's degree candidates who received their master's hoods at their ceremony. UW-Platteville's distance education and graduate programs are fully online, with students from around the globe. In total, 61 students received their master's degree in fall 2022. Additionally, 16 undergraduate distance students earned their bachelor's degrees, and four more earned their associate degrees. In addition to the in-person ceremonies, the Office of Professional Program Support (OPPS) invited distance and graduate education graduates and their guests to a reception to celebrate with other graduates, faculty, and staff.

When you think of project management, you likely think about the processes required to complete a project successfully. But University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Anthony Toglia knows that the people involved are just as crucial.

Toglia was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and attended Temple University, earning a degree in anthropology with a human biology track in 1987. After graduation, he worked at the Temple University Hospital as an analyst and IT project manager. It was here that he developed an interest in and talent for project management, and he made it into a career. He’s since served as project manager for several healthcare organizations in North Carolina, California and New Mexico.

With careers spanning some combined 60-plus years in the education field, Jon and Dr. Tori Erickson have had an insider’s look at higher education – both the challenges students can face and the opportunities an education can provide. That’s why they hope their recent gift to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation to establish an endowed scholarship will help more students access an education.

“We wanted to establish this scholarship because we believe that everyone has a right to an education,” said Tori. “However, there are barriers that students have to face, and one of those is the financial aspect of higher education. We hope to eliminate at least one of those barriers with this scholarship.”

The Jon and Tori Erickson Scholarship will be awarded to underrepresented students and students facing hardships or overcoming obstacles.

As a first-generation college graduate and often the only woman in her engineering courses, University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumna Michelle (Schleusener) Rogers is continuing to break barriers through the Michelle Rogers Women in Engineering Scholarship endowed fund. The scholarship is intended for incoming or continuing female students pursuing a degree in engineering.

“Women are capable of thriving and succeeding in the engineering field. The focus of this scholarship is to financially support this trajectory toward meaningful representation,” said Rogers, a 1991 industrial engineering graduate. “To include more women in an engineering function, removing barriers is key. If I can support women down the road on their journey, it’s a way I can make an impact.”

To Corey Kaiser, a 2018 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, “Midwest Nice” is more than just a slogan.

“To me, ‘Midwest Nice’ means we would rather see people do well,” said Kaiser. “That’s something that has always resonated with me, whether throughout my business career or my personal life.”

Kaiser and his wife, Teah, expressed this sentiment with their recent pledge of $1 million, through the Kaiser Family Foundation Corporation, to the UW-Platteville Foundation to support facility upgrades on campus.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Dr. Ronald Meissen and his wife, Eileen, are supporting engineering students through their newly established endowed Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE) Scholarship fund. Meissen, a member of the UW-Platteville Foundation Board of Directors, presented his idea of creating the scholarship to the CSSE advisory board to help recruit and retain students to the program. After his announcement, an advisory board member matched the Meissens’ donation of $25,000.

A call to serve has fueled Ray LaVoie his entire life. That need to help others has led the M.S. in Organizational Change Leadership graduate to support his country by working for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) – although his journey to this career has been unique.

LaVoie first heeded the call to serve after earning a master's degree in theology. He began his working career as a minister, providing spiritual care to his community for more than a decade. Still, he felt he could be doing more.

"It was important for me to serve my country," LaVoie said. I felt that call to serve others in that unique role of being a chaplain."

As a chaplain, LaVoie helped facilitate the religious needs of his unit. Chaplains also serve as staff officers, providing support to the command team, crisis management, counseling and much more.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation was honored yesterday with the National Philanthropy Day Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Tri-State Chapter.

“This award is a notable and appropriate recognition of the extraordinary efforts and accomplishments of the staff of the UW-Platteville Foundation,” said Joe Denk, chair of the foundation. “I am pleased to express heartiest congratulations on behalf of the board of directors.”

Coming off its third consecutive year of record fundraising, the UW-Platteville Foundation was recognized in the category of Outstanding Philanthropic Organization. According to its website, “the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Tri-State Chapter honors donors and volunteers whose gifts of time, expertise and resources make a significant contribution to the success of the nonprofit agencies and institutions they serve.”

The seventh annual University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneers Day of Giving, held Oct. 6-7, received over 675 donations totaling more than $166,000 from students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and corporate partners. This year’s largest gift was $25,000 for the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering.

“Many thanks to the donors who made the Pioneers Day of Giving another worthy and successful initiative of the UW-Platteville Foundation,” said UW-Platteville Foundation Board of Directors Chair Joe Denk. “An increase in donors over the previous year led to an increase in funds raised and will enable the Foundation to grow the support it provides to the university.”

Gerald Gunderson, a 1965 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has been described by those who knew him as living modestly and giving generously to others. Gunderson passed away in 2021, but his generosity will continue to impact UW-Platteville students for generations to come, thanks to a more than $1 million estate gift – one of the largest estate gifts in the UW-Platteville Foundation’s history.

With a lifelong passion for nature and science, Gunderson earned a general science degree from UW-Platteville and later received his master’s degree in biology from Northern Michigan University. He taught middle school science for 30 years and had an interest in collecting fossils, which began in his early teens and continued well past retirement. His interest took him on fossil digs across the country. He was instrumental in major fossil discoveries, wrote or contributed to a dozen papers and even had three fossils named after him.  

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will start Homecoming week on Sunday, Oct. 9, with celebrations ending at the lighting of the “M” on Saturday, Oct. 15. This year’s theme is “Haunted Homecoming.” The week will be filled with student activities, athletic events, alumni reunions and Pioneer pride.

The first student event will be a kickball tournament on Oct. 9 at East Turf Practice Field from 1-4 p.m. Other campus events will include a banner ceremony and team trivia, tug of war, house decorations, yell night and coronation. Yell night will take place on Oct. 14 as the UW-Platteville women’s volleyball team hosts UW-La Crosse. The match starts at 7 p.m. at Bo Ryan Court.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will celebrate its 2022 Distinguished and Outstanding Alumni Award recipients at the Alumni Association Awards on Friday, Oct. 14 in the Richard and Helen Brodbeck Concert Hall, Center for the Arts at 5 p.m. The event recognizes individuals for accomplishments in their careers, contributions to the community and service to the university. The ceremony is part of the university’s annual Homecoming celebration weekend.

The Distinguished Alumni Award winners are Jim Ryan, Lana Wiese, Jill Furman, Kevin McMullen, Richard H. Weber and Dr. Tori Erickson. The Outstanding Alumni Award winner is Aaron Athas.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Tommy Jacobs spends his days bringing people’s imagination to life. As a custom lead design engineer at Landscape Structures, in Delano, Minnesota, it’s his job to take clients’ most creative ideas for playgrounds and turn them into reality. 

“Every day is always different,” said Jacobs. “We are building a brand-new product in some fashion each day, so it’s never stagnant. But, it’s also one of the most rewarding jobs to have – building things for communities and kids to be able to interact, grow and develop.”

Jacobs is originally from Hartland, Wisconsin and graduated from UW-Platteville in 2010 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He has worked with Landscape Structures for nearly five years and oversees a team of nine engineers. 

Tassie Crews knows there is power in words. As a licensed master social worker and certified alcohol drug counselor, she's seen first-hand how a conversation with the right person can change someone's entire life. Crews has worked hard to earn the education and training to be that right person.

She earned a bachelor's of arts in social work and criminal justice, followed by a master's degree in social work. Still, she found she wanted to better round out her knowledge base. Crews is a mother of four and worked full time, so she needed a program that offered her maximum flexibility. That led her to enroll in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Master of Science in Criminal Justice online program.

When Crystal Yang started the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership program in the fall of 2018, she was already leading a busy life. In addition to working full-time, she is mother to five children and adding graduate school while juggling the two wasn’t easy. 

“It’s a lot,” Yang said. “I know there are people who’ve tried doing school from a distance and it was hard for them to motivate themselves. There are days where you’re like, ‘I’m so sluggish, I don’t want to do homework,’ but you just have to put in your head, ‘hey, you’ve got to push yourself and keep on doing it. There’ll be rewards at the end.’”

Originally from Platteville, Rachael Hallstrom grew up close to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, but once she enrolled as a student, she found that the campus provided what she describes as a different world – a separate, unique community with an engineering education that rivals any bigger school. 

Hallstrom graduated in 2014 with a degree in industrial engineering and used her UW-Platteville experience to propel her career. She worked more than six years at John Deere, and held a position at Mettler-Toledo, before most recently taking a position as a senior product quality engineer at Vertiv – a data center manufacturing company in Delaware, Ohio. 

“I work on the new product development process, including new product introduction and quality checks on new products, as well as looking at continuous improvement processes,” said Hallstrom. 

Andrew Ricks has always had a passion for aviation. He began taking flying lessons as a freshman in high school and earned his pilot’s license when he turned 17. But, his engineering education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is what gave him the opportunity to turn his hobby into a career designing and creating airplane parts.

Ricks graduated from UW-Platteville in 2021 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

“I have always been really interested in aviation,” said Ricks. “I worked at an airport in high school, fueling planes. I enjoyed flying, but when I talked to some airline pilots, they told me that once you fly as a career, it loses some of the fun. So, I decided maybe I could keep flying for fun but also build airplanes.”

For the third consecutive year, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation achieved a record year in donations. Thanks to the generosity of alumni, friends and corporate partners, more than $7.4 million was raised during the 2022 fiscal year, which ended June 30.

“I am extremely grateful for each individual who made this success possible,” said UW-Platteville interim chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich. “This is a true testament to the pride our alumni and friends have in this university, and their generosity enables us to fulfill our mission and ensure our students’ success on campus and as they enter their careers.” 

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. UW-Platteville is hosting a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ reunion event to celebrate the 50 plus years of success of WSUP and the academic program in radio and television broadcasting. If you majored in any of the iterations of the broadcasting program—even if you didn’t graduate in the major—or if you worked at WSUP, please join us for a weekend of renewed friendships, memories and fun highlighted by a business-casual dinner on Saturday evening, and a fund-raising initiative to promote the long-term health of WSUP and its students. Additional activities are planned for Friday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 18.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is taking part in Summerfest’s Show Your College Pride Day. Students attending Summerfest who arrive at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth between noon and 3 p.m. on Friday, July 8 wearing UW-Platteville branded gear, such as a shirt or hat, will receive a free admission ticket.

“UW-Platteville is looking forward to participating in Summerfest’s Show Your College Pride Day,” said Elizabeth Osterholz, UW-Platteville director of recruitment. “We are excited to be part of such an iconic event in the Milwaukee community and are looking forward to connecting with many past, present and future Pioneers.”

When one hears the words “project management,” some may envision a profession embedded in the construction, business or supply chain fields. These assumptions wouldn’t be wrong, as project management professionals play pivotal roles in each of these industries, but they wouldn’t form the full picture either. Today, project managers are part of every profession – though they don’t always go by that exact title.

Ryan Munz is not your typical project manager. As the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s newest head football coach, Munz spends his days recruiting student-athletes, fundraising, working with campus relations for various initiatives, and – of course – coaching. It’s this last responsibility that Munz especially enjoys.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville celebrated its 208th commencement, recognizing the class of 2022 and graduates of spring 2020, summer 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021. The two ceremonies took place on May 14 in the Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.

Chancellor Dennis J. Shields acknowledged how navigating an academic path is not always easy and reflected on the perseverance it took for the graduating classes to earn their degrees.

“Today’s ceremony is not only a celebration of your transition from one chapter to the next of your life’s journey, but is also representative of the opportunity that you all share in making a positive difference in your lives, in the lives of others and in the world,” said Chancellor Shields. “Some of you have been patiently waiting for this moment since the early days of the pandemic. I applaud your collective patience and persistence in being here to participate in today’s graduation ceremony.”

To celebrate a special UW-Platteville commencement, the lighting of the M and fireworks are planned for this Saturday around 9:15 p.m.

The university will celebrate the class of 2022 and graduates of spring 2020, summer 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021 at the 208th commencement on Saturday. The College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture ceremony, which will include graduate programs and associate degree candidates, will take place at 10 a.m. The College of Liberal Arts and Education and College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science ceremony will take place at 2 p.m.

The two ceremonies will take place in the Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium to accommodate space for this spring's graduates as well as those whose ceremonies were postponed due to COVID.

Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated this year from May 2-6, and a group of University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Education students received the opportunity to learn from retired educators at two recent luncheons. Students from Dr. Lindsay Hollingsworth’s Reading and Language Arts in Elementary and Middle School class interviewed retired teachers and administrators, with many of the participants being UW-Platteville alumni. Through their discussions, the students are creating picture book biographies in honor of their careers. Hollingsworth called the gathering an important experience for her students.

When Baird Miller came to UW-Platteville, the Madison, Wisconsin native and former competitive swimmer described himself as feeling “like a fish out of water.” However, his love for swimming opened up new, unexpected connections for him on campus and in the greater Platteville community that he still holds on to today, even after graduating with his degree in psychology last December. 

“I experienced a little culture shock,” said Miller. “Spending my whole life in Madison, I was more accustomed to larger metropolitan areas.”

Miller looked for any excuse to be in the pool. After the first couple weeks of classes, he started teaching children’s swim lessons for UW-Platteville’s Continuing Education Institute. Miller found out that the Continuing Education Institute also coordinated senior water classes and thought teaching would be a great way to meet the community.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus and Vice President of Electric Vehicle Excellence at General Motors Tim Herrick recently visited campus and shared advice with students from his 38 years with General Motors, many of which were spent in leadership roles. 

Herrick toured Russell Hall with members of the Industrial Studies Department and Cole Olson, a student who will graduate this May and work at General Motors. He also spoke with students and other members of the campus community in Doudna Hall and at UW-Platteville’s new IDEA Hub on Main Street. Herrick ended the day with a discussion with students in the Society of Automotive Engineers and a tour of the new Sesquicentennial Hall. 

“Skills are great, but to have mentorship and leadership is paramount. If you take anything away from this, please be a steward of mentorship.” –Tim Herrick 

Growing up on a small dairy farm in Northeast Wisconsin, Liz Rehberg, a 2010 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, always knew she would be involved in agriculture. From a young age, she watched a crop scout come to her family’s farm and walk the fields—advising on everything from managing weeds to insects to disease—to help her dad make decisions. 

“I saw what that agronomist did with my dad and the support he was able to provide, and I thought, ‘what a great way to work with farmers and help them,’” said Rehberg.

Now, in her eighth year with Pioneer, Corteva Agriscience’s flagship seed brand, she has found her own way to help farmers. “I love the depth of services and resources that we have to help farmers,” said Rehberg, who is a strategic account manager, now living in Whitewater, Wisconsin. “Every farm is different, and having all these resources in our back pocket and the team and services to support our customers is amazing.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will celebrate the class of 2022 and graduates of spring 2020, summer 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021 at the 208th commencement on Saturday, May 14. The College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture ceremony, which will include graduate programs and associate degree candidates, will take place at 10 a.m. The College of Liberal Arts and Education and College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. The two ceremonies will take place in the Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.

In a ceremony today, University of Wisconsin-Platteville Chancellor Dennis J. Shields announced a monumental gift of $10 million from Todd and Susan Johnson – the largest gift to support the university in history. This transformational gift will establish the Capstan Scholarship Program, which will allow selected students to graduate debt free, providing scholarships covering full tuition, room, and board to students every year, beginning this fall.

“From all of us here at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, I thank Todd and Susan Johnson for their monumental investment in our institution and the future of our students,” said Chancellor Dennis J. Shields at today’s ceremony. “Investing in the future of our students and university is one way that we can work together towards realizing a better tomorrow.”

University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduates have been awarded the annual American Society of Civil Engineers Martin S. Kapp Excellence in Foundation Engineering Award for the past two consecutive years. Ryan Berg, P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE was the 2021 recipient, and Van E. Komurka, P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE is the 2022 recipient.

Each year, the award is bestowed upon an individual on the basis of the best example of innovative or outstanding design or construction of foundations, earthworks, retaining structures or underground construction.

“It was an honor to receive a national ASCE award,” said Berg, who graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. He is currently a geotechnical engineer consultant at Ryan R. Berg & Associates Inc. and serves clients primarily in highway construction and land development industries.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently hosted the 2022 Spring Construction Networking Event. Held twice a year, the event allows UW-Platteville students to network with company representatives and learn about their projects, company culture, and job and internship opportunities. More than 200 students attended the spring event, networking with more than 23 companies. 

“Both the spring and fall Construction Networking Events were a huge success,” said Gretchen Bockenhauer, lecturer and program coordinator of the Construction Management program. “We heard from the companies in attendance that they appreciated the opportunity to network with students in a more informal setting. They found the opportunity to sit around a table and engage in deeper conversation with students to be more meaningful than just a 30-second elevator pitch from each side.”  

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is welcoming back the graduates from spring 2020, summer 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021 who missed their commencement ceremonies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the class of 2022, the graduates have the opportunity to walk in the 208th spring commencement on Saturday, May 14. The two ceremonies will take place at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium. Former Wisconsin Governor and current President of the UW System Tommy G. Thompson will deliver the principal speaker address.

The College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture ceremony, which will include graduate programs and associate degree candidates, will take place at 10 a.m. The College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science and College of Liberal Arts and Education ceremony will take place at 2 p.m.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville congratulates the fall 2021 graduates of its distance education and master’s degree programs. Fall 2021 commencement, which took place Dec. 11, 2021, was the first to be held in person on campus since fall 2019, due to COVID-19. The fall ceremonies included both summer and fall 2021 students. Students who graduated between spring 2020 and spring 2021 who had their ceremonies postponed are invited to walk in the spring 2022 commencement. In addition to the in-person ceremonies in fall 2021, distance and graduate education graduates and their guests were invited to a reception hosted by the Office of Professional Program Support to celebrate with other graduates, faculty and staff.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Alumni Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for candidates for the 2022 awards. The award categories include Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni; Alumni Association Outstanding Alumni; Athletic Hall of Fame; College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture alumni awards; College of Liberal Arts and Education alumni awards; and the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science alumni awards.

The deadline for all award nominations is Tuesday, March 15. The Outstanding and Distinguished Alumni Association Awards and the Athletic Hall of Fame Individual and Team Alumni Association Awards will be presented in the fall. The College of BILSA, College of LAE and College of EMS alumni award presentations will take place at Homecoming.

Outstanding Alumni Association Award Criteria:

Rural Schools Collaborative just announced its 2021-22 Celia B. Godsil Grants in Place Fellows, and among those selected was Abigail Parker, a May 2021 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, who currently teaches kindergarten at Coloma Elementary, a small, rural school in Coloma, Wisconsin.

“Teaching in a rural setting is wonderful,” said Parker. “[During my time at UW-Platteville], I gained the skills and experience I needed to be a successful kindergarten teacher in a rural area. I grew up in this area and knew I wanted to teach in a rural setting. From going to a small rural elementary school to working in a small rural elementary school, I have quickly realized there are many strengths that are brought in from the community.”

The Pettit National Ice Center, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will be hosting The Road to the Olympics Runs Through Milwaukee, the 2022 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Long Track, Jan. 5-9, 2022. Among the athletes who have qualified for the trials is UW-Platteville alumnus Brian Bullard ’17.

Bullard, who is currently a supply chain analyst at Amcor, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was looking for something to keep himself busy and found it at the Pettit National Ice Center, where he started skating. He is now in his fourth year speedskating and falls under speed skating’s age classification as an MSA, meaning he is a male athlete between the ages of 23-28.

Bullard says that it takes a lot of time, but he’s been able to find a good balance between working full time and training for the Olympic trials. He goes to work early in the morning and heads straight to the gym or to train on the ice afterwards. He practices six times a week.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville community is coming together to give back this holiday season by stocking the shelves at Pioneer Provisions. To help raise awareness, the UW-Platteville Alumni Association is partnering with Pioneer Provisions, a free pantry and grocery service on campus for students experiencing food insecurity. According to Stephanie Young, UW-Platteville Dining Services registered dietitian, Pioneer Provisions has seen a 22% increase of pantry users this past year.

“Our alumni have been big supporters of Pioneer Provisions. Some have reached out to donate in the past, describing a desire to help current students who are struggling,” said Young. “Collaborating with the Alumni Association helps us reach out to alumni who may not be aware that food insecurity exists at their alma mater and may be able to help.” 

Having a passion for Division III athletics, and experiencing an NCAA Division III basketball tournament berth himself, University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Mike Shaw ’10 had an idea: create an NCAA Division III football bowl game to give one team from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) and the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) an opportunity to play one final game.

“I am a big supporter of Division III athletics,” said Shaw, Founder and Director of the Culver’s Isthmus Bowl. “I always noticed teams in the WIAC and CCIW would have their seasons end so abruptly but should be playing in the national tournament— not just football but all sports. These two conferences are so good. Teams that finish in the middle of the pack could win games in the national tournament. That led me to wanting to start a bowl game. I actually thought of it during COVID quarantine boredom.”

The 2021 University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneers Day of Giving, held Oct. 14-15, received over 640 donations totaling more than $143,000 from alumni and friends. This year’s Day of Giving spanned two days, allowing for 1,866 minutes to give in honor of the university’s founding year. A record number of people participated this year, including more students than ever before.

"I am so proud to be part of this Pioneer family,” said Scott S. Baumgartner, chair of the UW-Platteville Foundation and 1972 UW-Platteville graduate. “The outpouring support of our alumni, friends and corporate partners is truly inspiring. Thank you to everyone who participated in Pioneers Day of Giving. Your generosity will have a profound difference."

The Distance Education Alumni Board selected students Luis Cano and Wara Pirzada as the 2021 recipients of its scholarship. The scholarship was created by the board in 2016 to help provide additional financial support to distance education students as they complete their degree.

The Distance Education Alumni Board represents the Distance Education Alumni Chapter of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Alumni Association. 

“The scholarship program is an important part of the Distance Education Chapter’s outreach to both current and former students. It provides an opportunity for alumni to support current students while highlighting the important work of the Alumni Association,” said Vice President Joe Roy, an alumnus of UW-Platteville’s distance education program, who earned his Bachelor of Science in criminal justice in 2014 and Master of Science in criminal justice in 2016.

Familiar traditions returned this year when the University of Wisconsin-Platteville celebrated Homecoming last week – many of which would not have been able to take place without the support of the community partners who have contributed to the success of UW-Platteville’s Homecoming year after year.

This was the 11th year the UW-Platteville Alumni Association and Culver’s of Platteville teamed up for the Homecoming Custard Creation Challenge, in which Culver’s of Platteville accepts custard creation submissions. After finalists are chosen, the public, alumni and UW-Platteville community vote on their favorite flavor. The winning flavor is announced the week of homecoming and enjoyed at the Alumni Homecoming Luncheon.

It’s a celebration of lasting friendships, memories, and stories from the days spent on the UW-Platteville campus. For 40 years, Mike Kopf ’79 and his wife Kathy (Littel) Kopf ’80 have been organizing reunions for their fellow Pioneers. The weekend gatherings have been held every five years since graduation, starting in 1985. The latest reunion was postponed a year due to the pandemic and held in July, bringing more than 65 friends back to the Southwest corner of the state.

“It’s awesome,” said Kathy. “We have a mailing list, and in the early part of the year, we send a save the date. About 6-8 weeks before the reunion, we send out a registration form so we know how many people will attend. For the people who come from far away, they go all out. It’s so much fun.” 

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces another milestone achievement for one of its distinguished alumni. Dr. Michael O’Connor, a 2006 graduate of the Master of Science in Project Management program, was recently recognized as a winner of the 2021 Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Eric Jenett Project Management Excellence Award. This award recognizes and honors an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the project management field or its practice through leadership, technical project management, and strategic and business management expertise.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will celebrate Homecoming week from Oct. 17-23. After celebrating Homecoming virtually last year, in-person celebrations will return this year, with the 2021 theme “Game On.” The university will host several activities throughout the week for students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members.

Two events leading up to the official Homecoming week will kick off the celebration. Oct. 14 marks the sixth annual Pioneers Day of Giving, a day focused on fundraising to support student success in all its forms. Chancellor Dennis J. Shields will host a virtual Homecoming kickoff, featuring updates from the university leadership team, on Oct. 15.

If a professional project is in jeopardy, what can be done to save it? This is the question project management instructor Shawn Belling recently addressed at the PMI© Michigan Chapter’s Professional Development Day. 

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a Master of Science in Project Management degree in 2006, Belling returned in 2008 as an adjunct instructor, and has been with the university ever since. In addition to his work at UW-Platteville, Belling also serves as the chief information officer at Madison College, situated in Madison, Wisconsin. With over 25 years in technology and project leadership experience, and possessing several credentials to his name, it’s easy to see that Belling is a professional in his prime. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic prevented education students from completing their practicum hours in local elementary schools last fall, Dr. Rea Kirk, a professor of special education at UW-Platteville, suggested students go out into the community to make a difference. Two senior education students, Jeanna Rupnow and Kali Oyen, decided to work together to give back and do something that would make a real impact on the community. They approached Kelly Jo Hadfield, Student Center coordinator and Platteville resident, and asked her what she wished to see in the community. Hadfield, who has two elementary-aged sons on the autism spectrum, gave Rupnow and Oyen the idea of playground communication boards, as her oldest, Jacob, is non-verbal and has limited ways of communicating with his peers.

Reclamation, environment and conservation (REC) is a growing field continuing to bring professional opportunities to UW-Platteville students. The REC program is led by Dr. Christopher Baxter, Professor of soil and crop science in the School of Agriculture, who said there is great demand for employment. Through the interdisciplinary coursework and combined hands-on experience, Pioneers are finding themselves working in different facets of the industry across the country.

Lakisha Clinton lives by the mottos “knowledge is power” and “pay it forward.” From her time at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, through her successful career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and her recent induction into a selective scholarship award program, she has been driven by her love for public service and being a champion for others — traits that she first started developing at UW-Platteville, as she navigated her way through college with a support network that ranged from peers, to faculty and advisors, all the way up to the chancellor. 

Clinton, originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graduated in 2014 with a degree in political science. She immediately moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked at a political law firm as a compliance specialist executive administrative assistant.

For the second consecutive year, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation is celebrating record fundraising, thanks to the generous contributions from UW-Platteville alumni, friends and corporate partners. Nearly $4,800,000 was raised during the 2021 fiscal year, providing scholarships, supporting academic programs and capital building projects, and enriching student-life experiences. The fiscal year ended on June 30 with more than 4,600 donors. 

"One of the lessons that I'll take from this past year is that when we work together, we can achieve anything," said Chancellor Dennis J. Shields. "The Foundation, our donors, faculty, staff, and students all play a significant role in our ability to achieve our institutional goals and fundamental mission. The tremendous efforts of our entire campus community ensured that our institution may continue to have agency in determining our future together." 

With patience, passion and hard work, amazing things can happen. Estela DePaz discovered this fact recently when, against steep competition, her thesis paper won PMI’s ® prestigious Snyder International Student Paper of the Year award—an accolade that rewards excellence in the development of original project management concepts. In a way, the paper not only served as the culmination of DePaz’s time in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Master of Science in Project Management program, but other aspects of her life as well. 

Yet it was not writing an award-winning paper that most excited DePaz. It was the new areas of research the paper highlighted and affirmed.

Change is always constant. For most people this statement rings true, but it’s a way of life for Jonathan Yancy. While many simply accept and react to change, Yancy is one who optimizes it – channeling change into progress on a daily basis.

Yancy accomplishes this goal as a change consultant at Baker Tilly, an international accounting and consultancy firm. Based at Baker Tilly’s Madison branch in Wisconsin, Yancy oversees the development of change management strategies for the firm’s many clients. Specifically, he helps address each organization’s goals by implementing and managing a variety of activities, including stakeholder analysis, readiness assessments, and specific trainings. 

Never forget where you come from is the ongoing theme running through The Midwest Girl, a Dubuque, Iowa T-shirt brand founded by University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumna Marissa (Droessler) Hoffmann and her sister Marah Odgers. Hoffmann graduated in 2012 with a degree in business administration and always knew she wanted to run her own business after growing up in a family of entrepreneurs.  

“Our dad has owned his own business for 30 years,” said Hoffmann. “We come from a bloodline of small business owners. We were raised with a mindset of knowing what it takes to be your own boss, how beautiful it can be, the benefits of being your own boss and knowing how to get through the hard months, but also knowing there is usually a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Three University of Wisconsin-Platteville student veterans will complete their college careers with more than a diploma. In addition to earning their master’s degrees this spring and summer, they will also graduate as members of the S.A.L.U.T.E. Veterans National Honor Society. The graduates include Calvin Henderson, of Greensboro, North Carolina, who is a spring 2021 graduate of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program, David Kranz of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, who will earn his Master of Science in Project Management in summer 2021, and Matthew Wong of Evansville, Wisconsin, who will earn his Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership in summer 2021.

We all know earning a degree is important for enhancing one’s career, but it’s not the only step students can take to better position themselves for success. Knowledge of the workplace and the ability to make strong connections can prove just as valuable, which is why the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is pleased to offer the Alumni Mentee-Mentor Program—a resource for those seeking additional support outside of their studies.

Established in 2019, the program is available for all students currently enrolled in a distance education program (both graduate and undergraduate). Using a one-on-one pairing model, the program connects mentees with appropriate mentors in a support system that is beneficial to both parties.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces the launch of the Pioneering Forward Athletic Fund. This innovative fundraising initiative will enhance both the experience of donors and all 550 Pioneer student-athletes. 

“We are excited to kick off the Division of Athletics and Recreation Pioneering Forward Athletic Fund in partnership with our 16 intercollegiate athletic programs and 12 head coaches,” said Dr. Kristina Navarro, director of Athletics and Recreation and assistant chancellor for sports administration. 

The Pioneering Forward Athletic Fund seeks to enhance UW-Platteville’s broad-based athletics success through a focus on investing in Department of Intercollegiate Athletics growth and staffing. The goal of the fund is to provide opportunities that impact each student-athlete and realize the department’s mission and vision focused on competitive excellence and transformational leadership.

Ever since she was young, April Vaassen had a passion for helping people. After numerous volunteering and tutoring experiences within the education field growing up, Vaassen slowly developed this passion into a profession. Along the way, she received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and her master’s degree in school counseling from Loras College, equipping herself with the knowledge to develop future leaders and successful professionals.

She now helps others reach their fullest potential in the career coaching and self-improvement fields, enjoying the work she does every day.

“I love connecting with people and helping them live bigger and better lives,” said Vaassen. “I believe with the right tools and mindset we can live any life we want, and helping people achieve that is a big passion of mine.”

It's fair to say Scott Upton's head has always been in the clouds – or rather – above them. A passion for aerospace was sparked as a youth and has driven his career and educational journey. Upton received a degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Minnesota before earning a Master of Science in Project Management degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He currently works for Blue Origin, a company Upton said is "paving the road to space."

"The intent of Blue Origin is to facilitate millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth," Upton said. "We're building reusable rockets and launch/re-entry vehicles that will inspire current and future generations to put their businesses in space for the good of the Earth."

Telling the stories of soldiers killed in war started as a small, personal project for Mac Kolar, a 1969 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. About five years ago, the retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel began researching and writing about family members and residents of his hometown of Fennimore, Wisconsin. The efforts led him to connect with fellow alumnus Dr. Jim Lawton, a 1967 graduate of UW-Platteville and a former fraternity brother and teammate of Vasilios Demetris — one of the fallen soldiers Kolar was honoring. As Kolar and Lawton came to realize that no Vietnam War veteran memorial existed on campus – nor did a comprehensive list of students or alumni killed in action – the pair set out to change this.

It's not often two alumni from the same university but different fields find themselves working together, yet this is exactly the case for Jeff Busch and Jane Traffalis.

Busch is based in Portland, Oregon, where he works as an independent project management consultant, specializing in organizational project management and dispute resolution practices. A veteran in his field, Busch's current position follows 40-plus years of professional experience. Busch does more than help clients learn valuable project management skills, he also teaches them to students. He is currently an adjunct instructor at Portland State University, where he teaches three courses.

Larry and Peggy Hanson recently donated $25,000 to the Dale Dixon Chair of Engineering fund, which supports University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty. In recognition of their gift, the Hansons will name one of the collaboration studios in the newest engineering building, Sesquicentennial Hall.

Larry Hanson graduated from UW-Platteville in 1971 with a major in civil engineering and was one of Dixon’s students. He fondly remembers his time at UW-Platteville and how the faculty became role models and prepared him for the start of his career in civil engineering.

While change can be scary for some people, Kat Damiano embraces it – and makes a living helping others do the same.

As a business change manager with SoCalGas in Los Angeles, California, Damiano works as an internal consultant on the SCG enterprise change management team. She currently oversees a five-year, 300-plus stakeholder initiative to design and construct a state-of-the-art gas control facility – a project that brings multiple teams under one roof. This initiative includes creating a new work culture and organizational structure, in addition to new job roles for an array of emerging technology. Despite having previously worked in senior management roles, which had large components of change management, this is her first change-specific role, and Damiano feels certain she would not have been successful attaining it without her education. 

Since its creation in 2006, the Distance Education Alumni Board has been committed to supporting alumni and students of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s distance education programs. The board represents the Distance Learning Alumni Chapter of the university’s Alumni Association, whose mission is to foster connections between the university and alumni. They work closely together to fulfill that mission, however, their overall impact spreads much farther than that. 

University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumna Morgan Hartman, a 2018 industrial engineering graduate, credits her experience as a student-athlete with giving her the tools to become a marketing engineer for centrifugal water-cooled chillers at Trane Technologies in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Hartman describes her position as a multi-faceted role where she provides pre-sale support, meets with customers and helps the sales force team strategize and understand the market. 

When talking to Belinda Sain-Cronin ’73, or “Bella” as her friends call her, it won’t take long before you find a connection. Whether it’s swapping recipes or discovering a love of the same small-town pizza place, Cronin speaks with passion and draws stories out of whomever she’s speaking to. It’s a talent she’s spent a lifetime developing - including when she was a fine arts major at UW-Platteville.

“Throughout the day, I write little notes to myself or my husband, Jon, and a recent one was ‘You’ve been the saving grace in my life…since Steve’s Pizza,’” Cronin said. “UW-Platteville played a huge part in my life and I made friends there, many of whom I am still friends with today. My relationship with the college has changed over time, but the connections stay strong.” 

With construction of Sesquicentennial Hall underway, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation is offering alumni, friends, students, faculty, staff and corporate partners the opportunity to be a visible part of its engineering legacy by sponsoring an engraved paver along the walkways and patios surrounding Sesquicentennial Hall and Busby Hall – formerly Engineering Hall. 

Three sizes of pavers are available for sponsorship. Each sponsorship directly supports undergraduate research opportunities in UW-Platteville’s College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science. Participation in research is one of the most impactful opportunities students find at UW-Platteville, allowing them to build connections with faculty, clarify their area of interest, contribute their knowledge to solve real-world problems, and prepare for the workforce or continued education.  

It has been less than a year since Katie Koenig graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and her career is already reaching new heights – from job sites in Washington and New Mexico to the occasional top of a wind turbine. Koenig, a field engineer for Blattner Energy, attributes much of her success to opportunities UW-Platteville gave her to discover her interests and build her skills, both inside and outside the classroom. 

Originally from Wausau, Wisconsin, Koenig began her college career at UW-Madison. She made the decision to transfer to UW-Platteville her junior year, where she continued studying mechanical engineering.

In honor of Earth Day, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville will be hosting a virtual event, Pioneers Protecting the Planet and Transforming Campus, from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, April 22.

Faculty and staff who are actively engaged in environmental programs on and off-campus will discuss the active sustainability programs on campus, as well as building renovations at Boebel Hall and Sesquicentennial Hall.

Among those presenting is Amy Seeboth-Wilson, UW-Platteville’s sustainability coordinator, who will speak about UW-Platteville’s solar array, which is scheduled to be operational by fall 2021. It will be the largest state-owned solar array in Wisconsin and make the university the sixth-highest on-site producer of renewable energy among higher education institutions in the nation.

Michelle Laucke is a professional of many talents and interests. 

As a continuous improvement analyst at Ortho Molecular Inc., a nutraceutical company, Laucke works as a project manager in company teams, trying to reduce waste in core processes. It’s a job Laucke loves, as it not only makes use of her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, but also her master’s degree of engineering management and project management certification, both earned from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Laucke’s journey to UW-Platteville started when she was working at a power plant in 2008, whereupon discovering her enjoyment of the work, she decided to pursue an advanced degree.

Elizabeth Larrison always loved hearing and telling stories. When she was quite young, she realized that history was essentially the telling of others’ stories, and her interests in the subject continued to grow throughout her education. Larrison graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 2017 as a history major and political science minor and is currently studying history in Ireland in a yearlong master’s program at the National University of Ireland-Galway. She will be completing her program in August 2021.

Larrison could not have anticipated what her experience would be like studying abroad. Ireland has been on at least a level three lockdown since she arrived in August. Since the beginning of this year, it has been at a level five lockdown, meaning everything is shut down except for essential businesses. Most retail shops are closed if they do not sell food items.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumna Dr. Ann Schulte is impacting future Pioneer educators through her new textbook Teaching in Rural Places: Thriving in Classrooms, Schools, and Communities. Starting this fall, the School of Education will unveil its new K-9th grade, place-based rurally responsive teacher preparation program and will be using Schulte’s book.

During the COVID-19 crisis, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Continuing Education Institute has risen to the challenge by implementing new ways students can further their education. The latest result of this determination comes in the form of a new certificate program: Foundations of Project Management Practice.

The online program was developed in conjunction with the UW-Platteville School of Business, and offers a curriculum designed to help students sharpen their project management skills without the obligations of a full degree program. The School of Business isn’t the only party helping with the project, however. Jim Martin, a senior project manager with experience as an associate professor of aerospace studies at UW-Madison, recently signed on as co-instructor for the program.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host a panel of experts to discuss the latest information regarding the coronavirus and vaccine. The event – COVID-19: Vaccines, Variants and Community Health – will take place virtually on Thursday, March 11, from 5–6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. 

In honor of alumnus John Boldt’s recent retirement, his wife, Barbara, and family made a donation to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation to name the John I. Boldt Study Space in Sesquicentennial Hall.

John, a Platteville native and 1976 UW-Platteville civil engineering graduate, has often noted that having a great university with an outstanding engineering program in his hometown gave him the opportunity to pursue his dream of a career in engineering. He is a registered professional engineer in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, and has been involved in the consulting engineering industry for more than 40 years. John retired from Clark Dietz Inc., where he worked since 1994, most recently in the roles of president, CEO and chairman of the board.

The win in NASCAR's biggest race came down to a few key seconds for lead engineer Chris Yerges and his team at Front Row Motorsports. But behind each of these winning seconds were countless hours of precise preparation and planning days before the rubber ever met the pavement. The work was certainly worth it for the UW-Platteville Master of Science in Engineering student, as driver Michael McDowell finished first at the Daytona 500.

"It's the biggest race we have. NASCAR itself was founded five miles down the road from the track. It goes down to the very core and essence of NASCAR racing," Yerges said. "It makes your season. It can define a career. It's our Super Bowl."

Forty-two years after its first correspondence course was introduced and administered via postal mail, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s distance education programs surpassed 3,000 graduates. The milestone, which the university reached with the summer 2020 graduating class, comes 40 years after it celebrated the first distance education graduate. Today, the programs serve over 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students worldwide. 

UW-Platteville’s innovative distance learning program was created in 1978, offering a single bachelor’s degree in business administration available only through print-based classes. As the student population grew, so did the program. With the addition of dedicated instructors and staff came other milestones: the first graduating class of five in 1981; the introduction of computers, email and a website; and the first students from outside Wisconsin in 1997. 

When twin brothers Mark and Jon Hirsch walked across the University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduation stage in 1986, they had an experience like few others as their mother, Ardith Stark, graduated with them at the age of 45. As a single mother, with two children still at home, Ardith graduated with honors, earning a business administration degree with a dual emphasis. It is this legacy that Jon and Mark hope to honor with the creation of the Ardith Stark (Hirsch) Memorial Scholarship, which will help other non-traditional students have the same opportunity. 

Ardith was born and raised in Boscobel, Wisconsin. She started her family at the age of 18, when Jon and Mark were born. Less than two years later, they were joined by their brother, David, and eventually younger siblings Andrew and Sarah. Ardith passed away in 2017.

Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Rita Davenport’s career in education spans over 30 years and has taken her to colleges and universities throughout the region, including working at and earning her master’s degree in counseling education from UW-Platteville in 1993. From there, she worked at a private university and a technical college until finding opportunity closer to home with Des Moines Area Community College, where she’d spend 18 years as a professional counselor at the Boone Campus before retiring in January 2021.

While each institution had its own unique needs, Davenport always put serving the students first. This led her to a variety of roles, covering everything from admissions and academic support to advising and career counseling.

While an undergraduate student at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Christopher Jefferson fell in love with the thought of working in the space launch industry. This simple idea would launch his academic and professional career to outstanding heights.

Eighteen years and three master’s degrees later, Jefferson now commands the launch operations division of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an agency within the National Intelligence Community based in Chantilly, Virginia. As the position’s name suggests, Jefferson is in charge of all space launch operations and mission integration for the nation’s spy satellites.  It’s a giant responsibility, made even more impressive by the fact that Jefferson – a Lieutenant Colonel – is the most junior officer in the agency’s history to become mission director for a multi-million dollar national security space mission. 

When you think of a family farm, you might think of parents passing land onto their children. But for TJ and Katie Roth, “family” isn’t defined by blood alone.

After enrolling at UW-Platteville in 2007 to pursue his degree in animal science with a dairy emphasis, TJ picked up a part-time job with John and LuAnn Shea, eventually working his way up to farm manager. Over time, the Sheas became like a second family to TJ, and to Katie when the couple started dating in 2014. Both earned their place on the farm and in 2015; the Roths joined the Sheas as partners in Banner Ridge Farms LLC.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership program is ranked as the fourth best value in the country, according to the 2021 BestValueCollege.org ratings.



The rankings were based on several metrics, including tuition per credit hour, acceptance rate, number of programs offered, and scholarship and funding availability. Best Value College also considered student resources, graduation rate, job placement and total enrollment before settling on a final score for each university.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Paul Hemmer examines the show business era of the 20th century in his new book, titled Entertaining Dubuque: The Untold Story (1900-1999). Hemmer graduated in 1966 with a degree in instrumental and vocal music and has spent his career in the fields of broadcasting and live music. His 510-page book is filled with never before told stories and historic photos.

“Dubuque is rich in history. Live entertainment was an essential industry in the area,” said Hemmer. “On any night during the first half of the century, 50 to 100 local hotel rooms would be occupied by traveling musicians, actors or dancers.”

Hemmer was inspired to start writing the book after a conversation with his former drummer. They discussed swing era trombonist Jack Jenney, vocal arranger Jud Conlon, and John Graas, the first man to play jazz on the French horn, according to Hemmer.

Dr. Tom Nelson, emeritus professor of civil engineering, touched the lives of countless students during his nearly two decades at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. To honor Nelson, who passed away in April of 2020, his family created the Dr. Tom Nelson Civil Engineering Memorial Scholarship.

“Tom had always intended to set up a scholarship,” said Carol Nelson, Tom’s wife. “It seemed to be a fitting memorial for him.”

Adam Mentink, a 2009 civil and environmental engineering graduate described Nelson as personable and someone who wanted to build strong relationships with students and watch them succeed.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Alumni Awards Committee is now accepting nominations of candidates for 2021. The award categories include Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni; Alumni Association Outstanding Alumni; Athletic Hall of Fame; College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture alumni awards; College of Liberal Arts and Education alumni awards; and the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science alumni awards.

Outstanding Alumni Association Award Criteria:

“I had always wanted to go back to school, but it was always either life, distance or motivation that prevented me from taking those steps,” said University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumna Sara Booth. However, in 2016, Booth made the leap and returned to UW-Platteville after 22 years to complete her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She accomplished her goal and graduated in December ending her final semester with a 4.0.

“It was very emotional,” said Booth. “I set a goal and I knew it was going to be a long-term goal over a five-year period and I actually reached it.”

Dion Shaw is a strong believer in developing your mind – even as the University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduate fights a disease that’s attacking his. In 1991, Shaw was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but that didn’t stop him from living an active life.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Shaw went on to work for some of America’s most prominent companies, including Marshall Field’s, RR Donnelly, SBC-Ameritech and Nielsen. Along the way, Shaw became a father, and currently resides in the quiet Chicago suburb of Schaumburg, Illinois.

The path forward wasn’t without its difficulties, which included lay-offs and a worsening MS condition, but through it all, Shaw persevered. In 2008, he brought this work ethic to UW-Platteville, where he enrolled in the online Master of Science in Project Management degree program.

Ever since she was a little girl, Meredith “Mere” Dentice Johnson knew she wanted to be an engineer. As a child, she was fortunate to have visited Disney where her curiosity flourished. She saw employees at Disney and was inspired.

“I remember thinking, ‘I want to do that one day,’” Johnson said. “Even at five I was looking around and would notice stuff, like if they reformatted the line this way, we could get on the ride faster.”

Johnson’s love of math and science eventually led her to UW-Platteville to pursue a degree in industrial engineering. Johnson also chose UW-Platteville based on the positive experience of her two older sisters. While Johnson and her sisters knew that engineering was their passion, Johnson admits it wasn’t always easy.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s reputation as an affordable choice for high-quality education has been bolstered once again. Earlier this week, the online Master of Science in Project Management program was ranked as a Top 25 Best Value Online Graduate Programs for 2021 by Value Colleges. The ranking is based on the cost of the program and student-to-faculty ratios.

“We are pleased to be ranked with this group of quality programs,” said Program Director Bill Haskins.  “Our academic focus is on those aspects of project management practice that are key to project success, while still offering a broad range of relevant subject matter and management topics to round out the degree.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is hosting a new series titled Fireside Chats with Chancellor Dennis J. Shields where alumni from across the country can connect with the campus community. Throughout the next few months, Zoom events will be taking place in multiple states starting with Florida and Arizona on Friday, Jan. 29.

The Fireside Chats will feature an update from Chancellor Shields, plans for 2021 and an opportunity for alumni to ask questions. In past years, the alumni events in Florida and Arizona were in-person, but due to COVID-19 attendees will be meeting virtually this year.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces it will now award graduate-level credits for certificates earned through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

It's no secret that enrolling in a degree program takes commitment, both on a student's time and finances, but sometimes this structure may not be ideal for everyone. That's why the Continuing Education Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is proud to offer additional opportunities for professional growth with their Professional Pathway Certificate programs.

These certificates are created by professionals, for professionals—and can be completed in a matter of months. This gives learners just the edge they need in today's competitive market, minus the full degree program requirements.

"Our Professional Pathway certificates are for anyone looking to enhance their career, from seasoned experts to recent graduates," said Kerie Wedige, executive director of the Continuing Education Institute. "Each certificate is tailored with accessibility and affordability in mind, and we're happy to offer these resources to any wishing to continue their education."

Samantha (Rogers) Birkicht is currently in her fourth year as head volleyball coach for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.  Birkicht is no stranger to UW-Platteville. An Illinois native, she was one of the first cohorts to take advantage of the university’s Tri-State Initiative program. Birkicht graduated with a degree in physical education in 2009 and was an assistant coach from 2011-15 under Deb Schulman. When the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19, the Pioneers were coming off a 16-14 season that saw a seven-match win streak and a thrilling five-set victory over nationally ranked UW-Stevens Point. Birkicht lives in Madison with her husband and two young children.

When recruiting a potential student-athlete for the volleyball program, besides talent, what are you looking for in a future Pioneer?

University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Lavern Nall, a 1972 civil engineering graduate, will present at the final virtual event of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science Engineering Seminar Series on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Nall, who is the president of Strass Maguire and Associates, a civil and structural engineering consulting company in Mequon, Wisconsin, will discuss the topic of Protection of Buildings from the Construction of Milwaukee’s “Deep Tunnel.” Nall will draw on his nearly 50-year engineering career to highlight different aspects of large infrastructure from identification of building damages caused by tunnel construction to preconstruction inspections.

When Beth and Gary Goldberg graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1981, they had no idea their degrees in mining engineering would take them around the world.

“It was far beyond what we ever expected to do. We lived in England for two years and Australia for three years. It gave us a whole different perspective of the world,” said Gary. “At one point I visited 25 countries and their capital cities before I made it to Washington, D.C.”

“Sometimes we look at each other and say we are two kids from UW-Platteville,” said Beth. “We have lived all over; what an experience.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has partnered with the Career Leadership Collective, a higher education solutions group, to conduct a national online survey to collect career pathway data from alumni.

"The National Alumni Career Mobility Survey is an opportunity for alumni to share their unique experiences,” said Shelby Lang, UW-Platteville interim alumni relations manager. “It will help UW-Platteville continuously improve how we prepare students. We invite alumni who graduated in 2010 and 2015 to participate and give feedback on how experiences at UW-Platteville helped prepare them for their professional career journey."

Two-time University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduate and Criminal Justice Instructor Chris Polzer was named one of the university’s 2020 Distinguished Alumni. Recipients of the honor, which is presented by the Alumni Association, are chosen for their contributions to and recognition in their professions and communities, and continued engagement with the university.

Polzer earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1988 and his master’s degree in guidance and counseling in 1992. After more than 25 years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons—working in roles including Equal Employment Opportunity counselor, drug treatment specialist, certified hostage negotiator, and diversity management instructor—he retired and now teaches criminal justice online and in-person for UW-Platteville.

Throughout his career, Ryan Weigel has felt the influence of UW-Platteville. From the time he graduated as an animal science major, to his own role as an educator today, Weigel acknowledges the friends, family and mentors that have helped him along the way.

Early in his career, a recommendation from Jeff Dornink, who at the time was the manager of Pioneer Farm, helped him secure a job he loved with Bou Matic, a dairy equipment manufacturer out of Madison, Wisconsin. For several years, Weigel had the opportunity to travel the world as a product specialist for the company, covering much of North America and New Zealand. Later, when he was looking for a new opportunity, it was Dr. Michael Mee who gave him a lead that would change his life.

The Center for Distance Learning is proud to announce the 2020 winners of the Dawn Drake Excellence in Distance Education Scholarship, Gary Apperson Memorial Scholarship, and Ruth Miller Challenge Scholarship. The scholarships, which are awarded each year to students enrolled in distance education programs, were created to provide additional financial support for UW-Platteville students.

John Schaeffer’s love of learning has led him down a very unique academic path.  At the spry age of 79, he’s pursuing his fourth college degree, a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. It’s a university Schaeffer knows well. He has already earned a pair of bachelor’s degrees from UW-Platteville in biology and medical technology. He also received a master’s degree in microbiology from the University of Arizona.

But Schaeffer’s love of learning extends outside the classroom as well. After taking advantage of some of the classes offered through the UW-Platteville Confucius Institute, Schaeffer recently participated – and placed – in two different international video competitions for Ba Duan Jin, a popular traditional Chinese mind-body exercise.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science is hosting its third virtual event in the Engineering Seminar Series on Tuesday, Nov. 10, featuring alumna Lauren Ray, a 2001 civil engineering graduate, and Marc Ruden, both of IIW, P.C. Their presentation is titled Bee Branch Pumping Station: Solution to Aid the City of Dubuque’s Flooding Issues. Attendees will receive an inside look at what went into the planning and design of the project.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumni and friends celebrated Pioneers Day of Giving by raising $141,514 on Oct. 9. The university surpassed its goal with more than 290 donors.

“The outpouring of support from the UW-Platteville community was remarkable,” said Scott S. Baumgartner, chair of the UW-Platteville Foundation and 1972 UW-Platteville graduate. “The UW-Platteville Foundation is extremely grateful to all of our alumni, friends and corporate partners who made our 2020 Pioneers Day of Giving the best yet. Thank you for your generosity.”

The annual event is in honor of Founder’s Day and raises funds to support student success. Alumni and friends were able to stay virtually connected by following the UW-Platteville social media pages where updates were given throughout the day. The Pioneers Day of Giving set a goal of 241 donors, one for each of the 241 steps of the world’s largest M.

For more than 50 years, the Busby family has helped transform and enrich the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and greater Platteville community. From paving the way for UW-Platteville’s esteemed engineering programs to volunteering in the community and supporting students with scholarships, the Busby family – Edward and Lois, and their children John, Thomas and Paula (Latta) – have left their mark. To honor their family legacy, UW-Platteville will rename Engineering Hall to the Busby Hall of Engineering.

The Busby family moved from Madison, Wisconsin to Platteville in 1966, when Edward was hired as the dean of UW-Platteville’s College of Engineering. For the next 18 years, Edward played an instrumental role in the growth of the college, overseeing the process for the first ABET accreditation and the addition of mechanical, industrial and electrical engineering programs to the curriculum. He retired from UW-Platteville in 1988.

It’s an idea that has evolved since 2019 when four University of Wisconsin-Platteville engineering students and Dr. Gokul “Gopal” Gopalakrishnan, associate professor of engineering physics, discussed their passion for rock climbing and developed the first prototype of Skillzboard. The device won first place at the  2019 WiSys Innovation Showcase at the Wisconsin Science and Technology Symposium, and second place at the Prototype Hackathon. Today, Gopal; Brian Tuttle, a 2019 mechanical engineering major; Chloe Thomas, a 2019 mechanical engineering major; Bobby Hebel, a 2019 mechanical engineering major; and Seneida Biendarra, a 2020 industrial engineering major, are now partners and have started their own company.

Two recent University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumni, Kathryn Bartels and Dominique Kornely, have had their research work accepted for publication in academic journals. Both alumni are former participants of UW-Platteville’s Summer Undergraduate Scholars Program and credit the program for their success.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will celebrate 154 years since becoming an institution on Friday, Oct. 9. In honor of Founder’s Day, alumni and friends are invited to participate in the annual Pioneers Day of Giving. The all-day event raises funds to support student success.

“Pioneers Day of Giving is a special day for Pioneers near and far. It is a day they demonstrate their love for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville,” said Josh Boots, assistant vice chancellor for Development and Alumni Engagement. “They can give to the department that was influential to them, a scholarship that supported them through college or to the university’s greatest need. Our goal is 241 donors so every gift, large and small, will have an impact.”

The message to never give up is one that University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Greg Loek ’80 and his wife Kathy Rice share through their endowed Loek-Rice-Titus Family Engineering, Mathematics, and Science Scholarship. The renewable four-year scholarship is targeted to UW-Platteville students from Minnesota who have declared a major in the College of EMS. Both Loek and Rice, who have spent their careers as engineers, want to give students an opportunity to further their education.

“We want people who never thought they could do it, to trudge through and not give up,” said Loek. “Good things can happen with just pursuing.”

Loek earned an industrial engineering degree and credits UW-Platteville in preparing him for his nearly 40-year career in manufacturing engineering. Prior to retirement, Loek held management positions in both engineering and operations. He notes the scholarship is to show his appreciation to the university.

Remembered as an “individual more concerned with making a difference than making a fortune,” Teresa Kirkeeng-Kincaid ‘80 was a leader in the engineering field, respected as much for her care and compassion as for her expertise and drive. It is this legacy that her family hopes to see carry on through others with the Teresa Kirkeeng-Kincaid Memorial Scholarship for Women in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Teresa earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UW-Platteville and her master’s degree in water resource management from UW-Madison. She joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a civil engineer with the Rock Island District in 1981, where she worked for 26 years in roles that included the assistant chief of the Planning, Program and Project Management Division. Teresa passed away in 2007.

Teresa and her husband, John Kincaid ‘80, met as students at UW-Platteville.

Nancy Ware was one of the most visible citizens in Platteville, whether at sporting competitions, at the swimming pool or taking her dog out for a walk. It was only fitting that in her will, she ensured her impact would live on in the city for years to come.

Ware, who passed away Nov. 26, 2019 at age 61, set up six different scholarships to help UW-Platteville students in need.

“She used to tell me, ‘we need education, education and education,’” close friend Jill Ingersoll said. “I didn’t understand until she brought out these scholarships and showed me what she was doing. All I could say was, ‘Girl you are amazing!’”

A Platteville native, Ware worked at Lands’ End for more than 30 years. Because education was so important to her, she earned her degree as a non-traditional student from UW-Platteville in 1993, majoring in business administration.

When freshmen arrive at UW-Platteville every year, many of them notice the names attached to their financial aid statements. These loyal alumni of UW-Platteville have shown their commitment to the future of the school by funding scholarships for students much like themselves, just starting out on their careers. One of these generous Pioneers is James Bade, a Wisconsin native whose long career with Shell took him far from his hometown, state, and even country. Even after Bade’s death, his work continues to benefit students today. This is his story.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation is celebrating a new milestone, as it recently announced record fundraising for the 2020 fiscal year, which ended on June 30. UW-Platteville alumni, friends and corporate partners donated more than $4 million for the first time ever, exceeding the previous year’s total by $1 million.

Jeff Gard just finished his 11th season as head basketball coach of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Being in athletics was always Jeff’s dream and goal as a young man growing up in Cobb, Wisconsin. He was surrounded by coaches who helped mentor and guide him along the way, and coaching was his opportunity to stay in athletics. Jeff’s dad, Glen, was his first coach as a young boy, then he had a front row seat watching his older brother Greg ascend from a junior high basketball coach to Big Ten Coach of the year for the Wisconsin Badgers.  

"At a young age I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in athletics," Jeff said. "Once I saw my 40 time and vertical, I knew being a professional athlete was out of the question. Having our dad coach us growing up and having outstanding high school coaches in football, basketball and baseball, I was able to see firsthand how much of a positive impact a coach could make on the student-athlete's life."

If you are a mathematics major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, then odds are that some aspect of your life has been touched by either Bill or Jean Sanders. The pair taught at the university for a combined total of 56 years, and their shared love of mathematics helped inspire multiple generations of Platteville students to pursue careers in STEM. When the couple retired in 2000, they decided they weren’t done being Pioneers. By funding two scholarships, one for new freshmen and one for continuing mathematics students, the couple have ensured an ongoing impact on today’s Pioneers.

Two recent UW-Platteville graduates are pursuing their Ph.Ds. at the University of Texas at Dallas and contributing to a variety of projects that are significant to both the past and future.

Chelzy Belitz and Ava Brueggeman graduated from UW-Platteville in 2018, both with a major in electrical engineering and minor in computer science. Their research in UW-Platteville’s Pioneer Speech Signal Processing Laboratory introduced them to the study of digital signal processing and machine learning for speech-enabled technologies. While at UW-Platteville, they each completed an internship at UT Dallas’s Center for Robust Speech Systems, cementing their desire to continue studying this field after graduation.

Joshua Boots, assistant vice chancellor of development and alumni engagement at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, announced today that the UW-Platteville Foundation has received a $15,000 matching gift donation from an anonymous couple. This gift will match donations made to UW-Platteville’s $100,000 initiative in support of the Pioneers Helping Pioneers fund.

Created in 2019, Pioneers Helping Pioneers provides emergency financial support to students with unexpected expenses, outside of tuition. Since leaving campus to begin alternative delivery methods in mid-March due to COVID-19, more than 1,100 students have applied for support through the fund. The top four requests the fund has assisted with are housing, transportation, utilities and food.

Recent graduate Caleb Dykema is taking the experiences in innovation he found at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and inspiring others to achieve the same through his new podcast, Just the Bulb.

Dykema graduated in December 2019 with a degree in mechanical engineering and now works as a product engineer. As a student, he took full advantage of all of the resources offered at UW-Platteville to help students develop entrepreneurial ideas, particularly those offered in collaboration with WiSys, which honored him with the 2019 Carl E. Gulbrandsen Innovator of the Year Award.

During the COVID-19 crisis, University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumni who provide critical services and resources to those in need have risen to the challenge by adapting and innovating new ways of staying connected with their clients in ways that meet safer-at-home guidelines. To do so, they often draw upon their education and experiences at UW-Platteville.

One alumna who has found a different way to continue to serve her clients is Kayzia (Whiteaker) Teal, who earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a minor in sociology from UW-Platteville in May 2016, in three years. After earning a Master of Social Work from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, in May 2019, she returned to her hometown of Janesville, Wisconsin, to be closer to family.

When you ask Bill Huff what motivated him to give back to UW-Platteville, he likes to answer the question with a story. “As a veteran discharged in 1955, I was aware that education was a license for a better life,” Huff said.

He enrolled in the Wisconsin State College and Institute of Technology, a school students today would still be able to recognize through annual traditions like the lighting of the M. “My freshman year was very easy for me, so I was offered a job at Deere's in Dubuque, Iowa. It was my intent to work full time and carry 21 units in my second year,” Huff said.

But Huff’s ambitious plan backfired. “I was failing miserably after three weeks, so Professor Spradling told me to quit work and stay in school. Thank God for that advice,” he said.

Joshua Boots joined the University of Wisconsin-Platteville as the assistant vice chancellor for Development and Alumni Engagement last November. An Ely, Iowa native, he earned his undergraduate and MBA from Loras College, where he previously worked as the associate vice president for advancement. He now works with alumni and friends of UW-Platteville to connect them with the university and find ways they can make a difference.

How long have you worked in the field of development and fundraising? What drew you to a career in this field?

When University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Brett Timmerman first arrived at the university in August 2001, he was excited about beginning his college career. Despite his excitement, however, he also had some apprehension. First, he knew he was not a “straight-A” student, and he worried about not being successful academically. Second, based on painful experiences he had in the past, he worried about not being accepted for who he was, as he identified as gay.

He proceeded into uncertainty, never imagining that someday, he would become a successful realtor and political fundraiser.

Thanks to an outstanding education and supportive, caring professors and mentors throughout his tenure at UW-Platteville, Timmerman was able to find both acceptance and success. In May 2006, after five years of hard work and dedication to his studies, he earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration with an emphasis in sales and marketing from UW-Platteville.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many University of Wisconsin-Platteville students are finding themselves facing mounting financial challenges. But in a show of Pioneer spirit, many alumni, friends, faculty and staff have already stepped in to help. Created in 2019, the Pioneers Helping Pioneers fund provides emergency financial support to students with unexpected expenses, outside of tuition. When a call for assistance went out to alumni, friends, faculty and staff last week, more than $5,500 was raised for the fund in only a few days, with donations continuing to come in.

According to Laura Franklin, executive director for UW-Platteville’s Division of Diversity and Inclusion, this support can make a huge impact in a student’s ability to continue their education.

“The older you get the more you appreciate the opportunities you had at the university because you begin to see how fortunate you are to have attended UW-Platteville,” said Robert Bates ’70. Bates credits his educational experience at Wisconsin State University-Platteville in helping him create his civil engineering firm, Bates Engineering Inc., located in Denver, Colorado. Now, he’s making a long-term commitment to his alma mater through the endowed Bates Engineering Inc. scholarship.

“It’s important to pay it back and support UW-Platteville so the institution can continue to provide outstanding opportunities to learn and develop leaderships skills in engineering and civic areas,” Bates said. “It’s important to serve by being an example and lead so others can achieve success.”

From the time she was about nine years old, University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumna Winifred (Winnie) Redfearn knew that she wanted to be a history professor. Over the years, her love of history grew, and she realized that, more than anything, she wanted to open a window to the past and share the stories of those whose voices had never been heard.

In May 2019, Redfearn earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science with a minor in business administration from UW-Platteville. This degree not only enabled her to gain the knowledge, skills and experience she will need to attain that goal and excel in her field, it fueled a desire to continue her education. She is currently pursuing an M.A. and a Ph.D. in history at UW-Madison, studying United States history with a specialization in 19th century Native American and African American histories.

Family kindles early love of history

When you ask Dave Murphy to describe the goals of the UW-Platteville scholarship that bears his name, the recently-retired president of MSA Professional Services is typically modest. “I really hope that I made it easier on the students’ parents, on the families who are supporting them,” he said. “And I hope it makes a difference to the students.”

But when you begin to delve into Murphy’s career and life experience, you quickly discover that the civil engineer has blazed a trail that any Pioneer would be hard-pressed to follow—not least because if you follow in Dave Murphy’s footsteps, you had better grab a paddle. And some hiking boots. Oh, and a backpack, a sea kayak, a dogsled, a reinforced pickup truck capable of withstanding subzero temperatures, and some skis.

A longtime partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and Strand Associates was recently reaffirmed with a $200,000 commitment from the engineering firm, located in Madison, Wisconsin.

“The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is an important strategic partner for Strand Associates Inc.,” said Matt Richards, president and CEO of Strand Associates. “UW-Platteville graduates are well-educated and well-prepared, and have and will continue to play a large role in Strand’s growth.”

Strand Associates currently employs nearly 50 UW-Platteville alumni, including Richards, who graduated in 1991.

“Strand’s UW-Platteville graduates recognize the tremendous value of their education and are honored to be able to give back and share their success,” said Richards. “We wish continued prosperity for UW-Platteville as it embarks on the construction of Sesquicentennial Hall.”

“I went to undergrad more or less for free. It has always been very important to me to pay that back,” said UW-Platteville alumna Jill Furman ’03. “There were so many different scholarships and work experience opportunities the university helped me find that paid for my education.”

Following graduation, Furman earned her master’s degree in electrical engineering from UW-Madison and with her first pay check out of graduate school she created the Jill Pamperin and Miles Hill “Lab Rat” Scholarship.

“I wanted to reverse-payback my student loans,” she said. “UW-Platteville is a great university with a good ethic, hands-on work, and having teachers there to support. My training at Platteville really made a difference in my career.”

A recent $143,000 gift from the family of Robert “Bob” and James Wright will enhance opportunities offered at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Wright Center for Non-Traditional and Veteran Students. The center, which opened in 2014, was named for the brothers after James raised a significant gift for the center. The Wright Center provides support and resources to veteran and non-traditional students, helping them feel more connected to campus and achieve their educational goals.

“Bob and I were both very grateful to UW-Platteville,” said James. “We were veterans and first-generation college graduates.”

As the oldest of four siblings, alumna Sydney Groen ’17 has in many ways always been a teacher. Her strong sense of family and home is one of the reasons why Groen lives and teaches in the rural village of Warren, Illinois, where she specializes in Agriculture Education.

Groen teaches a wide range of ages from middle school through high school for the Warren School District, teaching plant science, animal science, and ag science among other courses. She is also the first person to run their new greenhouse and volunteers at an FFA Advisor. Recently, she wrote and received a grant from the Warren FFA Alumni for an activity bus because in a rural district, the ability to travel is essential to learning.

In the summer of 2015, Donovan Nathaniel made the two- and half-hour drive from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to embark on his academic and athletic career for the Pioneers.  

“The football team led me to UW-Platteville. Once I came on my visit and met the staff, I knew this would be my home for the next four to five years. I am a big family guy, so only being two- and half-hours from home served as a plus,” Nathaniel said.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumna Beth (Martin) Digman, recently received some very exciting news: her pottery business, Prairie Hills Pottery, will be featured in this year’s Etsy holiday advertising campaign.

The commercial, which highlights one of Digman’s handwritten recipe plates, will air nationwide on cable television and streaming platforms, including Hulu, Nov. 1-Dec. 12. It also will likely run during “Making It,” an Etsy-sponsored show co-hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, which will air on NBC in December.

Prairie Hills Pottery creates custom ceramics with personalized images by restoring handwritten recipes, letters and invitations and transferring them onto food-safe, oven-safe and hand-washable dishes. The pieces are often used for weddings, birthdays, housewarmings and holidays.

When University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumna Sakara Wages walked across the stage and accepted her diploma at the university’s graduation ceremony in May 2017, she felt pride in her accomplishments and excitement for the future.

After four years of rigorous coursework, research and hands-on learning experiences in general studies, psychology and political science at UW-Platteville, the Chicago, Illinois native and graduate of Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy in Chicago attained one of her primary educational goals: to earn a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a minor in political science.

That day, as the student speaker of the College of Liberal Arts and Education’s graduation ceremony, Wages also inspired her fellow graduates and other audience members with a speech that focused on how UW-Platteville provides diverse opportunities that prepare graduates to capitalize on any once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that may cross their paths.

Higher education has been a significant part of Jon and Dr. Tori Erickson’s lives, and their recently announced planned gift to support University of Wisconsin-Platteville scholarships will help ensure it is also a part of the lives of future generations of Pioneers. Their estate gift is among the largest bequests the university has ever received. The Ericksons were honored during the Homecoming celebration this past weekend.

"I have gotten to know Tori and Jon Erickson over the years, and I am so impressed with them and their commitment to education and to UW-Platteville," Chancellor Dennis J. Shields said. "They are a remarkable couple who have engaged this campus in a number of ways. Their gift is an extension of that commitment."

There are moments in life when a decision to explore something new turns out to be life-changing, both personally and professionally.

This was the case for University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Nicholas Drott (‘19) of Medford, Wisconsin, when he made the decision to enroll in the Victimology and Restorative Justice course, taught by Dr. Amy Nemmetz, associate professor of criminal justice at UW-Platteville, his sophomore year.

In the course, Drott, a criminal justice major, learned about restorative justice, a theory of justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior. He also learned about the needs victims and survivors may have following a victimization.

“The knowledge I gained about restorative justice greatly impacted me and my future,” said Drott. “After learning and embracing restorative justice practices, I changed my career path so I could continue to use the same practices on a daily basis.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will honor its 2019 Distinguished and Outstanding Alumni Award recipients at the University Awards and Recognition Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 18 at 4:30 p.m. in Nohr Gallery, Ullsvik Hall. The ceremony is part of the university’s annual Homecoming celebration weekend.

The awards acknowledge individuals who have demonstrated career success. Distinguished alumni awards are for those individuals who have demonstrated contributions to the university, their profession and their community, while outstanding alumni are for those who graduated within the last 15 years.

Recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award are Dr. Larry Tranel, Dr. Michael Retallik, Nancy Quirk, Dr. Orlyn Edge and Kenneth Washburn. Recipients of the Outstanding Alumni Award are Korrin Schriver and Chelsea Bongert.

“I’m capable of doing anything,” said University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumna Lisa Karau ’16. “I’m there not only to challenge myself, but to show others that anything is possible.”

Karau is breaking down barriers as she becomes the fourth woman in Wisconsin to lead a high school boys basketball program. She will embark on her first season as the Ashland boys varsity coach in the 2019-20 school year while also teaching elementary physical education.

Prior to her new position at Ashland, Karau was the head varsity coach for the Tomahawk girls basketball team the past two seasons. “Coaching has always been a really big passion of mine and to be given the opportunity to be the head boys coach was an awesome feeling,” she said.

If you put Dayne Friday, Revalu Ronnfeldt, Hannah Frank and Tara Reber in a room together, you might be forgiven for assuming the four didn’t have much in common.

Friday, a football player for the UW-Platteville Pioneers, balances a schedule crowded with math classes and team workouts. Ronnfeldt, who hails from tiny La Farge, Wisconsin, has taken advantage of the many societies UW-Platteville has to offer by joining the International Club, Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma. Frank has a musical bent: depending on the time of year, the junior can be found in symphony, marching band, and pep band. And Reber has found her niche in nature, joining both the Outdoor Adventure Club and the Green Campus Project.

As June Dairy Month comes to a close, University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumna Charitee Seebecker ’18 received the opportunity to share her passion of agriculture and represent her home state in the National Miss United States Agriculture Queen pageant in Orlando, Florida.

Seebecker, a native of Mauston, Wisconsin, graduated with a degree in agriculture business. In 2018 she was crowned Wisconsin Ms. United States Agriculture. Seebecker is an advocate of the agricultural industry and uses her platform to raise awareness about the importance of farmers. “We need to invest in the youth, invest in agriculture and invest in the future,” she said.

You were crowned Wisconsin Ms. United States Agriculture in 2018 and participated in the National Miss United States Agriculture Queen pageant from June 21-22 in Orlando, Florida. Can you describe your experience?

Sergio Romero lives and works two hours from Platteville in Delavan, Wisconsin, but he has managed to maintain a strong tie to the campus community as an alumnus and to the online community as a current student within the M.S. of Organizational Change Leadership program.

Romero originally came to UW-Platteville to pursue engineering, but then began to explore computer science. When he found himself reading lines of code late into the night, he changed his plans. Friends in the industrial tech program then persuaded him to combine his interest with a B.S. in Industrial Technology Management.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Charlie Schoenberg '18 was initially drawn to the field of education because he wanted to walk in the footsteps of the amazing educators who had challenged him to think, grow and reflect as a learner. He never imagined, however, that someday, he would be a member of a living and learning community in southeast China, at a foreign language school that hosts more than 3,000 students and teachers from six countries.

Schoenberg, a Roscoe, Illinois native, earned a Bachelor of Arts in secondary social studies education with an emphasis in history from UW-Platteville in May 2018. Soon after he graduated, he accepted a position as a social studies teacher and student academic mentor at Guangwai-Pacelli High School, an international pathway school in Fuwan, Guangdong, a coastal province nestled in southeast China.

When University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Jason Weitenhiller had Raine Voigts as a student in his second-grade classroom his first year of teaching at Belmont (Wis.) Elementary School in 2005, he had no idea he would be inspiring a future teacher. He also didn’t know that throughout the next 14 years, their paths would cross several times, most recently this spring, in a classroom at Westview Elementary School in Platteville.

Thanks to a practicum course offered by the university’s School of Education, Weitenhiller, now a fourth-grade teacher at Westview, and Voigts, now a junior elementary education major at UW-Platteville, have once again found themselves in the same classroom. This time, however, Voigts is the teacher, and for an hour each day, three days per week, he teaches science and social studies to 23 students in Weitenhiller’s classroom.

Dr. Michael O’Connor, a 2006 graduate of the Master of Science in Project Management program, was recognized at UW-Platteville’s 2018 Homecoming as an Outstanding Alumni. The award honors alumni who contribute to and are recognized in their profession and community, and who are engaged with the university.

O’Connor is the Director Strategy and Project Management at Medtronic, Corporate Science & Technology and Innovation organization where he has worked for over 16 years. He was recently recognized with the 2018 Hamdan bin Mohammed Award for Innovation Project Management, 2018 Dr. Richard S. Alberg Distinguished Science and Technology Professional Award for his outstanding leadership in the development of medical device products, and 2017 Project Management Institute’s Educational Foundation Kerzner Award for Excellence in Project Management.

Five University of Wisconsin-Platteville students and an alumnus gained hands-on coaching experience with individuals with varying abilities by helping coach 30 members of three Platteville Special Olympics basketball teams, including two adult teams and one youth team.

The teams’ weekly practices, all held at Westview Elementary School in Platteville, were led by the students and UW-Platteville alumnus Doug Bradley, who graduated this past December with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance with an emphasis in physical education, a minor in health education and a concentration in adapted physical education. Bradley is a Class A volunteer and certified coach through Special Olympics. 

Ever since Michael Sullivan took a high school history class, he has been passionate about education. After earning his Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Sullivan taught Global Politics and American National Government at UW-Milwaukee and Milwaukee Area Technical College. He then spent two decades working in leadership development and change management for Fortune 100 companies. 

On the surface it may seem like a surprising career path; however, all of his roles have been closely tied to education and helping others improve.  

“I trained in leadership and performance development in the professional sphere. Starting as a team member and working into consulting and leadership roles, I’ve been involved in change management through mergers, downsizing, and culture changes. I love teaching. It has always been a part of my work,” Sullivan said.