For additional information, contact Teresa Satori, Director of University Relations, at 920-683-4713, or by email at teresa.satori@uwc.edu.
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UW-Manitowoc Lakeshore Wind Ensemble to mark sister city anniversary with trip to Japan
The University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc Lakeshore Wind Ensemble (LWE) is busy making final adjustments to its Japan trip itinerary. The former mayor of Kamogawa, Toshio Honda, invited the LWE to return as part of the 20th anniversary celebration of Manitowoc’s sister city relationship with Kamogawa. Approximately 35 musicians are expected to participate in the trip which departs for Japan on June 13 and returns June 20.
Several performances are scheduled including two joint performances: one with the Wind Instruments Orchestra of Kamogawa, and the other with the Kamogawa Junior Chorus. The LWE will also make a repeat appearance at Tokyo Disneyland, where they first performed during their 1995 trip.
Arrangements are being made for the 15 LWE members who are also music educators/teachers to meet with Japanese musicians and directors. They hope to observe and interact with Kamogawa educators and music students. Professor Arendt will also have the opportunity to conduct the Kamogawa Wind Orchestra.
A special exchange of gifts is being planned; The Wind Instrument Orchestra of Kamogawa will present the LWE with a musical score entitled, "Tohoku Region Folksong Collage" upon their arrival to Kamogawa. LWE will, in return, present a score to "The Home of the Great Spirit" by Daniel Mitchell, a piece commissioned for the LWE 25th Anniversary.
In addition to performing, the group will tour several sites including: Tanjoji, Tai no Ura Bay, Kamogawa Oyama Terraced Rice Fields, Minnami no Sato, and Kamogawa Seaworld. Members will also participate in a Japanese Culture Exchange Tea Ceremony.
The LWE will highlight some of the music performed in Japan at its summer concert in Two Rivers on July 28th.
UW-Manitowoc students recently had the opportunity to showcase their undergraduate research at two different events. Linsday Brookshier of Manitowoc participated in the tenth annual “Posters in the Rotunda: A Celebration of Undergraduate Research,” and Ethan Poling, Elizabeth Binversie, Hailey Rogala, Anna Sonnenberg, Josh Laurin, Lauren Kieffer, Allison Yang, Bao Vang, and Alec Hunn participated in the 27th annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR).
Brookshier, a sophomore, joined 150 UW System undergraduate students at the Capitol Rotunda in Madison and shared her original research findings with legislators, state leaders, UW alumni and supporters. Under the direction of Jessica Van Slooten, assistant professor of English and women’s studies, Brookshier, of Manitowoc, presented “The Silence of Women in the 19th Century: Uncle Tom's Cabin and The Cult of True Womanhood.” She used feminist literary analysis to explore the connections between the silence of women and the Cult of True Womanhood in the novel Uncle Tom's Cabin authored by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Stowe’s book illustrates how giving women power in the household was a way of keeping them subservient and under control. She also explored Stowe’s personal history and life to discover the political motivations for her writing and her connections to modern day feminism.
The UW-Manitowoc campus had three research projects showcased at the NCUR event held in LaCrosse. The student researchers were among a record-setting 3,000 students and their faculty mentors from across the country who attended. The conference promotes high-quality student-faculty collaborative undergraduate research and scholarship in all fields of study. The UW-Manitowoc students were all under the direction of Rebecca Abler and Richard Hein, associate professors of biological sciences.
Poling, a sophomore from Manitowoc, presented “Water Quality Monitoring of Centerville Creek in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin.” Centerville Creek was once home to a historical mill pond in the village of Cleveland, created by damming the creek. After the removal of the mill pond dam, decades of backed up sediment was left behind impacting water quality within the mill pond area, negatively affecting the creek’s water quality and aquatic life. Baseline water quality data was collected in summer 2011, and restoration of Centerville Creek began in summer 2012. Poling’s research chronicles the physical, chemical, and biological parameters of Centerville Creek throughout the project. As the restoration process proceeds through the collaborative efforts of the UW-Manitowoc biology department with the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership and Friends of Hika Bay, data collection will continue in order to monitor how changes have benefitted the creek and to assist in further restoration and management decisions.
Sonnenberg (sophomore, Manitowoc), Laurin (sophomore, Manitowoc), Kieffer (sophomore, Neenah), Yang (freshman, Manitowoc), Vang (freshman, Manitowoc) and Hunn (freshman, Whitelaw), presented “Potential Impacts of Soil Phosphorus on a Newly Restored Creek in Manitowoc County, WI.” This research expands the recent research related to water quality at Centerville Creek by quantifying phosphorus in soil samples, specifically from the tons of sediment that was removed from the Centerville Creek area. The group focused on potential sources of runoff and nutrient contamination from the sediment surrounding the stream, which can eventually reach the tributaries of Lake Michigan. Many nutrients may contribute to excessive algae growth, especially phosphorus, and preliminary results showed high levels of available phosphorus in restoration sediments. Ongoing assessment of soil nutrients and leaf pack communities will be conducted to further understand the transfer of total available phosphorus to soluble reactive phosphorus from the watershed to Centerville Creek and Hika Bay.
Binversie (sophomore, Kiel) and Rogala (sophomore, Manitowoc) presented “Stream Monitoring of Point, Fischer, Pine, and Calvin Creeks in Southern Manitowoc County, WI.” While water quality research at UW-Manitowoc began in 2010 with the monitoring of Centerville Creek, the research was expanded in 2012 to include additional creeks that flow into Lake Michigan in Southern Manitowoc County. The addition of Point, Fischer, Pine, and Calvin Creeks in the project provides additional data from these watersheds which can be used by managers and community-based groups throughout Manitowoc County. The objective of this project was to collect water quality data by taking weekly samples of physical, nutrient, and biological parameters of the creeks. The main focus of the research is to understand the ecology and health of the creeks and how this impacts Lake Michigan. Trends have been identified and plans have been made to continue the project for several sampling seasons to gain a better understanding of the behavior and health of these creeks and their relation to Lake Michigan.
The University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc is holding a Degree Fair for students, prospective students, and community members who are interested in learning more about post-secondary opportunities on Tuesday, May 7 from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m. This event is open to the public and is being held on the UW-Manitowoc campus, 705 Viebahn Street, in the Lakeside Hall Commons.
Representatives and advisors from the following universities and colleges will be available to discuss the various degrees, transfer options, and collaborative partnerships they offer: UW-Milwaukee, UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Stout, UW-Superior, Silver Lake College, Lakeland College and Marian University. UW-Manitowoc will have information available about its Evening Degree Program.
For more information, call the Student Services Office at 920-683-4707, or e-mail lana.roever@uwc.edu.
The University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc Chorus under the direction of Rosemary Walzer, associate lecturer of music, will perform a spring concert on May 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the University Theatre. Repertoire will include Gjeilo's "Northern Lights," Brunner's "Yo Le Canto Todo El Dia," and Whitacre's "Five Hebrew Love Songs" featuring guest violinist Becky Schultz.
General admission is $5.00 at the door and is free for children under 12 and UW-Manitowoc students.
The University Theatre is located in Lakeside Hall at UW-Manitowoc, 705 Viebahn Street, Manitowoc. For additional information, call 920-683-4700 or visit www.uwmanitowoc.uwc.edu.
The University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc invites the community to attend its 11th annual presentation of “Cool Chemistry” on Thursday, May 2nd in the University Theatre located in Lakeside Hall.
UW-Manitowoc chemistry students will be performing and describing fascinating, attention-grabbing experiments including: explosions, magical color changes, at-home lava lamps, witch’s brew, dragon’s breath, homemade bouncy balls, soda fountains, glowing ice, and more! Children can get a chance to help with some of the demonstrations by picking up a free ticket at the door.
In order to accommodate historically large crowds for this event, two shows will be presented this year. Families with children ages eight and under are invited to attend the 4:30 p.m. show, and those with children ages nine and older are invited to the 6:30 p.m. show. Only the first 350 people will be admitted to each show and families are asked to only attend one show. Doors will open 45 minutes prior to each show. The shows last 45 to 60 minutes and there will be an opportunity for kids to make their own “slime” afterwards.
This free event is organized by Dr. Amy Kabrhel and Dr. Caroline Geary, associate professors of chemistry. For more information, contact Kabrhel at 920-683-2746, or e-mail amy.kabrhel@uwc.edu.
On Friday, May 3, the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc Lecture and Fine Arts committee will present Tangled up in Blue at 7:30 p.m. in the campus’ University Theatre. Tangled Up In Blue is UW-Madison's premier all-female a cappella group.
The group is celebrating its 14th year on the Madison campus and has five CDs available: Hole in the Roof, Unraveled, The Blue Book, Grounded, and The Mixtape. Two of the 19 members have local connections: Abbie Lee is a Manitowoc native and Ali Bernards is from Neenah.
Tickets are available for $5 in advance from the Administrative Services Office, or at the door. UW-Manitowoc students can attend for free.
For more information, visit the group’s web site at www.tuibacappella.com or call UW-Manitowoc at 920-683-4700.
The Continuing Education department at UW-Manitowoc is offering a food tasting and cultural walking tour of the Bucktown/Wicker Park area of Chicago on Thursday, May 16.
The tour will include an insider’s view of gourmet “hotspots” in the historic, culturally rich, art-filled streets of the Bucktown and Wicker Park neighborhoods. Food venues on the tour include: George’s Hot Dogs, Hot Chocolate, Goddess & Grocer, Sultan’s Market, Piece, and iCream. After the tour, there will be time for shopping and exploration on your own.
The tour includes a lot of walking, but all fitness levels are welcome. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Tour will take place rain or shine.
The tour fee is $109, which includes all food tastings, the tour and transportation. The tour will depart from the UW-Manitowoc parking lot at 7:15 a.m. and return at approximately 9:30 p.m. The group size is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
For more information, contact Suzanne Lawrence, Director of Continuing Education at UW-Manitowoc, at 920-683-4702.
Thirty-five University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc students were inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society on Tuesday, March 12, 2013. Officers conducted the ceremony following a speech by Dr. Brian Murphy, associate professor of mathematics.
Phi Theta Kappa is the only internationally acclaimed honor society serving two-year colleges offering associate degree programs. Membership is extended by invitation only, and to be considered for membership, a student must pass stringent academic requirements, be of good moral character and possess recognized qualities of citizenship. In return, the students become members of an elite society that is known world-wide for its scholarship.
Phi Theta Kappa provides members with opportunities for leadership, fellowship and service as well as an intellectual climate for continued academic excellence. Local members are involved in fund-raising efforts for scholarships, highway cleanup and aid to local charities.
The society began in 1918 and now has more than 850 chapters in the United States and abroad. UW-Manitowoc was chartered as the Alpha Sigma Lambda chapter of Phi Theta Kappa in December of 1990. Academic excellence is the primary hallmark of Phi Theta Kappa.
Inductees: Tori Anschutz, Christiana Bartelme, Tracy Bouc, Marissa Kohlbeck, Minda Kohlbeck, Lacey Duckart, Chelsea Rank, Karissa Leifer, Traci Tuma, Haley Groelle, Melinda Beloin, Kyla Dvorak, Andra Fechner, David Thor, Daniel Chin, Brittani Jaeger, Jason Ebert, Derek Schleis, Tanner Basken, Aaron Erdmann, Sarah Ording, Jessica Jurgens, Bridget Constantine, Jared Koch, Laura Rozeboom, Krista Fogltanz, Justin Thimmesch, Jalil Ghorbani, Joel Taipale, Logan Wood, Joseph Griesbach, Joshua Hill, Joshua Thompson, Brennan Dufek, Sarah Yoder
Several players from the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc Blue Devil basketball teams recently received honors at the conclusion of their competitive seasons.
For the women's Blue Devils, freshman forward Erin Dittmar, a Manitowoc Lutheran graduate, received All Conference Honorable Mention recognition from the Wisconsin Collegiate Conference (WCC) Eastern Division. She averaged 15.1 points per game and led the conference with 15.2 rebounds per game. The women’s team finished the season with a 6-14 win-loss record.
Two players from the men’s team were honored by the WCC Eastern Division. Xavier Fletcher was given First Team honors and Tevin Taylor was given Second Team honors. Fletcher is a freshman forward from Clintonville who led the conference in scoring (25.4 points per game), rebounds (13.5 per game), and steals (4.6 per game). Taylor is a freshman forward from Green Bay who was second in the conference in scoring (24.7 points per game) and third in three-point field-goal percentage (48%). The men’s team finished as runners up in the WCC Championship game. Their season win-loss record was 9-3.
Michael J. Arendt, Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc, has announced his intent to resign as conductor of the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble (LWE) and Lakeshore Big Band (LBB) when the 2013-2014 concert season concludes in May 2014.
“For decades, Professor Arendt has personified music at UW-Manitowoc and throughout the Manitowoc region and beyond,” says Charles Clark, Campus Executive Officer/Dean. “We have been fortunate that he has continued as conductor and director of the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble and the Lakeshore Big Band, as well as an instructor at UW-Manitowoc, since his retirement as Professor of Music several years ago. I am very happy for Mike and our community that he will lead the LWE to its 30th anniversary.”
Arendt retired from teaching after 35 years in May 2006, but has continued to lead the LWE and LBB, groups he founded in 1983 and 1990 respectively.
Richard Hein and Rebecca Abler, associate professors of biological sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc, were both recently recognized with the Arthur M. Kaplan Award for their exceptional contributions to the campus.
They were honored for their collaborative work with the National Science Foundation (NSF) Portals of Discovery Grant, their creek and beach sampling projects, and various student research initiatives. It was noted in their nomination letter that Abler and Hein “consistently look for and find ways in which their students can work with them as colleagues, thereby gaining applied research experience that is second to none in the UW System.”
“Professors Abler and Hein personify team work, which is so essential at our two-year campuses in the UW System,” says Charles Clark, UW-Manitowoc Campus Executive Officer/Dean. “The grants and partnerships Professors Abler and Hein jointly developed and the ways they integrate students into research have helped shape our campus identity. Their work with students and non-profit organizations in Manitowoc County promotes the Wisconsin Idea of bringing the university into the community.”
The Kaplan Award is given annually to faculty or staff members nominated by their campuses to the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Colleges. The award was established to recognize faculty and academic staff who have made significant innovative improvements in instruction or in service to students. It recognizes the positive spirit in which Vice Chancellor and Provost Emeritus Arthur M. Kaplan contributed to the enhancement of education in the UW Colleges during his tenure. The UW-Manitowoc Foundation, Inc. matches the award allocated by the UW Colleges.
A recent donation to the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc Foundation, Inc. will benefit the campus’ art department and its students. The $10,000 donation from Milton and Bess Schwartz will be used to fund art student scholarships, as well as art department equipment needs.
The Schwartzes are avid supporters of the visual arts in the community, as well as leaders in the business community as owners of the Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry. Having previously endowed an art scholarship at Lincoln High School, their donation to UW-Manitowoc further extends their support to post-secondary art education in the community.
According to Berel Lutsky, associate professor of art, the gift serves as both a recruiting tool for the art department and a funding tool for equipment needs not met through annual budgets. “Half will be used to underwrite an annual scholarship for an incoming student, while the rest will be used as needed to replace or update equipment,” says Lutsky. The department’s immediate needs include a digital printer in the campus' imaging lab, and two large brayers for the printmaking lab.
Charles Clark, Campus Dean and CEO, is also appreciative. “I am personally grateful to the Schwartz family for their generous gift. Not only does it support the visual arts at UW-Manitowoc, but it also is a very strong statement of support for higher education in Manitowoc County from prominent members of the local business community. Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz have been leaders in our community for many years and this gift is another manifestation of their leadership. We are very fortunate that they take such an interest in the success of our students at UW-Manitowoc.”
One-hundred four students at the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc have been named to the Dean’s List for academic achievements during the fall semester of 2012.
Eighty-six students on the honor list carried a minimum of 12 credits, the minimum to be considered full-time, and earned grade point averages ranging from 3.50 to 4.00 (on a 4.0 scale).
HIGHEST HONORS - perfect grade point average of 4.00.
Manitowoc: Victoria Backhaus, Bridget Constantine, Kimberly Duncan, Jalil Ghorbani, Claire Krummel, Courtney Langley, Justine Olson, Renee Troullier, Bao Vang, Thida Yang
Two Rivers: LeAnne Loveless, Sam Macmillin
Kiel: Elizabeth Binversie, Jennifer Tollefson
Newton: Jade Arneson
Kewaunee: Mark Wyatt, Jr.
HIGH HONORS - grade point average between 3.75 and 3.99.
Manitowoc: Dionne Bruns, Brendan Cleary, Brennan Dufek, Aaron Erdmann, Andra Fechner, Krista Fogltanz, James Grenmore, Jr., Lindsay Hansen, Joshua Hill, Kayla Kmiecik, Jared Koch, Marissa Kohlbeck, Joshua Laurin, Nicole Nechodomu, Chelsea Rank, Carly Schisel, Samantha Skrove, Jenna Smogoleski, Anna Sonnenburg, Joshua Thompson, Allison Yang
Two Rivers: Laura Bitter, Haley Groelle, Adam Kimmes, Hunter Morrow, David Thor, Traci Tuma
Crivitz: Logan Schuetze
Denmark: Taylor Rabenhorst, Alyssa Wagner
Kiel: Marchie Ventura
Mishicot: Ursula Fisher
St. Nazianz: Steven Clark
Valders: Abby Brucker, Jason Ebert, Stephanie Stenzel
Whitelaw: Brianna Shoulak
HONORS - grade point average between 3.50 and 3.74.
Manitowoc: Christina Bartelme, Tabitha Bergner, Dylan Copeskey, Matthew Eckman, Jonathan Free, Brian Holsen, Matthew Honzik, Costner Kaminski, Michael Karbon, Karissa Leifer, Kari Luebke, Rebecca Mleziva, Arika Monka, Sarah Ording, Derek Schleis, Brian Thor, Maggie Turek, Logan Wood
Two Rivers: Tanner Basken, Zer Her, Stephanie Jagemann, Kristy Pinchard
Greenleaf: Brittany Brick
Maribel: Lacey Duckart
Mishicot: Kyla Dvorak, Megan Hlinak, Brittani Jaeger, Jennifer Maule
Reedsburg: Andrea Zahn
Reedsville: Mallary Schenian
Valders: Laura Rozeboom
Whitelaw: Ryan Peterson, Rachel Schulz
Eighteen students who attend UW-Manitowoc on a part-time basis (less than 12 credits) qualified for the Dean’s List. Part-time students must also carry a cumulative grade-point average above 3.5 and have earned at least 15 credits to be named to the Dean’s List.
HIGHEST HONORS
Manitowoc: John Hastreiter, Katherine Holzinger, Daniel Nessman
Two Rivers: Carla Halvorson
Grafton: Melinda Beloin
Sheboygan: Kayla Engelhardt
HIGH HONORS
Manitowoc: Lindsay Brookshier, Brian Hahn, Catherine Jagemann, Courtney Mueller-Krouse, Amber Schalk, Zachary Shariff
Two Rivers: Kayla Oetting
Saint Nazianz: Heidi Satori
HONORS
Manitowoc: Kiara Grawien, Joseph Griesbach, Laura Kryzenske,
Two Rivers: Philip Olp
Students at the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc will be able to participate in the UW System Flexible Option degree program announced today by University of Wisconsin System President Kevin P. Reilly, according to Charles Clark, campus executive officer and dean.
“As a campus of the University of the Wisconsin Colleges, UW- Manitowoc is excited to participate in the UW System’s Flexible Option,” Clark said. “The Flexible Option is primarily designed to serve adults who want to obtain a college degree. Increasing the number of college graduates will strengthen our local economy by meeting the needs of employers for qualified employees.”
UW Colleges will provide general education, liberal arts freshman and sophomore level offerings that will be available in a competency-based, self-paced format as early as fall 2013. Students will be able to complete competencies and assessments in biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics, psychology, health, exercise science and athletics, women’s studies, business, political science, English, Spanish, geography, anthropology and sociology, history, art, and music. The UW Collegeswill work to providethe Associate of Arts and Science degree via the UW Flexible Option.
For more information about the UW Flexible Option, visit http://www.flex.wisconsin.edu/
UW- Manitowoc is a campus of the University of Wisconsin Colleges, the UW System’s network of 13 freshman/sophomore campuses. Through traditional instruction and UW Colleges Online, students can earn an Associate of Arts and Science degree and transfer to any baccalaureate and professional program at a four-year UW campus.
The Lakeshore Wind Ensemble Association (LWEA) recently made a $10,000 donation to the UW-Manitowoc Foundation designated for the support of the Beatrice and Matthew Arendt Talentship program. The donation was made possible after a generous gift was made to the LWEA from the Margaret Luisier Trust in memory of her parents Charles (Cy) and Florence Urbanek. The LWEA Endowment committee decided to allocate a portion of that donation for talentships.
“One of the primary roles of the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble Association and its relationship to UW-Manitowoc has been its educational mission,” says Michael Arendt, conductor and music director of the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble. “I’m thrilled that, as a result of the Luisier bequest, we are able to contribute a significant gift to the UW-Manitowoc Foundation in order to support our LWE Talentship program.”
Charles Clark, Campus Dean and CEO, is also appreciative. “This is a wonderful example of the strong community-campus partnership that exists between the LWE Association and UW-Manitowoc.”
The Beatrice and Matthew Arendt Talentship program was established in 1988 through the UW-Manitowoc Foundation, Inc. and the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble Association. These cash awards recognize excellence in music performance on the part of individual students at UW-Manitowoc. To apply, students must be enrolled in the LWE, maintain a minimum grade point average and perform an audition solo.
To date, 128 talentship recipients have been awarded more than $25,000. Currently, recipients each receive $400.
LAKESHORE NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERSHIP RECEIVES 2012
‘WISCONSIN IDEA’ AWARD
Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP), a regional non-profit organization, is the recipient of the 2012 Wisconsin Idea Award from the University of Wisconsin Colleges and UW-Extension. UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor Ray Cross presented the award at the institutions’ Chancellor’s Awards Reception, September 20, in Madison. The annual Chancellor’s Awards recognize UW Colleges and UW-Extension partners, supporters and employees for their outstanding contributions to the quality of life in Wisconsin.
In giving the award, Cross praised Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership and Friends of Hika Bay for bringing together the community and the university in the common goal of improving and protecting the water quality in northeastern Wisconsin.
LNRP and its partnering citizen’s group, the Friends of Hika Bay, were nominated by UW-Manitowoc Campus Executive Officer and Dean, Dr. Charles Clark, for their “ongoing partnership and collaboration with university campuses and governmental agencies to provide students with a life-enhancing opportunity to get boots-on-the-ground, in-the-field experience in the biological sciences.”
“The Wisconsin Idea emphasizes collaboration and extending the expertise of the University of Wisconsin beyond campus borders,” Dr. Clark said. “This unique partnership among LNRP, Friends of Hika Bay, and UW campuses provides a model to improve our local habitat and society. The Award is a testament to the vision and energy of LNRP Executive Director Dr. Jim Kettler, Friends of Hika Bay Water Quality Chair Russ Tooley, and Village of Cleveland President Cindy Huhn to engage our biological science faculty and students with field trips and internships in water quality sampling and monitoring, bird tracking, and projects related to remediation of Centerville Creek, Hika Bay and Fischer Creek.
“Dr. Kettler and Russ Tooley have worked closely with UW-Manitowoc’s Dr. Rebecca Abler and Dr. Richard Hein, professors of biological sciences, who wrote letters of support,” Dr. Clark added.
Additionally, LNRP engaged previously during two semesters with UW-Madison Landscape Architecture students to re-design Hika Bay Park. Horticulture Department students at Lakeshore Technical College, Cleveland Campus, are involved in selecting, replanting and monitoring invasive plant species at Hika Bay as well.
LNRP’s Jim Kettler said, “We are deeply honored to be receiving such special recognition with this Award. It really goes to all the people who’ve been involved with us these last few years – residents, academia, Village trustees, and the students themselves.”
The Wisconsin Idea Award honors individuals or organizations outside the UW (System) that have made significant contributions to society; the economy; the environment or the quality of life at the local, state, national or international level through involvement with the UW Colleges or UW-Extension.
The University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc, in its ongoing commitment to energy efficiency on campus, has initiated a partnership with Honeywell to perform an in-depth energy analysis of all campus facilities. The purpose of this analysis is to identify opportunities for energy savings and infrastructure improvements in regards to lighting, mechanical, electrical, water, building envelope, etc. This in-depth energy analysis is expected to take approximately six months to complete.
The potential savings will be substantial. Based upon a preliminary analysis, savings opportunities in excess of 20% have been identified. The results of the in-depth analysis will provide a high level of detail, and pinpoint specific opportunities for savings associated with each individual energy conservation measure.
The implementation of these energy conservation measures will NOT require the campus to invest any of its own funds. The campus has been proactive in accessing a funding program developed by the State of Wisconsin for energy efficiency. All costs incurred for this project will be paid for through this state program. In addition, the savings will be verified by the state and guaranteed by Honeywell. As a result, UW-Manitowoc will improve its energy efficiency with budget neutrality and guaranteed savings.
Furthermore, UW-Manitowoc will be working with Honeywell in promoting energy awareness on campus. Through collaborations among students, faculty, staff and Honeywell, energy issues will have increased visibility on campus. Our goal is to engage the entire campus in the process, thereby fostering better energy decisions.
Lastly, various renewable energy opportunities on campus will also be investigated. Whether wind, solar, geothermal or biomass, UW-Manitowoc will be evaluating not only the environmental and social impact, but also the fiscal impact on the campus.
According to Charles Clark, Campus Dean/CEO, “We are very excited about the opportunity to participate in this study. We anticipate that the UW-Manitowoc facility will model energy efficiency and sustainability after the work is completed. We look forward to the increased energy awareness and savings that will occur and we look forward to sharing the outcomes with the community.”
Thanks to a generous donation from Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse of Manitowoc, and support from Manitowoc County, the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc Library has new lighting. The new lights provide a more inviting and productive atmosphere for students and staff, and significant energy savings will also be realized.
In order to complete the project, help from Manitowoc County was needed since it owns UW-Manitowoc’s facilities. The County funded the installation of the lights and replaced the ceiling. “The campus appreciates that the Manitowoc County Public Works Committee, chaired by Kevin Behnke, was willing to support and complete the project,” says Bruce Peters, Assistant Campus Dean for Administrative Services.
Martin Rudd, Campus Dean and CEO, added, “This project is a great example of cooperation through partnerships between Manitowoc County, the UW-Manitowoc campus and the private sector.”
The donation, valued around $10,000, replaced a system that dated back to around 1965 and consisted of 121 fixtures using 484 fluorescent lamps. The new system uses 84 fixtures with 336 lamps, equaling a 30% reduction in fixtures and lamps with an estimated 65-70% reduction in energy use. The project should also result in reduced maintenance costs.
Peggy Turnbull, UW-Manitowoc Library Director, is grateful for the new lights. “Before there were only a few places where the lighting was sufficient for students to study, and now the entire library is well-lit and inviting.” She also notes that eyestrain used to be a problem for both staff and students, and now that problem has been remedied.
The UW-Manitowoc library collections and computers are available for public use. For more information contact the library at 920-683-4715.
Laura Apfelbeck, Senior Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc, has been awarded a UW Colleges Grant to Increase Student Engagement through Professional Development (GIST-PD) to support a project centered on a proposed monument created by nationally recognized artist and former Manitowoc resident R.T. “Skip” Wallen. The monument, “Spirit of the River” is intended as a celebration of the role Native Americans played in shaping our region. The project will focus on using technology and service learning to foster critical thinking across a variety of disciplines, while connecting students to their lakeshore location.
According to Martin Rudd, Campus Dean/CEO, “This initiative will bring UW-Manitowoc students together with a community of partners from high schools, Silver Lake College and citizens to document the planning, artistic design, history and civic responsibility associated with a monument commissioned to a local Manitowoc artist.”
A variety of learning opportunities will take place throughout the construction of the monument, ranging from public presentations hosted by the campus, intercollegiate coursework offerings, active involvement in documenting the project, and reflection activities shared live and continually updated to encourage community input. The project is designed to teach students to engage in 21st Century learning, using 21st Century tools.
“We intend to work collaboratively both within UW-Manitowoc and with the broader community in both higher education and secondary education. Our goal is to offer programming that will encourage our students to think, to solve complex problems, to work together, and become involved and invested in academic pursuits and their community,” says Apfelbeck.
Students will learn the history of Manitowoc, study the art techniques of Skip Wallen, study the origin of this idea, and create a documentary of the event over a four-year time frame. Student work will be collaborative in nature and will be archived through the UW-Manitowoc Library through photographs, interviews, informational essays, analyses, comparative studies of Wallen’s works.
For more information about the project, contact Laura Apfelbeck at 920-686-6059 or laura.apfelbeck@uwc.edu, or visit the Spirit of the Rivers Organization Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SpiritoftheRivers.
Jessica Van Slooten, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English and Women’s Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc, has been named a 2011-12 Wisconsin Teaching Fellow. She is one of two UW Colleges faculty members selected by the UW System Office of Professional and Instructional Development (OPID) for this honor.
Van Slooten was selected based on her excellence in teaching, her demonstrated success in sharing teaching and learning innovations, and her record of campus leadership on issues of teaching and learning. The Wisconsin Teaching Fellows program provides participants with training and funding to develop research projects based on teaching methods and innovations.
Van Slooten will complete a year-long teaching/learning project, after which she will share the results with colleagues. She will serve as a model and mentor to colleagues across the UW-System, leading efforts to advance the practice of teaching through scholarly inquiry into student learning. She will attend various OPID sponsored events throughout the year including seminars, Faculty College and a summer workshop.
Her project, titled “Blogging Across the Disciplines,” will study the impact and meaningfulness of using blog assignments, which she currently uses in her courses. She plans to first study the possibility of implementing blogs as ways of encouraging disciplinary thinking, taking into consideration the media itself, as well as how it’s integrated into the class. Van Slooten also plans to create a model lesson and a mode of assessment based upon her research and encourage other instructors to include blogging as an important course assignment.
Van Slooten has taught English and Women’s Studies at UW-Manitowoc since 2007. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Alma College, a master’s degree from Michigan State University, and a doctorate from Auburn University. She is a native of Holland, Michigan and a graduate of West Ottawa High School.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a nearly $1 million grant to the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc and University of Wisconsin-Stout to increase the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates in Wisconsin. UW-Manitowoc's Rebecca Abler, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences and Richard Hein, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, along with UW-Stout professors Kitrina Carlson and Michael Pickart, applied for the grant.
Their grant for "Opening the Portals of Discovery: Increasing Opportunities in STEM through Collaborative Research," was awarded $555.887 for the initial 36 months, with a possible 24-month renewal for an additional $440,881. The grant will support the creation of collaborative research, mentorship and instructional programs to encourage students to begin studying more STEM courses in high school, continuing at UW-Manitowoc for two years, and then finishing their degrees at UW-Stout.
"We want to engage all high school students, including those from underrepresented populations and disadvantaged backgrounds, in science and maintain their interest as they enter college," says Abler. Initially, Abler and Hein are working with Lincoln High School and Valders High School, but the program could expand later to include more schools.
"Many incoming college students need more support than they seek out or receive," says Abler. "Peer and faculty mentoring in particular can be especially effective for minorities, women, and students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Portals of Discovery project incorporates mentoring with research to provide that support as students move from high school and through college."
"By actively engaging students in real research projects students are more likely to stay in a program and graduate," Hein added.
Other activities provided through the grant will include summer workshops for high school students, a summer immersion program for college students, possible scholarships, stipends for student researchers, curriculum development with the partner high schools, and assistance for other campuses in forming their own collaborations.
"Ultimately the model could be used on a national level," says Abler.
Carlson and Abler earlier this year were awarded the first UW System Regents Diversity Award in the team category for their Portals of Discovery project. This NSF grant allows them to expand this already successful model. Abler has been teaching at the UW-Manitowoc since 2005, and Hein since 2002. For more information, contact Abler at rebecca.abler@uwc.edu or call 920-683-4730. To learn more about UW-Manitowoc, visit www.uwmanitowoc.uwc.edu.
Through a collaboration with the Manitowoc Public School District, students in the district's new Next Step (Lincoln Charter House) program are using the campus as they pursue their own studies while also participating in UW-Manitowoc campus life.
In the past, after 18-year-old special education students received certificates at Lincoln High School's graduation ceremony, they returned to Lincoln until their formal schooling ended at age 21. This new collaboration allows these students to continue their studies in a setting among their peers at UW-Manitowoc.
The Next Step students have a designated room where they have homeroom, but they share the educational landscape with college students and participate in campus life by using the library, commons area, dining area and gymnasium and by attending music, theater, and athletic performances.
While the Next Step students aren’t enrolled in UW-Manitowoc courses, faculty and staff will be sharing their expertise with the students through mini-presentations about topics such as study abroad in Greece, poetry, astronomy, and chemistry, to name a few. The students also have the opportunity to work campus jobs in areas such as athletics, food service, library services or maintenance. Public transportation is available throughout the day, so students have easy access to their other jobs, appointments, and community sites.
