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UW System President Jay Rothman on October 10 unveiled the Universities of Wisconsin, a new name and identity that emphasizes the constellation of Wisconsin’s 13 public universities.

The Universities of Wisconsin will replace the University of Wisconsin System as the preferred way to describe the universities. The new name will be accompanied by new brand graphics, including a logo, mark, and map.

“The Universities of Wisconsin is the best way to describe our thirteen excellent universities,” Rothman said. “This new name rightfully shifts the focus from the System to the Universities that are providing opportunities to the students and families we serve.”

“We have thirteen universities with one mission – to make Wisconsin Future Ready. For All,” added Karen Walsh, Board of Regents President. “I am proud to represent the Universities of Wisconsin, and everyone in our state can take pride in all the universities do to improve lives and communities.”

Gov. Tony Evers issued a proclamation to mark the occasion as “Universities of Wisconsin Week.”

Rothman announced the new name and identity at UW-Eau Claire, accompanied by Chancellor Jim Schmidt.

The announcement included a new video featuring the voice of Rothman’s predecessor, former Gov. Tommy Thompson.

“I have often said the Universities of Wisconsin are one of the state’s greatest assets, aside from its people,” Thompson said. “I have always been – and always will be – a champion of our universities.”

Citing Gov. Evers’ ongoing support for Wisconsin public higher education, Rothman welcomed the bipartisan support for the Universities of Wisconsin and said he would continue advocating with lawmakers of both parties to advance the 13 universities.

Rothman said that while he and others will begin referring to the Universities of Wisconsin immediately, the University of Wisconsin System will remain the official legal name of the state’s public universities.

Over the next several months, officials with the Universities of Wisconsin will transition written materials, web pages, letterhead, and other elements to reflect the new identity. The transition is expected to be finalized in early 2024.

“In 2024 we will have a fresh look, with a focus on our students and the 13 universities that provide the foundation for developing talent in Wisconsin,” Rothman said.

The change includes development of a new logo, mark, and constellation map, found here: https://www.wisconsin.edu/brand-style-guide/visual-identity-of-the-uw-system-core-brand/logo-mark-seal/

“Our new identity aims to broaden awareness of our universities across the state,” Rothman said. “We believe the Universities of Wisconsin identity is more relatable for students, families, and employers.”

The public will hear more about the Universities of Wisconsin in the weeks and months ahead, Rothman said, including during additional stops on the OpportUWnity Tour he launched in late September.

To download audio of Jay Rothman: Audio Message

To view the new video featuring former Gov. Thompson: https://youtu.be/yP45sAKN71k?si=torjTQhsI81HMMt8

For more information and media coverage of the OpportUWnity Tour: https://www.wisconsin.edu/opportuwnity-tour/

The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 161,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from University Relations.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library. 

The community is invited to an all-ages Family Science Expo as part of the Wisconsin Science Festival on Tuesday, October 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the public library’s community room. Children will participate in several fun, hands-on science exploration and experimentation stations.  

First launched in 2011, the Wisconsin Science Festival is a statewide celebration of curiosity and creativity that brings people across the state in contact with scientists, educators, artists, manufacturers and more. Held throughout the state on October 16-22, the festival welcomes people of all ages for hands-on science, performances, demonstrations and conversations with leading researchers and creative thinkers. Unleash your curiosity! More information and additional events can be found at WiSciFest.org. 

This is a free event and no registration is required. The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782. 

XYZ (Extra Years of Zest)
Invites YOU to Join Us for Food, Fellowship & Laughter!

James Webb Space Telescope

Presented by Dr. Bob Benjamin, Physics Dept. Chair, UW-Whitewater

When: Thursday, October 19, 12 – 2 p.m.

Where: First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie St., Whitewater

What: Lunch ($6), Fellowship, Fun
Chicken casserole, salad, desserts

Who: YOU and YOUR FRIENDS

Why? To learn about our universe!!

Call 262-473-2131 to make a reservation by October 16.

An Escape Room is Coming

Studio 84, a nonprofit art studio located in Whitewater, WI is doing a most unusual fundraiser. It’s an Escape Room with the theme of….well….what else….an art gallery! After all Studio 84 is an art studio, it seems rather fitting.

One half of Studio 84’s space will be transformed into an art gallery called Musee Gallerie 84. The director, Benjamin Kelly, will play the part of the exhibit’s curator Monsieur Claude Restes and founder Deborah Blackwell transforms into Mademoiselle Deborah Noir Bien. A curator, for those unfamiliar with the term, is an art gallery’s key person that organizes an exhibit. The curator and team are the ones who do the research, gather resources, secure the art and organize
the details of an exhibit.

Set with the theme of an art gallery, the ‘exhibit’ Life and Death Through the Artist’s Eyes will be sure to bring on chills and make you put your thinking caps on to solve the clues in order to escape this rather creepy exhibit. Director Ben Kelly states, “Since it will be during the month of October (aka Halloween month) we went with a creepy/scary/horror feeling.”

No knowledge about art or even interest in art is required to visit this gallery because it’s more about the escape than anything else. Once inside an escape room the goal is to escape as the team of ten participants are ‘locked’ inside and need to decipher clues to obtain the code that unlocks the door. All within the one-hour time period.

The Escape Room runs October 1 – 31, 2023 and tickets are now on sale. You can purchase a ticket for yourself and become part of a team of others during the same day/time. Or sign up with one friend or as a group of ten friends. Each time slot has a maximum of ten people with a minimum of five. Team members must work together to solve the clues for the code. Tickets are $30 each.

Studio 84’s founder Deborah Blackwell said, “Ben and I have been working on this for a few years now, not because it took that long, but we had plans to open in 2020 and then the pandemic hit and we had many delays afterwards as our focus was getting the Studio back to pre-pandemic operational mode again. We lost so many of our students and people just weren’t ready for such group events. We felt 2023 was the year and people were ready. So, we kicked into high gear to finish up the details of it. We are truly excited to have this come to fruition.”

All proceeds from the event will support Studio 84’s programing in the arts for people with disabilities and the community. They offer daytime studio time for all ages and all abilities. Kelly states, “We understand the needs of those with disabilities and so have a focus with them
and provide experiences that support their individual needs to help them become successful and discover their artistic, creative side, but know that you don’t have to have a disability to sign up for studio time; we are open to all ages and all abilities.”

Watch the video trailer of escape room here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRQE54Vnzv0
Order your escape room tickets by following this link.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Greater Whitewater Committee.

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Dr. Artanya Wesley and Dr. Veronica Warren as guest speakers at its upcoming monthly meeting in October. The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 12th at 7:00 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190. Dr. Wesley is the Vice Chancellor from the Division of Student Affairs at UW-Whitewater and Dr. Warren is the Director of Counseling Services.

An RSVP is required to attend. To reserve your spot, contact Jeffery Knight at: jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday,  October 11th.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Wesley and Dr. Warren update us about students at the University,” said GWC Chairman, Crystal Singer.

Dr. Artanya Wesley serves as the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, a Master of Science in Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. Dr. Wesley has over 19 years of experience working within four and two-year public and private institutions as well as working at the University of Wisconsin System Administration, serving 13 universities and 26 campuses.

Dr. Wesley is an inspirational leader with a strength-based approach to identifying solutions to emerging trends in higher education. She develops relationships, trust, and respect through authentic engagement and partnership with colleagues, faculty, staff, students, as well as external groups. Dr. Wesley is an innovative and collaborative leader with experience and expertise in student development and programming, university strategic planning, business operations and finance, policy development and implementation, change management, and higher education law and compliance.

Dr. Wesley is a student-centered professional with experience both as a practitioner and policymaker whose academic and personal journeys have resulted in a unique set of skills creating the perfect mix of knowledge, expertise, and passion for today’s leaders in higher education.

Dr. Veronica Warren is the Counseling Center Director at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She is an experienced program director and collegiate professional with a proven track record in streamlining and implementing innovative processes and procedures. She has expertise in fostering strong relations with youth and college students as an educator, counselor, and advisor to improve their performance and quality of life. Highly accomplished in communication, organization, compliance, staff management and program development. Dr. Warren received her BA in Psychology at the University of Michigan, her M.P.A. in public administration at Central Michigan University, M.A. in Counseling at Ashland Theological Seminary, and Ph.D. in general psychology at Capella University.

About the GWC

The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to working with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. Its goals are to advance the economic, educational, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.

The Wild Ones Kettle Moraine Chapter: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes,  presents:

Laurie Yahr, a long-time Wild Ones member and Madison Chapter newsletter writer and her wildlife biologist husband, Rich Kahl, have been searching for interesting plants in natural areas at every opportunity. The aim of this program is to share some of the beauty and diversity of orchid flowers so you might recognize one if you come across it. There are almost 50 species of terrestrial orchids in Wisconsin; most are elusive, rare, in trail-less habitats, or just plain tiny and cryptic. Having an accurate search image is only half the battle.  There is also timing, appropriate ecosystem and luck.  Occasionally orchids occur unexpectedly in violation of all the rules.  But sadly, more often they seem to be disappearing from our landscapes.

WHEN:  Saturday, October 21, at 10 a.m.

WHERE:  South Kettle Moraine State Forest Headquarters, Eagle, S91W39091 Highway 59, One mile west of Eagle, on Highway 59

Open to the Public.  No admission fee.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Fort HealthCare.

Fort HealthCare is proud to announce they have once again received certification for their pulmonary rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of Fort HealthCare’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.

Fort HealthCare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program is designed to help people with lung problems (e.g., COPD/Emphysema, Asthma, shortness of breath) improve their physical condition to make daily living easier. The program involves progressive individualized exercise designed by a clinical exercise physiologist who will monitor heart rate, oxygen saturation levels, blood pressure and exertion levels to ensure the safe progression of activity. One-on-one and group education sessions including breathing techniques and information on the nature and course of specific lung issues are also supported by members of the healthcare team. 

To earn certification, Fort HealthCare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors. In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high-quality patient care. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.

“This program goes beyond just exercise,” said Lisa Michaels-Bilgrien, Coordinator Cardiopulmonary Services – ACSM RCEP, CEP. “Continuing education and support for our patients and their families is also essential in building the specialized, comprehensive care program and we’re honored to have it recognized at a national level.”

For more information about Fort HealthCare’s pulmonary rehabilitation program, please visit www.forthealthcare.com/clinic/cardio-pulmonary-rehabilitation/

About Fort HealthCare

Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. Please visit FortHealthCare.com for more information.

About AACVPR

Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Learn more about AACVPR at www.AACVPR.org.

In the photo, pictured (left to right): Colleen Voll, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CEP; Leah Rebout, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CCRP; Lisa Michaels-Bilgrien, Coordinator, CEP; Amanda Baneck, RN

October is Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin. WHS students and instructor Mike Fellin attended the Career Fair day at JP Cullen & Sons on Thursday, October 5th.

A variety of large hands-on demonstration areas such as concrete pouring, excavating, and carpentry skills activities were set up to allow students to put themselves into the shoes of the different trades. Active tradespeople shared their experiences, training, and advice to prospective students who wish to join the ranks and talk about career paths in the Skilled Trades.

Thank you to JP Cullen and Sons and sponsors for inviting WHS students to this event.

Whitewater High School would also like to thank the local companies who are sending representatives to our Technology and Engineering Advisory Board Meetings. Technology and Engineering Teachers Mike Fellin and Justin Buntrock, along with Computer Science Teacher and FIRST Robotics Advisor Laura Masbruch welcomed representatives from 10 local companies on September 25 to discuss Youth Apprenticeships as well as fieldtrip and guest speaker opportunities to introduce more students to the opportunities available in the trades.

Article and Photos Submitted by Whitewater High School Staff
lmasbruch@wwusd.org