News

BLOOMINGTON, IL – Brooke Mason, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, was named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year at Illinois Wesleyan University. Mason is a first-year majoring in Music Theatre.

Mason was among 827 students from 31 states and 28 countries named to the fall 2024 Dean’s List.

To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a GPA of 3.50 or better during the semester, based on 4.0 for straight As.

Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan is a nationally recognized, highly selective liberal arts university. The University is exclusively undergraduate and enrolls approximately 1,700 students from across the nation and around the globe. Illinois Wesleyan prides itself on producing graduates who are well-rounded, broadly educated individuals with a spirit of inquiry who can successfully adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing, complex world.

Fort Memorial Hospital Recognized as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health

Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, recently announced it has been named as a 2025 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This annual Top 100 award program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®. In Wisconsin, only four rural hospitals have been awarded this esteemed distinction.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the 2025 Top 100 Rural & Community
Hospitals in the country, as well as one of only four in the state,” said James Nelson,
CFO and Senior Vice President, Finance & Strategic Development, of Fort HealthCare.
“Our employees exemplify our mission, vision, and values to deliver the highest quality
of care possible—close to home—and are dedicated to serving our patients and our
greater community.”

“The Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals award program elevates the very best
performers and helps create a roadmap for those seeking to improve financial and
operational performance while continuing to care for the communities they serve,” said Michael Topchik, Executive Director, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “This is our 10th year recognizing the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals, and we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate this milestone with this year’s winners.”

The INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural
hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is utilized
nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations,
and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

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.

Disability Advocate, Best-Selling Author to Speak on the Americans with Disabilities Act at UW-Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is excited to announce that Rebekah Taussig, an educator, disability advocate and best-selling author, will visit campus in March. 

Taussig, who wrote the best-selling memoir Sitting Pretty: The View From My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body, will present a public lecture on Tuesday, March 11, at 6 p.m. in Hyland Hall’s Timmerman Auditorium on the Whitewater campus.

“Dr. Taussig’s account of her lived experience is critical to understanding the ableism that exists today,” said Debbie Reuter, director of UWW’s Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). “Most able-bodied individuals have the opportunity to grow in their awareness of ableism.” Reuter shared that “CSD supports making Whitewater’s campus more equitable and inclusive for everyone, and events like this help us meet that goal.”

UW-Whitewater has a long-standing priority mission to serve students with disabilities. The CSD, established more than 50 years ago, serves more than 1,300 Warhawks annually. The Warhawk men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams have combined for 17 intercollegiate national championships since 1982 and produce medal-winning Paralympians.

The UW-Whitewater LIFE program for young adults with intellectual disabilities was launched in 2019 and is currently at full capacity. The university’s department of special education earned the 2024 Universities of Wisconsin Teaching Excellence Award for its track record in preparing and placing future educators. UW-Whitewater has also hosted the Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games for each of the last two years, welcoming more than 1,400 athletes and coaches to campus in 2024.

Because of this priority mission, UWW is continually seeking better understand the experiences of disabled people and ways to provide increased access to all. “One of our core values is improving the quality of life for the communities we serve,” said Matt Vick, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education (SGSCE). “By bringing Dr. Taussig to campus for this lecture, we hope community members will join us in discussing how we can keep moving the needle.”

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA fundamentally changed the landscape of the built world and continues to be one of the most protective pieces of protective legislation for disabled Americans. Yet, this same population still experiences vast disparities in access from their nondisabled counterparts. We have come so far, and we have so far to go. “This is especially true for people with mental health disabilities,” said Reuter. “The stigma associated with less visible disabilities is still a barrier for many.”

In her lecture, Taussig will reflect on the grueling, exciting story of what it took to get here, give a clear picture of this present moment, and cast a vision for a future that creates more access for all of us. 

Taussig’s visit to UWW will be hosted by SGSCE in partnership with the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership. The Thompson Center funds speaker events that help leaders address pressing policy challenges and promote local policymaking solutions.

Taussig’s lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. While registration is not necessary, parking passes are required – see the event website for more information. Livestream will also be accessible through that link.

Discussion groups reading Taussig’s best-selling memoir will be held on campus and in the community in advance of her visit.

UW-Platteville announces Chancellor’s List

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announced its Chancellor’s List, honoring those with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average for the fall 2024 semester.

Students from this area who earned the 4.0 grade-point average include:

Whitewater, WI

 Eloise Rohloff, Dairy Science BS, Main

UW-Platteville announces Dean’s List

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces its Dean’s List, honoring those full-time students who earned a grade-point average of 3.75 and above in the fall 2024 semester.

Students from this area on the Dean’s List include: 

Whitewater, WI

 Eloise Rohloff, Dairy Science BS
 Evie Troxel, Health & Human Performance BS

The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater announces its March events beginning with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 2 followed by the Faculty Chamber Trio later that evening at 7:30 p.m. The University/Community Band then takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 3, and Sonict Ensemble brings a unique, innovative performance to the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4. The next installment of the Music Mosaics series takes place at 7:30 p.m. on March 6 as the Whitewater Brass Quintet takes the spotlight. The Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz present an afternoon of vocal performances beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, and the month’s performances conclude with the Whitewater Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18.

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble performs their Carnegie Hall repertoire under the direction of Dr. Glenn C. Hayes on March 2 in preparation for their third visit to the prestigious music venue. Their highly anticipated appearance at Carnegie Hall takes place at 8 p.m. on March 11 as part of the 2025 New York Wind Band Festival. You can help them complete their fundraising efforts by giving a tax-deductible gift of any amount toward the transportation costs of the trip. Visit https://events.uww.edu/event/8176-symphonic-wind-ensemble for more information. You may also send a check payable to the UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc. and list fund 0487 on the memo line. Checks may be mailed to UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc., Alumni Center, 800 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI. 53190. Any donor who contributes $500 or more will receive a commemorative plaque of the performance.

Also on March 2, the Faculty Chamber Trio, comprised of Drs. Ellenwood, Whitcomb and Shapiro, present an incredible performance of the trios by Frühling and Fauré. These compositions are written specifically for clarinet, cello, and piano—a truly beautiful and versatile chamber music ensemble. 

On March 3, the University/Community Band brings together University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students and community members for an evening of inspiring, collaborative music.

Music enthusiasts can look forward to a truly unique performance on March 4 by the Sonict Ensemble, which brings together UW-Whitewater faculty, students, and guest artists to perform music of the highest technical and emotional caliber.

The next installment of the Music Mosaics series, a high-caliber series designed to raise money to support music scholarships, features the Whitewater Brass Quintet on March 6. The quintet comes together for a dynamic performance of repertoire written for brass quintets that is sure to keep you captivated.

Experience the vocal mastery of the Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz groups on March 16 as they come together for an exciting afternoon of music featuring the world premiere of a new work by Chinese American composer Chen Yi. This concert promises to be a celebration of vocal talent.

Finally, immerse yourself in a captivating symphonic journey and experience the brilliance of the esteemed Whitewater Symphony Orchestra on March 18. The orchestra’s harmonious blend of woodwinds, brass, percussion and strings come together to bring classical masterworks and modern-day compositions to life. With their unrivaled talent and dedication to musical excellence, the Whitewater Symphony Orchestra promises an unforgettable performance that will leave you awe-inspired.

March Concert Schedule:

• Sunday, March 2, 3 p.m.: Symphonic Wind Ensemble in The Young Performing Arts Center
• Sunday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.: Faculty Chamber Trio
• Monday, March 3, 7:30 p.m.: University/Community Band in The Young Performing Arts Center
• Tuesday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.: Sonict Ensemble
• Thursday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.: Music Mosaics: Whitewater Brass Quintet
• Sunday, March 16, 3 p.m.: Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz
• Tuesday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.: Whitewater Symphony Orchestra in The Young Performing Arts Center

Beyond the many featured and ticketed events in the Department of Music, there are a multitude of free events including student recitals, ensembles, and studios. For a full lineup of events, please visit uww.edu/coac/events . 

All music events are in the Light Recital Hall in the Greenhill Center of the Arts, located at 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, unless specified otherwise. Admission for all of the above events except Music Mosaics is $7 for adults and $4 for age 65+ or under age 18. For Music Mosaics, $10 for adults and $6 for age 65+ or under age 18. Tickets are available in advance and can be purchased in person, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling 262-472-2222. There is a $2.00 surcharge if purchased at the door at the time of the event. 

Ticket Services is open Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the academic year. They are located in the atrium of the Greenhill Center of the Arts, 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.

The Young Performing Arts Center is located at 930 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.

Just over 2,000 students received degrees during the University of Wisconsin-Madison Winter 2024 Commencement at the Kohl Center on Dec. 15, 2024. Nearly 1,400 of them took part in the ceremony at the Kohl Center, where commencement speaker and “Top Chef: Wisconsin” finalist Dan Jacobs donned a Badgers apron and demonstrated on stage how to spatchcock and roast a chicken during the ceremony. “[This] might possibly be one of the most important lessons you ever learn,” Jacobs told a chuckling audience. “Everyone should be able to make a good roast chicken.”

While the tutorial offered a light-hearted nugget of useful advice, Jacobs made sure to also pepper the graduates with guidance they could apply to their careers and relationships following graduation: remain curious and open to new experiences.

“The thing I love most about cooking is that the learning never stops; as chefs, we’re constantly evolving, experimenting, and refining our style,” said Jacobs. “That endless curiosity is what keeps us inspired. Take that same thirst for knowledge and apply it to whatever you’re passionate about.”

Student speaker Sawyer Getschman was one of 1,545 bachelor’s degree recipients following the fall 2024 semester. An additional 373 students earned master’s degrees and 116 students were awarded doctoral degrees, for a total of 2,034 graduates. Getschman, who earned her bachelor’s in East Asian languages and cultures, said she nearly left UW-Madison after a freshman year marred by the pandemic.

“A hundred little reasons made me stay, but the main one was the people,” said Getschman. “We have encountered so much uncertainty and oddity in our college careers, but we have come out on the other side, stronger and with better stories to tell because of it.”

One powerful source of strength that Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin highlighted in her remarks before the audience of more than 7,500 graduates, friends and relatives centered on “the incredible variety of people” that the graduates met, lived with and worked alongside every day during their time in Madison.

Mnookin implored the graduates to hold onto that cooperative spirit as they entered their next chapter, whether it be a new career, continuing education or something else.

“You are ready,” said Mnookin. “You have had experiences here that you will be able to draw upon in whatever comes next for you. You are prepared, not only by your academic experiences here but also by your many engagements with our community and one another.”

For more information about UW-Madison, visit http://www.wisc.edu. View the ceremony at https://www.wisc.edu/commencement/ and read about it at https://news.wisc.edu/practical-life-lessons-help-provide-recipe-for-success-at-uw-madison-winter-2024-commencement/

Here is the degree recipient from your area:

Whitewater, WI

 Vamsi Krishna Vadlamudi, College of Engineering, Master of Science-Industrial Engineering, Industrial Engineering

Includes free spotter training by the National Weather Service

Madison College is partnering with the MidWest Severe Storm Tracking/Response Center to host the 2025 Dark Skies Storm Seminar on Saturday, March 8 at Madison College Truax Campus, 1701 Wright St., Room D1630, Madison, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  

This event aims to educate attendees about severe storms, hazards, research, and public safety while enhancing community preparedness and awareness. 

Participants will include a distinguished lineup of experts and organizations such as Madison College, University of Wisconsin, Dane County Emergency Management, Team Rubicon, Dane/Iowa County WI ARES/RACES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service), MidWest Severe Storm Tracking/Response Center, WISC TV, Four Lakes Amateur Radio Club, along with storm chaser and photojournalist, Tim Snopek.

The National Weather Service (NWS) will also conduct a complimentary Spotter Class. Attendees will learn key reporting techniques for severe weather to the NWS in an engaging two-hour session. 

Join us for this informative and vital event to enhance our community’s preparedness against severe weather! The public is welcome. There is no cost and advance registration is not required.

For more information about the event and the schedule, please visit the Dark Skies Severe Weather Seminar webpage.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Madison College. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay.

Alex Martin, a Music major at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater from Whitewater, WI, will perform as part of the university’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall, the world-famous venue in New York City, on Tuesday, March 11, at 8 p.m.

Martin plays baritone saxophone for the group.

The concert is part of the 2025 New York Wind Band Festival, presented by World Projects Corporation. Other groups of musicians scheduled to perform include the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts String Orchestra and the Santa Rosa High School Symphonic Band.

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble previously played at Carnegie Hall in 2013 and 2020.

The group is raising funds to cover costs associated with travel. Tax deductible donations can be made here.

The ensemble, under the direction of longtime professor of music Glenn C. Hayes, is a select wind band performing a variety of concert band repertoire. All students are required to audition for the group.

Students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater have performed at other famous venues around the world. The Warhawk Marching Band, also directed by Hayes, has performed 12 times at Lambeau Field – most recently in 2023. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble played at the Symphony Center for the 2014 Chicago International Music Festival. UW-Whitewater groups have also performed at venues in Germany, Poland, and England.

Tickets are available for purchase at carnegiehall.org.

Those unable to attend the concert in New York may hear the program at The Young, 930 W. Main Street, Whitewater on Sunday, March 2. Details may be found here.

UW-Whitewater’s Department of Music is housed in the College of Arts and Communication. To learn more, visit uww.edu/music.