News

GWC Hosting Dr. James Hartwick & Dr. Eric Compas on UW-W Funding

Eric Compas
James Hartwick

The Greater Whitewater Committee is Set to Host Dr. James Hartwick and Dr. Eric Compas from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater as Guest Speakers at the October Meeting.  

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host James Hartwick and Eric Compas at the upcoming October meeting. Eric Compas recently presented to the Legislative Council Study Committee on the Future of the University of Wisconsin System. We have invited both James Hartwick and Eric Compas to discuss the GPR funding inequities within the UW System because they are both a part of the Faculty External Affairs and Outreach Committee.  

Eric Compas is a professor specializing in human-environment interactions in the Geography, Geology, and Environmental Science Department at UW-Whitewater. He is also the Director of UW-Whitewater’s GIS Center, which provides on-campus internships for students with off-campus clients. His teaching focuses on environmental policy and geographic information systems – mapping with computers – and emerging technologies like drone mapping and extremely accurate GPS equipment. He is also working with the State of Wisconsin to understand and map the potential impacts of climate change on Wisconsin communities and explain how communities might plan for and adapt to these changes.

James Hartwick is a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, specializing in teacher education. James is the secondary social studies program coordinator. He also writes about teacher education and the spiritual lives of teachers. He is a former Faculty Senate Chair and is deeply committed to the health of the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater. He is married and has lived in Whitewater for the past 15 years. In recognition of his efforts to support democracy, James won the League of Women’s Voters-Whitewater Area, Making Democracy Work Award.  

The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 10th at 7 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to hear more about GPR funding inequities with the UW System. If interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, October 9th.

“I attended the Study Committee meeting where Eric Compas presented his GPR PowerPoint,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “The inequities in the funding of the formula are so severe that it demands continued attention, which is why I asked Eric Compas and James Hartwick to attend the next GWC meeting as we continue to advocate for a change in the funding formula.”

UW-W Women’s Golf Wins Eighth Consecutive WIAC Title

The Warhawks won the WIAC for the eighth consecutive season following a three-day tournament at Reedsburg Country Club. (Alisha Markley)

Reedsburg, Wis. — The Warhawk women’s golf team claimed the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title for the eighth consecutive season Sunday. UW-Whitewater shot a 958, tied for the seventh-best 54-hole score in program history, in the three-day tournament held at Reedsburg Country Club. 

On a windy day on the links, UWW shot a 333 to seal the title by nine strokes. Four Warhawks finished among the top ten to lead the way. Kallie Lux bolstered the Warhawks Sunday with a phenomenal third round. Lux was even through the front nine and shot a 77 for the second straight day. She jumped three spots to finish as the individual runner-up. Her total of 236 is tied for the eighth-best 54-hole score in program history. 

Haley Myers finished three-strokes back from Lux to secure a tie for third with a 54-hole total of 239. Ellie Johnson ended with a 242 to tie for fifth and Payton Schmidt came in with a 244 to tie for ninth. Abbie Reiser rounded out the Warhawks’ scoring five with a 254 to finish tied for 26th. 

Jessica Velent led the UWW golfers competing as individuals at the tournament. She tied for 17th with a 250. Emily Akers carded a 252 followed by Kellie Shanahan’s 254, a 260 from Norah Berken, Megan Honn’s total of 261, a 279 from Breezy Roman and Natalie Kammer’s 286. 

For the tournament, UW-Whitewater was the best on par 4s with an average of 4.55 strokes and on par 5s with a 5.43 stroke average. The Warhawks tallied the most birdies with 16 over the course of the 54-hole championship. Myers shared tournament-high honors with five birdies over three days.  

With the title, UW-Whitewater earns an automatic bid to compete in the NCAA Division III Championship to be held May 13-16, 2025 at Bay Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas. 

Senior Ellie Johnson was named the Judy Kruckman Scholar Athlete of the Year at the championship. A release regarding this honor will be published Monday. 

UW-Stout finished second behind the individual champion Julia Imai. UW-La Crosse finished third followed in order by UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville, UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls and UW-Stevens Point. 

This Week’s City Meetings

Equal Opportunities Condition – The meeting scheduled for Monday has been canceled due to lack of a quorum.

Tech Park Innovation Center Advisory Board – Tuesday @ 8:30 a.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Innovation Center, Innovation Drive
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/576696725
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Access Code: 576-696-725
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
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City of Whitewater Finance Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion Regarding an Amendment to Slater Development.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86834216141
Or One tap mobile :
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Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
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Webinar ID: 868 3421 6141

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding changing winter parking restrictions to start
December 1, instead of November 1, Discussion; Possible Action regarding Public Participation at Public Works Committee meetings; Discussion and Possible Action regarding request to paint traffic signal control boxes; Discussion and Possible Action regarding Bird Scooters; Discussion and Possible Action regarding pedestrians not crossing W. Main Street at designated crosswalks near the University; Discussion and Possible Action regarding traffic concerns near Walmart and ALDI.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
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Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago)
Webinar ID: 819 9392 8164
Passcode: 791620

City of Whitewater Community Involvement and Cable TV Commission – Wednesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smartphone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/265349749
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Access Code: 265-349-749
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
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City of Whitewater Board of Zoning Appeals – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Applicant: Tammy Aprahamian
Property Location: 187 W Main St
Applicable Code: 19.30.030(g) A ground floor residence is prohibited.
Variance Requested: To allow a first-floor apartment in a B2 Central Business District.
Reason for Request: To allow for continue remodeling of the Bowers House.
Whitewater Municipal Building Council Chambers,
312 West Whitewater St.
In-Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
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Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago) (Houston)
Webinar ID: 897 5056 4686
Passcode: 522546


UW-W Football Breaks Attendance Record (Again) in Win

Dyson Klubertanz tackles a Titan during Saturday’s game (Olivia Zinanni)


By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

Box Score | The UW-Whitewater football team [#11 d3football.com] opened Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play with a 21-14 win over UW-Oshkosh [#17] in front of a record crowd at Perkins Stadium Saturday afternoon. 

The Warhawks set the Division III record (for games played on a college campus) and WIAC attendance record for the third consecutive season with 21,233 visiting The Perk Saturday. The mark breaks last year’s record by more than 1,000 fans. 

The Titans struck first scoring on their first drive of the contest on a 33-yard touchdown pass. From that point, the Warhawk defense shut out the UWO offense until early in the fourth. 

It took a few drives for the UWW offense to settle in, but the Warhawks got on the board early in the second quarter. In the team’s third drive of the game, Jason Ceniti found Steven Hein for a 16-yard gain up to the Warhawk 38. Tamir Thomas burst up the middle for a seven-yard gain on the next play – the final of the first quarter. On the first play of the second quarter, a late hit by the Titans on Ceniti resulted in a 15-yard gain to put the Warhawks in UWO territory. Three plays later, UWO was flagged once again, this time for a late hit out of bounds on Ceniti that gave UWW a 1st-and-10 at the Titan 14. Thomas was tapped for back-to-back carries before Drake Martin punched it in from two yards out. Jackson Fox split the uprights on the extra point to knot the game 7-7. 

UW-Whitewater added seven on a long drive before the end of the half. The drive started with a 50-yard Ceniti to Brian Wilterdink connection. Ceniti capped the five-minute drive with his feet and the help of a big push from the backfield for a one-yard touchdown run. Fox’s point after made it 14-7. 

The Warhawk defense came up with a quick stop to give UWW 46 seconds before the break, but the drive stalled near midfield as the teams went into the intermission with the seven-point margin. 

UW-Oshkosh gained some momentum early in the third with an interception followed by a punt that rolled out of bounds at the UWW one-yard-line. Deep in their own territory, the Warhawks got some breathing room off of the goal line but were still forced to punt. Kamrin Hutt booted a 65-yard bomb to flip the field and push the Titans back to their own 25. 

After a pair of short completions, Jakob Simmons burst through the line and got his hand on the Titan quarterback pulling him to the ground for a sack and a loss of nine on third down. The UWO punt was downed at the UWW 43. 

The Warhawk backs in Thomas and Brian Stanton took over with six consecutive carries to end the quarter. Martin was tabbed for the carry to open the fourth and burst up the middle for five yards. Thomas broke loose on the next play making Titan tacklers miss before leaping over a defender at the goal line for the 16-yard touchdown. Fox nailed the extra point to give UWW a 21-7 advantage. 

Oshkosh responded on their next drive with a touchdown as a short reception turned into a big gain and a score to narrow the gap to seven, 21-14. 

The defense stole all of the momentum from the Titans on UWO’s next, and final, drive of the game. On 2nd-and-10, Paul Kim came flying off the edge for the sack, jarring the ball loose on the hit. The Titans recovered but faced 3rd-and-19. Simmons nearly got to the quarterback on the next play, forcing him to throw the ball away to avoid a sack. 

Following a 45-yard punt, the Warhawks took over at their own 10 with 4:41 on the clock. UWW pounded the rock picking up a first down and forcing a UWO timeout. Another seven-yard gain had the Titans calling their final timeout with 2:42 remaining. Martin took the handoff on 3rd-and-1 and was stood up at the line of scrimmage as the clock ticked down to the two-minute warning. 

Martin got the call again and this time he carried defenders forward for a three-yard gain and a first down. From there UWW was able to kneel out the clock to secure the win. 

Ceniti was 8-18 for 119 yards. Thomas paced the Warhawks on the ground with 123 yards on 26 carries with a touchdown. Six receivers hauled in passes from Ceniti in the game with Steven Hein and Tyler Vasey recording a pair of catches each. 

Defensively, Kim was phenomenal with seven tackles, two tackles for a loss, a sack and a forced fumble. 

UW-Whitewater will be on the road at UW-Stout next Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. in Menomonie. The Warhawks return to Perkins for a Friday game under the lights on October 18 when UWW will host UW-Stevens Point for a 7 p.m. kickoff

Explore 4-H Night / Explorar La Noche de 4-H


What ages are eligible to join 4-H? Per their website, “Youth in 5K (five-year-old Kindergarten) AND who are 5 years old by September 1 or older are eligible to be 4-H members. 4-H membership cannot exceed one year beyond high school graduation and cannot extend beyond the age of 19 as of December 31 of the enrollment year.”

Lorine Niedecker Writing Fellowship Announced

The Friends of Lorine Niedecker and Write On, Door County announce the Lorine Niedecker Fellowship. The fellowship is offered every two years to an established or emerging poet familiar with the work of the 20th century American poet, Lorine Niedecker.  The fellowship encourages research into Niedecker’s life and writing and promotes new work that deals with the poetry of place.

The fellowship comes with a $1,000 stipend, as well as additional funds to assist with travel and food. A two-week residency is included in the fellowship, with one week at Write On, located on the northeastern peninsula of Wisconsin, and one week in Niedecker’s hometown of Fort Atkinson. The dates for the 2025 fellowship are May 4 through 11 at Write On and May 11 – 18 in Fort Atkinson.

The successful applicant must show an understanding and appreciation of Lorine Niedecker’s work and her place in 20th century poetics, as well as a publishing history, whether in poetry journals, full-length book, chapbook, monograph, or academic articles.

During the fellowship period, the successful applicant will give two public programs, to be arranged by the sponsors, and write one article for FOLN’s “The Solitary Plover.”

Applications must be submitted online via Submittable. The application consists of 10-12 pages of poetry, a 300-500-word statement of purpose, a C.V. or resume, and two references. Links to past publications should be included in the application. There is a $40 non-refundable application fee. Applications will be accepted October 15 through December 15, 2024. Applicants will be notified of their status by February 1, 2025.To apply, please visit writeondoorcounty.org.  

Obituary: Martin Jack Martinelli, 64

Martin Jack Martinelli – a devoted man of God and a beacon of love for his family, affectionately known for his kind, tender, and rock n’ roll personality – joined his family in Heaven on Thursday, September 26, 2024, in the arms of his devoted bride, Clarissa. Compassionate and humble, with a contagious smile and infectious laugh, Martin was a good, gentle man, who turned heads every time he talked. Martin’s legacy of kindness and spiritual strength will forever inspire us, and he will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Born on September 13, 1960, in San Mateo, California to the late Jack and Betty (née Tingle) Martinelli. Martin lived a life filled with tremendous passion and service towards others. Following high school, he worked various jobs before dedicating his life to serving others by answering God’s summons with the simple utterance, “Here I am, send me.” With passionate commitment, Martin enlisted in the United States Navy in February 1979. After graduating from Boot Camp in San Diego, California, Martin completed Hospital Corpsman “A” School in San Diego, California. After graduation, Martin was assigned to Naval Branch Health Clinic aboard Naval Air Station El Centro in El Centro, California. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Martin Martinelli had a loyal and meritorious service at the branch hospital and was heading to a new duty assignment aboard the USS Sacramento (AOE-1). However, this assignment was waylaid due to a life-changing accident.

Martin was reassigned to Naval Regional Medical Center (NRMC) Bremerton, Washington. Unbeknown to Martin, divine fate had stepped in for this is where Martin would receive his eternal gift from God. On April 2, 1982, Hospitalman Apprentice Clarissa Griffin began her naval career at NRMC Bremerton, where she would meet her best friend and the love of her life.

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” On February 17, 1983, God created the Martin and Clarissa love story; seeing each other as God’s personal, perfect provision!

Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned. – Song of Solomon 8:6-7

Martin was honorably retired from the United States Navy in 1982 and began his role as Military Spouse and a stellar career as a Civil Servant. As a Military Spouse, he kept the home fires burning as Clarissa honorably served the U. S. Navy for nearly 25 years. Through long tours, frequent moves, and constant demands, Martin remained unwavering, representing the very best of our American spirit. As a Military Spouse, Martin was highly respected for his resilient, courageous, and committed service and sacrifice for our Nation. His incredible contributions to our country and communities, even as he shouldered the unique demands of family and military life. Martin exuded patience and selflessness during uncertainty and unpredictability.  In ways big and small, Martin answered the call to serve every day – being both the backbone of our family and the steel spine of our Nation.

Concurrently, Martin began his Civil Servant vocation. Martin served the people of the United States through diverse jobs he held with the federal government for over 17 years. He enjoyed every minute of it, and felt he did his part to make the world a better place. Martin received exceptional performance awards, letters of commendation and appreciation every year during his exceptional years as a Civil Servant. At the end of 2000, Martin made a career shift. With hard work, integrity, energy, innovation, and service as his foundational ethics, Martin began a profession in car sales that would catapult him to top-rated expert sales associate cumulating to Business Development Center (BDC) Manager for Ford Motors. Friendly and ambitious, topped with Martin’s exemplary managerial experience, led to him being recognized for outstanding meritorious service as BDC Manager; consistently performing these demanding duties in a highly professional manner, directly leading to the successful relevant and effective business growth of several Ford dealerships and exceptional customer satisfaction.

Martin was a lifelong rock ‘n’ roll fan, especially of Ozzy Osborn, KISS and Metallica. He had a passion for Chicago Blackhawks and Oakland Athletics. His interests also extended to golf, board games, darts, movies, and bowling. Martin was a bright light in the world and had a big heart to match his radiant smile. Out of all the things that Martin loved, nothing meant more than simple days shared with Clarissa “Clair,” The Daughters, Amme, and his furry Girls and Boy.

Martin leaves behind to cherish memory his beloved wife of 41 years, Rev. Clarissa Martinelli; daughters, Biancha Martinelli and Sophia Martinelli; son, Nicolas Martinelli; beloved granddaughter, Amme Joy; siblings, Cindy Hinds and Kim (Kurt) Davidson; Eric (Mary) Griffin; Anthony (Maggie) Griffin; Janice (Mario) Owens; uncle, Michael Martinelli, furry daughters, Cookie and Sadie Mae; grand-pups, Hachi and Rocco; many nephews, nieces and other much-loved relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Martin was preceded in death by his daddy and mother, Rev. Willie and Sis. Emma Griffin; and treasured daughter, Interior Communication Specialist Third Class Marissa Martinelli; brother-in-law, Mike Hinds.

He loved intently, was loved deeply, and will truly be missed.

Fair Winds and Following Seas.

Martin’s family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Faceville United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 12, 2024. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Faceville United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 12, 2024. with Rev. Clarissa Martinelli officiating. A Celebration Memorial Service will be held on November 16, 2024, from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at Whitewater First United Methodist Church.

The family would like to extend thanks to the staff of Agrace Hospice, for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project,(https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/) in memory of Martin J. Martinelli.

Nitardy Funeral Homes                                                               Bruton Mortuary

550 N Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190      635 Bruton St., Bainbridge, GA 39819

(262) 208-4495                                                                                (229) 246-6042

Obituary: Dorothy Diane Saylor, 84, of Texas

December 28, 1939 – September 16, 2024

Dorothy Diane Duffin Saylor, “Duffy,” passed away on the evening of September 16, 2024, in Shavano Park, Texas. She was 84. She had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for the last several years.

Duffy was born in December 1939, in Whitewater, Wisconsin to a farmer and his wife, Laurel and Winifred Duffin. She was their fourth child and the only girl in a family with four brothers. Tommy died in childhood, and the other three, John, David, and Doug, preceded her in death.

Duffy graduated from Whitewater High School in 1957 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She later attended and graduated from Chicago’s Masonic Hospital’s Nursing School. While a young nurse in Chicago, she met and married an Air Force medical doctor, Jack Saylor in 1963. Duffy and Jack were first stationed at Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, Texas. In 1966, Duffy and Jack moved to their next assignment, Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco where Duffy worked shifts at area hospitals. In 1967, while in the Bay area, Duffy and Jack welcomed Michele “Shelly” Jacqueline and a year later Michael Riley Saylor.

Duffy and Jack moved halfway across the country to Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois in 1969. Two years later Angelin Eve Saylor was born. While living in Belleville, Duffy had a very successful real estate career, winning multiple sales awards culminating in Century 21’s exclusive Million Dollar Club for which she was a multi-year award winner.

In 1982 military life brought change and the Saylor family moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where Jack became the Hospital Commander at Carswell Air Force Base. As a commanding officer’s wife, Duffy, had the honored tradition of leading in supporting the wives and families of the troops under her husband’s command, a role that she continued until Jack’s retirement in 1996.

The family once again moved in 1986, but for the last time, to Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Texas. Duffy and Jack lived on base for the first four years. Throughout these years, in addition to accomplishing so much in her service to others, Duffy devoted herself to her family, raising three grateful children and supporting Jack who loved her deeply.

In 1990, Duffy and Jack set up their forever home in Shavano Park, Texas. During those years, Duffy enjoyed the marriage of her children, the addition to the family of her grandchildren, and she and Jack celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary among many other joyous events. That home hosted many happy Saylor family birthdays, holidays, and celebrations. Duffy was an incredible cook and hostess, always making others feel special while in their home.

For many years, Duffy was active in the Military-Civilian Club (Mil-Civ) and served on the Board of the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio (YOSA). She also worked estate sales part-time where she was a valued member of those teams. For many of the post-retirement years, she and Jack had a consistent group of friends who greatly enjoyed each other’s company. They traveled throughout North and South America on many cruises that created even more entertaining stories. Duffy very often brought the comic relief to any event. She had the rare gift of sharp humor and wit that could make anyone laugh but also drop a few jaws. Duffy even had the rarer gift of putting others first and making everyone she met feel valued.

Duffy Saylor is survived by her three children, Shelly Saylor Wyles of Battle Ground, Washington, Michael Saylor of San Antonio, and Angelin Saylor Cole of Austin; their spouses, Channing Wyles, Jennifer Bryant Saylor, and Jonathan Cole; and her five grandchildren, Hallie Wyles, Hana Wyles, Jackson Saylor, Kailey Saylor, and Avery Cole.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-5:00 P.M., Monday, October 7, 2024 at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, Texas.

FUNERAL SERVICE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024
5:00 PM
PORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH
2101 NORTH LOOP 1604 EAST

We will hold a procession from Porter Loring Mortuary North on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, at 10:45 A.M. to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery for interment at 11:30 A.M.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to 4-H.

White House at UW-W: National Cyber Director visits Campus

UW-W Chancellor Corey A. King (R) greets Harry Coker Jr. UW-Whitewater photos/Craig Schreiner

By Chris Lindeke
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Marketing and Communications Manager
University Marketing and Communications

A growing major at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — cybersecurity — was the topic of conversation on the Whitewater campus during a visit from the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

Representatives from the White House, including National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Jr., and Acting Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Rob Shriver, joined UW-Whitewater students, faculty and staff for a day of engagement, discussion and learning.

The visit included meetings with campus leadership, a tour of facilities, a student panel discussion, remarks from both White House and university representatives, roundtable discussions, and a visit to UW-Whitewater’s annual Hawk Internship and Career Fair.

A student panel discussion included information technology major MayLin Frietag, information technology and marketing major Paige Lenz, and cybersecurity major Shamik Patro. The panel was moderated by Michael Rose, who earned a BBA in information technology and an M.S. in cybersecurity from UW-Whitewater and is currently the director of information technology at St. John’s Northwestern Academies in Delafield.

Coker lauded the work of UW-Whitewater in the cybersecurity space, especially with small businesses and rural agribusinesses in Wisconsin that are often targets of malware attacks.

“I’ve learned even more about how strong this institution is,” Coker said. “You all ought to be proud of your accomplishments … I’m so proud of what you’re doing and so grateful, particularly to students whom I met with this morning. Believe me when I tell you, I’m now even more encouraged about our nation’s future. I’m inspired to be at UW-Whitewater.”

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for information security analysts are expected to grow by 33 percent between 2023-33 – the fifth-fastest rate in the nation.

According to Coker, there are nearly 500,000 job openings in cybersecurity in the nation, including 5,000 in Wisconsin. In the southern part of the state alone – including the Janesville, Madison and Milwaukee areas – a total of 3,000 cybersecurity roles are open.

UW-Whitewater is addressing the need head on. The number of degree-seeking cybersecurity majors at the school nearly doubled between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years. The university’s undergraduate major and minor programs related to cybersecurity, combined with the master’s and certificate programs, have risen steadily since 2019-20, including an 11 percent jump between 2022-23 and 2023-24.

UW-Whitewater is aligned with the National Security Agency’s National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) program and Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) program requirements.

“Cybersecurity is a growing challenge, affecting industries, schools, and businesses of all sizes,” said Jason Janke, dean of the College of Letters and Sciences. “We offer comprehensive undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity programs that are directly aligned with the demands of the workforce.”

UW-Whitewater’s B.S. in cybersecurity, offered through the College of Letters and Sciences, focuses on identifying, preventing, detecting, and responding to security attacks that endanger the safety of property and people.

The university’s BBA in information technology with emphasis in networking and security, a program in the College of Business and Economics, tackles the same focus areas while exploring the relationship between cybersecurity and business.

“Cybersecurity is more than just an IT issue – it’s a business imperative,” said Paul Ambrose, dean of the College of Business and Economics. “We are leading the way in ensuring our students have the knowledge and skills to protect organizations from evolving cyber threats.”

Students in both majors engage in the UW-Whitewater Cybersecurity Center for Business (CCB). Housed in the business school, the CCB offers cybersecurity education, research, and outreach for organizations and learners in Wisconsin. Current and past partners include the U.S. Department of Defense and the Wisconsin Emergency Management Cyber Response Team.

“I didn’t know what cybersecurity was until I joined the cybersecurity club,” said Lenz, a junior from Bloomington, Illinois. “You get to learn theory, get to do hands-on experiences, and get to compete in competitions. It’s helped me a lot with my experiences here.”

“The Cybersecurity Center for Business complements the curriculum initiatives through education, research and outreach initiatives in cybersecurity,” said Balaji Sankaranarayanan, CCB director and professor of information technology and supply chain management.

Graduates can also enroll at UW-Whitewater for additional learning on the topic – other academic programs include an M.S. in cybersecurity, a cybersecurity certificate, and a cybersecurity management certificate. All three programs are fully online, offering convenience and flexibility for professionals to build their skills and enhance their knowledge.

Students in the cybersecurity programs provide free Cyber Preparedness Assessments to rural K-12 school districts and agribusinesses, which are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks.

During the upcoming Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 5 Cyber Lucrezia exercise, UW-Whitewater students will shadow professionals in real-time cyber defense.

They’re all part of the hands-on learning that has become commonplace on campus.

“You get classes on the computer science side to learn theory and classes on the IT side where you get hands-on experiences, and the bow on top is the cybersecurity classes,” said Patro, a senior from Verona. “Capstone classes focus on hands-on learning where you go out to local companies and schools and perform actual cybersecurity related tasks. It’s a phenomenal experience.”

The visit also occurred during Cyber Awareness Month, an annual initiative to raise cybersecurity awareness in the United States and around the world.

The day closed at the university’s Hawk Internship and Career Fair, where nearly 200 employers engaged with students and alumni seeking internship and employment opportunities. Approximately 20 of the organizations on hand were recruiting for cybersecurity related roles.

Seniors in the Park Presents Matinee

October is a month for the macabre, mysterious moans, mammoth monsters…and Halloween! Three movies to induce mayhem! 

“Matinee”

Tuesday, October 8, 1 pm 

(Comedy/Drama) Rated PG; 1 hour, 39 minutes, (1993)

Remember “The Fly,” “The Mole People,” and “The Alligator Man”? In a deft spoof of 50’s-60’s horror films, John Goodman portrays a B-movie producer of low–budget monster flicks, sneak-previewing his latest schlocky monster mash of a movie at a Key West theater—-on the weekend of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. A real hoot! Wait ‘til you see “The Mant”! (half man/half ant)…

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/