News

Editor’s note: On October 17, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman announced impending changes at three of the “branch campuses” (two-year colleges). The complete text of that announcement is provided under the following statement that was made by UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey A. King.

Earlier today, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman announced that two branch campuses — UW-Milwaukee at Washington County and UW Oshkosh, Fond du Lac campus— will end in-person instruction by June 2024. Another campus, UW-Platteville Richland, which had previously suspended in-person classes, will close.

These actions are the result of ongoing enrollment declines at many of the branch campuses in Wisconsin and the changing landscape of higher education. Our thoughts are with our colleagues and students across the state as they navigate the changes to come.

I recognize this news will be met with questions and concerns as it relates to our work and mission at UW-Whitewater, which includes UW-Whitewater at Rock County.

Let me be crystal clear: the Rock County campus will remain open. We are investing in our branch campus. The future of URock is bright. And we are committed to providing transformational educational experiences in the Rock County region.

In the last year alone, we’ve achieved multiple successes:

• We are invigorated by the positive enrollment trends at our Rock County campus. This fall, enrollment increased nearly 18 percent, the first year-to-year growth since 2018.
• In May, the first graduates of our Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences program crossed the stage at spring commencement. This is a flexible degree completion pathway for people who hold an applied associate degree from a technical college.
• This September, students in the first cohort in our collaborative nursing degree program started their classes. It’s part of our commitment to the region to respond to the critical need for healthcare workers in southern Wisconsin.
• We reaffirmed our collaborative engineering degree, offering multiple emphases for students interested in this in-demand field.
• Students at UW-Whitewater at Rock County are now able to participate in competitive athletics as they move along their educational journey. In February, the National Junior College Athletic Association accepted the campus as its newest member. Rock County intends to field teams starting in the 2024-25 academic year. The women’s volleyball team has launched early and is already competing.

We know that President Rothman has directed those universities with branch campuses that will remain open to engage with stakeholders to drive growth and to evolve. As an institution with “collaboration” as a core value, UW-Whitewater is already immersed in this work. 

Earlier this year, we submitted an analysis of the Rock County campus to the Universities of Wisconsin leadership that outlines a bright future of innovative programs, regional engagement, and workforce development. We’ve met with leaders of the Rock County Administration, the Rock County Board and Janesville School District. Several cabinet members and I have also been on the ground regularly in both Janesville and Beloit, seeing the immense potential for collaboration in this exciting Wisconsin county.

UW-Whitewater at Rock County is, and will continue to be, an integral part of the region, providing flexible pathways to degrees for students at the beginning of their college career as well as working professionals with years of experience. We look forward to seeing this campus continue to grow and strengthen our relationship with Rock County and the region.

Corey A. King, Ed.D
Chancellor

Richland campus to close, two others end in-person instruction, under directive from President Rothman

MADISON, Wis. – Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman announced today his decision to end in-person instruction at two additional branch campuses and to close one branch campus. Rothman also directed chancellors overseeing the remaining two-year campuses to work with local officials to determine the best uses for facilities to meet student and community needs.

The two campuses at which in-person instruction will end are UW-Milwaukee at Washington County and UW Oshkosh, Fond du Lac campus; the goal date is June 2024. UW-Platteville Richland will be closed. The decision follows Rothman’s earlier directive to chancellors to explore the long-term viability of the branch campuses.

“It’s time for us to realign our branch campuses to current market realities and prepare for the future. The status quo is not sustainable,” Rothman said. “This decision is a response to an evolving student marketplace. Offering students an educational experience they deserve while working with local leaders to ensure it meets their expectations is key to our long-term success.”

Rothman recently informed chancellors of his decision.

The actions would leave 10 remaining branch campuses located in Barron County, Baraboo, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marshfield, Menasha (Fox Cities), Rock County, Sheboygan, Waukesha, and Wausau.

Rothman charged the chancellors overseeing the 10 campuses to discuss future options with local county governments that own the buildings in which classes are offered.

“We want to work with the counties to determine the best way for our universities to serve their communities,” Rothman said. “This reassessment is designed to ensure facilities are used in ways that meet community needs and provide long-term stability.”

He said those conversations will involve utilizing the existing campuses or other possible locations in a range of ways, including offering four-year and graduate degree options, upskilling and reskilling opportunities for the existing workforce, expanding dual enrollment, or opening ‘navigation centers’ for high school and nontraditional students seeking guidance on their university journey. Rothman said retaining the remaining branch campuses is an option that will be determined by community needs and the ability of the Universities of Wisconsin to meet those needs.

Choices made by the vast majority of traditional and nontraditional students are driving the decision, Rothman said, not cost savings.

“We are seeing freshman enrollment rising at most of our four-year campuses while enrollment at the two-year campuses has been falling at a rapid rate for years,” Rothman said. “Moreover, online enrollment has been trending up as well. The market is telling us that increasingly students are pursuing a degree at our four-year campuses or online.”

Rothman added that the student experience is waning on some branch campuses because of the decline in enrollment. Existing students attending the campuses where in-person learning will be no longer available will be offered enrollment options at other universities.

Rothman told chancellors to embark on the negotiations promptly with the goal of cementing a clear pathway by early spring 2024.

“I, Greg Majkrzak, am excited to announce my intention to run for the Whitewater City Council at-large position in the upcoming April election. I care deeply about our community and want to contribute to making it an even better place for all residents.

During my previous tenure as Alderperson for District 5, I worked diligently to serve my constituents by crafting and modifying ordinances to enhance Whitewater’s quality of life. Through collaborative efforts with city leadership, staff, legal counsel, and law enforcement, I spearheaded the successful passage of an ordinance permitting the use of golf carts and UTVs within city limits. As a member of the Finance Committee, I exercised fiscal responsibility by holding the council accountable to the established budget and seeking explanations for any budgetary deviations. In council meetings, I made it a priority to recognize and allow time for public comment so that all perspectives could be heard. My record demonstrates a commitment to transparency, fiscal prudence, public service, and policymaking that benefits all Whitewater residents.

In observing recent council meetings and trends, I believe there are opportunities for improvement in how the council collaborates, communicates, and conducts city business in a transparent manner.

If elected, my top priorities for the council will be:

Empowering the City Manager to effectively lead operations by focusing the council’s efforts on high-level governance through policymaking, rather than day-to-day administrative decision-making.
Working collaboratively with stakeholders to advance tangible, achievable solutions to Whitewater’s housing needs, including affordable housing and a diverse mix of housing options.
Promoting transparency, consistency, efficiency, and clarity in council and committee meetings through adherence to best practices for public deliberation and decision-making.

When you see my name, Greg Majkrzak, on the ballot next spring, please vote for me.”

This is a huge estate sale! The entire house will be available this weekend.  Six bedrooms, an office, a sunroom, three family rooms, two car garage, laundry room, work room, two bathrooms, and storage area!!

N7545 Esker Ct 
Whitewater, WI 53190

Thurs., Oct. 19 – 10-4, 
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 20 & 21  9-4 both days

See pictures at http://shestatesales.com/sales. 

The month of October has long been the month of the year women are reminded to screen for breast cancer. Fort HealthCare is pleased to announce multiple walk-in mammogram screening clinic opportunities not only in October but throughout the year:

• “Screening Saturday” will take place on October 21st from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Beauty and The Bean coffee camper will be onsite. You will receive a same-day voucher for a free beverage with your mammogram.
• “Walk-in Wednesdays” will take place the first Wednesday of every month from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  
  The walk-in clinics will be held at Fort HealthCare Radiology located on the first floor of Fort Memorial Hospital, 611 Sherman Avenue East in Fort Atkinson. No appointment or provider referral is required. Patients will be seen on a first come, first serve basis. You won’t need to be an existing FHC patient. Please bring your current insurance cards with you. Screening vouchers will be available to those without coverage.
  
  Eligibility Requirements:
• Be 40 years of age or older
• Not have had a mammogram, breast biopsy or breast surgery in the past year
• Not have had breast cancer in the last 2 years
• Not have breast implants
• Not have any current breast problems or concerns

Update 10/18 @ 3 p.m.: Name identifications added to the formal photos at the bottom of the post. Several additional photos of the dinner were also added.

The WHS class of 1973 held their 50th reunion at the UW-Whitewater Community Engagement Center on September 9. Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.

Tour of What WAS

In 1973 the high school was located in today’s middle school.

Senior Stairs

Dinner

Row 1 (Bottom row)

Alice (Rich) Schwarz, Robert Rowley, Mike Piper, Bruce McGraw, Joseph DeMott, Cynthia (Cuff) Cornwell, Lois (Beattie) Gray, Pat (Peck) Bromley, Peg Pomplin, Barbara (Ludeman) Frieberg, Lynn (Messerschmidt) Dickey, Kathi (Swenson) Werner, Mark Burrows

Row 2

John Stachowski, Jim Lawrence, Dan Bonk, Richard King, Brian Fehly, Clay Van De Bogart, Karen Kent, Joe Suchanek, Randy Crosby, Meredith (Misener) Crosby, Ed Steck, Ray Welter, George Behrens, Gregg Theune, Ardin Hammersted

Row 3

Connie (Ardelt) Foerster, Nancy (Duffin) Nugen, Tom Stanek, Francis (Street) Stanek, Becky (Nugent) Lippencott, Mary Holden, Debra (Roe) Borden, Joyce (Riggs) Hutchinson, Deborah (McLay) Meyer, Karen Luther, Kathy (Davison) Colwell, Debra (Poehler) Griffins, Donna (Taylor) Allenstein, Ann (Platner) Woods, LouAnn (Kettwig) Curran, David Nash

Row 4

Roger Roehl, Debra (Gerner) Ferguson, Melodie (Nass) Flewelling, Rebecca Ludeman, Janet (Bromley) Olson, Sue (Hookstead) Meyer, Clay Van De Bogart, Clayton Farrell, Joe Suchanek, Robert Ochs, Ray Gavitt, Mike Frawley, Katherine (White) Hitchcock, Nancy (Schaefer) Evans, Sue Joliffee

“Wedding Dresses of Whitewater, Past & Present”

Models and Displays
Refreshments include finger sandwiches, petit fours, bars, fruit cups, Kransekake (Norwegian wedding cake), mints, coffee, tea, and punch

Everyone is invited!
Free will donation

Online ticket purchases may be made at bethelhouseinc.org through October 20.

Reservations may be purchased at bethelhouseinc.org through Friday, October 20.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Sirina Hoffmann.

The WWHSAA will be holding the annual meeting at noon on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Jessica’s Family Restaurant. All alumni and guests are invited to attend. During the annual meeting officer elections are held in addition to general alumni business. All attendees are responsible to pay for their own meal. Go Whippets!

The members of St. John’s Masonic Lodge invite the citizens of Whitewater and the surrounding area to come out and enjoy a nice hot meal and show your support for our lodge. Our semi-annual fundraiser dinners are essential to support our organization and the costs of maintaining and insuring our beautiful old building. Come out and dine in and allow us to serve you, or you can carry out meals and enjoy them in the comfort of your own home. We look forward to serving you.

Editor’s note: The photo on the homepage is not representative of the dinner, as there is no vegetable other than coleslaw on the menu.

Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Whitewater Arts Alliance.

The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is having a shorter monthly exhibit entitled Hallow’s Gala at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 West Main Street. This exhibit is running from October 13 to October 29, Thursdays through Sundays, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The following dates have differing times to be in tandem with other local Whitewater events:

• Thursday, October 26 – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Hallow’s Gala is participating in the Whitewater Chamber of Commerce’s Ghouls Night Out which runs from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
• WAA is a part of the Scavenger Hunt during this event where “ghouls” can look for a special symbol within the gallery. The symbol will be hidden within the exhibit, and the WAA encourages both parents and children to not only look for it but also look at the spooky artwork presented by our artists.
• During the gallery open hours, WAA volunteers will give out candy as a trick-or-treating location among the lineup. 
• WAA will also host a “Creepy Sounds Corner” where kids can use musical instruments provided by co-chair Christine Hayes to get into the Halloween spirit.
• WAA will also provide coloring pages with spooky themes for kids to color and take home.

On Sunday, October 29 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Hallow’s Gala will have its closing reception which will feature musical entertainment by Los Bromanceros. Los Bromanceros is the duo players Brian “Looper” Lucas and Kenny Jones who are also a part of the recently heard Brothers Quinn during the Savory Sounds event. Entry to the reception is $5 at the door, kids 8 years or younger get in free. There will be a costume contest with a small prize included, as well as candy and treats for attendees to enjoy. Awards for Best of Show and Viewer’s Choice will be announced during this reception. 

Artists within this exhibit are…

• Bridget Coulter, mixed media artist (Whitewater, WI)
• Anna Curtis, mixed media artist (Menomonee Falls, WI)
• Michael Joers, painter (Janesville, WI)
• Ashley McDarison, digital artist (Delavan, WI)
• Kim McDarison, painter (Delavan, WI)
• Taylor McDarison, ceramicist (Waukesha, WI)
• Woody Olsen, mixed media artist (Janesville, WI)
• Roy Schmidt, photographer (Watertown, WI)

The information about this exhibit can be found on the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s website https://www.whitewaterarts.org/hallows-gala-2023.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to co-chairperson Ashley McDarison, mcdarisonproductions@gmail.com.