News

The Universities of Wisconsin recently announced the selection of the 2026–2027 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars.

The upcoming Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars (WTFS) participants include 23 faculty and instructors from 12 universities, nominated by Provosts for their excellence in teaching and learning. The WTFS program provides UW faculty and teaching academic staff a unique opportunity to collaborate with other exceptional teachers from across the Universities of Wisconsin and from various disciplines. In addition to discussing effective evidence-based teaching and learning approaches, participants are guided through systematic research focused on improving student learning through a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) project. The yearlong program begins in May and will culminate with a research
presentation in Spring 2027.

Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars is one of three programs offered by the Universities of Wisconsin’s Office of Professional and Instructional Development (OPID). OPID supports the UWs’ 13 Centers for Teaching and Learning in fostering a culture of teaching and learning excellence in Wisconsin. Together they offer professional development programs that seek to enhance student learning in face-to-face, online, and blended learning environments.

The Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars program is directed by two faculty leaders, Sarah Riforgiate, a communications professor at UW-Milwaukee, and Georjeanna Wilson-Doenges, a psychology professor at UW-Green Bay.

The 2026–2027 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars, who each will receive a $4,000 stipend from their university, are:

• Alexander Bozzo. UW-Stout, English, Philosophy, and Communication Studies
• Anjuli Joshi Brekke, UW-Parkside, Communication
• Xinghui Chen, UW-Platteville, Marketing
• Jennifer Collins, UW-Stevens Point, Political Science
• Meg Chrusciel, UW-Superior, Legal Studies and Criminal Justice
• Natalie Cummings, UW-Stevens Point, Voice
• Anita Davelos, UW-La Crosse, Biology
• Ashley Edwards, UW-La Crosse, Communication Studies
• Benjamin Fine, UW-Eau Claire, Computer Science
• McLean Gunderson, UW-Madison, Comparative Biosciences
• Edina Haslauer, UW-Platteville, Teacher Education
• Nick Hwang, UW-Whitewater, Communication

• Dani Kvam, UW-Oshkosh, Communication Studies
• Aubri McDonald, UW-Parkside, Criminal Justice
• Md Tarique Newaz, UW-Green Bay, Marketing
• Elizabeth Novotny, UW-Whitewater, Literature, Writing and Film
• Ismaila Odogba, UW-Stevens Point, Geography
• Rhonda Petree, UW-River Falls, English
• Gregory Ruegsegger, UW-River Falls, Health and Human Performance
• Michael Weinstein-Reiman, UW-Madison, Music Theory
• Rojoba Yasmin, UW-Green Bay, Electrical Engineering
• Juan Zhang, UW-Eau Claire, Marketing & Supply Chain Management
• Yuxuan Zhao, UW-Stout, Psychology

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About the Universities of Wisconsin
The Universities of Wisconsin serve more than 164,600 students. Awarding more than 37,000 degrees annually, these 13 public 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. Learn more at wisconsin.edu.

Editor’s note: This press release was received from the Universities of Wisconsin.

Event: Purple Up! Family Movie Night
Host: American Legion Post 173
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 – Doors open at 5:30 PM, movie starts at 6:00 PM
Location: Whitewater Cinemas, Whitewater, WI
Admission: Free and open to all

Description:

American Legion Post 173 invites the Whitewater community to a free, family-friendly movie night on April 15 in celebration of Purple Up! Day and the Month of the Military Child. Everyone is welcome to attend as we come together to recognize and support military-connected youth in our community.

Families can enjoy a free showing of Max (rated PG) at Whitewater Cinemas. The movie begins at 6:00 PM, with doors opening at 5:30 PM. Max tells the story of a military service dog who, after the loss of his handler, finds a new home with the handler’s family, forming a strong bond and navigating life, love, and healing.

American Legion members will greet guests and offer an opportunity to recognize military children in attendance, and goodie bags will be available for families to enjoy.

April is recognized nationwide as the Month of the Military Child, established in 1986 to honor the important role and sacrifices of children in military families. Purple Up! Day, observed each year on April 15, is a special day when communities are encouraged to wear purple as a visible show of support. The color purple represents all branches of the military, symbolizing unity and appreciation for these young heroes.

Military children often experience unique challenges, including frequent moves and time apart from loved ones during deployments. Community events like this are an opportunity for all of us to show our support and appreciation.

Attendees are encouraged to wear purple and join us for an evening of fun, recognition, and community connection as we celebrate the strength and resilience of military children

Wisconsin Makers will host its ninth and final iron pour on Saturday, April 18.

The public is invited to this family-friendly event at the regional makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater.

Participants and spectators are welcome to watch the “pour team” — Teresa “Tree” Lind, retired University of Wisconsin- Whitewater lecturer of art and design — and her former students and alumni melt cast iron in an outdoor furnace and then fill sand square scratch molds with the liquid metal.

This marks the makerspace’s last-ever iron or aluminum pour in light of Lind’s retirement and other factors.

“For the past decade, the iron pour has been the highlight of Wisconsin Makers’ year, enabling the public to create metal art in an easy, fun and collaborative way,” said Wisconsin Makers President Al Jewer. He noted that it also has provided UW-Whitewater students a connection to the community. “Whether a maker or spectator, please join us for this, our final pour,” Jewer said.

Those wishing to make their own casting may buy a sand scratch mold to personalize with their design that day, starting at 9 a.m. Each scratch mold must be completed no later than 11:15 a.m.

By noon, the outdoor forge should have reached 2,700 degrees and be ready for the pour. Lind and her team will fill buckets with molten iron and pour it into the sand scratch molds. They will present the completed castings to participants by mid-afternoon.

The per-person cost is $25. Participation is on a first-come, first served basis. All ages are welcome, but youngsters must be accompanied by an adult.

During the iron pour, grilled brats, chips, water and soda will be available for purchase.

Scratch mold workshop set

Persons wishing to get a head start on their squares may attend a scratch mold workshop at the makerspace Friday, April 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. Pizza will be available for $1 per slice.

They also may make arrangements to pick up a scratch mold earlier than that date by calling Jewer at (630) 430-9498.

“Your unique design will be preserved in cast iron for ages to come,” said Jewer, adding that past years’ iron pours each have drawn more than 100 attendees. “This is a wonderful opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.” To get a feel for what an iron pour entails, please view a short YouTube video of the 2017 event: https://youtu.be/Q5HgV94OPe4.

Wisconsin Makers is a nonprofit regional makerspace (community workshop). Work areas/equipment include: 3-D printing, laser engraving, machining, welding/fabrication, electronics, blacksmithing, woodworking, ceramics/pottery, jewelry making, arts/crafts, quilting and more.

For more information on the iron pour, scratch mold workshop or other upcoming classes, visit Wisconsin Makers’ Facebook page at @wisconsinmakers or call Jewer at (630) 430-9498.

The second concert in the Bassett House Spring Concert Series will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM. The concert will be held at the Bassett House, 708 W. Main Street, Whitewater.

Performing will be the talented voice students of Rachel Wood, Associate Professor at UW-Whitewater. The program will be a delightful combination of classic repertoire and popular favorites – and not to be missed!

Following the concert will be a complimentary wine and cheese reception, and a chance to meet and mingle with these exceptional singers.

Adult ticket prices are $30 per concert. Student tickets (over 13 years old) are $15 per concert, and child tickets (13 and under) are $10 per concert.

All proceeds will go to the Bassett House Preservation Fund, which the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs will use to ensure the preservation of the Bassett House, one of Whitewater’s oldest historic homes.

For more information, visit our website at bassetthousewww.org or contact Linda Robinson at linrob73@gmail.com

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on becoming a Bee City USA member and a Monarch City USA member.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Monday, April 06, 2026 – 5:30 PM
Citizens are welcome (welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23760463515772?p=AiS7j2osuwM4RA3gkQ

City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 P.M.
Agenda includes Department Updates to Include: PD Evidence/Training Garage, WPPA and WPPSA
Bargaining Processes, Spring Splash, Community Impact Team (CIT) and Immigration
Liaison Federal Funding; followed by CLOSED SESSION to interview police and fire position candidates, followed by return to OPEN SESSION.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23922939870793?p=VevtWvZoPhCCEbqmSJ
You can also dial in using your phone:
Phone Number: 1-929-229-5663 Phone Conference ID: 757 460 859#

City of Whitewater Common Council – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. [Note date change due to the election.]
Agenda includes update on Flock cameras, property tax comparative analysis; CLOSED SESSION Review and Possible Action: Development Agreement for Stonehaven Development on Bluff Road; Discuss Bargaining and Negotiation strategy related to the contracts with the Police Union, RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Thursday, April 09, 2026 – 6:00 PM
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:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/21088687170163?p=kwVeunAO32BbfYJZit
Meeting ID: 210 886 871 701 63
Passcode: Qz7Ry2iW
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,257059003# United States,
Phone conference ID: 257 059 003#

Reports in various news media indicate that Jay Rothman, President of the UW System, has been informed by the Board of Regents that he must resign or be fired. Below this paragraph are excerpts from an article dated April 2 [“Universities of Wisconsin leaders looking to oust system president who refuses to quit”] on the Associated Press [AP] website. Jay Rothman has served as President of the Universities of Wisconsin (officially known as the University of Wisconsin System) since June 2022. An attorney who previously served as chairman and CEO of a large law firm, Rothman had no previous experience in higher education administration. A related AP article dated April 3 which is titled “Fight over University of Wisconsin system president’s future draws heat from Republican leader” may be viewed here.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The president of the University of Wisconsin system said in letters obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday that he has been told to either resign or be fired but has been given no reason and won’t step aside.

Jay Rothman, president of the multicampus 165,000-student university system since 2022, said in a letter addressed to the head of the Board of Regents dated March 26 that he has been given no reason why regents want him to leave.

Rothman said he has been told that his options are to resign or retire, and that if he doesn’t then the board “was prepared to terminate my employment despite all that has been accomplished.”

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. It’s Good Friday and time to wish everyone “Easter Greetings.” This is another of our early 20th century holiday greeting post cards. It was chosen because the image shows birds building a nest and this author has been watching a cardinal build a nest out of her office window for the past few days. We hope everyone has a lovely Easter and lots of nest-building scenes this spring.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(Whitewater Historical Society post card collection)

The Greater Whitewater Committee is set to host the Director of The City of Whitewater Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department, Kevin Boehm, to present on the 2026 Fourth of July Parade.

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host the Director of the City of Whitewater Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department, Kevin Boehm, to present on the 2026 Fourth of July Parade.

This event will take place on Thursday, April 9th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190

The City of Whitewater Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department is proud to lead the planning and coordination of the 2026 Fourth of July Parade, continuing a long-standing community tradition. With deep appreciation for the many years of dedication from the Whitewater Lions Club, the city is committed to maintaining the spirit, energy, and community pride that have made the parade a highlight of the summer season. 

As the nation celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary, this year’s parade—“America 250: Celebrating Freedom”—offers a special opportunity to bring the community together in a meaningful way. In recognition of this milestone, the city will honor Veterans and Active Duty Military as Grand Marshals, celebrating their service and dedication to our country. The Parks Department looks forward to welcoming participation from residents, organizations, and businesses to help create a festive, inclusive, and memorable celebration for all.

The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 9th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to learn more about the 2026 Fourth of July Parade. If you are interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, April 8th.

“The Fourth of July Parade has been an amazing yearly annual event in Whitewater,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “We are especially excited to see the community get together to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary.”

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com. 

About the GWC

The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies needed to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.

The Mulberry Campus is located at 1255 W. Main Street, Whitewater.