News

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Six individuals who have achieved exceptional professional success or have made significant contributions to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater are being honored as the university celebrates its 155th anniversary. The 2023 class of alumni award honorees include graduates with careers in illustration, entrepreneurship, education and commercial real estate development — including the co-founder of a company that produced the world’s first crowd-sourced beer. 

The awards will be presented at the Founders Day Celebration, held at UW-Whitewater at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 22.

This year’s recipient of the Outstanding Recent Alumni Award is Henry Schwartz (https://www.uww.edu/alumni/awards/schwartz ). The award recognizes the professional accomplishments of Schwartz, who earned a BBA in entrepreneurship and a B.A. in Spanish in 2011 and co-founded MobCraft Beer that same year. Schwartz continues to lead that company, which is expanding to its fourth brick-and-mortar location and generates $4.5 million in annual sales, with a team that includes several fellow Warhawks.

The recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement is Monica Kelsey-Brown (https://www.uww.edu/alumni/awards/kelsey-brown ). Kelsey-Brown, who earned a BSE in elementary education and an M.S. in curriculum and instruction, is the first superintendent of color in the School District of Brown Deer, a district of 1,600 students that is one of the most diverse in the state. Kelsey-Brown took the helm in July 2020, in the early days of COVID-19, after working in various roles at Milwaukee Public Schools since 2002.

Also receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement is Ed Steckley (https://www.uww.edu/alumni/awards/steckley ). Steckley, who earned B.A. in graphic design and a minor in art history in 2018 after an initial stint on campus in the early 1990s, is an award-winning freelance illustrator whose work has appeared on “Saturday Night Live,” in MAD Magazine, and in children’s books — including the “Rube Goldberg” series — as well as in magazines, newspapers and a range of advertising campaigns. 

Byron “Chris” Chrisman and Carlene Chrisman https://www.uww.edu/alumni/awards/chrisman ) are this year’s recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award for Service to UW-Whitewater. After earning a B.S. in business administration with an emphasis on accounting, Chris Chrisman embarked on a career spanning tax law, commercial real estate development and diverse businesses. The Chrismans funded the Mary Poppe Chrisman Success Center with an initial gift of $1.5 million in 2016, and a subsequent estate gift in 2019 of $5 million — the largest gift to date in the university’s history — targeted four endowment funds: Student Success Fund, Warhawk Emergency Fund, Wheelchair Athletics and Rugby. 

The recipient of the S.A. White for Contributions to UW-Whitewater is Therese Kennedy (https://www.uww.edu/alumni/awards/kennedy ). Kennedy has worked at the Office of Recreation Sports and Facilities for more than 30 years, serving as director since August 2020, and has left an indelible imprint on the campus and the community as a member of the Athletics Hall of Fame Board, a board member of the Tip Off Club and Quarterback Club, mentoring scores of students, and working on behalf of Wally and Rod’s Warhawk Raffle. She also serves as co-president of the Whitewater Community Foundation.

“All of these accomplished individuals speak to the breadth and the depth of the impacts that our graduates can have, both professionally and in their communities,” said Chancellor Corey A. King. “As evidenced by these individuals, our academic programs have a strong track record of producing talented, versatile graduates, and I couldn’t be more proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of these Warhawks.”

“Our alumni and friends of the university bring a wealth of experiences to the Warhawk family,” said Amy Oeding ’90, director of  alumni relations. “Like so many of our supporters, they not only give back to their communities, they continue to have a rich connection to the campus and to today’s students.”

Also being honored are the 2023 UW-Whitewater Outstanding Student Award winners, one from each of the university’s five undergraduate colleges. Each student receives a $1,000 scholarship in addition to their award:

• Abdel Hamed, liberal arts major from Beloit, College of Integrated Studies
• Morgan Jensen, music education from Sun Prairie, College of College of Arts and Communication 
• MacKenzie Lindow, special education major from East Troy, College of Education and Professional Studies 
• Carson Neigum, business major from Pewaukee, College of Business and Economics 
• Jaelyne White, entrepreneurship major with a minor in Spanish, from Poynette, College of Letters and Sciences 

For more information on UW-Whitewater’s Distinguished Alumni awards, visit uww.edu/alumni/awards.

For any questions, contact Amy Oeding, director of alumni relations, at oedinga@uww.edu or 262-472-7033. 

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the City of Whitewater.

The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will collect bagged leaves and yard waste the:
• Week of April 3 – April 6, 2023
• Week of April 10 – April 14, 2023

*Dates may be subject to change in the event we experience accumulating snow during this time.

Yard waste is defined as leaves, grass clippings, and yard and garden debris. Yard waste must be bagged in
30 gallon or smaller biodegradable, clear or transparent bags only. Yard waste will not be collected if not
properly bagged or placed in non-transparent or black bags. The City offers Bio-Bags, at the Finance
Department window, in the fall only.

Please place your bagged yard waste on the curb no earlier than Saturday, April 1, (for collection beginning on
April 3) and April 8, (for collection beginning on April 10). All bags must be brought to the curb by 7:00 a.m.,
on Thursday, April 13, for collection by City staff.

Residents may also use the compost site to dispose of bagged leaves and yard waste. The compost site will
on open on Saturdays starting April 1, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Wednesdays, starting on April 5, from
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The City will provide a loader for loading chips and compost beginning Saturday, April 1.
This loader will be available on the first Saturday of each month until the site closes for the season.

Residents requesting brush collection should call 473-0560 to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays.
NOTICE: City Ordinance Chapter 12.08 – Street Obstructions, Section: 12.08.010 – Residents are prohibited
from depositing any yard waste debris on city streets.

The League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area (LWV-WW) reminds voters to get ready to vote in the upcoming April 4 Spring Election. Appearing on the ballot are candidates running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and regional judge races for the court of appeals and circuit courts. Other local races in Walworth and Jefferson counties include city councils, school boards, and boards that govern counties, villages, and towns. Some communities will also be casting their vote on referenda. The League encourages voters to start their research before casting their ballot, so they are informed whether they vote by absentee ballot or on Election Day.

One source of nonpartisan candidate information is the League’s voter guide on VOTE411.org LWV-WW asked candidates running in competitive races to participate in the Spring Election Voter Guide in which voters can read candidates’ responses to the League’s questionnaires. By visiting the site, voters can compare the answers posted verbatim of the candidates. Please note: Not all candidates chose to respond.

Questions in VOTE411 are presented in English and Spanish. Candidates were encouraged to provide answers in both languages.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @lwvwhitewater.

City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee – Monday @ 4:45 p.m.
Agenda: class A liquor license applications for Whitewater Petroleum Co. (Five Points), Campus Quick Shop, Casey’s (east side), and SS Express (Main & Fraternity).
IN PERSON MEETING
Community Room – Whitewater Municipal Building

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday (closed session) 6:00 p.m. (open session) 7:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m.
———————————————–
6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86971863002?pwd=RGhpTnFPKzZnUWlYTDZyaDZTZWdEdz09
– Passcode: 939544
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 869 7186 3002
– Passcode: 939544
———————————————-
Closed Session
Agenda includes preparation for negotiations with Whitewater Education Association and consider participation in another class action lawsuit.
———————————————-
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84712363168?pwd=WGZjc2t3dm44c2F3aklCKzFhbVZjUT09
– Passcode: 727354
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 847 1236 3168
– Passcode: 727354
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes possible action on items discussed in closed session, recognition of service of retiring board members, staffing and program recommendations for 2023-24.

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda
Community Room
431 W. Center Street
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86850014459?pwd=VmFUUU85aHJSTmZKSitKZlZlRWk0UT09
Meeting ID: 868 5001 4459
Passcode: T7jLnRcY
Or dial
1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 868 5001 4459
Passcode: 50621192

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Library Report regarding fundraising campaign; Neighborhood
Services Update on Code Enforcement; Consideration of granting the available “Class B” alcohol license to one of the below applicants: Whitewater Petroleum Co. Five Points Mobil, or Casual Joes BBQ LLC; Presentation by Clear Path Energy/Terra Focus on leasing the old Whitewater Landfill (north end of Jefferson Street) for solar energy generation. (DPW Director Request); Closed session, not to reconvene for performance evaluation of city manager.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an in person AND a virtual meeting.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89139306364?pwd=SlpyNDlQaWsvTXFoc1FDN2dNRUdHZz09
Passcode: 013032
Or Telephone:
Dial US: 1 309 205 3325
Webinar ID: 891 3930 6364
Passcode: 013032

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

News Flash! Women are underrepresented in lucrative STEM careers! I doubt you’re surprised by that, but did you know that you can do something about it?

Encourage your middle school daughter, niece, granddaughter, or neighbor to attend the AAUW Tech Savvy STEM Workshop on Saturday, April 15 at UW–Whitewater.

Tech Savvy is a one-day hands-on workshop for girls in grades 6– 9. Participants will select from ten sessions including Density Bottles, Explore the Universe One Ray of Light at a Time, Hands-on Construction Competition, Plasma Physics & Fusion Energy, Science of Flavors & Fragrances, Soil Bacteria: A Key to New Antibiotics, Spaghetti Car Derby, Surgical Intern for a Day, Wear your Genes, and What Can Glowing Animals Teach Us? Interested boys may attend.

Parents are invited to join their child for one of the workshop sessions and then attend “chat with” sessions designed to help them support their children’s career exploration and educational opportunities. Parents will be able to chat with professional women in a variety of STEM professions and with experts on 2-year and 4-year college programs.

The keynote will be presented by Yana Rawinski, Senior Product Manager, Medtronic Spine and Biologics. She will share her journey from middle school math competitions to a biomedical engineering degree.

The cost is $10 and includes workshops, supplies, lunch, t-shirt and more.
See the entire program and register at www.uww.edu/ce/camps/additional/techsavvy.

Register soon for best choice of workshop sessions! Space is limited. Deadline is Wednesday, April 5. Deadline for a guaranteed t-shirt size is March 25.

The League of Women Voters-Whitewater Area kindly invites community members to attend the Whitewater Municipal Judge Candidate Forum on Sunday, March 19, from 1-2 p.m. The forum is in person and will be held in the City of Whitewater Council Chambers, located on the first floor of City Hall, 312 W Whitewater Street, Whitewater. Candidates for Municipal Court Judge are Art Coleman and Patrick Taylor (incumbent). The majority of municipal court cases involve traffic, parking and ordinance matters.

The League will be assisted in running the forum by Whitewater High School students under the supervision of both the League and Whitewater High School social studies teacher Greg Stewart. The forum will be moderated by WHS Senior Alex Martin. Two other students will assist League members in sorting and selecting the candidate questions.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @lwvwhitewater.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the City of Whitewater.

Whitewater’s compost site will open on Saturdays starting April 1, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The compost site will also open on Wednesdays starting April 5, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The City will provide a loader for loading chips and compost beginning Saturday, April 1. This loader will be available the first Saturday of every month until the site closes for the season.

*Please allow enough time for unloading as the compost site will close promptly at the posted times.*
NOTICE: It is against city ordinance to deposit any yard waste debris on City streets or right of ways.

If you have any questions please call the Streets Department at 473-0560.
For other requests, visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx

“Early, in-person voting: Town of Whitewater – Tuesday, March 21  10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; Thursday, March 23 4:00 – 7:00 PM; Saturday March 25 9:00 – Noon

Public testing for voting machine: Saturday, March 25 at Noon

Please remember if you are voting absentee, ballots must be either mailed to the Town Hall or dropped off during normal Town Hall hours: M, T, Th 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Use of the drop box is prohibited.

new email: clerk.treas@townofwhitewaterwi.gov

new website: townofwhitewaterwi.gov

Editor’s note: Per the press release below, Artanya M. Wesley, UW-Whitewater Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, has been named one of three candidates for Chancellor of UW-Platteville (UW-P). According to her resume, Dr. Wesley is a two-time graduate of UW-P, having earned a BS in Psychology and an MS in Counselor Education there. She was also employed by UW-P from 2006-12 in positions ranging from residence hall director to dean of students. She joined UW-Whitewater in 2016 as dean of students and Title IX coordinator and assumed the vice chancellor role in 2019.

Editor’s note: In separate news, the following announcement was posted to the UW-W announcements page. “Dr. Matt Aschenbrener has announced that he has accepted a position at University of Houston – Clear Lake and his last day at UW-Whitewater will be April 20.  I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Matt for his years of service and leadership.  We wish him well as he takes on this new opportunity. 

With this departure, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater invites applicants for‎ the position of Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment and Retention. This position will provide strategic leadership for university enrollment and retention efforts under the direction of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The search is internal to UW-Whitewater. See posting for further details. 
John Chenoweth, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs”

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman today announced three finalists for the position of chancellor at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, a 6,500-student university in the southwest corner of the state that offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, 10 graduate programs, 60 minors, 15 pre-professional programs, and 30 certificates.

A Special Regent Committee selected the finalists from a list of candidates identified by a Search and Screen Committee led by Regent Cris Peterson, chair, and Christina Curras, Professor and Department Chair, Civil and Environmental Engineering, vice chair.

The finalists, listed in alphabetical order, are:

Philip A. Cavalier
Interim Chancellor, University of Tennessee at Martin
Martin, TN

Tammy K. Evetovich
Interim Chancellor, University of Wisconsin–Platteville
Platteville, WI

Artanya M. Wesley
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
Whitewater, WI

In the coming weeks, the candidates will participate in separate campus public forums, offering opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members to interact directly with them.

After reviewing campus feedback, Rothman and the Special Regent Committee, comprised of Regents Peterson, Scott Beightol, Mike Jones, Edmund Manydeeds III, and Rodney Pasch and chaired by Regent Peterson, will interview the finalists and recommend a single successful candidate to the Board of Regents, which must approve the appointment.

The person selected through this process will be UW-Platteville’s 15^th chancellor.

For more information about the candidates, the public conversations, and the search process, see the UW-Platteville chancellor search page: https://www.uwplatt.edu/chancellor-search. For more information about UW-Platteville, go to its homepage: https://www.uwplatt.edu/.

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UW-Platteville was founded in 1866 as the State Normal School in Platteville—the first teacher training institution in the state. In 1907, the Wisconsin Mining Trade School in Platteville was founded. The two institutions would eventually merge in 1959, forming the present-day UW-Platteville and beginning its rich tradition of academic excellence and unparalleled student experience. UW-Platteville has one of the premier engineering programs in the Midwest and strong programs in agriculture, education, criminal justice, forensic investigation, and the STEM disciplines. The university offers top-level, hands-on education with a strong liberal arts foundation. UW-Platteville is also known for the exceptional, personal support it provides students—in particular, first-generation college students, who make up 35% of the undergraduate student body.