News

Crossman Gallery Opens 2021 Season with “Hyphenated”

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the College of Arts & Communication, Department of Art & Design, Crossman Gallery. The image on the homepage is a tapestry by Ger Xiong.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is pleased to welcome “Hyphenated” in exhibit at the Crossman Gallery September 20, 2021 through November 5, 2021. An opening reception will be held on September 21, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Admission is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, and Tuesday from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm. Masks are required for anyone entering a campus building. For the most current safety guidelines, please visit the Warhawks are Back webpage at uww.edu/warhawks-are-back. The Crossman Gallery is located at 950 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190 in the Greenhill Center of the Arts. 

“Hyphenated” features fourteen BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and two-spirit (2S+) artists, and showcases technically diverse artworks of regional, national and international artists addressing a range of personal experiences and emotions in response to markers of identity that for some, reference both ancestry and citizenship. Materials include works on paper, mixed-media installation, metal, clay, textile and paint.

Through process, material and concept the invited artists address the themes of personal and attributed identification.  Each artist, through their authentic lens, speaks to perceived hierarchies, notions of “otherness” and diversity that structure their lives. As a way to resist assimilation and celebrate authentic intersectional identities, the artists address a broad range of topics (historical and contemporary) related to the idea of “hyphenated identity.” The artists employ diverse materials and processes ranging from 3D-printed ceramics, metalwork, and printmaking to centuries old hand woven textile techniques that confront and complicate the imperative to assimilate.​

“Hyphenated” is curated by Teresa Faris, Professor of Art and Design. “Historically, in this country,  hyphenated identities have often been used as a way to ‘other’ anyone who did not/could not assimilate into the dominant ‘American’ culture. Today, some people are choosing to use hyphenated identities as a way to reclaim an authentic voice and to resist assimilation. Through artwork we are able to see the complexities of this theme in ways that are inviting, confrontational, quiet, loud and thought provoking,” says Faris. The exhibit includes remarkable works by Brian Fleetwood, CK Ledesma, Dakota Mace, Ger Xiong​ (alum), Juvana Soliven, Kyle Patnaude, Linda Tien, matt lambert, nibiiwakamigkwe, Roberto Torres, Sanna Stabell, Taekyeom Lee and Tanya Crane, and William Thomas (alum).

Swimmers Compete at Edgerton/Evansville; Welcoming Donations in Memory of Teammate

The Whitewater Girls’ Swim Team competed against Edgerton/Evansville Tuesday night, September 14.

Winning their heats were: 
200 Medley Relay – Grace Foucault, Emerson Dunham, Makayla Bazeley and Brooke Bazeley with a time of 2:06.07
200 IM – Makayla Bazeley with a time of 2:25.82
50 Freestyle – Brooke Bazeley with a time of 28.76 
100 Fly – Grace Foucault with a time of 1:06.29 
100 Freestyle – Makayla Bazeley with a time of 58.99 
500 Freestyle – Brooke Bazeley with a time of 6:14.19 

We had a handful of swimmers compete in new events for the first time, including Michelle Abarca in the 100 Freestyle, Skylar Staebler in the 100 Fly, and Josie Treder in the 200 IM. 

The best split of the night came from Makayla Bazeley in the 400 Freestyle Relay swimming a 100 freestyle in 56.28! 

We are so very proud of our Whippets!

The team sends a huge thank you to members of the Edgerton/Evansville Team for their donations to help honor Trinity Nickels. Trinity Nickels was always passionate about animals. In her memory, the Whitewater Girls’ Swim Team will be accepting donations to the Lakeland Animal Shelter at their first home meet on September 21st, at 5:30 P.M. We hope this will be the first of many successful donation ventures in Trinity’s honor.

If you donate any of the following products you will receive free admission into the meet
· Bleach
· Liquid Detergent
· Dawn Dish Soap
· Dog or Cat Toys
· Used or New Stuffed Animals
· Used or New Towels, Blankets, or Washcloths
· Cat Litter
· Cat/Kitten Dry or Wet Food

If you are unable to attend the meet but would still like to donate, please contact us at whippetswim@gmail.com. Donations may also be brought to the Whitewater High School main office prior to September 21, 2021.

Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

Annual State of the City and Schools Addresses Hosted by the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area, Thurs., 9/23

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area.

The League of Women Voters-Whitewater Area is excited to again be hosting the annual State of the City and State of the Schools Addresses on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. 

This year we are fortunate to once again have Whitewater City Manager, Cameron Clapper, who will be speaking on a variety of topics including city budgeting, an update on the Cravath Lake project and COVID-19. Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, will be joined by Business Manager Benjamin Prather as they celebrate both the student and staffs’ accomplishments, as well as looking forward to the year ahead.

This event will be virtual. To attend live, please join the webinar by using the URL: bit.ly/lwv-ww_stateofcityandschools Passcode: 817513. Or, join us by telephone: Dial (312) 626-6799, Webinar ID: 899 2723 8868, Passcode: 817513. The event will also be livestreamed on the LWV-WW Facebook page (facebook.com/lwvwhitewater.org), as well as recorded for future broadcast on the City of Whitewater local access channel, Channel 990.

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 and like us on Facebook!

Brantmeier Reaches Girls’ Doubles Final at US Open

During the 2021 U.S. Open Tennis Championships, many people identified Whitewater’s very own Reese Brantmeier as the youngest player in the main draw at the U.S. Open. So, we followed Reese in this tournament, and on Friday night, Reese and her doubles partner Elvina Kalieva of Staten Island, New York, won a thrilling three-set match to advance to the U.S. Open Girls’ Doubles Final on Saturday.


The eighth-seeded doubles team of Brantmeier/Kalieva were to take on the third-seeded doubles team of Robin Montgomery of Washington D.C. and Ashlyn Krueger of Highland Village, Texas. Thus, the match would be an All-American final featuring the top junior players in the country on the same court.

The three-set match went back and forth with some excellent rallies for both teams. Eventually, the doubles team of Montgomery and Kreuger defeated Brantmeier and Kalieva 5-7, 6-4, (10-4). The final set featured a championship tiebreaker to determine the match.

Congratulations, Reese, on a job well done! We are so very proud of you!

Article and Photos Submitted by Greg Stewart

UW-W cybersecurity program validated by the U.S. National Security Agency

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by UW-Whitewater.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has received the Program of Study Validation from the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. This recognition extends to the Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Technology with a Networking and Security emphasis offered by the College of Business and Economics.

“It is an honor to earn this designation from the National Security Agency,” said Roger Yin, professor of information technology and co-director of the Cybersecurity Center for Business at UW-Whitewater. “This is one of the most difficult designations to receive, as the university is assessed on its research, program offerings, multidisciplinary approach, performance in cyber competitions and other factors.”

“Our IT major with an emphasis in Networking and Security delivers hands-on, practical instruction with heavy engagement and involvement with community and corporate partners,” said Andy Ciganek, department chair of information technology and supply chain management. “The NSA designation validates the high-quality instruction delivered by our professors and establishes UW-Whitewater as a first-choice destination and leader in cybersecurity education in the Midwest.”

Students graduating from the program can receive a certificate to show that they have completed the requirements of a  CAE Program of Study. Though graduates will be entering a high-demand field, the credential will further enhance their professional prospects.

Government officials and industry leaders have raised the urgency of their cybersecurity efforts in the wake of attacks against critical infrastructure and businesses. However, the demand for trained workers is reaching a crisis level, and the current talent shortfall was estimated at 500,000 workers in a recent presentation to a congressional subcommittee. In an effort to close the skills gap, the CAE-CD program sets standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence and encourages integration across academic disciplines.

The CAE-CD program also prioritizes community outreach and leadership. Collaboration with a business center that provides community services and business outreach is integral to a successful application. The Cybersecurity Center for Business at UW-Whitewater is hosted by the College of Business and Economics. The CCB provides cybersecurity education and training for businesses, local governments, and educational institutions throughout Wisconsin and portions of Illinois.

“Our application received high marks, along with praise for the Cybersecurity Center for Business,” said Yin. “The reviewers stated that the university and the CCB set a new standard for other aspiring institutions to emulate.”

“I applaud the effort and persistence by our staff in the information technology and supply chain management department,” said Paul Ambrose, interim dean of the College of Business and Economics. “This achievement helps highlight the college’s commitment to meeting the ever-evolving needs of Wisconsin’s businesses and workforce through relevant, innovative curriculum and state-of-the-art resources.”

Students graduating as early as December 2021 can obtain the certificate for completing a CAE-CD Program of Study. The program validation will be effective through August 2026 and can be renewed upon review.

For more information, contact Roger Yin at 262-472-5473 or yinl@uww.edu.

WHS to Host Parent University September 22

On Wednesday, September 22, Whitewater High School Staff will host the first annual Parent University addressing topics such as Redefining Ready, the new WHS Honors Recognition System, Advanced Placement courses, cybersecurity, Securly Home, digital parenting, using Infinite Campus, accessing mental health resources, school safety, understanding Early College Credit, getting to know Google Classroom, academic career planning/portfolio, the After School Study Center, youth apprenticeship, work study, and career certifications, clubs and activities, and scholarships. Staff will also be available for school tours and an open question and answer session.

WHO: Parents/Guardians of WHS students

WHEN: Wednesday, September 22, 2021, 4:00 pm until 7:30 pm

WHERE: Enter WHS through the main entrance, MPR/main gym entrance, or auditorium entrance, and someone will be there to help you find your first session.

WHAT: Check out the session descriptions and session schedule at https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/whs-parent-university/home, and come for the sessions that interest you the most.

WHY: Learn about programs offered at WHS, get your questions answered about high school, meet the staff, and explore WHS!

Questions?
Contact Principal Mike Lovenberg at mlovenberg@wwusd.org or 262-472-8100.

$100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program Extended to Sunday, Sept. 19

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by a press release from the Governor’s office.
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced that eligibility for the $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program will be extended to Sun., Sept. 19, 2021. The program opened Aug. 20 and is available to anyone ages 12 and up in Wisconsin who gets their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 19. 

Between Aug. 20 and Sept. 1, more than 65,000 Wisconsinites received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This extended deadline provides an opportunity for even more people to get vaccinated.

“We’re excited to see so many Wisconsinites across the state rolling up their sleeves to get the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect the health and safety of themselves and others and claiming their $100 reward,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m glad to be able to extend this program to give others the opportunity to take advantage of this great offer, and to do their part to help protect our state and stop the spread of the Delta variant.”

In order to receive the $100 reward, Wisconsin residents will need to register by filling out the form available at 100.wisconsin.gov or call 844-684-1064 to register over the phone. Information submitted will be used to verify that individuals have a valid first COVID-19 vaccine dose reported to the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) between Aug. 20 and Sept. 19. 

Rewards cards will be mailed to the individual’s Wisconsin address and may take six to eight weeks to be mailed to participants. Registration for the program will remain open until Sept. 30, 2021, but only those who receive their first COVID-19 vaccine dose within the program window are eligible for the $100 reward. 

For more information on the reward program, visit the DHS $100 reward page or call 844-684-1064. Language assistance is available. To find a COVID-19 vaccine location in your community, visit Vaccines.gov or call 211 or 877-947-2211. 

“The science and data are showing us that we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the highly contagious Delta variant by getting vaccinated,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “All three COVID-19 vaccines are extremely safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Getting vaccinated now can help protect our state as we brace for this current surge, and it can put $100 in your pocket.”

The $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program is part of the ongoing effort to stop the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant by encouraging Wisconsinites to get vaccinated. Wisconsin continues to experience an increase of COVID-19 cases, driven by the Delta variant. The Delta variant is much more contagious than the original strain of COVID-19. While vaccination is the most important layer of protection against COVID-19, with the high-level of disease transmission in Wisconsin, DHS is urging everyone to add additional layers of protection including wearing a mask, staying home when feeling sick, and thinking carefully about the activities you are attending.

Music Mosaics Concert Series Opens with Final Solo Concert by MyungHee Chung, piano

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the UW-W College of Arts & Communication, Dept. of Music

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Music is excited to announce the opening of the Music Mosaics series for the 21/22 academic year. Returning to face to face events, the series will open with a concert titled “My Favorite Pieces” by MyungHee Chung – her final solo concert before retiring from UW-Whitewater in the Spring.  All proceeds from the Music Mosaic series go directly towards scholarships for Department of Music students. This performance will take place on Sunday, September 19 at 3:00 pm in the Light Recital Hall. Ticket prices are $14 for general public, $12 for over 65, $7 for individuals under 18 and free for all UW-Whitewater students. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. Masks are required for anyone entering a campus building and each performance in the Light Recital Hall will have a social distance seating option. Do not come to campus if you are ill. For the most up to date campus safety information, visit the Warhawks are Back webpage at the link below. uww.edu/warhawks-are-back.

Dr. Chung has served UW-Whitewater for twenty six years. During that time she has performed in hundreds of concerts, collaborated with numerous artists, taught thousands of students and become a mentor, and friend, to all. “My Favorite Pieces” honors her time at UW-Whitewater and the joy he has experienced. On that note, the concert will kick off with a selection from J.S. Bach titled “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Chorale from Cantata No. 147” arranged by Myra Hess. Continuing on she will play one of the only minor pieces created by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart “Rondo in A minor, KV 511;” other works include selections by Liszt, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Ravel.

“I want to express my gratitude to the University that I was able to work and perform, and to the audience for supporting live music events” says Chung. Having worked alongside Chung for fourteen years, Dr. Michael Dugan, Chair of the Department of Music, says “MyungHee Chung’s time has been nothing short of a gift for our entire campus. While her stunning virtuosity and inspirational teaching will be missed, the legacy she will leave at UW-Whitewater is second to none.”