News

UW-W Virtual Forum & Studio 84 Separately Join Broad Efforts to Observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month

NDEAM 2020 poster:

Banner note: This article contains separate information from UW-W and Studio 84 regarding National Disability Employment Awareness Month.)

(UW-W Press Release) UW-Whitewater Hosts Forum to Support Inclusive Workplaces for Disabled Employees

In support of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, UW-Whitewater Working for Inclusion, Leadership and Learning (UW-WILL) is pleased to announce a three-day forum held virtually from Wednesday, October 14 through Friday, October 16, 2020.

A panel of experts will facilitate discussions and interactive sessions that will empower those with disabilities, both visible and hidden, to thrive in the workplace. Employers will gain insight into developing and implementing best practices around the recruitment and training of employees with disabilities to fulfill compliance regulations and provide supportive and inclusive work environments. Attendees will earn a certificate of completion of disability inclusion training and also receive access to an employment risk assessment tool and outcomes for complying with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

All are welcome as this event is offered free of charge and open to the public. To register, visit https://www.uww.edu/ce/willforum. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Watson at watsone@uww.edu or 262-472-1533.

“Embracing the Wisconsin Idea, the WILL team at UW-Whitewater invites you to participate in this opportunity to support our employees, community members, businesses and lifelong learners to embrace equity and diversity for persons with disabilities in our state. The opportunity to enhance employment opportunities, support our businesses and economy is part of our passion and mission. We’re a partner in solving your business solutions, moving towards equity and compliance.” Elizabeth Watson, Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Interim Dean of Students, Primary Investigator and founder of Center for Inclusive Transition, Education and Employment.

The mission of Working for Inclusion, Leadership, and Learning (WILL) is to provide valuable resources for employers to develop strategies and tools to create more disability-friendly work environments, including self-assessments, training, and certifications. Customized services and resource consultations are offered in partnership with UW-WILL including assessment of needs, compliance review, training and professional development, and customized talent pipelines, development and implementation of best practices and policies. For more information, visit https://www.uww.edu/will.

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(Studio 84 Press Release, Oct. 5) Nationwide campaign takes place in October

Studio 84 announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Increasing Access and Opportunity.” Studio 84 is a non profit art studio that specializes in the creative development of people with disabilities in the arts and is located in Whitewater.

The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“Ensuring that America’s workplaces continue to include and accommodate people with disabilities will be an important part of our economic rebound,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Looking ahead, the Department will remain focused on the policies that led to a strong economy and record-low unemployment rates for persons with disabilities prior to the pandemic. A vigorous economic rebound and job growth will, alongside the Americans with Disabilities Act, increase access and opportunity for Americans with disabilities.”

Reflecting this year’s theme, throughout the month, Studio 84 will be educating the community on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture. 

“Studio 84 is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said director of Studio 84 Deborah Blackwell. “We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities.”

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages — during October and throughout the year — by visiting www.dol.gov/NDEAM.

You can learn more about how Studio 84 supports artists with their integrated community employment programing.  They currently have five artists in various stages of their career development in the arts with a micro business. Visit www.studio84inc.org to learn more.

Carl Strait is a Hometown Hero

Carl Strait is a WUL Hometown Hero, and has been nominated “For putting himself in positions that are unsafe to keep others safe as a member of the Whitewater Fire Department and as both a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician.”

The nomination includes: “Carl is dedicated to serving his community and spends many nights waiting for the pager to go off to spring into action.  Carl works as a full-time Firefighter/EMT at another department but during this Pandemic, he spends a lot of his off time responding to 911 calls in Whitewater.  Carl is always seeking opportunities to serve his community more. On top of his duties for the Fire Department, he supports charity events such as the Fire & Iron Motorcycle Club Station 17 Burn Camp Ride and Whitewater Veterans of Foreign Wars events.”

Assistant Chief Uselding is pictured here with Carl (right)

Carl said, “I am honored to be recognized as a Hometown Hero for the city that I was born and raised in. I look forward to rushing to help the great citizens of Whitewater when they call for help for years to come.” 

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

 Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

UW-W reports 4% decline in 10th day enrollment

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Though the first day enrollment count at UW-W reflected an approximate 7% decline from the tenth day in 2019, this year’s tenth day report showed an improvement to a 4% decline. Jeff Angileri, UW-W Director of Public Information, told the Banner that the 10th day total enrollment for both UW-W campuses was 11,842. Final enrollment will be reported later. The statistics for the past twelve years are shown below.

Interim Chancellor Greg Cook, speaking at a virtual town hall on October 1, indicated that enrollment was down approximately 500 students on the Whitewater campus, and 90 at Rock County. Per the information provided to the Banner, the total loss was 526 students. Dr. Cook stated that, considering the COVID-19 pandemic, the enrollment was “very good news.” All things considered, Cook said, enrollment going down only 4% “shows the confidence that the students, the parents and the people in the region have in the university and also in the city—in Janesville and here in Whitewater.”

The news indicates that this is the third consecutive year for an enrollment decline on the Whitewater campus, following at least seven years of generally increasing numbers.

Fall enrollment:
2009 – 11139
2010 – 11557
2011 – 11643
2012 – 12031
2013 – 12015
2014 – 12159
2015 – 12351
2016 – 12628
2017 – 12430
2018 – 12084 (Does not include Janesville campus)
2019 – 12368 (Includes Janesville campus; 10th day)
2020 – 11842 (Includes Janesville campus; 10th day)

Fort HealthCare Completes Summer Virtual 5K Run Series; Winter Virtual 5K is next

(Fort HealthCare Press Release) – Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Fort HealthCare wanted to offer the community heart-healthy activities that could be done safely with the entire family, with physical distancing in place. During the summer of 2020, Fort HealthCare implemented the Summer Virtual 5k Run Series. This free series included four different “races” that were held one time per month between June and September. Participants completed a virtual 5k —meaning, they walked or ran 3.1 miles on a course that they chose or completed by treadmill. Once completed, they submitted their time and were put on a virtual leaderboard that tracked their overall place compared to all participants.

The summer series started as a single virtual 5k event over Memorial Day weekend. After over 100 participants registered and completed the race, the momentum and success of the event convinced Fort HealthCare’s Community Health and Wellness Team to create an entire series of races throughout the summer. Three races fell on unofficial/official holiday weekends (Summer Solstice, Fourth of July, and Labor Day) and the final race in August was slated as the “Dog Days of Summer” race.

Tiffany Pernat, Fort HealthCare Worksite Wellness Specialist, reflects, “Participants were also given a free Team Fort HealthCare T-shirt if they completed all four races as a fun incentive for participating. While the T-shirt was a great motivation for some, as completion emails came through, it became apparent that the event was also giving people important motivation and encouragement toward living healthier lifestyles, and in some cases, even courage, to step outside of their comfort zone and so something they’ve never tried before.”

Bob Head, a four-race finisher, wrote to Fort HealthCare, “This event truly made an impact on me. It kept me challenged and accountable. I can’t thank you enough! It’s made a huge impact on my life. These were the first 5ks I ever had the courage to sign-up for.”

Pernat continues, “Many of the participants during this challenge were from the same family or friend group, and we also had many who completed the entire challenge together.”

Area resident, Kati Wetzel, and her daughter, Lydia, completed all four races, and she notes, “I can guarantee we would not have run these this summer without the Virtual 5k Series, and the lure of a free T-shirt! Thank you!”

The final completion numbers for each race were as follows:

  • June: 138 race completions
  • July: 128 race completions
  • August: 124 race completions
  • September: 113 race completions

A total of 503 individuals completed a virtual 5k over the course of the summer series.

In addition to the individual event completions, there were 98 participants that completed all four races. They are: Amie Ramczyk, Angie Adler, April Findlay, Ashlyn Rulis, Barbara Schmitt, Becky Bohn, Bly Kramer, Bob Head, Brian Sullivan, Bringa Johnson, Cari Polodna, Carol Combs, Cassidy Sampson, Cecilia Smoniewski, Christopher Eiden, Dani Miller, Dani Saltz, Debby Kitsembel, Donald Schmitt, Ebee Voth, Erin Romagna, Erin Topp, Hannah Baldry, Heather Evenson, Heather Haywood, Jeff Helgestad, Jeff Kawleski, Jena Lenz, Jenna Loomans, Jennifer Kawleski, Jennifer Tanis, Jenny Schmitt, Jesse Brandt, Jessica Kozak, Jessica Krause, Joann Helgestad, Jody Mack, Joely Mack, Julia Neppl, Julie Kusel, Julie Schmocker, Kaity Schmear, Kateri Kawleski, Katherine Gorman, Kati Wetzel, Katy Schaefer, Kelly Eiden, Kierah Findlay, Kiernan Kawleski, Krista O’Dell, Kristen McCulloch, Laura Walker, Lauren Mayer, Laurie Linberts, Laurie McGowan, Libby Krause, Liesl Kemmeter, Lindsay Poeppel, Lisa Jensen, Lisa Kvalheim, Lisa Weber, Lydia Wetzel, Madalyn Kawleski, Mark Mack, Martha Ketterman, Mary Heagney, Melissa Overhouse, Michelle Heagney, Mike Cole, Minerva Ramirez, Misty Renz-Sanchez, Morgan Brandt, Morgan Pinzer, Nicole Mepham, Niki Lenz, Nikki Storm, Owen Geiger, Patti Linse, Penny Sullivan, Rebecca Cole, Rebecca Uecker,vRenee Wesenberg, Rob Wiesmann, Ryan Pernat, Sarah Elsner, Sarah Pagenkopf, Sean Walker, Shamika Ross, Sherri Elsner, Stephanie Nottestad, Suzi Koehn, Tammy Nelson, Tanya Geiger, Tara Miller, Tiffany Pernat, TJ Walker, Traci Wilson, and Tracy Apkarian.

Winter Virtual 5K Series

Due to the success of the Summer Virtual 5k Series, Fort HealthCare is excited to offer a Winter 5k Series that will begin in October and finish in February of 2021. A total of six FREE virtual races will be offered. Races will be offered one time per month, with two races in November. Once registered, participants can select a day, time and route to run during the race timeline and complete their 3.1 miles. Once completed, they are encouraged to submit proof of completion to Fort HealthCare via email, and their time will be recorded.

As an incentive, each race that is completed will equal one entry into a Grand Prize Drawing that will take place in February 2021, after the series is completed. Participants that complete all six races will receive six drawing entries. All ages are encouraged to participate and eligible to win the prize.

Participants of all ages are encouraged to register in as many races as they’d like to during the series. Interested individuals can register at FortHealthCare.com/Virtual5K. More information and instructions about how to participate in the event can be found on the online registration page. If using social media to share progress and positivity, players are invited to use the hashtag #HealthiestHereWeCome in their posts and to tag @FortHealthCare.

UW-W Chancellor Dwight Watson to resume university leadership role; UPDATE: UW System investigative report

(UW System Release) MADISON, Wis., Oct. 2— Chancellor Dwight Watson will be returning to lead the UW-Whitewater campus starting Monday, October 5.

UW System concluded a thorough investigation of certain allegations made against Chancellor Watson and found them to be without merit.

Regent President Andrew S. Petersen issued the following statement:

“I am glad this thorough investigation has concluded and that the allegations made against Chancellor Watson were found to be without merit. We look forward to the Chancellor’s return in leading UW-Whitewater on Monday.”

UPDATE Oct. 5: UW System investigative report


UPDATE Oct. 3: Chancellor Watson released the following statement on October 2.

Statement from Chancellor Watson

I am happy to announce that I will be resuming my role as Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Monday, October 5, 2020.  I want to thank my Cabinet for the tremendous work that they have done leading the institution in my absence.  Also, much appreciation to the campus and extended community for your outpouring of support during this time. I know this was a period of additional uncertainty in uncertain times.  I thank you for your patience, understanding, and your trust in the process.

I am returning from leave following the University of Wisconsin System’s investigation of certain allegations made against me.  I am pleased that the outcome of this extensive investigation concludes with the investigators’ findings that I was truthful during my hiring process with the University of Wisconsin and that there is no evidence of misconduct during my tenure at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  I am also appreciative of the thoroughness of the investigation and the swiftness in which it was conducted.

The University of Wisconsin System has demonstrated that it takes any allegations regarding sexual misconduct seriously and will employ due diligence in investigating and resolving such complaints.  In this instance I went on administrative leave with pay while the General Counsel’s office investigated certain allegations including allegations previously investigated and disposed of as unfounded six years ago on a previous campus where I served.  As I expected, the allegations were investigated thoroughly by the University of Wisconsin System, with no findings of wrongdoing. 

I am ready to return to lead the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and to address the challenges ahead.  I remain vigilant in supporting our processes involving sexual violence and sexual harassment for the betterment of our students. My focus now is on leading as Chancellor, I do not intend to issue any further public statements on this matter.

UPDATE Oct. 3: Per other media reports, the allegation against the chancellor regarded claims of sexual misconduct at another university. Further information is available through the following links.

Gazette article: “Investigation clears Watson, who will return as UW-Whitewater chancellor” by Jonah Beleckis.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article: “UW-Whitewater Chancellor to resume role after investigation clears him of harrassment allegations”

Wisconsin State Journal article: “UW-Whitewater Chancellor returns after complaint found to be ‘without merit’ “

Warhawk QuaranTeam Fund looking for support for students in COVID-19 related quarantine/isolation

(UW-Whitewater submission) Many community members have asked how you can help UW-Whitewater students while they are in COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation.

Thanks to a leadership gift from Head Football Coach Kevin Bullis, the Warhawk QuaranTeam Fund has been established at the UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc., to collect donations to improve students’ quarantine experience.

We invite anyone to consider making a gift to the Warhawk QuaranTeam Fund today at www.uww.edu/foundation/quaranteam. Gifts of any size are appreciated and will collectively make an impact. This endeavor will also support campus group efforts to assist students in quarantine.

Let’s rally together to support Warhawks in need! Thank you for your generosity, and thank you for thinking of our Warhawks during these difficult times. 

Please contact Amy Oeding, director of alumni relations, at 262-472-7033 or oedinga@uww.edu for more information.

Local residents are summer graduates of UW Oshkosh

OSHKOSH, Wis. (October 2, 2020) – Following are summer graduates of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh–many who participated in the spring ceremony but become official when their degrees are complete.

Nearly 1,700 UW Oshkosh students graduated in May during the 146th Spring Commencement ceremony, held virtually for the first time. The new grads–including more than 1,200 with bachelor’s degrees, 220 master’s degree candidates, nearly 200 with associate degrees and 43 with doctoral degrees–join 100,000 others as UW Oshkosh alumni.

UW Oshkosh has campuses in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac and Menasha as well as online degree programs.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, COLLEGE, DEGREE

Whitewater, WI

 Leah Comfort, College of Education and Human Services, Literacy
 Madalyn Fero, College of Education and Human Services, Human Services Leadership

Whitewater Arts Alliance Presents Annual WAA Member Show Nov. 7 to Dec. 13; Entry Forms Due Oct. 28

(Whitewater Arts Alliance submission) Whitewater Arts Alliance members are invited to exhibit their art during the 2020 Member Show to be presented from Friday, November 7, 2020 to Sunday, December 13, 2020 at the Cultural Arts Center Gallery. WAA members may exhibit (for FREE) up to four original artworks. WAA does not charge commission on sales made during the Member Show.

The 2020 show will be a live in-gallery event together with an online virtual show featuring all artwork in the show. Artists may opt-out of having their artwork included in the virtual show or they may opt to display only in the virtual show.

In a change from previous years, entry forms must be submitted in advance and be received by the entry form deadline. This is necessary this year because check-in times may need to be assigned in order to comply with the 10-person building limit that is temporarily in place for the CAC. Please refer to the COVID-19 information page on the WAA website for more information. WAA will communicate directly with entrants if this should prove necessary.

Photographs of the artwork will be needed for the virtual show. Artists exhibiting in-gallery are encouraged to supply their own photographs for use in the virtual show. WAA will photograph the artwork displayed in the in-gallery show that does not have submitted photos. All photos submitted for the virtual show must be received no later than the drop-off/check-in date.

In addition, artists wishing to exhibit only in the virtual show may submit images of their art for inclusion as long as completed entry forms are received by the entry form due date and images are received no later than the drop-off/check-in date.

Those exhibiting in the show will be eligible in a random drawing for a FREE 2021 Whitewater Arts Alliance membership.

Quote from Jeff McDonald, chair of the 2020 Member Show and WAA Board Member: “Whitewater Arts Alliance is committed to safely presenting live events and to supplement them with online alternatives as best as possible as we all continue to deal with current challenges. The Member Show is always a favorite because it gives the community a chance to see the high quality and great variety of work being done by WAA members.”

KEY DATES

  • Entry Forms Due: Wednesday, October 28.
  • Drop-Off/Check-In: Sunday November 1 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., subject to possible assignment of drop-off times.
  • Exhibition Dates: Friday, November 7 to Sunday, December 13 during gallery open hours.
  • Viewers’ Choice Award Announcement: Sunday, December 13
  • Pick-Up: Sunday, December 13 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

ENTRY FEE

  • FREE FOR MEMBERS
  • NO COMMISSION on sales
  • Two of the benefits of membership in the Whitewater Arts Alliance are exhibiting for free in the Annual Member Show and selling any work displayed in the Annual Member Show with NO commission charge.

The entry form, terms and conditions, and other resources are available on the Whitewater Arts Alliance website (https://www.whitewaterarts.org/member-show-2020).

The mission of the Whitewater Arts Alliance is to promote the visual and performing arts through an alliance of artists, individuals, educational resources, and organizations to promote creativity and diversity that will serve to educate and enrich the lives of the residents of the Whitewater community and surrounding areas.

“News, Fake News, and Spin: Deciding Who to Trust in an Age of Disinformation” – virtual program offered Mon., Oct. 5 at 6 p.m.

(Public library submission) The Irvin L.  Young Memorial Library is having a program on Monday, October 5th at 6:00 p.m.  called “News, Fake News, and Spin: Deciding Who to Trust in an Age of Disinformation”

The program is available on Monday, October 5, 6:00 p.m. via Zoom, and is sponsored by the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library. Registration is required, so a Zoom link can be sent to participants before the program (register at www.whitewaterlibrary.org)

Deciding which media to trust can be confusing. At the height of the 2016 election, Americans actually clicked on fake news more often than on professional reporting. In this talk, Michael Edmonds will explain how to recognize bias, propaganda, fake news, and filter bubbles. He’ll show you how to analyze messages, evaluate arguments, assess evidence, and locate reliable sources – skills that are more important than ever in this election year.