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Disability Advocate, Best-Selling Author to Speak on the Americans with Disabilities Act at UW-Whitewater
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is excited to announce that Rebekah Taussig, an educator, disability advocate and best-selling author, will visit campus in March.

Taussig, who wrote the best-selling memoir Sitting Pretty: The View From My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body, will present a public lecture on Tuesday, March 11, at 6 p.m. in Hyland Hall’s Timmerman Auditorium on the Whitewater campus.
“Dr. Taussig’s account of her lived experience is critical to understanding the ableism that exists today,” said Debbie Reuter, director of UWW’s Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). “Most able-bodied individuals have the opportunity to grow in their awareness of ableism.” Reuter shared that “CSD supports making Whitewater’s campus more equitable and inclusive for everyone, and events like this help us meet that goal.”

UW-Whitewater has a long-standing priority mission to serve students with disabilities. The CSD, established more than 50 years ago, serves more than 1,300 Warhawks annually. The Warhawk men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams have combined for 17 intercollegiate national championships since 1982 and produce medal-winning Paralympians.
The UW-Whitewater LIFE program for young adults with intellectual disabilities was launched in 2019 and is currently at full capacity. The university’s department of special education earned the 2024 Universities of Wisconsin Teaching Excellence Award for its track record in preparing and placing future educators. UW-Whitewater has also hosted the Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games for each of the last two years, welcoming more than 1,400 athletes and coaches to campus in 2024.
Because of this priority mission, UWW is continually seeking better understand the experiences of disabled people and ways to provide increased access to all. “One of our core values is improving the quality of life for the communities we serve,” said Matt Vick, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education (SGSCE). “By bringing Dr. Taussig to campus for this lecture, we hope community members will join us in discussing how we can keep moving the needle.”
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA fundamentally changed the landscape of the built world and continues to be one of the most protective pieces of protective legislation for disabled Americans. Yet, this same population still experiences vast disparities in access from their nondisabled counterparts. We have come so far, and we have so far to go. “This is especially true for people with mental health disabilities,” said Reuter. “The stigma associated with less visible disabilities is still a barrier for many.”
In her lecture, Taussig will reflect on the grueling, exciting story of what it took to get here, give a clear picture of this present moment, and cast a vision for a future that creates more access for all of us.
Taussig’s visit to UWW will be hosted by SGSCE in partnership with the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership. The Thompson Center funds speaker events that help leaders address pressing policy challenges and promote local policymaking solutions.
Taussig’s lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. While registration is not necessary, parking passes are required – see the event website for more information. Livestream will also be accessible through that link.
Discussion groups reading Taussig’s best-selling memoir will be held on campus and in the community in advance of her visit.
UW-Platteville announces Chancellor’s List
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announced its Chancellor’s List, honoring those with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average for the fall 2024 semester.
Students from this area who earned the 4.0 grade-point average include:
Whitewater, WI
Eloise Rohloff, Dairy Science BS, Main
UW-Platteville announces Dean’s List
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces its Dean’s List, honoring those full-time students who earned a grade-point average of 3.75 and above in the fall 2024 semester.
Students from this area on the Dean’s List include:
Whitewater, WI
Eloise Rohloff, Dairy Science BS
Evie Troxel, Health & Human Performance BS
The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater announces its March events beginning with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 2 followed by the Faculty Chamber Trio later that evening at 7:30 p.m. The University/Community Band then takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 3, and Sonict Ensemble brings a unique, innovative performance to the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4. The next installment of the Music Mosaics series takes place at 7:30 p.m. on March 6 as the Whitewater Brass Quintet takes the spotlight. The Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz present an afternoon of vocal performances beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, and the month’s performances conclude with the Whitewater Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18.

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble performs their Carnegie Hall repertoire under the direction of Dr. Glenn C. Hayes on March 2 in preparation for their third visit to the prestigious music venue. Their highly anticipated appearance at Carnegie Hall takes place at 8 p.m. on March 11 as part of the 2025 New York Wind Band Festival. You can help them complete their fundraising efforts by giving a tax-deductible gift of any amount toward the transportation costs of the trip. Visit https://events.uww.edu/event/8176-symphonic-wind-ensemble for more information. You may also send a check payable to the UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc. and list fund 0487 on the memo line. Checks may be mailed to UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc., Alumni Center, 800 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI. 53190. Any donor who contributes $500 or more will receive a commemorative plaque of the performance.

Also on March 2, the Faculty Chamber Trio, comprised of Drs. Ellenwood, Whitcomb and Shapiro, present an incredible performance of the trios by Frühling and Fauré. These compositions are written specifically for clarinet, cello, and piano—a truly beautiful and versatile chamber music ensemble.

On March 3, the University/Community Band brings together University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students and community members for an evening of inspiring, collaborative music.

Music enthusiasts can look forward to a truly unique performance on March 4 by the Sonict Ensemble, which brings together UW-Whitewater faculty, students, and guest artists to perform music of the highest technical and emotional caliber.

The next installment of the Music Mosaics series, a high-caliber series designed to raise money to support music scholarships, features the Whitewater Brass Quintet on March 6. The quintet comes together for a dynamic performance of repertoire written for brass quintets that is sure to keep you captivated.

Experience the vocal mastery of the Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz groups on March 16 as they come together for an exciting afternoon of music featuring the world premiere of a new work by Chinese American composer Chen Yi. This concert promises to be a celebration of vocal talent.

Finally, immerse yourself in a captivating symphonic journey and experience the brilliance of the esteemed Whitewater Symphony Orchestra on March 18. The orchestra’s harmonious blend of woodwinds, brass, percussion and strings come together to bring classical masterworks and modern-day compositions to life. With their unrivaled talent and dedication to musical excellence, the Whitewater Symphony Orchestra promises an unforgettable performance that will leave you awe-inspired.
March Concert Schedule:
- Sunday, March 2, 3 p.m.: Symphonic Wind Ensemble in The Young Performing Arts Center
- Sunday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.: Faculty Chamber Trio
- Monday, March 3, 7:30 p.m.: University/Community Band in The Young Performing Arts Center
- Tuesday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.: Sonict Ensemble
- Thursday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.: Music Mosaics: Whitewater Brass Quintet
- Sunday, March 16, 3 p.m.: Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz
- Tuesday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.: Whitewater Symphony Orchestra in The Young Performing Arts Center
Beyond the many featured and ticketed events in the Department of Music, there are a multitude of free events including student recitals, ensembles, and studios. For a full lineup of events, please visit uww.edu/coac/events .
All music events are in the Light Recital Hall in the Greenhill Center of the Arts, located at 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, unless specified otherwise. Admission for all of the above events except Music Mosaics is $7 for adults and $4 for age 65+ or under age 18. For Music Mosaics, $10 for adults and $6 for age 65+ or under age 18. Tickets are available in advance and can be purchased in person, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling 262-472-2222. There is a $2.00 surcharge if purchased at the door at the time of the event.
Ticket Services is open Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the academic year. They are located in the atrium of the Greenhill Center of the Arts, 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.
The Young Performing Arts Center is located at 930 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Just over 2,000 students received degrees during the University of Wisconsin-Madison Winter 2024 Commencement at the Kohl Center on Dec. 15, 2024. Nearly 1,400 of them took part in the ceremony at the Kohl Center, where commencement speaker and “Top Chef: Wisconsin” finalist Dan Jacobs donned a Badgers apron and demonstrated on stage how to spatchcock and roast a chicken during the ceremony. “[This] might possibly be one of the most important lessons you ever learn,” Jacobs told a chuckling audience. “Everyone should be able to make a good roast chicken.”
While the tutorial offered a light-hearted nugget of useful advice, Jacobs made sure to also pepper the graduates with guidance they could apply to their careers and relationships following graduation: remain curious and open to new experiences.
“The thing I love most about cooking is that the learning never stops; as chefs, we’re constantly evolving, experimenting, and refining our style,” said Jacobs. “That endless curiosity is what keeps us inspired. Take that same thirst for knowledge and apply it to whatever you’re passionate about.”
Student speaker Sawyer Getschman was one of 1,545 bachelor’s degree recipients following the fall 2024 semester. An additional 373 students earned master’s degrees and 116 students were awarded doctoral degrees, for a total of 2,034 graduates. Getschman, who earned her bachelor’s in East Asian languages and cultures, said she nearly left UW-Madison after a freshman year marred by the pandemic.
“A hundred little reasons made me stay, but the main one was the people,” said Getschman. “We have encountered so much uncertainty and oddity in our college careers, but we have come out on the other side, stronger and with better stories to tell because of it.”
One powerful source of strength that Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin highlighted in her remarks before the audience of more than 7,500 graduates, friends and relatives centered on “the incredible variety of people” that the graduates met, lived with and worked alongside every day during their time in Madison.
Mnookin implored the graduates to hold onto that cooperative spirit as they entered their next chapter, whether it be a new career, continuing education or something else.
“You are ready,” said Mnookin. “You have had experiences here that you will be able to draw upon in whatever comes next for you. You are prepared, not only by your academic experiences here but also by your many engagements with our community and one another.”
For more information about UW-Madison, visit http://www.wisc.edu. View the ceremony at https://www.wisc.edu/commencement/ and read about it at https://news.wisc.edu/practical-life-lessons-help-provide-recipe-for-success-at-uw-madison-winter-2024-commencement/
Here is the degree recipient from your area:
Whitewater, WI
Vamsi Krishna Vadlamudi, College of Engineering, Master of Science-Industrial Engineering, Industrial Engineering
Includes free spotter training by the National Weather Service
Madison College is partnering with the MidWest Severe Storm Tracking/Response Center to host the 2025 Dark Skies Storm Seminar on Saturday, March 8 at Madison College Truax Campus, 1701 Wright St., Room D1630, Madison, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This event aims to educate attendees about severe storms, hazards, research, and public safety while enhancing community preparedness and awareness.
Participants will include a distinguished lineup of experts and organizations such as Madison College, University of Wisconsin, Dane County Emergency Management, Team Rubicon, Dane/Iowa County WI ARES/RACES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service), MidWest Severe Storm Tracking/Response Center, WISC TV, Four Lakes Amateur Radio Club, along with storm chaser and photojournalist, Tim Snopek.
The National Weather Service (NWS) will also conduct a complimentary Spotter Class. Attendees will learn key reporting techniques for severe weather to the NWS in an engaging two-hour session.
Join us for this informative and vital event to enhance our community’s preparedness against severe weather! The public is welcome. There is no cost and advance registration is not required.
For more information about the event and the schedule, please visit the Dark Skies Severe Weather Seminar webpage.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Madison College. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay.
Alex Martin, a Music major at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater from Whitewater, WI, will perform as part of the university’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall, the world-famous venue in New York City, on Tuesday, March 11, at 8 p.m.
Martin plays baritone saxophone for the group.
The concert is part of the 2025 New York Wind Band Festival, presented by World Projects Corporation. Other groups of musicians scheduled to perform include the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts String Orchestra and the Santa Rosa High School Symphonic Band.
The Symphonic Wind Ensemble previously played at Carnegie Hall in 2013 and 2020.
The group is raising funds to cover costs associated with travel. Tax deductible donations can be made here.
The ensemble, under the direction of longtime professor of music Glenn C. Hayes, is a select wind band performing a variety of concert band repertoire. All students are required to audition for the group.
Students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater have performed at other famous venues around the world. The Warhawk Marching Band, also directed by Hayes, has performed 12 times at Lambeau Field – most recently in 2023. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble played at the Symphony Center for the 2014 Chicago International Music Festival. UW-Whitewater groups have also performed at venues in Germany, Poland, and England.
Tickets are available for purchase at carnegiehall.org.
Those unable to attend the concert in New York may hear the program at The Young, 930 W. Main Street, Whitewater on Sunday, March 2. Details may be found here.
UW-Whitewater’s Department of Music is housed in the College of Arts and Communication. To learn more, visit uww.edu/music.

The UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team claimed their spot in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Championship with a 69-63 win at UW-Stout Thursday night. The box score and other details may be found here.
With the win, the Warhawks advance to face UW-Oshkosh for the WIAC Tournament title and the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Championship. The game is slated for a 3 PM tipoff in Oshkosh on Saturday. Here’s the link for the livestream.
Johnson Fieldhouse has been a notoriously tough place for the Warhawks to play, so UWW knew the WIAC Semifinal would be a battle, but they were up for the challenge. Showcasing strength through adversity, UW-Whitewater battled through foul trouble throughout much of the game. In the end, it was the free throw line that sealed the Warhawk win.
In the first half, UW-Stout held the advantage in the foul and free throw columns. After the first 20 minutes of action, four Warhawks had been whistled for multiple fouls. The Blue Devils were a perfect 9-9 from the line while UWW was just 4-6 off of the five UWS fouls.
Still, the Warhawks held the lead, although a narrow one, 31-30. Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) bolstered the first half of play with 20 points in 20 minutes with nine rebounds.
On the other side of the intermission, the margin remained at three or less until late in the third. With Carollo on the bench in foul trouble, UW-Whitewater pressed forward putting together a 7-0 run to take a 48-41 lead, the largest of the game. The Blue Devils tallied the final bucket of the third on a jumper to narrow the gap to four heading into the fourth. However, UW-Whitewater now had four players with at least three fouls with just 10 minutes left to play.
The home squad whittled away at the margin eventually knotting the game 57-57 with 2:47 left. Coming out of a UWW timeout, Carollo hit a layup off a Katie Hildebrandt (McFarland, Wis./McFarland) assist. On the other end, Raegan Sorenson drew a shooting foul and hit one of two.
After a few missed shots on both ends, Carollo hauled in a defensive board and went coast-to-coast with a wide open left-handed layin that gave UWW a 61-58 lead with 1:22 remaining.
On UW-Stout’s next possession a jumper hit the back of the rim and bounced straight up. Carollo went up for the rebound and appeared to have possession as a Blue Devil reached in and tried to wrestle it away. Two officials blew their whistles at the same time – one signaling for a foul, the other for a jump. The pair came together to discuss and determined it was a jump ball as UWS retained possession on their offensive end.
Carollo contested the shot on the ensuing possession, but was whistled for the foul – her fifth – with 51 seconds left. UW-Stout made both from the free throw line to narrow the gap to one, 61-60.
The Warhawks called timeout and advanced the ball to their offensive end. The inbound found its way into Maggie Trautsch’s (Sun Prairie, Wis./DeForest) hands near the top of the key. She pump faked and drove to her left using a pair of strong dribbles to create space before pulling up and draining a jumper from the elbow to give UWW a 63-60 lead with 27.3 seconds on the clock.
The Blue Devils advanced the ball on a timeout and went to Sorenson – their main offensive threat. Hildebrandt was tough on the glass forcing a jump ball on the rebound with the possession arrow favoring UW-Whitewater.
This time the Warhawks chose not to advance the ball. Instead Renee Rittmeyer (Winnebago, Ill./Winnebago) took the ball under the Blue Devil basket. Her inbound pass was intended for Bri McCurdy (St. Croix Falls, Wis./St. Croix Falls) but the sophomore guard was fouled and went to the line with 18.7 left. McCurdy hit both to extend the lead to five, 65-60.
Once again, UW-Stout called timeout and advanced the ball. The inbound went directly to their shooter Lexi Wagner in front of the Blue Devil bench. She threw up an off balance shot, but Sorenson grabbed the rebound and hit the put back and the free throw for an old-fashioned three-point play.
The Warhawks used their final timeout to advance the ball with 15 seconds on the clock. Mia Gillis (Mundelein, Ill./Carmel Catholic) found McCurdy in the backcourt on the inbounds. She was immediately fouled and the sophomore went back to the line for a pair of huge free throws in the two point game. McCurdy hit both to push the lead to four, 67-63 with 13.9 to go.
After UW-Stout’s final timeout advanced the ball to near their bench, the Blue Devil inbound pass was launched to the far side of the court. The desperation three was no good, but there was a Warhawk foul whistled on the rebound. The Blue Devils missed the first, then the second, and then the putback chance before McCurdy hauled in the rebound.
McCurdy was fouled and sealed it with two more to remain perfect from the free throw line – not just for the game, but for the season. After hitting all eight of her chances from the charity stripe to seal the win Thursday, McCurdy is 23-23 on the season from the line.
Carollo led UWW with a double-double posting 26 points and 13 boards. Hildebrandt added 13 points and a team-high three assists. McCurdy ended up with 11 bolstered by the eight free throws while pacing the Warhawks in the steals column with four. Trautsch rounded out the double digit scorers with 10 on the night.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
The last of our mid-20th century images of Whitewater businesses is this 1955 view of the Whitewater Manufacturing Company, at that time located on North Jefferson Street. This company was incorporated in 1943 and moved to this location in 1945. Over the years, the company expanded their operations as a foundry and machine shop. In 1962, the company had 150 employees making items primarily for the automobile and agricultural equipment industries.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(6078P, Whitewater Historical Society)
Obituaries
Marion Jauch Burrows (Feb. 2, 1930 – June 5, 2026) Her sparkling eyes, warm laugh, and generous ways were gifts Marion brought into this world, touching family members and friends alike over the ninety-six years of her life. She was born and raised in Lombard, IL, and in the course of her life lived with her husband and growing family in Abilene, TX, St. David’s, PA, Arkadelphia, AR, Ada, OK, and Colorado Springs, CO, before settling in Whitewater, WI, in 1965. Generosity of heart, compassion toward those in need in and beyond her community, and an unwavering commitment to fairness … Read more
Patricia “Pat” Lynn Bailey, age 70, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026 with her daughter by her side. Pat was born February 21, 1956 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to John and Ruth (Hudock) Prentice. After a brief time in Ann Arbor, the Prentice family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where Pat grew up as part of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater community, where her father served as University Registrar. Pat attended the University School and later graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. Although she did not pursue teaching, she built a meaningful career in Human … Read more
Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83, long time resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1943, to his late father and mother, Evaristo and Carmen in Spain. In 1973 he moved to the United States as a sheep herder. On August 21, 1981, he was united in marriage to Cyndie Esperante in Colorado. Gemelino also worked in Mining and construction for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, raising sheep and growing things in his garden, and flowers. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife … Read more
Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more
Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more
In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
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