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University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics Becomes a Member of EFMD, a Global Leader in Business Education Excellence
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics has been named a full member of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), one of the world’s most prestigious networks of business schools. The college is one of only 27 in the United States to achieve this distinction, further solidifying its reputation as Wisconsin’s preeminent business school.
Membership in EFMD is a recognition of the College of Business and Economics’ commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the delivery of a transformative educational experience. This milestone represents a significant achievement in the college’s mission to provide students with a world-class education that prepares them to excel in a global business environment.
“For more than 110 years, our faculty and staff in the College of Business and Economics have worked to create one of the best business schools in the world, right here in southeast Wisconsin,” said John Chenoweth, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We’re proud to be recognized by EFMD Global as an international leader in providing exceptional business education. This membership will further enhance the opportunities our students have as they become the next generation of innovative, talented, ethical business professionals.”
EFMD is recognized internationally for its rigorous standards in business education and its role in fostering collaboration and innovation across its extensive global network. Membership underscores the college’s adherence to these high standards and its dedication to continuous improvement in teaching, research, and industry engagement.
“This recognition reflects the exceptional efforts of our faculty, staff, and students in maintaining the highest standards of academic and professional excellence,” said Dean Paul Ambrose. “Being part of EFMD connects us to a distinguished global network, allowing us to further enhance our programs, expand opportunities for our students, and drive regional engagement.”
For students, EFMD membership represents access to a learning environment defined by rigor, relevance, and a commitment to preparing them for the challenges of a rapidly changing business landscape. It also opens doors to unparalleled opportunities for international collaboration, professional development, and connections with leading business schools and corporate partners worldwide.
“We are honored to join this distinguished community of institutions,” said Ambrose. “Membership in EFMD not only validates the exceptional quality of education at UW-Whitewater but also aligns with our mission to shape the future of business by developing innovative leaders.”
As Wisconsin’s largest business school, the College of Business and Economics is dedicated to fostering student success, advancing the regional economy, and contributing to global business knowledge. EFMD membership strengthens the college’s ability to deliver on these goals while positioning it as a leader in the international business education community.
For more information about the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics, visit www.uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.
About the College of Business and Economics
The college ranked No. 1 in the state in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report review of online programs. UW-Whitewater is home to Wisconsin’s top-ranked single school in the following categories:
- Best Online MBA
- Best Online Business Graduate Program
- Best Online Business Undergraduate Program
- Best Online MBA Program for Veterans
- Best Online Business Graduate Program for Veterans
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office indicates that “Bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills will continue through mid-week.”
Consequently, the office has issued another Cold Weather Advisory (formerly called a Wind Chill Advisory) in effect from 9 p.m. on Monday until noon on Tuesday for wind chills of 24 to 29 below zero.
Currently it appears that the wind chill values will be moderating slightly for Wednesday a.m., with a prediction of 18 to 23 degrees below zero.
The Whitewater Unified School District’s policy is to cancel/delay school when the weather service issues an Extreme Cold Watch or Warning, which signifies an expectation that sustained wind chills will reach or exceed 30 degrees below zero. Tuesday morning’s forecast currently falls just short of that benchmark.
Clerk of Circuit Court Warns Walworth County Residents of Jury Duty Scam
Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court Michele Jacobs is alerting residents about a telephone scam that recently defrauded a local woman of $2,000.
The woman reported that she was contacted by an individual claiming to be a Walworth County Sheriff’s Deputy. The caller falsely stated that she had failed to report for jury service and needed to pay a $2,000 fine immediately to avoid arrest. The scammers then instructed her to wire them money. After she complied, they called again, claiming they spoke with the clerk, confirmed that her fine had increased, and demanded additional funds.
“These calls are fraudulent and should be ignored,” said Jacobs. “The Clerk of Circuit Court’s office will never call and demand immediate payment for a jury duty-related fine. Official jury summonses and failure-to-appear notices are sent via first-class mail. Court officials and officers do not make phone calls to threaten arrest or demand payments.”
Residents who receive such calls and are unsure of their legitimacy should hang up immediately and contact the Clerk of Circuit Court’s office at 262-741-7012.
Individuals summoned for jury duty first receive a questionnaire by U.S. mail, followed by a summons with instructions on how and when to report. Those who fail to complete and return their questionnaire, or who fail to appear for jury duty, will receive a written notification of their failure to comply, which may include notification of a hearing scheduled before a judge. But they will never receive a phone call demanding money. The Clerk of Circuit Court’s office may issue a fine for failure to appear, but notification will always be sent via an official letter.
For more information about the Clerk of Circuit Court’s office and the Walworth County Circuit Court system, visit https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/151/Clerk-of-Circuit-Court
Update 2/17 @ 12:35 p.m. – First Citizens State Bank is open on Monday. Associated Bank and PremierBank are closed for the holiday.
Monday, February 17 is a federal holiday; consequently, there will be no mail delivery. Some banks will also be closed.
From Wikipedia:
Presidents’ Day, officially Washington’s Birthday at the federal governmental level, is a holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February. It is often celebrated to honor all those who served as presidents of the United States and, since 1879, has been the federal holiday honoring Founding Father George Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War, presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and was the first U.S. president.[1]
The day is an official state holiday in most states, with names including Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day, President’s Day, Presidents Day, and Washington’s and Lincoln’s Birthday.[2] The various states use 15 different names. Depending upon the specific law, the state holiday may officially celebrate Washington alone, Washington and Abraham Lincoln, or some other combination of U.S. presidents (such as Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who was born in April).[2]
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 (N.S.). Washington’s Birthday was celebrated on this date from 1879 until 1970. To give federal employees a three-day weekend, in 1968 the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the third Monday in February.[3] The day soon became known as Presidents(‘) Day[4] (the presence and placement of the apostrophe varies) and provides an occasion to remember all the U.S. presidents, to honor Abraham Lincoln‘s and Washington’s birthdays together, or any single president of choice.[2]
As many states and cities followed suit, some states that had been celebrating Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 combined the two into Presidents Day. Lincoln led the nation through the American Civil War, preserved the Union, abolished slavery, bolstered the federal government, and modernized the U.S. economy.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay.
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued a Cold Weather Advisory beginning at midnight tonight (Sunday) until 11 am Monday for wind chill values of 17 below to 27 below zero. They indicate “Artic air invades southern WI tonight on northwest winds and remains over the area into the middle of the week.” They add that another Cold Weather Advisory will probably be added for Monday evening through Tuesday morning.
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
The Whitewater High School Players will be performing “The Good Doctor” in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at WHS on Feb. 27 & 28 and Mar. 1 at 7 p.m., and Mar. 2 at 2 p.m.
General seating tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. For more information call the box office at 262-472-8178.
Written by Neil Simon, “The Good Doctor” is charming, hilarious, sad, and touching. It consists of a series of short plays, based on short stories by Russian author Anton Chekhov. The scenes, when experienced one after another, give you a strong sense of Chekhov’s take on the human condition, embellished by Simon’s wit and pithy dialogue. The Writer is the one unifying element in the scenes, introducing and commenting on them. The audience meets a variety of characters, all of whom are immediately relatable and strikingly human.
Under the direction of Jim McCulloch, the cast includes Ian Agen, Deven Bawden, Alex Clarksen, Belle Cohen, Payton Comfort, Esterban Diaz-Gallegos, Joseph Falcon-Kienbaum, Haley Keltesch, Ameera Lin, Sam Nickelsburg, Sophia Noonan, Kia Peterson, Julian Rennels, Taylor Speerbrecher, Ava Van Daele, and Willow Vogelzang.
Members of the stage crew under the guidance of Kat Dunham include Caitlin Alford, Emerson Dunham, Calli Hartzheim, Taiya Kolb, Kara Long, Miles Nickelsburg, Ava Nygren, Joshua Nygren, Lucille Troxel and Samantha Van Daele.
Prior to the start of “The Good Doctor,” Tom Ganser’s photos of the WHS Players productions of “Cinderella” (2022), “A Murder is Announced” (2023), and “Our Town” (2024) will be shown.
Updated 2/17/25 @ 1:11 p.m. to add virtual access info to the Tuesday public information session regarding the Police/Fire/EMS referendum.
City of Whitewater Finance Committee Meeting – Monday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor, 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85698998657
Phone one-tap:
+13052241968,,85698998657# US
+13092053325,,85698998657# US
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 856 9899 8657
City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Whitewater Professional Police Association and Whitewater Professional Police Supervisor Association Residency Update
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
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:
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/685218381
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 685-218-381
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
312 W Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
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:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87111987021?pwd=OY2tTKLHJgqqaVCn2vkMpwkXwm59lI.1
Meeting ID: 871 1198 7021
Passcode: py9dnCVA
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
City of Whitewater Police & Fire/EMS Referendum Public Information Session -Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building, 2nd Floor, Cravath Lakefront Room, 312 W Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83835051789?pwd=1mKK3veY3wkWxyJhbE3qr9vQaEp30n.1
Passcode:344797
Phone one-tap:
+13126266799,,83835051789#,,,,*344797# US (Chicago)
+16469313860,,83835051789#,,,,*344797# US
Join via audio:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Webinar ID: 838 3505 1789
Passcode: 344797
City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on potential agreement with Whitewater Youth Soccer Club for the use of Moraine View Park, Discussion and possible action on WAFC Corporate Membership Policy, Discussion and Possible action approving WAFC Family Membership Policy.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83205611800?pwd=a48Tfde38tV6azadhhO2cbgueskTh8.1
Meeting ID: 832 0561 1800
Passcode: 690300 —
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,83205611800#,,,,*690300# US (Chicago)
City of Whitewater Common Council – Thursday @ 6:30 p.m. [Change of regular meeting date due to the election.] 312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room
*In Person and Virtual
Agenda includes Analysis of Whitewater’s Development Incentives, Strategic Use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to Support Housing Development in Whitewater,
Ordinance 2025-O-9 an ordinance amending the zoning map and the zoning classification in regard to certain properties in the City of Whitewater. 1551 and 1555 W Wildwood Lane Tax Parcel # /EV 00004. 1515 W Wildwood Road Tax Parcel # /EV0004. Vacant Parcel on Cedar Court Tax Parcel # /EV 00002-
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: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88312135431?pwd=Tis11C8YjX5mrXazbzHijCwA1aybP1.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 883 1213 5431
Passcode: 650398
Mariah Lohf
Pilates Reformed, new addition to downtown Whitewater is set to open its doors with a celebratory Ribbon Cutting and Open House on Monday, February 17, 2025, starting at 11:00 AM. The event will be held at 131 W Center Street, welcoming community members to meet the owner, explore the new space, and experience firsthand the transformative benefits of Pilates.
The festivities will begin with an 11:00 AM Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, followed by an opportunity to partake in a mini class and demonstration at 11:15 AM focused on introducing attendees to the Reformer, a key piece of equipment in Pilates designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and mobility.
The studio is the passion project of Mariah Lohf, a proud University of Wisconsin-Whitewater alumna who graduated in 2015 with a degree in Human Resources. After years in the corporate world and the life-changing experience of becoming a mother in 2023, Mariah discovered Pilates as an ideal fitness solution for her postpartum journey. This new wellness approach transformed her life and inspired positive changes among her friends and family, igniting her passion to help others through movement.
“Fitness looked different for me as a mom, and Pilates offered a way to strengthen both my body and mind,” Mariah shares. “Seeing the benefits in my own life and in the lives of those around me motivated me to create a space where others could experience the same transformation.”
Mariah’s studio offers Reformer Pilates, with customized programs tailored to individual goals. Whether clients are seeking improved flexibility, enhanced muscle tone, or rehabilitation support after an injury, Pilates provides versatile benefits. The Reformer, in particular, uses adjustable springs to modify resistance, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels and mobility ranges. Clients who have experience with mat Pilates will find new challenges (and results) taking mat principles onto the Reformer.
Athletes will also find Pilates beneficial for skill-specific training, such as improving jump performance and enhancing core strength.
Mariah’s deep ties to Whitewater, from her time at UW-Whitewater to her continuing role as a sorority advisor, reflect her commitment to fostering human connections within the community. Her new studio is more than just a fitness center—it’s a welcoming space where people can strengthen both their bodies and their sense of belonging.
Join us on February 17 to celebrate this exciting new venture in downtown Whitewater. Experience the difference Pilates can make in your life!
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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