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The World of the Arts Explored through UW-Whitewater Lectures in Whitewater and Janesville
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Continuing Education announces free lectures in Whitewater and Janesville this spring. Thirteen lectures offered from January through April will focus on The World of the Arts and are open to all.
For over 40 years, UWW has hosted lectures in the Fairhaven Lecture Series in Whitewater, and began a similar tradition in Janesville in 2020 with the Cedar Crest Lecture Series. From music to literature, film to poetry, the world of the arts will be explored in both series.
Lectures scheduled for 3 p.m. at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater include:
January 29
Manufacturing “Talent”: How I Teach the Art of Performing
Benjamin Whitcomb, professor, music
Editor’s note: This lecture was already presented. The video is available here.
February 5
Connections Between Art-making, Research and Education
Verónica Soria Martínez, assistant professor, Curriculum and Instruction
February 12
Tragicomedy in the 20th Century
Michael Y. Bennett, associate professor, Literature, Writing and Film
February 26
Chimes at Midnight: Shakespearean Adaptations and the Late Career of Orson Welles
Erica Moulton, assistant professor, Literature, Writing, and Film
March 4
Kaftans, Carpets, and the Kaaba: Textiles in the Islamic World
Ashley Dimmig, director, Crossman Gallery
March 11
D.H. Lawrence and the Question of American Literature
Jonathan Ivry, associate professor and chair, Literature, Writing, and Film
March 18
The Handmaiden and the Historical Context of the Japanese Occupation of Korea
Donald Jellerson, associate professor, Literature, Writing, and Film
April 22
Nice Poets. Rude Poets: Satire and Obscenity in Arabic Political Poetry
Asmahan Sallah, associate professor, Literature, Writing, and Film
April 29
Is the Golden-Age of the Broadway Musical Still Golden?
Bruce Cohen, associate professor, Theatre & Dance
Lectures in the Fairhaven Lecture Series are held in Olm Fellowship Hall at Fairhaven Senior Services, 435 West Starin Road, Whitewater. They will be recorded and posted to our website and YouTube channel. Videos of lectures from this and previous series can be accessed for free any time after they are posted. Visit https://www.uww.edu/ce/fairhaven for more information and descriptions of each lecture.
Lectures scheduled for 2 p.m. at Cedar Crest Retirement Community in Janesville include:
February 22
The Films of Max Ophuls and the Intersection of European and Classical Hollywood Cinema
Donald Jellerson, associate professor, Literature, Writing, and Film
February 29
American Pop Culture Through the Lens of Music
Jeff Suarez, associate professor, Music
Thursday, March 7
Kaftans, Carpets, and the Kaaba: Textiles in the Islamic World
Ashley Dimmig, director, Crossman Gallery
March 13
An Overview of the Profession of Art Therapy
Anna Banwell, lecturer, Integrated Studies
Public lectures held in the Cedar Crest Lecture Series will take place in the Gathering Place at Cedar Crest, Inc., 1702 South River Road, Janesville. Free parking is available and registration is not required. Visit our website at https://www.uww.edu/ce/cedar-crest for lecture descriptions and updates.
If you have a disability and require accommodations, please advise us as soon as possible. Requests are confidential. UW-Whitewater provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA. Please contact Kari Borne at bornek@uww.edu or 262-472-1003 for further information.
About UW-Whitewater
At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater we inspire, engage and transform lives. Our higher education mission began more than 150 years ago — and we now serve more than 11,000 students at our Whitewater and Rock County campuses, 90% of whom stay in the region after earning their degree. The Warhawk family — led by caring faculty and staff — is devoted to student success within a broad range of academic programs. One of only four Public Colleges of Distinction in the state, the University boasts small class sizes (20:1 ratio), is ranked one of the top 10 public colleges by the U.S. New & World Report, and is the top-ranked college in the state for serving students with disabilities. Continuing Education is committed to meeting the lifelong learning needs of the residents of our region in offering a variety of classes, workshops and trainings that respond to the changing personal and professional interests of adult learners by connecting the University and community.
A total of 3,757 students earned a spot on the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for the 2023 fall semester.
The following students were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Dean’s List for the 2023 fall semester:
Whitewater
Marijke Arreola
Stephanie Hensel
Tj Kaczkowski
Devon Knowles
Raquel Ortiz
These students have demonstrated their academic abilities by receiving a grade point average of 3.4 or above in a single semester.
“Making the Dean’s List is a tremendous honor. It is a recognition of our students’ hard work and commitment to success,” said John Chenoweth, who serves as UW-Whitewater’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We are proud of our students and hope to see their names on the list again. Congratulations to all who were recognized!”
More than 11,500 students are currently enrolled at the university’s Whitewater and Rock County campuses.
The Fort Atkinson Club Hosts Wellness Day on Saturday, February 3
Saturday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Fort Atkinson Club (FAC), in partnership with Fort Healthcare, invites area residents to this free event focusing on community health and wellness. There will be over 12 experts sharing information on nutrition and fitness, healthy cooking, CPR/AED information, fall prevention and community health as well as preventative screenings, financial and environmental health and more. There will also be chair massage sessions available along with healthy snacks and a variety of other presentations. The FAC, along with Fort Healthcare, is pleased to host this event for the first year.
Wellness Day starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. and will take place on all three levels of the historic Fort Atkinson Club Community Center, which offers a beautiful setting in a historic building overlooking the Rock River. The FAC community center is located at 211 South Water Street East, and visitors can use the front entrance or drop off at our side entrance with elevator, for folks with mobility issues.
“This is going to be a wonderful, fun event and we are thrilled to serve as a venue for many presentations, workshops and informational opportunities that focus on the health and wellness of our community, ” says Executive Director Lawan Glasscock. “There will definitely be something for everyone, from healthy cooking to Zumba demos, wellness screenings and opportunities to connect with those who are anxious to share their knowledge and passion for healthy living.” Everyone is welcome!
For more information, you may contact the Fort Atkinson Club at 920-568-1720.
The Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra’s annual Gala is set for Sat., Feb. 10, 2024, at the Abbey Resort in Fontana. The event includes cocktails, an elegant dinner and dessert, orchestra concert, auction items, and dancing the night away to the LGSO Swing Band featuring award-winning vocalist Maureen Christine.
The evening starts at 6:00 with cocktails and live music by small ensembles, followed by dinner. Enjoy a fun evening of music and dancing while supporting a wonderful cause as LGSO leads the audience “Around the World.”
In addition to being the major fundraiser for the year, the Gala is the best way for the orchestra and audience to mingle and get to know each other. It starts with the fact the orchestra isn’t on a stage. Orchestra members and the audience are side by side as they enjoy the evening’s festivities.
Looking ahead, on Mar. 16 at 7:30 p.m., the LGSO will forces with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Symphony Orchestra at the Young Auditorium in a not-to-be-missed performance of Gustav Holst’s monumental orchestral suite, “The Planets,” along with “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis” by Vaughan Williams.
For more information and tickets ($100 plus fees), visit www.LakeGenevaOrchestra.org or call 262-359-9072. The deadline is Sunday, February 4.
The Whippet Swim Team had a few swimmers compete at the Southern Lakes Conference JV Championship Meet on Tuesday, January 30.
It was exciting to watch Angel Kilar and Isaac Straight show off all their hard work this season! Isaac started off the meet racing in the 50 Freestyle, going just on his best time despite his goggles filling with water, making it a little difficult to see. Angel then swam in the 100 Freestyle where he went a 1:19.65. He finished 3rd in his heat and 12th overall! After a short break, Angel was back in the water to compete in the 100 Backstroke. For being only the 3rd time swimming it, he has showed so much improvement in his stroke technique! Isaac finished off the night in the 100 Breaststroke going a best time of 1:42.60. Shout out to Cruz Aranda, Langdon Coburn, and Wyatt Esch who came and supported their teammates!
The boys will compete again on Saturday, February 3rd, with the rest of the team at home in the Southern Lake Conference Championships! The meet starts at 11 a.m., and we hope to see you there! Let’s pack the pool with Whippet Fans!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
On Tuesday night, January 30, the Whitewater Wrestling Team closed out their regular season as they hosted the Cougars of Janesville Craig in a non-conference wrestling meet. Historically this has been a very well wrestled competitive dual meet for both teams as they gear up for their respective Conference Tournaments this coming Saturday. Tuesday proved to be no different.
Whitewater wrestled very well but came up just short on the night, dropping the dual meet 32-33. The team finished the regular season with an 8-3 record, dropping their last two dual meets each by 1 point! The team finished undefeated in the Rock Valley “Valley Division” at 4-0.
Coming away with wins for the Whippets against Craig included pins by Rylan Oldenburg (106), JJ Gonzalez (157), and Junior Soto (HWT). Winning by 8 points and earning a major decision for the team included Connor Friend (132) and Odair Porras (150). Coming away with forfeit on the night was Sebastian Cuellar at 165.
Although the team dropped the meet, the coaching staff was pleased with the performance of all. Even in losses the wrestlers competed and left it on the mat each and every match, and that is all that the coaches can ask for.
Next up for the Whippets the JV team will travel to Delavan-Darien to participate in the JV Conference Wrestling Tournament. Wrestling starts on Friday night at 4:00. The varsity team will then travel to Delavan-Darien to participate in the Rock Valley Conference Tournament on Saturday. Wrestling will begin at 10:00.
Article and Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Qualifying taxpayers are invited to receive free tax preparation and electronic filing of their 2023 federal and state income tax returns at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Volunteer Income Tax Assistance clinic. This IRS-sponsored program is available for low and moderate-income taxpayers at no cost, and no appointments are needed.
The UW-Whitewater VITA clinic will be located in the UW-W Community Engagement Center, 1260 W Main Street, Whitewater (next to Walmart). There is plenty of free parking in front of the UW-W Community Engagement Center for VITA participants. Clinic hours are from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays from January 31 through April 10. Clients will be served on a first-come, first-served basis and they should arrive at least one hour before closing.
The VITA clinic is staffed by certified student preparers and supervised by faculty in the College of Business and Economics Department of Accounting. In addition to providing hands-on experience for graduate and undergraduate accounting students, the free VITA clinic helps residents of Whitewater and surrounding communities.
“We have many long-time clients who return for assistance each spring,” said Robert Meyers, accounting department lecturer and VITA program co-director. “The opportunity to apply training while working with real people is an invaluable experience for our students.”
Important information, including a location map, program limitations and required supporting documentation, can be found at https://www.uww.edu/cobe/vita. For additional information, email the VITA Site Coordinator at vita@uww.edu or leave a message at 262-472-5452.
Congratulations to the following students for participating in the Rock Valley Conference Honors Band on Monday, January 29: Dante Baker, Payton Bunger, Myia Cobbs, Grace Coleman, Jay Downs, Haley Keltesch, Taiya Kolb, Izzy Lavertu, Kay Mikos, and Liz Ngabo.
These students were selected to be a part of this group due to their dedication, hard work, and leadership in the band classroom. They spent the day working with renowned conductor Dr. Scott Teeple from The University of Wisconsin-Madison and performed a concert that same night.
Article and Photos Submitted by Sam Averill
Whitewater High School Band Director
saverill@wwusd.org
Obituaries
Clarence Everett Hansen, Jr. (Bud), 87, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at his family home in LaGrange, WI at 1:30 PM. Bud was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 6, 1937, to Clarence Hansen Sr. and Ruth (Dalson) Hansen and was baptized at Bethlehem Church in Milwaukee. Bud graduated from Lutheran High School in Milwaukee on June 9, 1955. Following high school, Bud enlisted in the US Army and was a light weapons specialist and sharpshooter. He was stationed in Germany and upon honorable discharge, served in the Army Reserves until 1962. Bud married his wife, of 63 … Read more
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Edward (Ed) Geske passed away to the Great Workshop in the Sky on May 25, 2025, due to years of severe infections of the urinary tract. Edward E. Geske was born on Thanksgiving Day to Elmer and Alice McMillan Geske on November 25, 1943 at the family home in Crystal Lake, Illinois. He was accompanied by his twin sister, Marjorie, on this momentous occasion. Edward’s siblings are: Nancy(Tom) Trewyn, Arlene (Richard) Trewyn, Marjorie Petska, Susan (Gordy) Gimiski, Ray (Patti) Geske, and Mary (Gale) Smith. Ed grew up and attended elementary school in Lima Center, WI, later graduating from Whitewater High School. … Read more
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Irv A. Madsen, 86, Whitewater, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 02, 2025. He was born in Askov, MN on May 20, 1938, to Ludvig and Augusta Madsen. Irv graduated from Amery High School in 1956 and received his Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Whitewater in 1960 and his Master’s Degree from UW-Madison in 1965. He began his career teaching Business Education at Milton High School and then moved to UW-Whitewater to become the Director of Admissions for 42 years. During his time at UW-Whitewater he coached Women’s Softball, announced Football games for 50 years and was “the voice of … Read more
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Faith Ann Hansen, 83, passed away on the evening of Monday, May 19th at Alden Estates in Jefferson, Wisconsin. She was born on April 20th, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Donald Hansen and Doris (Ceel) Hansen. Faith graduated from Brookfield Central High School. Following high school she married Clarence (Bud) Hansen, Jr. and owned and ran the Twin Oaks Inn bar in Little Prairie, WI. Faith then worked at the Lakeland Nursing Home for over 30 years, while there earning her nursing degree from MATC in 1992. She was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater … Read more
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Ann S. Eckert, 85, of Port Charlotte, FL, died on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Advent Hospital in Port Charlotte, FL. She was born in Madison, WI, on October 16, 1939. Ann was the only child of Clifford and Virginia Peterson. Ann was married for 65 years to Rev. Jerry Eckert. They had two children, David and Karen. Ann was a 1957 graduate of New London High School and earned her BS degree at Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX, in 1961 with a major in home economics education. She taught a year in Seagoville, TX, and a part of … Read more
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Robert (Bob) John O’Hara, a cherished member of our family and friends, passed away May 19, 2025. Bob was born September 14, 1956, to Charlotte Anna (Wallack) Lewers and Robert James O’Hara. Bob grew up in Elk Grove Village, IL and graduated from Elk Grove High School in 1974. He relocated to Whitewater, WI in 1986 and worked various warehouse distribution positions and ended his career as a manager. A significant life event occurred in 1998 when his precious daughter, Kelly Lynd O’Hara, was born. Kelly was an important focus of his life and he enjoyed watching her grow … Read more
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BRADLEY TERESA ANN Teresa Ann Bradley, age 84, of Yankton, SD passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD. Memorial service will be 10:30 am Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Fr. Thi Pham officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Onsite Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Teresa Ann was born in Chicago, Illinois, November 23,1940, to Paul and Hildegard (Weinandt) Bradley. She lived on a 5-acre farm in what is … Read more
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Michael “Mike” J. Higgins, age 69, a lifelong resident of Whitewater, passed away May 13, 2025, at home. He was born May 15, 1955, in Fort Atkinson, the son of Merwyn “Mert” and Mary Ann (Krause) Higgins. He attended Whitewater schools and was a long-time mechanic at Fero’s Auto Repair, enjoying lunches at Rick’s at his reserved table. He retired after many years of service of the Whitewater Fire and Rescue Departments as Chief. He enjoyed spending time up north at his property hunting. He leaves behind long-time love of his life, Jody Buckingham and kids, Sherry (Al Jr.) Lemke … Read more
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Susan (Sue) Rhoda Schlough (nee Smith) was born August 11, 1936, in Barron, WI to Daniel and Ella Smith. The second of six siblings born during the Depression years, family-life was a meager and frugal experience, where Sue gained first-hand experience in making best use of all resources to meet the needs of a large family, which served her well in other life endeavors. During Sue’s teenage years, three significant events occurred that would become the foundation of her life’s work and dedication. The first of these events was choosing to become a Methodist, joining her local First United Methodist … Read more
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Jerry Wayne “Gorbs” GorbyDecember 8, 1942 – May 4, 2025 Jerry Wayne Gorby, affectionately known as “Gorbs,” passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 8, 1942, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Jerry brought joy, humor, and boundless energy to all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carolyn Gorby, his daughters Tricia Gorby and Tina Jones (Paul Jones), and his treasured grandchildren: Ciara, Sydney, and Donovan Jones, and Aysha and Kai Knoot. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Harold Gorby, and his brother, Douglas … Read more
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