News & Events

(Studio 84 news release – Nov. 5) — Governor Tony Evers announced that $15 million in COVID-19 Cultural Organization Grants has been awarded to 385 cultural organizations across Wisconsin. Studio 84, a nonprofit art studio in Whitewater that specializes in the creative development of people with disabilities is one of these award winners.

“Just like small businesses, cultural organizations have taken a major financial hit,” said DOA Secretary Joel Brennan. “We’re all in this together. We hope that these funds will make it possible for us to be able to enjoy the museums, theaters, and music from these organizations once it is safe to do so again.”

Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), the COVID-19 Cultural Organizations Grant program provides grants to nonprofit organizations whose primary missions are to produce, present, or exhibit cultural disciplines such as music, dance, theater, literature, and the visual arts, or items of environmental or scientific interest. Grant awards can be used to cover pandemic-related impacts such as lost revenue, increased workers’ compensation costs, cleaning and sanitization, and purchases of services or equipment to facilitate telework by employees.

Director of Studio 84, Deborah Blackwell, said, “We are very grateful for this award. We lost almost four months of revenue, and continue to do so even though we are open again with students. In order to keep safe distancing and with reduced staff/volunteer availability we are only able to be open at a 20-30% capacity with artists. Donations became nearly nonexistent and have been slow to come back also. While this grant will assist in a small way to keep us open, we are still in need of donations to keep us moving forward until we can be fully functioning again.” Blackwell states that the artists really missed their programming and are so glad to be back.

You can visit Studio 84 at www.studio84inc.org to donate online or mail in donations to Studio 84, 121 W. Center St. Whitewater, WI 53190

More information regarding the COVID-19 Cultural Organization Grant Program is available HERE. A full list of grant winners is available HERE. Banner note: Per this list, Studio 84 was awarded $8906.41, and Whitewater Arts Alliance, $3855.95.

“The Way Back” (Drama/Sports) – Tuesday, November 10, 1 p.m. only; Rated R (Language)1 hour, 48 minutes (2020) Ben Affleck portrays an alcoholic, former Catholic high school basketball star who returns to his alma mater to coach its losing team. In one of Affleck’s best performances ever, this true-to-life sports drama manages to buck expectations, avoid formulaic sports hokum, and deliver a gripping and realistic narrative on addiction, failure, and recovery. You will be humbled and cheering from the stands. A powerful film with an exceptional cast.

There is a capacity limit, and COVID-19 precautions, including facial mask, are required. Please register in advance online, by email (dweberpal@whitewater-wi.gov), or phone (473-0535).

(UW-W Press Release -11/04/2020)– Brion Nash from Whitewater, WI, who is studying journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was recognized at the 2020 Best of the Midwest Media Fest.

The event, held virtually Oct. 8, honors broadcasting and video production excellence from Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota and North Dakota. UW-Whitewater students have participated in this conference for the past five years and have won many awards. This year, the group received five first-place awards, two second-place awards and for the fifth consecutive year, a best in show honor.

Nash won first place for “Warhawk Football vs. Monmouth.”

“(Virtual event host) Wisconsin Community Media really enjoys seeing our students participate in this organization and its annual ceremony, which includes many professional community channel operators all over the Midwest,” said Jim Mead, Director of UWW-TV, the university’s campus television station. “The icing on the cake is the opportunity for these amazing students to be recognized for the hard work they do every day here on campus, putting their skills to use.”

SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) at Whitewater High School made a video sharing some Halloween safety tips for the elementary schools. As Jake Martin, Co-President of the group, shared the video, he stated, “I think it’s important for many families to see and learn some things.” Our thanks to SADD for sharing this fun piece.

(Irvin L. Young Memorial Library news release) After several months of being closed to the public and only providing curbside pickup service, the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library will reopen to the public on Monday, November 2. During our closed time, new bi-polar ionization filters were installed in our HVAC system to improve the air quality and additional Plexiglas shields were installed. The Library will provide the following services during the hours listed.

Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The Library is Closed to the Public – Curbside Pickup Service

Curbside pickup will be moving to the north side entryway on Center Street.

Monday-Friday from 12:30 -7:00 p.m.; Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Library is Open to the Public – Services Available

Individuals may:

1. Use a computer for one hour.
2. Use the photocopier.
3. Pick up holds.
4. Browse the stacks to choose materials for checkout.
5. Make an appointment to use the Makerspace (a separate enclosed space) for no more than two hours.

Unavailable Services

Individuals may not

1. Use the library as a gathering place or remain after their business is concluded to read or do work.
2. Play in the children’s area.
3. Schedule an in-person meeting or event in the Community Room.
4. Purchase items from the Friends of the Library Book Shop.

The Family Restroom is available for use. Other public restrooms have been locked. Limited staffing means we can only regularly sanitize one public restroom.

The City of Whitewater passed an ordinance in July that requires that individuals wear masks in public spaces. (Banner note: Gov. Evers’ emergency order requiring masks has been extended to November 21. The city’s ordinance continues through December 31.) People entering the library will be required to wear a mask at all times. If you do not bring one, one will be provided for you. Staff will not provide one-on-one services to people who are not wearing a mask correctly.

If a patron is unable to wear a mask for medical reasons, they will be limited to 15 minutes for use of the photocopier, without staff assistance. Otherwise we encourage those individuals to use our curbside pickup service and digital library materials available from the convenience of home.

Dr. Thomas Gibson named new chancellor of UW-Stevens Point

Appointment takes effect January 11, 2021

MADISON, Wis.—Dr. Thomas Gibson, who served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, has been named the 15^th Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, which has campus locations in Stevens Point, Wausau, and Marshfield.

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today unanimously approved Gibson’s appointment, following a recommendation made by a selection committee. Gibson will assume the leadership post on January 11, 2021.

Gibson was hired as Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost at Bowling Green State in July 2016. In that role, he served as an advocate for the academic and social development of students, devised policies for student success, and advised the president and provost on student issues, among other things. He has overseen the Dean of Students office; residence life; diversity, equity and inclusion; student health, wellness and recreation; the women’s center, Title IX, and Clery reporting; and Greek life.

Previously, he was associate vice president of student affairs at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind.; associate dean for student development at York College, City University of New York in New York City; and employed in other roles at York College. Gibson has held numerous other positions related to student success in higher education.

“Dr. Gibson is a fantastic fit for UW-Stevens Point,” said UW System President Tommy Thompson.  “I am confident his background in student affairs coupled with his high-energy engagement with everyone he connects with will build an even better university for the entire region and our great state.”

“I am honored to have this opportunity to serve as the 15^th chancellor at UW-Stevens Point,” said Dr. Gibson.  “UW-Stevens Point has a rich history and culture, and dedicated students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders that I am looking forward to joining.”  

“We were fortunate to have a deeply talented group of applicants, which I think speaks to the excellent leadership opportunity UW-Stevens Point represents,” said Regent Karen Walsh, chair of the Search and Screen Committee. “This campus is a vital part of central Wisconsin life, and Dr. Gibson is committed to strengthening those relationships and creating new pathways for student success.”

“Dr. Gibson brings a breadth of experience that has equipped him to lead in a number of areas that are important to UWSP right now, including fund raising and making our campuses more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. As a student affairs professional who also served as Vice Provost at Bowling Green State University, he is well placed to foster increased collaboration between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs,” said UW-Stevens Point Professor of English Mary Bowman, vice chair of the Search and Screen Committee.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Gibson to the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point as UW-Stevens Point’s next chancellor,” said UW Regent President Andrew S. Petersen.  “Tom has a terrific professional background and an infectious enthusiasm that will serve him and the community of Stevens Point well as he assumes this exciting leadership position.”

The Special Regent Committee for the UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Search that recommended Gibson to the full Board of Regents includes Regents Walsh, José Delgado, Cris Peterson, and Olivia Woodmansee. President Thompson concurred in the recommendation.

The Search and Screen Committee includes members of the Special Regent Committee; Bowman; Scott Wallace, Professor of Business and Economics, UW-Stevens Point ; Dyllan Griepentrog, UW-Stevens Point student; Denny Peterson, retired Delta Dental president and CEO; and Marc Young, director of recruitment, UW-Stevens Point. Non-voting members of the committee include Julie Tharp, professor of English, UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield, and Ann Herda-Rapp, Campus Executive, UW-Stevens Point at Wausau.

Gibson will earn $247,500 as chancellor.

…

Explore the History of Beer and Brewing in UW-Whitewater’s Online Course Beginning Oct. 19

UW-Whitewater Continuing Education is once again offering its popular online course “Beer Matters.” This six week course is an opportunity to explore the history of beer from medieval times through today. Topics include brewing across the globe, social movements involving beer and today’s brewing conglomerates.  Beer lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to learn more about Wisconsin’s unofficial beverage, and why it matters, are invited to join in online.

“Beer Matters” begins October 19 and is open to anyone 21 and older. Each week of this course will feature a new theme related to beer and will include lectures and discussions. Participants can join in at their convenience and will have the opportunity to discuss their favorite craft brews, share homebrewing resources and events, and get to know each other in the online classroom. We’ll host live “virtual happy hours” with special guests who will share their expertise on topics like fermentation and local brewing history. Karl Brown, associate professor of history at UW-Whitewater and former professional brewmaster in the U.S. and Europe, will teach the course.

Join us this month to learn why beer matters. Bottoms up!

Cost is just $25 for the six-week session. Register online at http://www.uww.edu/ce/beer-matters. Contact Kari Borne at bornek@uww.edu with questions.