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UW-Whitewater Launches Artificial Intelligence Major
Written by Chris Lindeke | Photos by Craig Schreiner
As part of its continued effort to prepare its graduates for in-demand jobs that serve workforce needs in the region, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has launched a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence major, effective in the fall of 2026.
Artificial intelligence is currently one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States and is an emerging technology affecting the personal and professional lives of millions of people around the world. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 350,000 annual openings in AI and related fields.
UW-Whitewater is among the early adopters within the Universities of Wisconsin to offer a dedicated AI major.
“The launch of our Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence reflects our commitment to career readiness and innovation, ensuring our graduates are prepared for some of the most in-demand roles in the region,” said Robin Fox, UW-Whitewater interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We are embracing AI as a university and — through our steadfast commitment to hands-on learning and student success — look to be a leader in preparing the first generation of AI professionals.”
The artificial intelligence major integrates computer science, mathematics, psychology, and philosophy to help students build both the technical skills and interpersonal skills needed for careers in AI. Graduates of the program will be prepared to enter high-demand fields, including data science, information security analysis, AI engineering, and machine learning development.
“This degree equips students with much more than coding skills,” said Jason Janke, dean of the College of Letters and Sciences. “Through an interdisciplinary approach that draws on the breadth of expertise across our college, students gain the technical, analytical, and critical thinking abilities needed to lead in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.”
Malachi Moore, a computer science student from Milwaukee, explains his research on racism in artificial intelligence. Students in the King/Chavez Program finishing their first year of college gathered at Andersen Library for the 10th Annual Research Symposium to present their research posters on Thursday, May 4, 2023.
The AI program includes courses in natural language processing and large language modeling, big data and data mining, cognitive psychology, technical and social responsibility, and more. Students in the program will also be encouraged to engage in the university’s Undergraduate Research, Innovative, and Creative Activities program and pursue internships to hone their skills in AI development.
A leader in AI
In the months leading up to the approval of the AI major, UW-Whitewater made investments to embrace the technology and serve as a leader in the region.
UW-Whitewater convened an artificial intelligence working group prior to the 2025-26 academic year to explore the use of generative AI at the university. The group established a plan to implement AI use and compiled recommendations and guidelines for students, faculty, and staff for efficient, ethical uses of GenAI. The university’s AI web page debuted last fall.
In September, Jon Spike was appointed by Fox as special assistant for AI integration to lead the overall AI efforts at UW-Whitewater in 2025-26. Spike leads the university’s Center for Ethical AI Integration, which serves as an interdisciplinary hub for research, education, and community engagement with a focus on responsible application of AI technologies.
From left, Ozgul Kartal, associate professor of curriculum and instruction, Jessica Patterson, math education major from Glen Haven, and Jon Spike, special assistant the provost for AI implementation, present to the Board of Regents about using virtual reality and artificial intelligence to develop a teaching lesson on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.
In December, Spike, Ozgul Kartal, professor of curriculum and instruction, and Jessica Patterson, a math education major from Glen Haven, Wisconsin, presented to the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents on using virtual reality and artificial intelligence to transform learning. This student teaching simulation included prompting an AI chatbot with questions about a complicated math problem.
In addition to the AI major, UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics — the state’s largest business school — offers an emphasis in AI through undergraduate majors in business analytics and marketing.
For more information about the Bachelor of Science in AI program, contact Zach Oster at osterz@uww.edu.
Do you have Second Saturday at Studio 84 marked on your calendar? This Saturday you will have the opportunity to experiment with watercolors! Karina will be in the studio to show you some of the many creative possibilities of watercolor and watercolor techniques. Second Saturdays is free of charge, and anyone is welcome to stop in anytime from 10-2. Happy Valentine’s Day!
GWC Urges Voters to Meet the Faces Behind the April Ballot at Their Upcoming Social Networking Event
The Greater Whitewater Committee urges voters to meet the faces behind the April ballot at their upcoming social networking event.
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) will be hosting its annual meeting; immediately following will be a public event where community members can personally meet with their candidates for the upcoming April ballot.
The event will be formatted as a speed network rotation where attendees will have the opportunity to personally meet with the candidates. The GWC encourages community members to partake in this event to help better understand the faces behind the April ballot. The candidates will each have their own table and every five-to-seven minutes, community members will rotate, in no specific order, their conversations with these candidates. The GWC hopes that this event will help the community members engage and build relationships in a comfortable setting.
The GWC’s annual meeting will take place on Thursday, February 12th between 4 and 5 pm at 841 Brewhouse banquet hall: 841 E Milwaukee St., Whitewater, WI 53190. The speed networking will begin at 5:30 p.m. immediately following.
“We are very excited to host this event. This is meant to be a unique opportunity for citizens to talk one on one with each candidate,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight, “We are excited to see people being passionate about local elections, both common council and school board representatives.”
About the GWC
The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies needed to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Greater Whitewater Committee.
Congratulations to the Whippets who Made their Mark at the Region 5 Leadership Conference for FBLA, Future Business Leaders of America.
The following students earned awards:
- Atreya Wilson took 1st in Entrepreneurship
- Lilian Navejas-Ortiz came home with a 2nd place medal in Data Science & AI
- Connor Brummeyer, Ty Bucholtz, and Trevor Piper received a 3rd place medal for Digital Video Production
- Paxton Wilson received a 4th place medal in Business Management
- Jaylinn Traxler brought home a 4th place medal for Hospitality & Event Management
- Isabel Serna and Abi Trader came through with a 5th place medal in Marketing
It was an amazing day to be a Whippet!
Keep an eye out as our amazing Whippet FBLA chapter goes on to compete at the State Regional Competition in April.
Article and Photos Courtesy of Kurt Nickelsburg
Whitewater High School FBLA Advisor
nicku01@wwusd.org
On Sunday, February 15, at the 10 a.m. service Whitewater First United Methodist Church will celebrate the incredible legacy of Jim Athas as organist for the past 50 years. The service will be preceded by a recital at 9:30 a.m. Jim began in this position while still a college student at UW-Whitewater and since that time has shared his remarkable talent through countless Sunday morning services, weddings, funerals, Christmas and Easter cantatas, and other special events. He also serves as the Director of Music for the church.
Jim’s versatility is enviable as he is comfortable playing most any style of music – classical, jazz, country, baroque, gospel, and more. In addition, he has composed several pieces which the Chancel Choir has sung. A native of Fort Atkinson, Jim began playing organ in his home church in Watertown. He received a BA in Organ Performance, a BS in Elementary Education, and a Masters in Reading – all from UW-W. He has also done extensive accompanying for the Fort Atkinson School District. For many years he juggled his church responsibilities with teaching first grade full-time and raising four children with his wife, Barb. Now a grandfather of four, he has a little more time to relax but continues to be involved with the activities of his very musical family.
The Sunday celebration will begin with a 9:30 a.m. pre-service organ recital by Jim. The 10 a.m. service will include a special commemoration and musical numbers. Following the service there will be a potluck in Fellowship Hall with turkey sandwiches, egg bakes and side dishes provided. There will also be a special “kids only” table with mac-n-cheese, PBJ and finger-jello as well as children’s activities and games.
Congratulatory notes for Jim are welcomed and may be sent to Whitewater First UMC, 145 S. Prairie St., Whitewater 53190. All are invited to join in the celebration as we honor this truly remarkable man.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the First United Methodist Church.
Join students from the Whitewater Unified School District’s Robotics Program in grades 4-12 on Saturday, February 14, at Whitewater High School for the annual Robotics Open House. Doors will be open from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Visitors should enter through the auditorium entrance, door #45.
The high school FIRST Robotics Competition team, Ferradermis, will be leading tours during a work day for them on their 2026 season robot. Members of the elementary FIRST Lego League and middle school FIRST Tech Challenge teams will also be on hand with their robots.
The WUSD Robotics Booster Club will be offering several raffle baskets for bid throughout the day. Winners will be drawn at the end of the event; you need not be present to win.
Retiring County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) Yvonne Duesterhoeft and incoming CVSO Brandie Hanson invite all Jefferson County residents to a Hail and Farewell Open House at the Jefferson County Courthouse on Friday, February 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
After arriving at the Courthouse building (311 S. Center Ave. in Jefferson) and passing through security, guests will have the opportunity to tour the renovated CVSO area, meet Yvonne and Brandie, learn more about the variety of resources available to local veterans through the County Veterans Service Office, and sample a dessert buffet of sweet treats.
Each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties maintains a County Veterans Service Office. Your local CVSO and other offices throughout the state stand ready to assist veterans and their families with many benefits and honors earned through military service, including healthcare, disability and other benefits, education and training resources, home loans, and research assistance for military medals and records.
Jefferson County Veterans Service Officer Yvonne Duesterhoeft, retiring later this month after 19 years of service in the CVSO role, reflected on her time at Jefferson County: “Nineteen years has gone by in the blink of an eye because serving in this position was never boring! I will miss the challenge of the work and all the people – but it’s easier to step away knowing that Brandie has hit the ground running and will be the passionate advocate Jefferson County veterans and their families need and deserve.”
Brandie Hanson joined Jefferson County in January with 15 years of experience in veteran advocacy, case management, and public service. She is a U.S. Army National Guard veteran, serving from 2000 to 2012, including two combat deployments to Iraq. “Over the past few weeks, it has become evident that Yvonne has changed so many lives – not just through her work, but through who she is. I am deeply grateful to her,” said Hanson. “Our office will continue to serve veterans with care and integrity. I am committed to making a meaningful impact in our community by improving access and outcomes while fostering trust and partnerships.”
For additional information about the Hail and Farewell Open House, please contact the Jefferson County Veterans Service Office at 920-674-7240.
For more about Jefferson County: https://cms4.revize.com/revize/jeffersoncountywi25/
Congratulations to the girls on winning the Rock Valley Conference Wrestling Tournament on Friday night, February 6!
The girls finished with nine in the top three. Ema Aranda and Emma Maas were both Conference Champions. Isabelle Cantu, Kora Davis, Storm De Porter, and Marianna Kubicz were runners-up, and Burma Vubumu, Aubrey Fuoco, and Payton Taylor finished in third.
Article and Photos Courtesy of John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Obituaries
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
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more
Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more
Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more
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