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Editor’s note: On October 17, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman announced impending changes at three of the “branch campuses” (two-year colleges). The complete text of that announcement is provided under the following statement that was made by UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey A. King.
Earlier today, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman announced that two branch campuses — UW-Milwaukee at Washington County and UW Oshkosh, Fond du Lac campus— will end in-person instruction by June 2024. Another campus, UW-Platteville Richland, which had previously suspended in-person classes, will close.
These actions are the result of ongoing enrollment declines at many of the branch campuses in Wisconsin and the changing landscape of higher education. Our thoughts are with our colleagues and students across the state as they navigate the changes to come.
I recognize this news will be met with questions and concerns as it relates to our work and mission at UW-Whitewater, which includes UW-Whitewater at Rock County.
Let me be crystal clear: the Rock County campus will remain open. We are investing in our branch campus. The future of URock is bright. And we are committed to providing transformational educational experiences in the Rock County region.
In the last year alone, we’ve achieved multiple successes:
- We are invigorated by the positive enrollment trends at our Rock County campus. This fall, enrollment increased nearly 18 percent, the first year-to-year growth since 2018.
- In May, the first graduates of our Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences program crossed the stage at spring commencement. This is a flexible degree completion pathway for people who hold an applied associate degree from a technical college.
- This September, students in the first cohort in our collaborative nursing degree program started their classes. It’s part of our commitment to the region to respond to the critical need for healthcare workers in southern Wisconsin.
- We reaffirmed our collaborative engineering degree, offering multiple emphases for students interested in this in-demand field.
- Students at UW-Whitewater at Rock County are now able to participate in competitive athletics as they move along their educational journey. In February, the National Junior College Athletic Association accepted the campus as its newest member. Rock County intends to field teams starting in the 2024-25 academic year. The women’s volleyball team has launched early and is already competing.
We know that President Rothman has directed those universities with branch campuses that will remain open to engage with stakeholders to drive growth and to evolve. As an institution with “collaboration” as a core value, UW-Whitewater is already immersed in this work.
Earlier this year, we submitted an analysis of the Rock County campus to the Universities of Wisconsin leadership that outlines a bright future of innovative programs, regional engagement, and workforce development. We’ve met with leaders of the Rock County Administration, the Rock County Board and Janesville School District. Several cabinet members and I have also been on the ground regularly in both Janesville and Beloit, seeing the immense potential for collaboration in this exciting Wisconsin county.
UW-Whitewater at Rock County is, and will continue to be, an integral part of the region, providing flexible pathways to degrees for students at the beginning of their college career as well as working professionals with years of experience. We look forward to seeing this campus continue to grow and strengthen our relationship with Rock County and the region.
Corey A. King, Ed.D
Chancellor
Richland campus to close, two others end in-person instruction, under directive from President Rothman
MADISON, Wis. – Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman announced today his decision to end in-person instruction at two additional branch campuses and to close one branch campus. Rothman also directed chancellors overseeing the remaining two-year campuses to work with local officials to determine the best uses for facilities to meet student and community needs.
The two campuses at which in-person instruction will end are UW-Milwaukee at Washington County and UW Oshkosh, Fond du Lac campus; the goal date is June 2024. UW-Platteville Richland will be closed. The decision follows Rothman’s earlier directive to chancellors to explore the long-term viability of the branch campuses.
“It’s time for us to realign our branch campuses to current market realities and prepare for the future. The status quo is not sustainable,” Rothman said. “This decision is a response to an evolving student marketplace. Offering students an educational experience they deserve while working with local leaders to ensure it meets their expectations is key to our long-term success.”
Rothman recently informed chancellors of his decision.
The actions would leave 10 remaining branch campuses located in Barron County, Baraboo, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marshfield, Menasha (Fox Cities), Rock County, Sheboygan, Waukesha, and Wausau.
Rothman charged the chancellors overseeing the 10 campuses to discuss future options with local county governments that own the buildings in which classes are offered.
“We want to work with the counties to determine the best way for our universities to serve their communities,” Rothman said. “This reassessment is designed to ensure facilities are used in ways that meet community needs and provide long-term stability.”
He said those conversations will involve utilizing the existing campuses or other possible locations in a range of ways, including offering four-year and graduate degree options, upskilling and reskilling opportunities for the existing workforce, expanding dual enrollment, or opening ‘navigation centers’ for high school and nontraditional students seeking guidance on their university journey. Rothman said retaining the remaining branch campuses is an option that will be determined by community needs and the ability of the Universities of Wisconsin to meet those needs.
Choices made by the vast majority of traditional and nontraditional students are driving the decision, Rothman said, not cost savings.
“We are seeing freshman enrollment rising at most of our four-year campuses while enrollment at the two-year campuses has been falling at a rapid rate for years,” Rothman said. “Moreover, online enrollment has been trending up as well. The market is telling us that increasingly students are pursuing a degree at our four-year campuses or online.”
Rothman added that the student experience is waning on some branch campuses because of the decline in enrollment. Existing students attending the campuses where in-person learning will be no longer available will be offered enrollment options at other universities.
Rothman told chancellors to embark on the negotiations promptly with the goal of cementing a clear pathway by early spring 2024.
“I, Greg Majkrzak, am excited to announce my intention to run for the Whitewater City Council at-large position in the upcoming April election. I care deeply about our community and want to contribute to making it an even better place for all residents.
During my previous tenure as Alderperson for District 5, I worked diligently to serve my constituents by crafting and modifying ordinances to enhance Whitewater’s quality of life. Through collaborative efforts with city leadership, staff, legal counsel, and law enforcement, I spearheaded the successful passage of an ordinance permitting the use of golf carts and UTVs within city limits. As a member of the Finance Committee, I exercised fiscal responsibility by holding the council accountable to the established budget and seeking explanations for any budgetary deviations. In council meetings, I made it a priority to recognize and allow time for public comment so that all perspectives could be heard. My record demonstrates a commitment to transparency, fiscal prudence, public service, and policymaking that benefits all Whitewater residents.
In observing recent council meetings and trends, I believe there are opportunities for improvement in how the council collaborates, communicates, and conducts city business in a transparent manner.
If elected, my top priorities for the council will be:
Empowering the City Manager to effectively lead operations by focusing the council’s efforts on high-level governance through policymaking, rather than day-to-day administrative decision-making.
Working collaboratively with stakeholders to advance tangible, achievable solutions to Whitewater’s housing needs, including affordable housing and a diverse mix of housing options.
Promoting transparency, consistency, efficiency, and clarity in council and committee meetings through adherence to best practices for public deliberation and decision-making.
When you see my name, Greg Majkrzak, on the ballot next spring, please vote for me.”
This is a huge estate sale! The entire house will be available this weekend. Six bedrooms, an office, a sunroom, three family rooms, two car garage, laundry room, work room, two bathrooms, and storage area!!
N7545 Esker Ct
Whitewater, WI 53190
Thurs., Oct. 19 – 10-4,
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 20 & 21 9-4 both days
See pictures at http://shestatesales.com/sales.
The month of October has long been the month of the year women are reminded to screen for breast cancer. Fort HealthCare is pleased to announce multiple walk-in mammogram screening clinic opportunities not only in October but throughout the year:
- “Screening Saturday” will take place on October 21st from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Beauty and The Bean coffee camper will be onsite. You will receive a same-day voucher for a free beverage with your mammogram.
- “Walk-in Wednesdays” will take place the first Wednesday of every month from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The walk-in clinics will be held at Fort HealthCare Radiology located on the first floor of Fort Memorial Hospital, 611 Sherman Avenue East in Fort Atkinson. No appointment or provider referral is required. Patients will be seen on a first come, first serve basis. You won’t need to be an existing FHC patient. Please bring your current insurance cards with you. Screening vouchers will be available to those without coverage.
Eligibility Requirements: - Be 40 years of age or older
- Not have had a mammogram, breast biopsy or breast surgery in the past year
- Not have had breast cancer in the last 2 years
- Not have breast implants
- Not have any current breast problems or concerns
The Whitewater Girl’s Swim Team competed in their final dual meet against Beloit Memorial on Tuesday (10/17). The team left with some best times as we enter into championship season.
Some best times include:
- Maggie Maas – 200 Freestyle (2:26.48) and 100 Freestyle (1:07.21)
- Charlotte Hajewski- 200 IM (2:51.87) with an impressive finish!
- Lucy Davis – 200 IM by dropping 13 whole seconds (3:08.63) and 100 Backstroke (1:36.29)
- Sanibel Fox-Simes – 50 Freestyle (50.85) and 100 Freestyle by dropping 4 seconds (1:50.45)
- Adalynn Frye – 50 Freestyle (34.79)
- Makayla Bazeley- 100 Backstroke (1:00.99) which improves her time in the Whippets Top 10!
- Emerson Dunham – 50 Freestyle (30.20)
- Marijose Verduzco – 100 Freestyle (1:26.33) and 100 Backstroke by dropping 4 seconds (1:34.88)
- Atreya Wilson – 500 Freestyle by dropping 18 seconds (7:46.01)
- Georgia Esch – 200 Freestyle dropping 4 seconds (2:53.56)
The Swim Team is back in the pool on Saturday, October 21, at UW-Platteville. We hope to see you all as we head into our championship season.
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
12th seeded Whitewater Volleyball team lost to 5th seeded Stoughton in the first round of regionals (7-25, 12-25, 14-25) on Tuesday, October 17.
We tried a different line up after losing the first two sets to see if we could get some momentum, and we certainly hung with them the first half of set three, but then costly service and serve receive errors cost us several points and we couldn’t recover.
Zoe Kohl was called upon to play a 6 rotation outside in set three, and added 2 kills in that set to go with her 3 digs. Ava Alvarado was asked to change up her defensive position in set three. Both players did their jobs. I was pleased with Ava’s defensive presence on the court. She passed a 2.5 on the night and added 5 digs. Ava has certainly grown in her confidence and has held steady for us all year. She has a great volleyball IQ and definitely became a leader in the backcourt.
Statistical leaders on the night included Calli Grosinske with 8 kills and 11 digs, Falyn Krahn with 3 kills and 4 digs, Ella Spear with 1 ace and 2 digs, and Marina Linos with 7 assists, 2 aces, and a block. Manny Mbifi added 1 block on the night as well.
This was the final match as a Whippet for our four seniors Manny Mbifi, Meg Roselle, Marina Linos, and Aidyn Amundson. These seniors were exemplary leaders on and off the court. They certainly set a high standard for our younger players about team culture, work ethic, and dedication. They came day in and day out giving their all to this team and program, and certainly have grown into fine student athletes over the last four years. They will all be deeply missed by this program.
Article Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Update 10/18 @ 3 p.m.: Name identifications added to the formal photos at the bottom of the post. Several additional photos of the dinner were also added.
The WHS class of 1973 held their 50th reunion at the UW-Whitewater Community Engagement Center on September 9. Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
Tour of What WAS
In 1973 the high school was located in today’s middle school.
Senior Stairs
Dinner
Row 1 (Bottom row)
Alice (Rich) Schwarz, Robert Rowley, Mike Piper, Bruce McGraw, Joseph DeMott, Cynthia (Cuff) Cornwell, Lois (Beattie) Gray, Pat (Peck) Bromley, Peg Pomplin, Barbara (Ludeman) Frieberg, Lynn (Messerschmidt) Dickey, Kathi (Swenson) Werner, Mark Burrows
Row 2
John Stachowski, Jim Lawrence, Dan Bonk, Richard King, Brian Fehly, Clay Van De Bogart, Karen Kent, Joe Suchanek, Randy Crosby, Meredith (Misener) Crosby, Ed Steck, Ray Welter, George Behrens, Gregg Theune, Ardin Hammersted
Row 3
Connie (Ardelt) Foerster, Nancy (Duffin) Nugen, Tom Stanek, Francis (Street) Stanek, Becky (Nugent) Lippencott, Mary Holden, Debra (Roe) Borden, Joyce (Riggs) Hutchinson, Deborah (McLay) Meyer, Karen Luther, Kathy (Davison) Colwell, Debra (Poehler) Griffins, Donna (Taylor) Allenstein, Ann (Platner) Woods, LouAnn (Kettwig) Curran, David Nash
Row 4
Roger Roehl, Debra (Gerner) Ferguson, Melodie (Nass) Flewelling, Rebecca Ludeman, Janet (Bromley) Olson, Sue (Hookstead) Meyer, Clay Van De Bogart, Clayton Farrell, Joe Suchanek, Robert Ochs, Ray Gavitt, Mike Frawley, Katherine (White) Hitchcock, Nancy (Schaefer) Evans, Sue Joliffee
“Wedding Dresses of Whitewater, Past & Present”
Models and Displays
Refreshments include finger sandwiches, petit fours, bars, fruit cups, Kransekake (Norwegian wedding cake), mints, coffee, tea, and punch
Everyone is invited!
Free will donation
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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