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The UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc. recently announced the election of five new members to its Board of Directors. Each member joins with the commitment to inspire philanthropic support for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and ensure student success now and in the future through the administration of financial awards.
Joining the Board of Directors are Dave Adam, ’87; Todd Gray, ’77, ’82, and ’84; Louise Hermsen, ’75; Ashley Johnson, ’08; and Tanika Murphy, ’02. The new board members begin their term on July 1, 2023 and will continue for three years.
“I am honored to welcome new members Adam, Gray, Hermsen, Johnson, and Murphy,” said Katie Kuznacic, Foundation President and Vice Chancellor for University Relations. “Our Foundation is comprised of steadfast and highly engaged members that drive long-term University support through strategic engagement and impactful giving. I look forward to working with them to build on our successes and achieve even greater impacts for Warhawks in the years to come.”
Adam is a financial consultant and non-profit leader. He earned his BBA in Accounting from UW-Whitewater and serves as president of Argentarii Advisors, LLC and as an advisory board member for MobCraft Beer. Adam also spent 11 years in senior leadership roles for Johnson Financial Group, including senior vice president of finance and treasurer.
Gray is an adjunct professor at UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics. He was also formerly the interim superintendent of schools for the Palmyra-Eagle Area School District and superintendent of schools for the School District of Waukesha. Gray received a BSE in business education and M.S. in school business administration and accounting from UW-Whitewater.
Hermsen is a senior marketing and communication leader and women’s leadership advocate. She is a committee member at the Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County and on the board of Present Music and the Waukesha County Museum. She was a marketing executive for DUECO Inc., Odyne Systems LCC and Joy Global’s P&H Mining Equipment. Hermsen received her MBA in Marketing from UW-Whitewater.
Johnson is an audit director and accounting and auditing manager at Sikich LLP, specializing in non-profit organizations. She received her Master of Professional Accountancy from UW-Whitewater.
Murphy is the manager of inclusion and belonging (DEI and supplier diversity) at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. She also worked as an HR manager at Harley-Davidson and SC Johnson. Murphy received her B.S. in public policy and administration, and human resource management from UW-Whitewater.
To learn more about the UW-Whitewater Foundation and its work, visit https://www.uww.edu/foundation.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Kim Pontel.
The Whitewater High School Class of 1983 will be holding a 40th class reunion on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
Saturday, August 26, 2023
5:00 p.m. – cocktails
6:30 p.m. – dinner
casual attire
Willow Brook Golf Course
(formerly Whitewater Country Club)
N9035 Hwy 89
Whitewater, WI 53190
One night is never enough, join us the night before!
Friday, Aug 25 08:00 p.m. – Close Rick’s Eastside Pub & Grill, Whitewater
Please invite all classes, friends, teachers, and coaches to an informal gathering!
(Food and beverages on your own)
Please RSVP by Aug 10 for Saturday’s event at Willow Brook at the rate of $30.00 per person
(After Aug 11, the rate will increase to $35.00 per person)
____ Yes, I will attend! ____ No, I am unable to attend (please include current contact info below)
Classmate First Name: ______________ Last Name: __________________ Nee: _________________
Address: _______________________________ City: _________________ State: ____ Zip: ________
Email address: ______________________________ Guest Name: ____________________________
Amount enclosed: ___1 person $30.00 ____1 person $35.00 (after Aug 11)
___2 people $60.00 ____2 people $70.00 (after Aug 11)
___Additional Donation of $ _____
Please return RSVP with check payable to:
Kim (Allen) Pontel
c/o WHS Reunion
2944 Oneida Lake Rd.
Harshaw, WI 54529
OR send payment via Zelle to 262-903-1100, add WHS Reunion and guest name in the comment section.
Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Jeff Weigel.
The rain last week was no match for the hearty group of volunteers who began clearing brush and invasives along Whitewater Creek at Brewery Hill Park! Thanks to all who were able to make it and lend a hand, and to the City of Whitewater staff for their extra chipping efforts. Join us again this Wednesday, July 19 at 5:00 p.m. to see progress and keep the momentum going!
Click the link, or send an email to friendsofwhitewatercreek@gmail.com to learn more and get involved:
https://forms.gle/4bkrv64EcbjnG8ZA7
Cooper Hammond of Whitewater was placed on the spring semester Dean’s List at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado.
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
Editor’s note: “R1 research university” is a designation made by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Higher Education (Carnegie), signifying very high research activity. R1 universities are at the forefront of research and innovation, and they receive federal and/or private funding specifically for their academic research. Carnegie has classified approximately 146 U.S. institutions as having R1 status.
The University of Wisconsin System announced on July 14 the selection of the 2023–2024 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars.
This year’s program participants come from the System’s 11 comprehensive universities and UW-Milwaukee. Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars must demonstrate excellent teaching skills and have a curiosity about student learning to be nominated by Provosts. The yearlong program begins in mid-June and will culminate with a research presentation at the annual Spring Conference on Teaching and Learning in Madison.
The program provides UW faculty and teaching academic staff a unique opportunity to collaborate with other exceptional teachers from across the UW System and from various disciplines. In addition to discussing influential literature, participants are guided through systematic research focused on improving student learning through a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) project, the 23rd year of using this format.
The Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars is one of three signature programs offered by the UW System’s Office of Professional and Instructional Development (OPID). OPID supports UW System’s 13 Centers for Teaching and Learning in fostering a culture of teaching and learning excellence in Wisconsin. Together they offer professional development programs that ensure student learning in face-to-face, online, and blended learning environments. Fay Akindes is OPID Director.
The Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars program is directed by two faculty leaders, Valerie Barske, a history professor at UW-Stevens Point, and Heather Pelzel, a biology professor at UW-Whitewater.
The 2023–2024 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars are:
- Anna Cook, UW-Eau Claire, Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Damar Kovačević, UW-Eau Claire, Political Science
- Kimberley Reilly, UW-Green Bay, History
- Cord Brundage, UW-La Crosse, Comparative Animal Physiology
- Kate Evans, UW-La Crosse, Recreation Management
- Eugenia Turov, UW-La Crosse, Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Megan Orcholski, UW-Milwaukee, Communication
- Hilary Snow, UW-Milwaukee, Honors College (Art History and Asian Studies)
- Lisa Shreibersdorf, UW Oshkosh, Literature
- Maria Franshaw, UW-Parkside, Teacher Education – Mathematics
- Hilary Rasmussen, UW-Parkside, Communication
- Ganapathy Natarajan, UW-Platteville, Industrial Engineering
- Sarah Strange, UW-Platteville, Theatre
- Chris Holtkamp, UW-River Falls, Plant and Earth Sciences
- Erik Kline, UW-River Falls, English
- Lauren Gantz, UW-Stevens Point, Multiethnic Literature, Postcolonial Literature, and Women’s and Gender Studies
- Sarah Ross, UW-Stevens Point, Theatre Design and Technology
- Erica Ringelspaugh, UW-Stevens Point, English
- Kenneth Mullins, UW-Stout, Business
- Vivek Singhal, UW-Stout, Engineering
- Joshua Stangle, UW-Superior, Mathematics
- Jennifer Vogler, UW-Superior, Educational Administration
- Rashiqa Kamal, UW-Whitewater, Finance
- Courtney Wilt, UW-Whitewater, Special Education
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes update on capital campaign.
Community Room
431 W. Center Street
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89929656951?pwd=dmd4QkppL2FDMXA5WURjcy8rZ0dHdz09
Meeting ID: 899 2965 6951
Passcode: EzXQ7vJz
Dial by your location or 312-626-6799
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdOOtERhEl
Meeting ID: 899 2965 6951
Passcode: 50657151
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Spectrum TV station update, action plan Aquatic Center, ordinance amending Chapter 5.36 mobile homes and mobile home parks, discussion regarding Twin Oaks annual mobile home permit, discussion regarding Affordable Housing Incentive Policy, and purchase of Badger Books for voting. Also, closed session: Items to be
discussed: 1) Negotiation of Aquatic and Fitness Center Agreement with School District 2) Aldi Development Agreement and 3) Bargaining Negotiation with Police Union.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 West Whitewater St
This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87364601150?pwd=cG1SV3JxeHh1UjN1c080Vy9DVldzQT09
Passcode: 716379
Or dial 1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 873 6460 1150
Passcode: 716379
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Updates to Commercial Façade Loan Program Manual, Status of Vacant Land listing Contract for sale of City‐owned properties, Status of Recruitment for Economic Development Director Position. Also closed session, followed by open session: ALDI’s development agreement.
Location: Municipal Building – Community Room 1st Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN‐PERSON and VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone or telephone.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
Please click this URL to join.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84275444343?pwd=aTZGSnpuZmhpNCtzQ1FrNUZuWVh4Zz09
Passcode: 947960
Or join by phone: 312‐626‐6799
Webinar ID: 842 7544 4343
Passcode: 947960
The following students earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at spring commencement, held May 13, 2023.
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Asobo Afah graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Computer Science – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Kaylie Ault graduated with the following degree: Accounting – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Eric Barber graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – Doctor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Joshua Bezzo graduated with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Madeline Born graduated with the following degree: Psychology – Bachelor of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Alex Bretl graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : David Brodel graduated with the following degree: Computer Science – Master of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jake Burford graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Occupational Safety – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Molly Burger graduated with the following degree: Social Work – Master of Social Work
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ariana Christianson graduated with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Michael Coates graduated with the following degree: Elementary Education – Bachelor of Science in Education
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ivan Cortez graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Justin Cox graduated with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Dylan DuClos graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – Associate of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Joshua Esparza graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Psychology – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Sophia Fenger graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: English – Bachelor of Science in Education
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Elizabeth Gomez graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – Associate of Arts and Sciences
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ralph Hahn graduated with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Madison Hawkins graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Elementary Education – Bachelor of Science in Education
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Margaret Helbig graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Public Policy and Administration – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Tyler Hentrich graduated with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Elbee-Fae Ascherl graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Women’s and Gender Studies – Bachelor of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Danielle Klais graduated with the following degree: Environmental Science – Bachelor of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Felicity Knabenbauer graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: English – Bachelor of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Abigail Much graduated with the following degree: Counseling – Master of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jackie Lin graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Computer Science – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Amy Moore graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Applied Arts and Sciences – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Miriam Navejas graduated with the following degree: Human Resource Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Hunter Nobles graduated with the following degree: Human Resource Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ryan Norton graduated with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Meaghan O’Hara graduated with the following degree: Communication – Bachelor of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Malayna Oswald graduated with the following degree: Social Work – Master of Social Work
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Zachary Paneitz graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Bryce Parrish graduated with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Montana Petersen graduated with the following degree: Liberal Arts – Associate of Arts and Sciences
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Corey Puttkamer graduated with the following degree: Information Technology – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Zach Reimann graduated with the following degree: General Business – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Kaylie Rickgauer graduated with the following degree: Sociology – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Alyssa Riley graduated with the following degree: Human Resource Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Connor Rohde graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Chemistry – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : David Sackett graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – Master of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jacob Sadler graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Supply Chain Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Alexsia Saldaris graduated with the following degree: Business Education – Bachelor of Science in Education
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Lukas Schreiber graduated Summa Cum Laude with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Juan Schultz graduated with the following degree: Finance – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Molly Schwieger graduated with the following degree: Counseling – Master of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Bridget Thompson graduated with the following degree: Communication – Bachelor of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, Wis. : Salmai Valadez graduated with the following degree: Business Administration – Master of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ryan Vedner graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: History – Bachelor of Science in Education
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Ashley Vorndran graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Management – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Hunter Wade graduated with the following degree: History – Bachelor of Arts
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Tayler Walter graduated with the following degree: Liberal Studies Without a Minor – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : LuAnnabelle Wieseman graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Marketing – Bachelor of Business Administration
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Catherine Yang graduated Cum Laude with the following degree: Journalism – Bachelor of Science
-53190, Whitewater, WI : Jon Zheng graduated Magna Cum Laude with the following degree: Biology – Bachelor of Science
More than 1,500 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees at the ceremony, held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center.
Included in the graduates are 98 students who are veterans, 9 international students and 180 nontraditional undergraduate students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 167 self-identified students with disabilities received degrees. Eight graduates of the university’s LIFE Program, which provides a complete college experience for young adults between the ages of 18-25 who have an intellectual disability, earned an advanced certificate.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Samuel Schulz will be ordained into the Christian ministry and installed as the new pastor of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Whitewater in a special service at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 23. Schulz graduated in May of this year with a M. Div. degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin. He will serve the congregation and conduct its campus ministry.
Pastor Schulz was born in Baraboo and later grew up in the Madison area. He attended Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills and Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota prior to his seminary training.
Mrs. Schulz is Maddie and they have an infant daughter Dot. They have moved into the congregation’s parsonage and look forward to getting to know the residents of the community.
St. John’s has served the Whitewater area since 1865. It is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The church is located at 116 South Church Street.
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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