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On Monday, February 9th the WHS choir department sent 14 students to participate in the Rock Valley Conference Honors Choir. They had the opportunity to work with Rachel Maki, a Grammy Award winning choral music professional. In just a few short hours students from all different schools in our conference came together to prepare four challenging choral pieces to perform for an audience. Congratulations to these talented students. Thank you for representing our school well.
Article and Photos Submitted by MacKenzie Gehrke
Whitewater High School Vocal Music Instructor
gehma01@wwusd.org
The Whippets put on a fun and competitive performance at the Southern Lakes Conference Championship Swim Meet, finishing 4th overall with a ton of strong swims, big time drops, and fast racing across the board.
Top 16 Finishes & Highlights:
200 Medley Relay
• A Relay (Wyatt Esch, David Enns, Sam Nickelsburg, Caleb Kluck) – 7th (2:00.83)
• B Relay (Cooper Housel, Carson Miller, Eloy Rodriguez, Ian Agen) – 15th (2:27.64)
200 Free
• 3rd – Cruz Aranda (1:51.43)
• 11th – Wyatt Esch (2:13.54, 4-second drop)
• Hunter Runnoe (2:28.43)
200 IM
• 5th – Langdon Coburn (2:13.21)
• Ian Agen – really strong final swim of the season in one of the toughest events
50 Free
• 5th – Mateo Bazeley (23.22)
• 16th – David Enns (27.28)
• ChaCha Binagi (28.84)
• Eloy Rodriguez (29.90)
• Angel Kilar (30.65)
100 Fly
• 5th – Langdon Coburn (54.75) → now 3rd all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List
• 12th – Sam Nickelsburg (1:08.86)
100 Free
• 2nd – Cruz Aranda (49.89) → 5th all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List
• 4th – Mateo Bazeley (53.04)
• 12th – Caleb Kluck (58.16)
• ChaCha Binagi (1:06.30)
500 Free
• 15th – Eloy Rodriguez (7:17.43, 45-second drop)
• 16th – Angel Kilar (7:29.58, 29-second drop)
• Cooper Housel (7:50.02)
200 Free Relay
• A Relay (Cruz Aranda, Caleb Kluck, Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley) – 2nd (1:33.84)
• B Relay (David Enns, Hunter Runnoe, Sam Nickelsburg, Mateo Bazeley) – 10th (1:50.30)
– Hunter Runnoe ripped a 26.62 split
100 Backstroke
• 11th – Wyatt Esch (1:13.24)
• 15th – Hunter Runnoe (1:18.09)
100 Breaststroke
• 9th – Caleb Kluck (1:16.32)
• 16th – David Enns (1:22.83)
• Carson Miller (1:34.31)
400 Free Relay
• A Relay (Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley, Wyatt Esch, Cruz Aranda) – 2nd (3:29.97)
– Langdon led off in 50.95, now 7th all-time on the Whippet Top 10 List
• B Relay (Eloy Rodriguez, ChaCha Binagi, Hunter Runnoe, Sam Nickelsburg) – 10th (4:19.60)
– Sam closed it out with a strong 1:01.83 split
Next up:
Saturday, February 14th
WIAA Sectional Meet – Whitefish Bay High School
Swimming starts at 1:00 PM
Come spend Valentine’s Day cheering on your Whippets!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
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.
Obituaries
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
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
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