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UW-Whitewater honored nationally for deep-rooted community impact
At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, community connection goes beyond the words in a mission statement. From scientific exploration and business startups to the performing arts, the university is being recognized nationally for a culture of engagement that extends beyond campus borders.
UW-Whitewater is among an elite group of 277 colleges and universities in the United States to earn the Community Engagement Classification from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
This prestigious designation — first awarded to the university in 2016 — honors campuses that are successfully revitalizing their civic missions by integrating student learning with regional needs.
“This classification affirms UW-Whitewater’s continued commitment to academic excellence through student success,” said Chancellor Corey A. King. “Our engagement with the greater campus community speaks directly to our approach with research and teaching to critically think and solve real-world problems. Whether it is in local schools, business offices, neighborhood parks or senior community centers, our students and faculty are actively working every day to make a difference. We are grateful for the efforts of the team that worked long and hard to ensure our Carnegie materials reflected the university’s ongoing efforts.”
The university’s application highlighted how its mission, leadership, and resources all work together to drive meaningful community engagement, especially in Walworth, Jefferson, and Rock counties.
UW-Whitewater’s Community Based Learning program and Learning Communities include community service within their course requirements, positioning students off campus to conduct research and work on special projects to develop civic responsibility. Winther Counseling Services offers free, confidential mental health support to the public from counselors-in-training, who are students pursuing an M.S. in counseling at the university.
The Fiscal and Economic Research Center and Cybersecurity Center for Business are housed in the university’s College of Business and Economics, Wisconsin’s largest business school. Both organizations — which are advised by faculty members and staffed by students — partner with local businesses and nonprofit organizations on impactful research, education, and outreach.
UW-Whitewater’s Department of Continuing Education oversees the Fairhaven Lecture Series and Cedar Crest Lecture Series, which are in-person presentations by university faculty and staff to community members in Whitewater and Janesville.
For the last three years, UW-Whitewater has partnered with Special Olympics Wisconsin to host the State Summer Games, welcoming hundreds of athletes and their families from around the state for fun and opportunity through sports competition.
“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with UW-Whitewater, whose campus has become a welcoming home for our athletes as the host of our largest state games over the past three years,” said Chad Hershner, President & CEO of Special Olympics Wisconsin. “Their commitment to inclusion ensures that thousands of Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes, family members and friends, are welcomed with dignity, respect, and an unforgettable championship experience.”
UW-Whitewater recognizes this distinction as an honor and as a charge to continue to strengthen its community engagement. Additional activities for engagement are outlined in the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, including the successful implementation of Our Stories, Our Future: A Campaign for UW-Whitewater, the university’s largest single fundraising effort.
The Classification for Community Engagement is valid until 2032.
About UW-Whitewater
At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, we inspire, engage and transform lives. Founded in 1868, we serve more than 12,000 students and celebrate more than 108,000 alumni around the world. Our faculty and staff are devoted to student success on our Whitewater campus, our Rock County campus, and our vibrant online environment. We prepare innovative, resilient students with outstanding skills that make them strong candidates for 21st-century careers and community leadership. We embrace our priority mission to serve students with disabilities. Home to the Warhawk family, UW-Whitewater delivers a supportive, caring culture with an entrepreneurial spirit and championship drive.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
The Whippet Wrestlers hosted quite an exciting dual Tuesday night, January 14, hosting Jefferson. There was a full house and lots of excitement and yelling in the stands. Coach Schimming stated, it’s “always fun to be a part of a good dual meet.”
The dual came down to the last match of the night, which is always the one people remember, however a lot of things happen in the previous 13 so we never say it was the last match; it was a culmination. When the excitement and the yelling came to a climax our Whippet boys ended up on the short end, so the Whippets will have a share of the Valley Conference Title. Please congratulate the wrestlers when you see them. It hurt last night but, “We don’t lose, we Learn.”
On Wednesday, January 21 our girls’ team will take the mat and have two duals, Madison Memorial and Big Foot. Come on out and support the girls’ wrestling team with matches starting at 6.
Article and Photo Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
After spending the morning on Monday, January 12 completing some standardized testing, Whitewater High School students had the option to spend their afternoon volunteering in the building or throughout the community. Roughly 175 students signed up to volunteer their time. Destinations included the Community Space, Fairhaven, and all three elementary schools as well as the middle school. Students who remained on campus to volunteer did some deep cleaning, painting, and organizing of storage areas among other projects.
Walworth County and United Way of Walworth County Announce Seventh Round of Funding for Local Nonprofits and Veterans Organizations
For this round of funding, Walworth County has earmarked $161,900 for the United Way to distribute to local 501(c)(3) nonprofit and 501(c)19 Veterans service agencies. Eligible agencies can request between $1,000 and $9,000. Applications are due on January 31, 2026. The goal is to issue the awards in early March. If all dollars are awarded, this will be the final round of funding.
Applications are available at https://unitedwaywalworth.org/arpa-grant. Qualifying 501(c)(3) or 501(c)19 agencies interested in applying may also contact UWWC CEO Brian Holt for an application at (262) 374-4474.
“As we enter this seventh and likely final round of ARPA funding, we’re proud of the impact these grants have had in strengthening local nonprofits and Veterans organizations over the past several years,” says United Way of Walworth County CEO Brian Holt. “This program has provided critical resources to help agencies serve our community, and we encourage all eligible organizations to take advantage of this last opportunity to apply.”
A board of United Way of Walworth County committee members will select the grant recipients. Organizations with 501(c)3 and 501(c)19 tax-exempt status may apply. These organizations must also maintain their principal place of business in Walworth County, conduct business in Walworth County, and serve people within Walworth County.
This project is being supported in whole or in part by federal award number FAIN #SLFRP 2146 awarded to Walworth County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
UW-Stevens Point undergraduates honored for scholastic achievement
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point honored more than 2,872 undergraduate students for attaining high grade point averages during the fall semester of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time undergraduates who earned grade points of 3.90 to 4.0 (4.0 equals straight A) are given the highest honors designation. High honor citations go to those with grade point averages from 3.75 to 3.89 and honor recognition is accorded to those with grade point averages from 3.50 to 3.74.
Personalized certificates of scholastic achievement are sent to those who earned highest honors distinction.
Students who received honors include:
Whitewater, WI
Wyatt Anderson, Honors
Giovanni Anello, High Honors
Grace Wood, Honors
City of Whitewater Conducts Business Retention & Expansion Visit with HEXPOL – Whitewater
The City of Whitewater Community Development Department recently completed a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visit at HEXPOL’s Whitewater facility, continuing the City’s ongoing efforts to support local employers and strengthen the community’s economic base. Mason Becker, the City of Whitewater’s Community Development Director, and Karin Silvius, Executive Director of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, met with Adrienne Weber, Human Resources Manager at HEXPOL’s Whitewater facility. The visit focused on workforce needs, operations, and the company’s long-term commitment to the Whitewater community.
HEXPOL currently employs approximately 40 people at its Whitewater location and is actively hiring for six positions. The facility operates two daily production shifts, along with a third shift dedicated to maintenance, and is a UFCW union facility. Most employees live in Whitewater or the surrounding area, reinforcing the company’s strong local roots. “BRE visits are an important way for the City to stay connected with our existing employers and understand how we can support their success,” said Mason Becker.
“HEXPOL is an international company that is a valued manufacturing employer in Whitewater, providing stable jobs and actively investing in its workforce.” Adrienne Weber emphasized the company’s focus on people and community. “Our goal is to be a preferred employer in the Whitewater area,” Weber said. “We’re proud that the majority of our employees come from the local community, and we continue to focus on creating a safe, respectful, and rewarding workplace. We are always looking for ways to
further partner with the city. ”
Karin Silvius noted the importance of companies like HEXPOL to the City’s economic health. “Employers who offer quality jobs and career opportunities are critical to Whitewater’s long-term vitality,” Silvius said. “HEXPOL’s continued hiring and investment demonstrate confidence in both their workforce and the community.”
About HEXPOL
HEXPOL is a global leader in polymer compounding and engineered rubber materials, serving customers in a wide range of industries including automotive, construction, industrial, and consumer products. Headquartered in Sweden, HEXPOL operates manufacturing facilities around the world, with a strong emphasis on quality, safety, innovation, and sustainability. The Whitewater facility plays an important role in the company’s North American operations.
The City of Whitewater’s Community Development Department, in conjunction with the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, will continue BRE visits throughout 2026, meeting with local businesses including manufacturers, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and other organizations to identify opportunities, address challenges, and support sustainable economic growth within the City of Whitewater.
Chamberlain University and SSM Health Open Enrollment for Wisconsin Aspiring Nurse Program Partnership offers tuition support and guaranteed employment pathway as Wisconsin faces sustained nursing shortage Chamberlain University and SSM Health are offering a new pathway to nursing careers with tuition support and guaranteed jobs, as enrollment opens January 5, 2026, for the Chamberlain Aspiring Nurse Program in partnership with SSM Health. This partnership offers students a direct, employment-focused pathway by combining tuition support with immersive clinical experience at SSM Health facilities and the opportunity for employment upon graduation and passing the NCLEX exam. In return, students commit to joining SSM Health’s workforce. Through the program, prospective students in Wisconsin earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree online from Chamberlain University. Wisconsin faces a significant gap between nursing workforce needs and available education opportunities, according to the Wisconsin Hospital Association’s 2025 Health Care Workforce Report[1]. While the state’s registered nurse workforce grew 10% between 2020 and 2022, that growth couldn’t keep pace with demand. With tens of thousands of qualified applicants turned away from nursing schools nationwide each year, the Aspiring Nurse Program addresses this gap by creating accessible pathways for residents of Wisconsin and northern Illinois who live within 50 miles of an SSM Health facility. [Examples: SSM St. Mary’s Hospitals in Madison and Janesville] Program Details: Enrollment Opens: January 5, 2026 Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through Chamberlain University Benefits: Tuition support, clinical training at SSM Health facilities, pathway to RN licensure and employment at SSM Health Commitment: Students agree to join SSM Health’s nursing workforce upon completion “This program is more than a solution to the nursing shortage—it’s a bold reimagining of how we grow and support the next generation of nurses,” said Amy Wilson, DNP, Chief Nurse Executive for SSM Health. “By investing in education and clinical experience from day one, we’re not only preparing students for success, we’re strengthening the future of patient care across our communities.” How to Apply: Prospective students can learn more about the program and enroll at chamberlain.edu/aspiring-nurse-program/wisconsin [1] Wisconsin Hospital Association 2025 Health Care Workforce Report: https://www.wha.org/data-publications/reports/workforce/2025 About Chamberlain University Chamberlain University, an Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE) institution, educates, empowers, and emboldens a diverse community of healthcare professionals who seek to advance the health of people, families, communities, and nations. Chamberlain has the largest school of nursing in the U.S., with both on-campus and online degree programs. Chamberlain is comprised of the College of Nursing and the College of Health Professions, offering a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit Chamberlain.edu for more information, and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. About SSM Health Nationally recognized for quality and innovation, SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit, fully integrated health system working to advance health equity and empower all people to achieve their full potential. With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health provides convenient access to high-quality community-based services as well as world-class academic medicine, clinical trials and research studies. The organization’s footprint includes hospitals, physician offices, outpatient and virtual care services, senior care, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a fully transparent pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. As one of the largest employers in every community it serves, the organization’s 40,000 team members and 15,000 providers are dedicated to fulfilling SSM Health’s Mission: “Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God.” For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn. |
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Obituaries
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
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!
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