Fall 2009 Archived News
- Works by graduating students featured in UW-La Crosse exhibit
- Need help around the house? UW-L marching band members looking to help
- 17th annual Festival of Carols set at UW-La Crosse
- Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ to be staged at UW-La Crosse
- UW-L Choral Union to perform ‘Hodie’
- Swinging Yuletide Concert on December 5th
- UW-L musicians to perform with Emerson Elementary students
- History Student Symposium is November 30th
- UW-L Hispanic Heritage Month 2009 Calendar of Events
- TV telethon to support Coulee Region Humane Society
- UW-L alumnus Corey Sorenson to appear on NCIS next week
- Gary Willhite appointed Director of the Masters of Education Professional Development (ME-PD)
- UW-L Screaming Eagles to hold annual review concert
- UW-L theatre to perform ‘Frozen’
- Sound art featured in UW-La Crosse exhibit
- Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center sets fall reception: Speaker to address Chinese civilization
- Visiting Poet: Amaud Jamaul Johnson
- American Democracy Project in Yellowstone
- UW-La Crosse Professor Emeritus sets Irish hiking tours
- Wolf Reestablishment: Controversies and Policies in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
- Professor Barillas’ English Colloquium “LGBTQ Literature of the Midwest”
- Ruthann Benson named dean at UW-La Crosse
- Ronda Smith named Interim Director of the School of Arts and Communication
- Patricia Markos named Director of the ME-PD Learning Community Program
- Carol Oyster named Director of the Institute for Ethnic and Racial Studies
- Department of Modern Language Spanish Program Advising DayUW-L
- Theatre opens season with twisted comedy
- Concert to feature UW-La Crosse jazz ensembles
- UW-La Crosse Wind Symphony to perform
- "What's in Your Backpack?" by Speaker Kathryn Childers
- UW-La Crosse Women’s Chorus, Chamber Choir to give fall concert
- Latino/a Lecture Series:Enrique Morones Immigration and Human Rights
- Hispanic Heritage Month Film Series: Retorno a Hansala (2008) N.R.
- Artists’ books featured in UW-La Crosse exhibit
- College sponsored grant workshops set
- Sing with UW-La Crosse's Choral Union
Works by graduating students featured in UW-La Crosse exhibit
Students graduating from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in December will display a variety of artwork in the University Art Gallery.
“Graduating Seniors’ Art Exhibition” opens with a reception from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in the University Art Gallery, located on the first floor of the UW-L Center for the Arts. The exhibit runs through Wednesday, Dec. 16. The reception and exhibit are free.
The students exhibiting include: Patricia Bindley, Zoe Browne, Chelsie Heidke, Vong Lao, Tiffany Pedersen, Kaitlynn Radloff, Jessica Shively and Amanda Willison.
Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during Toland Theatre events. The gallery opens for appointments by calling the UW-L Art Department 608.785.8230.
If you go—
What: Graduating Seniors’ Art Exhibition
Who: Eight UW-L students graduating in December
When: Opening reception from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4; exhibit runs through Wednesday, Dec. 16.
Where: University Art Gallery, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts.
Admission: Free
Need help around the house?
UW-L marching band members looking to help
Need help getting your yard in order before winter really sets in? Have a long “honey-do” list that never gets smaller? University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Screaming Eagles Marching Band members can help.
Band members are once again offering their “Rent-an-Eagle” fundraiser. Members of the Screaming Eagles are willing to help with any and all general maintenance work that needs to be done. Among their expertise areas: yard work, seasonal cleaning, helping prepare for winter, and more.
Band members are looking for work to help pay for an international trip to Mexico in January. Cost of their services is a donation toward the trip.
To Rent-an-Eagle, call 608.785.6733 and leave a detailed message with your name, phone number, and a brief description of what you need done. A band member will return the call to set up a time to help.
17th annual Festival of Carols set at UW-La Crosse
The 17th annual UW-La Crosse Festival of Carols will include repertoire from almost every musical period. The concerts are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12 and 13, in Valhalla, in Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.
Gary Walth, director of Choral Music Studies, says the performances will feature some of the finest examples of choral performance artistry and repertoire seen and heard on campus. “The excellent quality of voices and musicianship in the choral ensembles at UW-L continues to be exhilarating,” says Walth.
The concerts will include four of the six UW-L choral ensembles, as well as audience carols. The performances will serve as the setting for the premiere of three movements of Walth’s new work, “A Vision Fulfilled.” Written for the Festival of Carols concerts and the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at English Lutheran Church in La Crosse, the five-movement work was composed for choir, soloists, piano and chamber orchestra. The texts of each movement are based upon prophesies from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, which seem to have amazing relevance today, says Walth.
The performing choirs include the Concert Choir and Männerchor, conducted by Gary Walth; the Women’s Chorus, conducted by Paul Rusterholz; and the Chamber Choir, conducted by Terence Kelly.
Suggested donations for tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens, and $8 for others. Seating is general admission. For tickets contact the Music Listening Lab, 145 Center for the Arts, or at 608.785.8415 during regular business hours.
If you go—
What: 17th annual UW-La Crosse Festival of Carols
Who: UW-L Concert Choir, Männerchor, Women’s Chorus and Chamber Choir
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12 and 13
Where: Valhalla, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition
Admission: Suggested donations for tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens, and $8 for others.
Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ to be staged at UW-La Crosse
Charles Dickens’ well-loved holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” will take the stage at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Performances run Dec. 4-5 and 10-11 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 and 12-13 at 2 p.m. The production is in Toland Theatre in the Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine streets.
Once again Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future journey through time and memory to find the true spirit of Christmas. Can goodwill and holiday cheer change Scrooge’s “Humbug!” to a “Merry Christmas?” Dickens’ London comes to life in this Christmas tradition that has enchanted audiences for generations.
For the performance, the Department of Theatre Arts welcomes two guest designers— lighting designer Jared Clarkin and scenic designer Billy Clow. Clarkin, a UW-L alum, is currently production manager for First Stage Children’s Theatre in Milwaukee. Clow, former chair of the UW-L Department of Theatre Arts and scenic and lighting designer, is dean of Fine Arts at the University of Montevallo.
Tickets for A Christmas Carol go on sale at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30. Tickets are $5 for UW-L students; $12 for other students, senior citizens and children; and $14 for others. For reservations, call the box office at 608.785.8522.
If you go—
Who: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Department of Theatre Arts
What: “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
When: Dec. 4-5 and 10-11 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 and 12-13 at 2 p.m.
Where: Toland Theatre, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine Streets
Admission: $5 for UW-L students; $12 for other students, senior citizens and children; and $14 for others. For reservations, call the box office at 608.785.8522.
UW-L Choral Union to perform ‘Hodie’
The UW-La Crosse Choral Union will perform the Christmas cantata “Hodie” by Ralph Vaughan Williams at its upcoming seasonal concert. The performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at English Lutheran Church, 16th and King streets in La Crosse.
“Hodie” was first performed at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester Cathedral in 1954. The work begins with brass fanfares surrounding the chorus’ exclamations of “Nowell, Nowell, Nowell.” Details of the Christmas story are retold in genuine English fashion by a unison treble chorus with familiar Bible verses. Vaughan Williams draws on English poets to provide commentary: the first soprano solo uses a section of John Milton’s Hymn on the morning of Christ’s nativity. The baritone soloist sings a lyrical setting of Thomas Hardy’s poem, “The Oxen.” Another soprano solo is a lullaby based on the 16th century carol, “Sweet was the song the Virgin sang.” The tenor solo features a setting of William Drummond’s “Bright Portals of the Sky.”
Although not frequently performed, Vaughan Williams’s Christmas cantata is elegant and highly attractive, says Paul Rusterholz, conductor of Choral Union. “The composer serves up a joyous musical feast that gets to the heart of Christmas with beautiful, evocative melodies, majestic combinations of orchestral and choral sound, and sensitive and intelligent settings of eloquent poetry,” he says.
The Choral Union combines UW-L students, faculty, staff and adult singers from the greater La Crosse area. Soloists for the concert will include sopranos Marilyn Lee, Nancy Matchett, Jen Roberdeau, Shaylae Szotkowski, and Linda Zoerb; tenors Jerry Benser, Randy Dart, and Eric Sorenson, and baritone Hans Laping.
Tickets may be purchased in advance from Choral Union members, and will be available at the door for a suggested donation of $5 for students and $10 for others.
If you go—
Who: UW-La Crosse Choral Union
What: Ralph Vaughan Williams “Hodie”
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
Where: English Lutheran Church, 1509 King St., La Crosse
Admission: $5 for students and $10 for others
Swinging Yuletide planned for UW-La Crosse
Annual concert jazzes up holiday favorites
An upbeat performance of big band and vocal jazz holiday favorites is once again planned at UW-La Crosse.
The Great River Big Band will join the UW-L instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles, along with the La Crosse Jazz Combo, for a Swinging Yuletide. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Seating for the event is cabaret style. An annual visit by Santa Claus is expected during the concert.
Tickets are a suggested donation of $5 for students and $10 for others; or, reserved tickets for $20. Seating is limited; getting tickets early is recommend since the concert typically sells out.
For tickets or more information, contact the UW-L Music Listening Lab in 145 Center for the Arts or at 608.785.8415.
If you go—
What: Swinging Yuletide
Who: Great River Big Band, UW-L instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles, and the La Crosse Jazz Combo
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
Where: Valhalla, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition
Admission: $20 reserved; general admission is $5 for students and $10 for others.
UW-L musicians to perform with Emerson Elementary students
Major focus:
Emerson Elementary kindergarteners will take their music across the UW-La Crosse campus to perform for UW-La Crosse students. And, the Jazz II students will perform for the kindergarteners as they rehearse for their upcoming Swinging Yuletide concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.
Time/Place:
The musical exchange is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, in Room 56 Center for the Arts, UW-La Crosse.
Background:
The musical exchange is part of the Emerson Elementary kindergarten classes’ music learning week. The exchange with the neighboring elementary school is in its second year.
Photo/video opportunities:
Opportunity to talk with/get video of UW-L students interacting with kindergartners as the younger students learn about music.
For more information:
Reporters should contact Karyn Quinn, UW-L Music Department, 608.785.6727.
TV telethon to support Coulee Region Humane Society
It’s the 11th year UW-L students will help raise funds
Dogs, cats and other animals at the Coulee Region Humane Society will benefit from an upcoming live TV telethon produced by UW-La Crosse communication studies students.
The 11th annual Coulee Region Humane Society Telethon will air from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, on KQEG-TV Channel 23, Charter Cable Channel 5, Digital 989 and UW-L campus channel 6. Rick Wilson, KQEG TV-23, and Sally Mroczkowski, a UW-L communication studies major, will host the show. Guests during the three-hour event will include owners of pets adopted from the society, pet therapy specialists, dog trainers and society advocates. The phone number to pledge during the telecast is 608.785.8379.
Along with money, donations of towels, sheets, soap, bleach, office and animal supplies or other items that could be used at the humane society are sought. Donations for the society’s general fund may be dropped off at the studio, 205 Wing Technology Center, during the telethon, or arrangements may be made by calling Professor Pat Turner at 608.785.8369. Checks should be made payable to the Coulee Region Humane Society. Monetary donations or goods can also be dropped off at Coulee Region Human Society, 911 Critter Court, Onalaska.
During the telethon, a Mississippi River Rentals vacation package worth $1,500 and a $399 guitar from Dave’s Guitar Shop will be given away.
The telethon originated in 1999 when UW-L student Kristen Lloyd decided to produce a live TV telethon instead of writing a traditional research paper. The student-produced telethon is sponsored by UW-L’s Communication Studies Department and campus TV station WMCM, in conjunction with Charter Communications and KQEG-TV23. Last year’s telethon raised over $8,000 in money and supplies.
To participate —
What: Coulee Region Humane Society Telethon
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21
Where: Airs on KQEG-TV Channel 23, Charter Cable Channel 5 and Digital 989. Drop off donations during the telethon at 205 Wing Technology Center at UW-La Crosse or call 608.785.8379.
UW-L alumnus Corey Sorenson to appear on NCIS next week
An up-and-coming UW-La Crosse alumnus actor will appear on another network TV show. Theatre Department alum Corey Sorenson will play Anthony Paxton on an upcoming episode of the hit CBS drama “NCIS.” The episode is set to air at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, locally on WKBT-TV Channel 8.
Sorenson’s theatrical work at UW-L included “Oedipus Rex,” “A Christmas Carol” and “The Trip to Bountiful.” He has enjoyed success as a TV actor making appearances on “Law and Order: SVU,” “Greek” and “Numb3rs.”
Sorenson resides in Los Angeles working on video production, screenwriting and stage acting.
Gary Willhite appointed Director of the Masters of Education Professional Development (ME-PD)
Gary L. Willhite, Ph.D. has been appointed as Director of the Masters of Education Professional Development (ME-PD) On-campus programs and as the Director of Graduate Reading Programs. Gary received his Ph.D. from Kansas State University in 1992 and has been with the Department of Educational Studies at UW-La Crosse since August 2008. He looks forward to the challenges of restructuring and strengthening the MEPD initial certification strand and the professional development strand as well as exploring the possibilities of offering reading licensure as an on-line program. His research and teaching interests have included the role of the Professional Development School movement in advancing teacher education and most recently in Digital Storytelling as a reflective tool.
UW-L Screaming Eagles to hold annual review concert
The UW-La Crosse Screaming Eagles Marching Band will be “In Concert” Sunday, Nov. 15. The band will play music from its performances during the 2009 season. The concert begins at 2 p.m. in Mitchell Hall. Admission is free and donations will be accepted to help band members pay for an international trip to Mexico in January.
The concert will feature music from the band’s halftime shows and other community and on-campus performances this fall. The UW-L pom pon squad and color guard will also be featured.
The Screaming Eagles Marching Band is directed by Andrew Lee Tucker.
If you go—
Who: UW-La Crosse Screaming Eagles Marching Band
What: “In Concert”
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15
Where: UW-La Crosse Mitchell Hall
Admission: Free; donations accepted.
UW-L theatre to perform ‘Frozen’
The UW–La Crosse Department of Theatre Arts continues its 2009-10 season with the drama “Frozen,” an examination of acceptance and forgiveness after a tragedy. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 11-14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, in Frederick Theatre in Morris Hall, 16th and State streets.
When evidence points to the brutal assault and murder of 10-year-old Rhona, her mother Nancy sinks into a state of frozen shock and despair. When Agnetha, an American scholar, comes to town to work on her thesis, “Serial Killing—A Forgivable Act?”, Nancy begins to confront her grief and the demons that have troubled her. With anger, humanity and compassion, “Frozen” entwines the lives of a murderer, the mother of one of his victims, and his psychologist to explore capacity for forgiveness, remorse and change after an act that would seem to rule them out entirely. The play is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award nominee.
Tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. Tickets are $4 for UW-L students; $10 for other students, senior citizens and children; and $12 for others. This is a general seating performance; tickets are required. For reservations call the box office at 608.785.8522.
If you go—
Who: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Department of Theatre Arts
What: “Frozen” by Bryony Lavery
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 11-14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15
Where: Frederick Theatre, UW-La Crosse Morris Hall, 16th and State streets
Admission: $4 for UW-L students; $10 for other students, senior citizens and children; and $12 for others.
Sound art featured in UW-La Crosse exhibit
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A University of Wisconsin-La Crosse alumnus will return to exhibit sound sculptures in the University Art Gallery as part of the university’s centennial celebration.
Dan Senn will be featured in “Drumming with Thoreau: Kinetic Sound Art of Dan Senn,” an exhibit that opens with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, in the University Art Gallery, located on the first floor of the UW-L Center for the Arts. The exhibit runs through Saturday, Nov. 14. The reception and exhibit are free.
A native of Watertown, Senn received a bachelor of science degree from UW-L in 1974. He earned a D.M.A. in music composition and M.M. with a ceramic sculpture minor from the University of Illinois at Urbana in 1985. He currently lives and works in Portland, Ore.
Senn is a composer of experimental classical electronic and acoustic music. He’s a sculptor of kinetic instruments for exhibit and performance, an experimental video artist for installation and plays, and a documentary film maker. Senn plans to attend the UW-L New Music Festival Nov. 3-5. Find out more about his work at: http://www.newsense-intermedium.com.
The adjacent Study Gallery will feature “The Videos of Dan Senn.”
Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during Toland Theatre events. The exhibit is a cooperative effort of the Art and Music departments. The gallery also opens for appointments by calling the UW-L art department 608.785.8230.
If you go—
Who: UW-La Crosse Alumnus Dan Senn
What: “Drumming with Thoreau: Kinetic Sound Art of Dan Senn”
When: Opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23; exhibit runs through Saturday, Nov. 14.
Where: University Art Gallery, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts.
Admission: Free
Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center sets fall reception
Speaker to address Chinese civilization
The Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center at UW-La Crosse will present its annual awards and feature a speaker on Chinese civilization at its fall reception.
The event begins with a social at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the UW-L Cleary Alumni & Friends Center. Dinner begins at 6:15, followed by the lecture and awards presentation.
Professor Emeritus James Stoltman will speak on “Current Archaeological Research into the Origins of Chinese Civilization.” His talk will focus on Anyang, the last capital of the Shang dynasty. Recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Anyang is famous for its royal tombs, incredible bronzes and especially as the scene of the discovery of the oldest Chinese writing. Stoltman is with the department of Anthropology at the UW-Madison.
The Center’s annual awards will be presented. They include: Archaeology Education Award, Regional Archaeologist of the Year, and the James P. Gallagher Award for Outstanding Achievement in Archaeology.
Tickets are $30 per person. Reservations, due by Friday, Nov. 6, should be made with the center at 608.785.8463 or http://www.uwlax.edu/mvac
If you go—
Who:Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center
What: Fall Reception
When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10
Where: UW-L Cleary Alumni & Friends Center
Admission: $30 per person. Reservations due Friday, Nov. 6, with MVAC at 608.785.8463
Visiting Poet: Amaud Jamaul Johnson
November 4th 5:30PM
UW-L Cleary Center
Winner of the Dorset Prize for Red Summer, Johnson writes of race riots that swept the United States in the summer of 1919. He examines lynching, domestic violence, and love in haunting, passionate poems marked by a tender lyrical quality inspired by the blues, underscored by music so unsettling it leaves the voices and names of the dead lingering in the ear. (Tupelo Press)
"These lyrical poems offer insight into the summer of 1919, when nearly 100 African-Americans were publicly executed (14 of them were soldiers who served in World War I), even as they illuminate the lives of African-American men today."--Heather Lee Schroeder
"Johnson's Red Summer startles and impresses with its sheer range of vision, at one moment giving us a hushed, confessional poem, at another a poem of public, political consciousness… Johnson's poems remind us that the human record is at last a mixed one: violence, shame, betrayal, and fear, but also joy, courage, love and, yes, hope."-Carl Phillips
A native of Compton, California, Johnson received his BA in English from Howard University and a MPS in African American Studies from Cornell University. A former Wallace Stegner Fellow in Poetry at Stanford, he is Associate Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin—Madison.
Hosted by the UW-L English Department and funded through support of a UW-L College of Liberal Studies Visiting Artist of Color Grant
American Democracy Project in Yellowstone
“This was the single greatest learning experience I have ever had,” said Jo Arney (member of Political Science and Public Administration Department) and it is an experience she wants to share with her students. Dr. Arney participated in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) American Democracy Project (DP) Stewardship of Public Lands Initiative in Yellowstone National Park this summer. During this time in Yellowstone her group was introduced to controversial policy issues including wolf reestablishment and bison migration. They examined the history and science surrounding the controversial policy with debates about the role that values play in policymaking. She would like to instill a sense of stewardship in her students and teach students how to find common ground through the articulation of values and listen to the opinions of values from others.
Dr. Arney plans to use the material in classes she teaches and in collaboration with fellow instructors she hopes to take a multidisciplinary student group on a study tour to Yellowstone.
UW-La Crosse Professor Emeritus sets Irish hiking tours
2010, ’11, tours will mark final hikes
A University of Wisconsin-La Crosse professor emeritus will lead only two more of his popular “Hiking in Ireland Tours” before he puts away his walking stick. Jim Gallagher, retired professor of archaeology and current director of the Myrick Hixon EcoPark in La Crosse, will lead his final tours in 2010 and ’11.
The 2010 tour runs June 11-19 and features areas around Galway Bay, including the Aran Isles, the Burren, Connemara and Galway City. Gallagher says the area is filled with spectacular scenery, an abundance of nesting sea birds, a variety of rare and unusual wild flowers, and fascinating archaeological ruins and historic sites. In 2011 Gallagher will lead his last tour, a trip to the famous and scenic Dingle Peninsula, the site of his very first Irish Hiking Tour. This tour will take place in mid-June.
The tours, which Gallagher have been doing since 1996, have sold out the last five years. He says one of the most appealing aspects of the trips are the small group size, which is a maximum of 14. “Most of the people on these tours love hiking and nature, and they are interested in things like history, archaeology, birds, and being outdoors in stunning scenery away from the usual tourist places,” Gallagher explains. The trip will include Irish walking guide Maeve Kelly and other local experts on Irish culture and natural history.
For more information on the 2010 tour visit: http://www.uwlax.edu/conted/tours, or contact the UW-La Crosse Continuing Education and Extension Office at 608.785.6506.
Hiking tour program set
Professor Emeritus Jim Gallagher presents “Hiking in Ireland 2010” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the auditorium of the La Crosse Main Branch Public Library, 800 Main St. Gallagher will show photos of last year’s trip and detail the 2010 trip. The program is free and open to the public.
If you go—
Who: Professor Emeritus Jim Gallagher
What: “Hiking in Ireland 2010”
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7
Where: Auditorium, La Crosse Main Branch Public Library, 800 Main St.
Admission: Free
Wolf Reestablishment: Controversies and Policies in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Date: Wednesday November 4
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: 339 Cartwright
Brad Bulin will be visiting campus to discuss the policies and controversies of wolf reestablishment in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Brad is a wildlife biologist and a resident instructor for the Yellowstone Association. He has conducted extensive field research on carnivores, raptors, amphibians, and plants. In addition to being a resident instructor for the Association, Brad spends considerable time in Yellowstone as an amateur videographer. He will share some of his video library as part of the presentation which will focus on citizen attitudes and values, policy formation and controversies surrounding wolf reestablishment. Daniel Widuch, Recreation Management & Therapeutic Recreation, and Jo Arney, Political Science and Public Administration, had the opportunity to work with Brad in Yellowstone as part of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) Stewardship of Public Land Initiative this past August.
The event is being sponsored by the College of Liberal Studies.
Ruthann Benson named dean at UW-La Crosse
Interim leader of College of Liberal Studies to become dean July 1
Ruthann Benson, who has been interim dean of the UW-La Crosse College of Liberal Studies since June 2007, has been named dean of the college.
“Dr. Benson has been a strong advocate for enhancing and supporting diversity at UW-L, as well as a driving force in the ongoing internationalization of the campus,” says Provost Kathleen Enz Finken. “She is a knowledgeable administrator and has been a leader in fostering an environment which promotes outstanding scholarly research in the college.”
Benson joined the UW-L faculty in 1994. She served as associate dean and director of the university’s School of Arts & Communication from 1997-2007 and was the director of theater from 1994-97. Benson holds a master’s of fine arts degree from the University of Iowa in arts management/theatre, and a doctorate from Texas Tech University in fine arts and theatre.
“For the past 15 years I have been extremely proud to be part of the UW-La Crosse community of faculty, staff, students and administrators who are known nationwide for outstanding achievements,” notes Benson. “I am committed to carrying forward this tradition of excellence as the next dean of the College of Liberal Studies.”
Benson will begin in her role July 1. She replaces former Dean John Mason who left in summer 2007 to become provost at Eastern Washington University.
Ronda Smith named Interim Director of the School of Arts and Communication
Dr. Ronda Smith (Department of Communication Studies) has been appointed to the 50% position as Interim Director of the School of Arts & Communication for the 09-10 annual year. She assumed her duties on July 1, 2009 and her office is now located in Morris 235E.
Ronda has been Chair of the CST, where she has provided dynamic leadership for a department of 27 faculty and staff and over 400 undergraduate majors and minors. Ronda has extensive experience in university leadership roles: serving on the Faculty Senate Committee/Executive Committee, chairing the Communication Committee for the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), serving on the Joint Planning and Budget Committee/Executive Committee, chairing the CLS Dean Search & Screen Committee, and chairing the CLS Public Relations Committee. Ronda maintains an active teaching schedule, with a focus on Interviewing Principles & Processes, Organizational Communication, Professional Communication, Group Communication and Health Communication. Her recent publications and presentations span such topics as students’ perceptions of “learning” in a study abroad experience and recommendations for effective pedagogy”, computer mediated communication and adult learners, and service-learning and learning community. She has served as editorial review board member for the Journal of Communication Studies, Communication Teacher, and Health Communication Studies. In November 2006 she received the YWCA Tribute to Outstanding Women Award, Education Achievement Award. She was also recognized for excellence with a CLS Recognition of Excellence Award for Service in 2005. She can be seen each semester in concert, as a member of the UW-L Women’s Samulnori (Korean Percussion) Ensemble.
UW-L Theatre opens season with twisted comedy
George F. Walker’s wicked comedy “Escape from Happiness” will open the 2009-10 University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Department of Theatre Arts performance season. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16-17 and Oct. 22-24, and 2 o’clock matinees Sundays Oct. 18 and 25. Performances are in Toland Theatre in the Center for the Art, 16th and Vine streets.
A provocative examination of the traditional role of family, “Escape from Happiness” chronicles the antics of the Dawsons — Nora, Gail, Elizabeth and Mary-Ann — as they struggle with family dynamics and the reappearance of their semi-catatonic father, Tom. Tight-knit, yet blunt to a fault, the Dawsons are an eccentric, in-your-face bunch, that consistently push the envelope when it comes to “family values.” With the urban world closing in around them, the Dawsons are forced to pit violence against love in a high-stakes gamble at happiness.
Part of a dynamic trilogy of plays by Walker, the production is a guilty pleasure sure with lots of laughter. Mature audiences only are recommended.
Tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, in the Theatre Box Office, first floor of the Center for the Arts. Tickets are $4 for UW-L students; $10 for other students and senior citizens; and $12 for others. For reservations, call the box office at 608.785.8522. Box office hours are 1-4:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and one hour before show time.
If you go—
Who: University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Department of Theatre Arts
What: “Escape from Happiness”
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16-17 and Oct. 22-24; 2 o’clock matinees Sundays Oct. 18 and 25
Where: Toland Theatre in the Center for the Art, 16th and Vine streets
Admission: $4 for UW-L students; $10 for other students, senior citizens and children; and $12 for others.
Concert to feature UW-La Crosse jazz ensembles
The UW-La Crosse Fall Jazz Ensembles Concert will feature the university’s two jazz bands and vocal jazz ensemble for a two-hour program of contemporary jazz compositions and arrangements. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Admission is free.
The Jazz I & II Ensembles will highlight new arrangements, including “Struttin’ with Some Barbeque” (Jazz II) which features the trumpet section. Mike Buerger, trumpet and Taylor Schroeder, alto sax, will be featured on an arrangement of “One By One,” a Wayne Shorter composition originally performed by the Jazz Messengers. Dave Samuels’ Caribbean Jazz Project composition “Picture Frame” (Jazz I) features Sam Shults on vibes. Christian McBride’s composition "No Hurry" in a Dave Snider arrangement features faculty member Karyn Quinn on bass.
Jazz I will also introduce the UW-L Jazz Orchestra with the Midwest premiere of Los Angeles composer Chris Walden’s jazz orchestra composition, “No Bounds,” featuring sophomore pianist Dan Collins. For that composition horns, strings and harp from the UW-L Symphony Orchestra join the ensemble.
The UW-L Vocal Jazz Ensemble will perform settings of Jon Hendricks’ “Birdland,” Ritchie Cole’s “New York Afternoon” and Mercer and Carmichael’s “Skylark.” Gene Puerling’s arrangement of “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” will also be performed.
Jazz Ensemble I is directed by Greg Balfany, Jazz Ensemble II is directed by Karyn Quinn and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble is directed by Gary Walth.
If you go—
What: UW-La Crosse Fall Jazz Ensembles Concert
Who: Jazz I & II Ensembles and Vocal Jazz Ensemble
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27
Where: Valhalla, UW-L Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition
Admission: Free
UW-La Crosse Wind Symphony to perform
The UW-La Crosse Wind Symphony will highlight pieces from band literature composed during the last century at its first concert of the semester at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, in Annett Recital Hall in the Center for the Arts. The concert is one of many events celebrating the university’s centennial the weekend of Oct. 23-25.
The repertoire for the performance spotlights several classic pieces that mirror the development of band literature over the past 100 years. The concert will begin with the “Light Cavalry Overture” by Franz von Suppé, followed by the Herman Bellstedt classic “La Mandolinata.” Bellstedt was a famous soloist with the Sousa band. The piece will feature euphonium soloist Leif Larson, a senior music education major from St. Charles, Minn.
Also in the concert will be “Pastime with Good Company,” a piece that contains a melody penned in the 16th century by King Henry VIII. “American Salute” is a classic featuring the tune “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” This will be followed with another well known piece, “Shenandoah.” The concert will conclude with “Gallant 7th,” a march from march king John Philip Sousa.
The Wind Symphony, under the direction of Associate Professor of Music Tammy Fisher, is an auditioned concert band representing the best wind and percussion players on campus. The ensemble includes music majors and minors, as well as students from numerous other academic disciplines.
Donations for scholarships will be accepted at the door.
If you go—
Who: UW-La Crosse Wind Symphony
What: Concert highlighting works from band literature during the last century
When: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25
Where: Annett Recital Hall, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts
Admission: Donations for scholarships will be accepted at the door
Are you scared? Everyone is!
UW–La Crosse Career Services & the Political Science & Public Administration Association presents …
“WHAT’S IN YOUR BACKPACK?”
By Speaker Kathryn Childers
Tuesday, October 20th
6 p.m.
Cartwright Center – Room #339
Free and open to students
If you’re afraid of what you are going to do after graduation, the answers might just lie right in your own backpack. You might be better off than you imagine!
If your graduation plans could use a kick in the pants … listen to Kathryn Childers, one of the nation's first female U.S. Secret Service Agents, 18-year television personality, award-winning philanthropist, and founder of her own successful publishing company, as she shares her secrets of the service and her interesting, amazing life.
In 1969, Kathryn Childers graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Elementary Education and had no idea what to do with it. She was scared to death … yet she took on her fear of the unknown and ended up making history as one of the first five women hired into the U.S. Secret Service protecting the Kennedy children! By digging through her backpack of skills and experiences, Kathryn went on to accomplish four remarkable, successful careers … all because she wasn’t afraid to do it scared.
- digging through their backpack of skills, hobbies, and other stuff to find what's great about them - probably things they’ve forgotten to put on a resume
- showing them how to nail an interview and tweak their resume by using one simple question
- outlining tactics to get students and their resumes off the shelf and noticed
- thinking out of the "degree" box
Kathryn coaches students to “sell their sizzle” by:
Facing fears and digging into your own backpack just might be the ticket to your own interesting and amazing life!
UW-La Crosse Women’s Chorus, Chamber Choir to give fall concert
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chamber Choir and Women’s Chorus will present a fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, in Annett Recital Hall in the Center for the Arts.
The Chamber Choir will present the Wisconsin premiere of “Songs of Innocence” by Chamber Choir director Terence Kelly. The songs are set to familiar poems of William Blake. In addition the Chamber Choir will continue its tradition of celebrating Oktoberfest with catches, drinking songs and amorous madrigals. The 12-member madrigal ensemble of mainly vocal or choral majors performs 14th-17th century literature.
The Women’s Chorus, directed by Paul Rusterholz, will sing “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing” by Sven Lekberg, “Sicut Rosa” by Orlandus Lassus, a Japanese folk song, an African Processional, and a new arrangement of the Beatles’ hit “When I’m Sixty-Four.” The 45-member female auditioned chorus performs outstanding treble literature and is open to all majors on campus.
Admission is free.
If you go—
Who: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chamber Choir and Women’s Chorus
What: Concert
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16
Where: Annett Recital Hall, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine streets
Admission: Free
Artists’ books featured in UW-La Crosse exhibit
A collection of artists’ books will fill the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Art Gallery to open the 2009-10 season.
“Books of Note: Artists Books Collected by Jody Williams” opens with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, in the University Art Gallery, located on the first floor of the UW-L Center for the Arts. The exhibit runs through Saturday, Oct. 10. The reception and exhibit are free.
The exhibit is from the collection of Jody Williams who teaches printmaking and book arts at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the Minnesota Center for Book Arts. She has taught workshops and presented lectures at museums and colleges across the U.S. and Europe. Her work is in the collections of the Walker Art Center, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Minnesota Historical Society, and numerous other museums, universities and libraries. Get more information at http://flyingpaperpress.com.
Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during Toland Theatre events. The gallery also opens for appointments by calling the UW-L art department 608.785.8230.
If you go—
Who: Minneapolis artist Jody Williams
What: “Books of Note: Artists Books Collected by Jody Williams”
When: Opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; exhibit runs through Saturday, Oct. 10.
Where: University Art Gallery, UW-La Crosse. Center for the Arts.
Admission: Free
Sing with UW-La Crosse’s Choral Union
Choir open to area singers
La Crosse area singers have an opportunity to sing with the UW-La Crosse Choral Union.
Auditions will be held by appointment Wednesday, Sept. 2, through Friday, Sept. 11, in 134 Center for the Arts. To schedule an audition, contact Paul Rusterholz, director of the ensemble, at 608.784.4497 or rusterho.paul@uwlax.edu.
The UW-L Choral Union includes 100 UW-L students, faculty, staff and adult singers from the greater La Crosse area. The ensemble rehearses from 7-9:15 p.m. Mondays in 58 Center for the Arts. (UW-L students may register for Music 167 for one credit, and may repeat the class for credit.)
The Choral Union will sing “Hodie,” a Christmas cantata by English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. The concert will be Sunday evening, Dec. 6, at English Lutheran Church in La Crosse.
If you’re interested—
What: UW-La Crosse Choral Union Auditions
When: By appointment Wednesday, Sept. 2, through Friday, Sept. 11
Where: 134 Center for the Arts
Admission: To schedule an audition, contact Paul Rusterholz at 608.784.4497 or rusterho.paul@uwlax.edu.