Campus Connection - Feb. 2-8, 2009

Academic Building

UW-L moves forward with new academic building

The UW-L Foundation secured the needed letter of credit to proceed with the new academic building, "Centennial Hall," Friday afternoon, Jan. 30. Acting UW-L Foundation President Al Trapp says $4.3 million in financing was secured for the new academic building, "Centennial Hall." Trapp says the state will begin the bid process for the building soon.

Centennial Hall will be the first new classroom facility to be built on the UW-L campus since 1974. It will be built in the area now occupied by Baird, Trowbridge and Wilder Halls. The new $44 million academic building, Centennial Hall, will have 44 classrooms and two auditoriums that seat 250 students each. For more, visit www.uwlax.edu/campaign/academicbuilding.html.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gov. Jim Doyle with Chancell Joe Gow at podium

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle and Chancellor Joe Gow addressed the campus community Jan. 30 about the budget. Photo by Paul Currier, Educational Technologies.

Gov. Jim Doyle on campus Jan. 30 to address budget

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle discussed budgetary plans for the UW System and UW-L on campus Jan. 30 in Port O' Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Doyle delivered his "State of the State" speech in Madison Jan. 28. The current recession and accompanying Wisconsin state budget deficit are likely to force legislators to make significant cuts in funding for the UW System and UW-L.

See also: La Crosse Tribune, Jan. 31, 2009, "Doyle talks about state’s economic priorities, short on specifics," www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/01/31/news/z02doyle31.txt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UW-L names College of Liberal Studies dean finalists

Field narrowed to three; interim dean among finalists

The committee responsible for helping to choose the UW-L's next dean for the College of  Liberal Studies has pared its short list to three candidates who will participate in on-campus interviews over the next three weeks.

The three finalists are Ruthann Benson, interim dean for the College of Liberal Studies; Marilyn Levine, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Eastern Oregon University; and Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak, who is currently the associate dean in the College of Arts and Humanities at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

The on-campus interviews will include a one-hour forum open to the public. The forum for Mermann-Jozwiak is slated from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, in Port O’Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition; Benson from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, in the Strzelczyk Great Hall at the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center; and Levine from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 16, in Port O’ Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

“Thirty-nine candidates from across the country, as well as a couple of international applicants, expressed interest in coming to UW-L,” said Ronda Smith, who chaired the search committee. “But after careful consideration and much deliberation among the 11 members of the committee, we’ve selected three candidates who share our commitment to delivering a world-class education to our students. They have also demonstrated the ability to support and be a strong advocate for all disciplines in the college, administrative experience including budget and personnel management, and a record of advancing student development outside the classroom.”

Though her committee has spent several months soliciting applications, reviewing and sifting through credentials and conducting preliminary interviews with potential candidates, Smith says the impressions made during the public forum will weigh heavily when the new dean is named.

“To foster effective relationships with the community, the dean must be actively engaged with those who influence our success – including civic and business leaders,” Smith said. The public forums provide an opportunity for community members to meet the candidates, to learn their philosophies about teaching and learning, and how they will work to enhance the programs offered by the College of Liberal Studies. “They also show how well people think on their feet,” Smith said.

To learn more about the candidates, visit www.uwlax.edu/Provost/CLSdean/CLSdean.html.

'Stress Reduction Tuesdays' set during spring semester

Want a free massage? Want to learn more about stress and related topics? Take advantage of Stress Reduction Tuesdays beginning Tuesday, Feb. 3, and every Tuesday this semester, excluding March 10. Attend weekly stress reduction programs, including information on pet therapy, meditation, time management, nutrition and breathing exercises. Additionally, each week three graduate physical therapy students currently enrolled in “Principles of Physical Therapy Interventions” will give free 10-15 minute massages on a first-come first-serve basis. Sessions run from 12:30-2 p.m. in 259 Cartwright Center.

This program is sponsored by the Wellness Resource Center, "UW-welL" Wellness Committee and physical therapy students in the DPT Class of 2011. For more information, contact Matt Vogel at 785.8977.

Junebug Jabba Jones
As folkloric character Junebug Jabba Jones, actor John O’Neal will perform six stories at UW-L Feb. 4.

Folkloric tales are part of UW-L performance

Folkloric character Junebug Jabba Jones will perform a collection of six tales and anecdotes at UW-L. The production is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

The theatre production, written and performed by award-winning actor John O’Neal, is a collection of six stories. O’Neal as Junebug Jabba Jones tells of his experiences growing up in Pike County, Miss., leaving to make his way outside his home near Four Corners. He also gives encounters with other people in his journey through life.

Since 1980 O’Neal has presented the Jones character to audiences and critics throughout the United States, Canada, France and Scandinavia.

The performance is part of UW-L Campus Activities Board series and is co-sponsored by Black Student Unity. Tickets are $2 for UW-L students, $5 for UW-L employees and $8 for others. For tickets or more information, contact the Cartwright Center Information Counter at 785.8898 or visit www.uwlax.edu/cab.

If you go—
Who: John O’Neal as folkloric character Junebug Jabba Jones
What: A performance of six tales and anecdotes
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4
Where: Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition
Admission: $2 for UW-L students, $5 for UW-L employees, $8 for others.
Ross Copperman
Singer and songwriter Ross Copperman performs at UW-L Feb. 5.

Singer and songwriter to perform at UW-L

Singer and songwriter Ross Copperman will perform at UW-L. The London-based entertainer performs at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, in the Cellar in Cartwright Center.

Copperman first laid his fingers on the piano at age 3. He always knew he wanted to be a singer-songwriter. Copperman’s first single, “All She Wrote,” debuted on MTV in the United Kingdom and reached the Top 20. He signed to the SonyBMG UK label and spent the past two years in London. Ross scored two Top-40 singles and performed at many major festivals supporting Keane, Gavin DeGraw, Maroon 5 and other artists. He is awaiting his second album and is currently taping his own reality show.

The performance is free as part of the UW-L Campus Activities Board Cellar series. For more information, contact the Cartwright Center Information Counter at 785.8898 or visit www.uwlax.edu/cab.

If you go—
Who: Ross Copperman
What: Concert
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5
Where: Cellar, Cartwright Center
Admission: Free
Books

‘Battle of the Books’ is on campus Friday

Eighty La Crosse elementary school student readers are expected on campus Friday, Feb. 6, for the 7th annual “Battle of the Books.”

The fourth and fifth graders in the challenge were given a list of 20 books last fall covering a wide variety of genres, reading levels and writing styles. Their goal: read as many as possible. In the competition they are asked questions about the characters and other happenings in the stories. Students competed for the right to represent their school at the event.

The “Battle” begins at 12:15 p.m. in 124 Wimberly Hall. Competition will be held in various first floor rooms; events are open to the public. Medals will be handed out at 2 p.m. in 124 Wimberly Hall. Top scoring teams at this district event will go on to represent their school in the online state battle against more than 100 other teams.

Schools represented at the UW-L competition include: Emerson, Franklin, North Woods International, Roosevelt/Coulee Montessori, SOTA I and Summit elementary schools. Richard Gappa, English, and UW-L students assisted with the event.

Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly

Literary, musical tribute to Buddy Holly slated for Feb. 6

Professor William Barillas and Band, English, will present a literary and musical tribute to Buddy Holly, "Not Fade Away: Buddy Holly 50 Years Later," from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, in Graff Main Hall Auditorium. The free event is funded by the William J. and Yvonne Hyde English Colloquium Series. To download a poster, go to www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/2009/spring/february/holly.pdf.

Prairieseed
“Prairieseed Rotations Light and Dark - Spiderwort” by Milwaukee artists Sally Kuzma is one of the nature works displayed in the UW-L Art Gallery Feb. 6-March 8. The seed samples are from prairie plants cultivated by the Iowa Ecotype Project.
 
Katydid
Madison artist Jennifer Angus incorporates hundreds of entomological specimens in her works on display at UW-L Feb. 6-March 8.

Nature highlighted in UW-L art exhibit

‘Subjective Nature: Engaging the Physical World’ runs Feb. 6-March 8

Midwestern artists use nature as creative works in an upcoming exhibit at the UW-L Art Gallery.

“Subjective Nature: Engaging the Physical World” opens Friday, Feb. 6, with a lecture by Madison artist Kyoung Ae Cho at 4 p.m. in 116 Center for the Arts. The opening reception follows in the University Art Gallery from 5-7 p.m. The gallery is on the first floor of the Center for the Arts. Events and the exhibit are free and open to the public.

The six artists exhibiting use nature as subject matter and the point of departure for their respective imagery. Cho utilizes the structure of plants in her installations. Another Madison artist, Jennifer Angus, incorporates hundreds of entomological specimens. Jeff MIllikan, Minneapolis, photographs and documents anomalies in bee hives and culture. The digital images of Sally Kuzma, Milwaukee, focus on the patterning of seed pods and plant materials. Madison artist Stephen Hilyard’s video work begins with the imagery of a morning glory which transports the viewer into an imaginary world. The graphite drawings of Lynn Bollman, Minneapolis, are an intense study of the surface and bark of mature tree structures.

The exhibit runs through Sunday, March 8. Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, during events in Toland Theatre and by appointment. Exhibits are free.

For more information, call the gallery at 785.8230.

If you go—
Who: Six Midwestern artists
What: University Art Gallery Exhibit: “Subjective Nature: Engaging the Physical World”
When: Feb. 6-March 8. Regular gallery hours: noon-8 p.m. Mondays Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, during events in Toland Theatre and by appointment.
Where: University Art Gallery, Center for the Arts
Admission: Free

La Crosse colleges unite for Relay for Life

One day, one night, one great time!

La Crosse colleges are joining forces for "Marga Relei Ville," the sixth annual Relay for Life, 6 p.m. through 6 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at UW-L's Recreation Eagle Center to help fight cancer. In the 24-hour event each team has a team member walking the track at all times. The event celebrates the lives of those who have battled cancer, remembers those who died from the disease, and raises money to fight for a cure. 

Eighty-two teams signed up this year for the night filled with live music, exercise classes, a ping pong tournament and silent auction. Teams dress up in several theme laps, including, dude looks like a lady, under the sea, out of towner, Gilligan’s Island, aloha lap, and school spirit, among others. Enjoy the night and help fight for a cure. For more information, e-mail relayforlife@uwlax.edu.   

University women's group brunch is Feb. 7

Students, faculty and staff may attend the American Association of University Women (AAUW) brunch and program Saturday, Feb. 7, in the Ward Room, Cartwright Center. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; the brunch for $9.25 starts at 10 a.m.; and the program begins at 10:30 a.m. Deborah Buffton, history, will lead the discussion on "The Problem of Creating a Feminine War Hero." It parallels popular perceptions of women arrested for espionage in France in World War I and U.S. female combatants in the war in Iraq to examine the larger questions of women's perceived and actual roles within war and why society has such a hard time with them.

For reservations, contact UW-L AAUW Liaison Robert Richardson at richards.rob2@uwlax.edu. AAUW seeks to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.

Environmental Impact Statement scoping meeting for new residence hall slated for Feb. 9

The State of Wisconsin has retained Ayres Associates to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a new residence hall on the UW-L campus in accordance with sec. 1.11 Wis. Stats. and UW System guidelines.

An EIS scoping meeting for the new residence hall is set for 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, in the Port O’ Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Scoping is an initial requirement of the EIS process to identify major issues and potential environmental impacts associated with this project at an early stage. The proposed residence hall design incorporates sustainable design principles that emphasize energy sufficiency and long-term durability. The building will house approximately 500 residence hall beds to replace those eliminated with the demolition of Baird and Trowbridge halls. Various learning, socialization and utility spaces for the residents will also be created within the building. In addition, the facility will also house the Residence Life Office. 

Submit written comments or suggestions about the potential environmental, social or economic impacts associated with the project by Friday, Feb. 13, to:

Dennis L. Johnson, PE,
Ayres Associates
3433 Oakwood Hills Parkway
P.O. Box 1590
Eau Claire, WI 54702-1590		 or

Terri Reda
Environmental Affairs Officer
UW System Administration
780 Regent Street, Suite 210
Madison, WI 53715-2635

For the full public notice, including a map, visit www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/2009/spring/february/NewResHall.pdf.   

If you go—
What: Part-Time Job and Summer Camp Fair for College Students
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11
Where: Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition
Admission: Free

Part-time Job and Summer Camp Fair set for college students

College students looking for part-time summer work can get a head start in their search at an upcoming job fair at UW-L.

The Part-Time Job and Summer Camp Fair runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

This fair aims to connect students looking for part-time, seasonal or summer camp employment with employers. A mix of both on and off campus employers and representatives from summer camps throughout the U.S. plan to attend.

The fair, free and open to all, is co-sponsored by the UW-L Career Services and Financial Aid offices. For more information, contact the Career Services Office at www.uwlax.edu/careerservices or 785.8362.

Win lunch with Chancellor Gow

Win lunch for you and one or two guests with Chancellor Joe Gow. Purchase raffle tickets until Friday, Feb. 20, from Beta Alpha Psi. Tickets are $2 for students and $8 for faculty and staff. The drawing will be held Feb. 20. The winner and Chancellor Gow will decide the date of the lunch. To buy tickets, contact Morgan Quamme at quamme.morg@students.uwlax.edu or Monica Endres at endres.moni@students.uwlax.edu.

Etiquette for networking

Etiquette for Networking program set for Feb. 25

Nationally-known speaker Deborah Thomas-Nininger will present "Etiquette for Networking" from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center.

For the past several years, the Alumni Association has sponsored the Etiquette Dinner in conjunction with the Career Expo organized by the Career Services office. This semester’s event has been changed to "Etiquette for Networking." Rather than a sit down Etiquette Dinner, students will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with recruiters, alumni and other students while receiving instruction on how to effectively network at a reception and other professional functions. The program will continue to include tips on: networking at a reception, dining etiquette, thinking on your feet, preparing for interviews and communication confidence with body language. Business or interview attire is recommended.

Tickets are available for $10 at the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center. This program fills quickly. Be sure to register early. For more information contact the Alumni Association at 785.8494.  

Habitat for Humanity hosts dodgeball tournament

UW-L's Chapter of Habitat for Humanity is having a dodgeball tournament Saturday, Feb. 28, in Mitchell Hall.  The group will raise money for its Collegiate Challenge Spring Break trip to Huntsville, Ala., to build homes. Teams of eight to 10 may register for $20 per team. To register or for more information, e-mail farrar.beth@students.uwlax.edu or parrott.bria@students.uwlax.edu.

Health Science Center clinic seeks study volunteers

The Health Science Center clinic seeks students, faculty and staff to participate in clinical studies, including an oral contraceptive study for women with headaches or pelvic pain symptoms and a Chronic Constipation study administering an oral capsule for treatment of symptoms. To find out more contact Study Coordinator Diane Johnson, RN, BSN, at johnson.dia3@uwlax.edu (preferred) or at 785.5159.

Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperatives holds contest for best paper

The Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative is offering a $2,000 prize for the Best Rural Health Paper by a UW-L student. Submit papers on a rural health topic for the 17th Annual Monato Essay Prize by Wednesday, April 15, to www.rwhc.com/Awards/MonatoPrize.aspx. For more information, see www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/2009/spring/January/monato.pdf.

Kudos

Mark W. Chavalas, reviewed B.F. Batto and K.L. Roberts, ed., David and Zion: Biblical Studies in Honor of J.J.M. Roberts (Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 2004) for the Journal of Near Eastern Studies 67 (2008) pp. 310-1. Posted January 2009.

Group of students, faculty, staff
UW-L teaching education students gain urban teaching experiences by participating in UW-L's Arizona Cultural Teaching Experience. January participants from left: back: Chase Steiner, Amy Piekarski, Shauna Goodman, Katie McGarry, Allison Dickman and Jordan Rear; middle: Career Adviser Brenda Leahy, Holly Lasche, Emily Butorac, Nicole Terrones, Katie Konsella, Melissa Wiehr, Mary Teclaw; front: assistant Director of Field Experience Cindy Duley, Chelsey Matthes, Kristen Zwirgzdas and Sarah Rawls.

UW-L students gain urban teaching experience in Phoenix

Fifteen UW-L teacher education students traveled to Phoenix Jan. 10-17 to participate in the Arizona Cultural Teaching Experience. Participants work in elementary and middle schools in the Fowler School District with students, many who are English language learners and come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The one-week experience provides an opportunity for UW-L students to gain urban teaching experience prior to graduation.

The project is a collaborative partnership coordinated by Career Services and the School of Education, and led by Career Adviser Brenda Leahy and Assistant Director of Field Experience Cindy Duley.

To read more about the group's experience, visit www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/2009/spring/february/Arizona.pdf.

To learn more about the Arizona Cultural Teaching Experience program, visit www.uwlax.edu/soe/news/.
Continuing Education

The Adolescent Health Symposium will be offered Thursday and Friday, Feb. 5 and 6, in Neenah. The annual event is intended for teachers, counselors, health educators and health and human professionals.

Delores Heiden, educational studies, will offer a one-credit online course for teachers attending a Wisconsin State Reading Association Convention in Madison. The course will assist professional educators in their use of language to help children become strategic thinkers and independent, active literacy learners.

Grants

Attention, FY2008 grant recipients

Final reports from faculty and staff who received UW-L grants (Faculty Research Grants, Faculty Development Grants or International Development Grants) funded between July 1, 2007, and June 3, 2008, are due Friday, Feb. 20.  For electronic reporting and additional information, visit www.uwlax.edu/provost/grants/pages/resources/final_report.htm. Contact grants@uwlax.edu or 785.8007 with questions.

Human Resources

New employees

  • Deborah J. Conaway, associate lecturer, recreation management and therapeutic recreation; Steven Vold, associate lecturer, psychology, both Jan. 20.
  • Christine Haskell and Kurt Kroner, associate instructional specialists, Field Experience Office, Jan. 26.
  • Theresa Talpe, librarian, Murphy Library, Feb 2.

Transfer

Phil Quackenbush, custodian, to the Fine Arts Center, effective Jan. 12.

Notice of Classified Exam Center opportunities

The next monthly exam center is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14. To view the list of exams being administered, the test center location(s), and the application procedures for the monthly exam center, visit https://wiscjobs.state.wi.us/public/links_summary_page.asp?catid=70.

In the news

State

"Doyle says large deficit to grow, sacrifices to be made," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 29. The state's record deficit is worse than earlier projections, and even top priorities - education, health care and aid to local governments - could face cuts, Gov. Jim Doyle said Wednesday. Full story: www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/38571012.html.

"In bleak State of the State, Doyle calls for unity, sacrifice," Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 29. Addressing the state at a dark hour and calling it "a time of sacrifice," Gov. Jim Doyle sought to bolster Wisconsin's spirits Wednesday with the bare planks of his seventh and bleakest State of the State speech. Full story: www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/435368.

Murphy Library

Videos at Murphy Library

The video collection, housed on the second floor in the Curriculum Center continues to grow. The collection includes a wide variety of titles including international films, box office hits, documentaries and Academy Award-winning best pictures.

The highest-circulating videos for the calendar year 2008 were:

  • Adventures of Indiana Jones
  • Murderball
  • Jazz
  • Monty Python's Flying Circus
  • Station Agent
  • Y Tu Mamá También
  • Crash
  • Da Vinci Code
  • Star Wars Trilogy
  • Nueve Reinas
  • Pride & Prejudice
  • Divorce
  • Maria Full of Grace
  • Motorcycle Diaries
  • Requiem for a Dream
  • Sicko

To search the video collection through the library catalog select “DVDs/Videos/CDs/AV” from the “Quick Limits” menu and type a title or subject keyword or phrase (in quotes).

OCW logo

The Organization for Campus Women Book Club meets at noon on scheduled dates at Murphy's Mug. Participation is open to all students, faculty and staff.

Spring schedule

'Little Women' the classic and modern versions discussion set for March 1

UW-L's theatre department will perform "Little Women: The Musical" later this month and in March."Little Women Then and Now," a discussion of the classic and modern versions, immediately follows the Sunday, March 1, performance (at approximately 4 p.m.) in 141 Center for the Arts. To download a poster for display, go to www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/2009/spring/february/LittleWomen.pdf. For more information on the discussion, contact Beth Cherne at 785.8521 or Deb Hoskins at 785.8734. Tickets for "Little Women: The Musical" go on sale Monday, Feb. 23.

Suggested reading

"March" by Geraldine Brooks.

"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott.

"American Bloomsbury" by Susan Cheever. A non-fiction account of the circle of writers and thinkers of Concord, Mass., including Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Thoreau, Nathanial Hawthorne and Margaret Fuller.

"Together this group was at the forefront of moving American thought and letters into a new period," says Annette Valeo, Continuing Education and Extension. "The book presents some interesting background to Alcott’s life and the lives and times of the other important people around her who influenced her thinking. It was also interesting to learn about their relationships with one another and how these made their way into their writing."

See www.amazon.com/American-Bloomsbury-Margaret-Nathaniel-Hawthorne/dp/B001D74I98/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233164391&sr=1-1

Classified

For sale

Gulbransen baby grand piano 4½ foot with bench. Mahogany wood, beautifully carved music rack. In good tune. $4,000 firm. 769.2073 or 785.6927.

“Mixed Vegetables” area rug set from The Eden Collection. Vibrant colors, tight loop, excellent condition. Matching pattern, one rug 7’ by 7’, and one 3½’ by 5½’. $100 for set, OBO. For picture, e-mail holler.char@uwlax.edu.

Oak crib with mattress and dresser with changing table top, very good condition. $75. 785.8804.

For rent

Three-bedroom in Trempealeau, two-bath, two-car garage, deck and all appliances. Available March 1. $875. 534.5042.

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